Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

occhicone98

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 15, 2009
1
0
CT
HI - i am currently using the a 13 in macbook core 2 duo ghz with 2 gb ram to run programs like lightroom and photoshop with an external monitor... i am satisfied with the set up (i experience slowdowns when i use lightroom in dual monitor mode while using itunes and photoshop ...for example) but have a few questions -

1) my photos are on an external firewire drive (some also on usb connected drive) - will i notice a marked improvement if i install a larger hard drive and keep my photos there?

2) if yes, will i really see a difference b/w 5400 and 7200 rpm? i need 500gb and would wait for a the new seagate 500gb 7200 rpm if the verdict is that it will be noticeably faster.

3) my wife is has a pc which is at its end... i was showing her the ilife stuff and she is interested. I was thinking of 2 options:

a) get her a macbook 1.83 ghz (cost about 600$ at betamacs.com and a few other sites) and she ought to be fine OR

b) give her my machine and get a refurbished 13 in macbook 2.4 ghz penryn. - this is a bit more money but within my range....

4) so, will i notice a difference right off the bat between my machine and this (both with 2gb ram) all things being the same (ie photos still on extrenal drive)

5) am i correct in saying there should be a huge diffrence if i get the new machine, stick the full 4 gb ram in, put my pics on a 500 gb internal drive...(if i lay out the cash, i want to see a nice difference)


thanks for all your feedback!
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.