User profile for user: dillbuch
dillbuch Author
User level: Level 1
15 points

Photoshop on a PowerBook G4

I have a PB G4, plenty of hard disk space, 512 of SDRam--I know I would need to upgrade this--and I am wanting to start using Photoshop. I would want CS3, but not the Extended version. I would like some input and opinions, on how this program would run on my computer.

I've looked at the program requirements and it looks like my laptop meets them except for the RAM.

I don't want to get a new computer right now, and don't need one. But if Photoshop CS3 won't run well or will be frustratingly slow on what I have, then I may wait to get it.

Just want, and would really appreciate, some input before buying.

Thanks.

PowerBook G$, Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Posted on Jun 14, 2008 8:39 PM

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11 replies
User profile for user: DLScreative
DLScreative
User level: Level 4
1,601 points

Jun 15, 2008 8:25 AM in response to parakon

Paul is right: you absolutely need more RAM. I think you'll need to double what you have to even run Photoshop, and quadruple it to have a decent experience.

Check out Dealram.com or crucial.com RAM is inexpensive these days.

It's hard to say if the PB is worth upgrading w/o knowing any other specs, but I'd say if it's less that 1.25ghtz it's not.

Also, if you are really running 10.4.5, run software update now. It should be at least 10.4.11 (I'm not sure what version Tiger is up to now)

DLS
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User profile for user: dillbuch
dillbuch Author
User level: Level 1
15 points

Jun 18, 2008 5:59 AM in response to DLScreative

Mine is 1.67ghtz and I am running 10.4.11; just hadn't updated my profile. I would prefer to upgrade rather than buy a new computer, BUT, as I said, I don't want to "barely" be able to run the program. I imagine it's going to be a steep enough learning curve without having everything slow down a lot. If it's worth it to add RAM, then I'll give it a try. But, if I am so close to the edge of obsoleteness, then I'll wait on the Photoshop.

Opinions?

Thanks a bunch for the replies; very helpful.
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User profile for user: SierraDragon
SierraDragon
User level: Level 4
2,695 points

Jun 18, 2008 8:25 AM in response to dillbuch

• Adobe's Photoshop Forum is one of the most helpful forums around, not a snake pit as was stated.

• I used a 15" 1.67 GHz G4 PB with PS for years with 1.5 GB RAM and PS ran reasonably, but that is pretty much a minimum box for PS. G4 PBs were the first PS-acceptable laptops, the best G3s were so slow as to be unusable. The G4 PBs are fine laptops, albeit aging; mine died so I bought a MBP.

• Aperture also ran on that box, but I did not throw a heavy Aperture load at it. If you do intend to attempt Aperture as well as PS I would fill out the RAM to 2 GB.

• OS 10.4.11 and PSCS3 are very stable, but OS 10.5.x has been very problematic with PS. Bad enough that Adobe stated that PSCS3 would not be compatible with OS 10.5.x until at least OS 10.5.3. Users on the excellent Adobe Photoshop Forum at http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.ee6b362/ seem to find OS 10.5.3 much improved but not totally problem-free. Personally I am remaining on OS 10.4.11 for now but will likely upgrade to 10.5.3 soon to take advantage of my retrofitted HD2600 XT graphics card.

Good luck!

-Allen Wicks
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Photoshop on a PowerBook G4

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