Looking at a MacBook-Need system requirements

[Funky]

I am seriously looking at getting a Macbook so I can scrap anywhere. I currently have PSE6 for PC and know that I will need to purchase it for the MAC as well.

But I am wondering how much drive space I should get and what speed would be best. I am new to digiscrapping but am becoming quickly addicted.

Would you agree that a MAC is the best notebook to get? What system requirements will I need? Size, Space, Speed.
Would you recommend a 17" screen?

Thanks for all your replies in advance!

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

Size, Space, Speed . . . . YES. I would get as much as you can possibly afford, because it will last you longer before you have that itch to upgrade. You definitely want to get one with at least 2GB of RAM, but the more the better. The hard drive size isn't as critical if you're planning to run the software on the internal hard drive and keep all of your files/pages/data on an EHD. Definitely look into an EHD (two, actually) so you can keep your work on there and have another one to back up to. If you ever want to travel extra light, you can put just the necessary files on the internal hard drive temporarily. RAM makes the biggest difference, but having that Intel Core 2 Duo processor is an added bonus. As for the 17" screen, that's just a matter of preference. If you're concerned about portability, you might want to stick with the 15", but the 17" will obviously allow you more screen real estate to have multiple files open, or to have PS and a pdf or chat window open.

I'm not really the best person to ask, though. When I buy a new system, I get one that is FULLY loaded so I won't want to upgrade too soon. I also buy the desktop tower so I can load it up with internal hard drives and use a LARGE screen. I like to multi-task.

I will say that you need to include the cost of the Apple Care Protection plan in your purchase. You definitely want to have that for the three years after you buy the Mac. The free phone support alone is worth it.

Congrats on your new purchase!

[digigrandma]

Congrats on your decision to buy a new Mac. I'm all for Macs myself!

I purchased the Macbook Pro 17" inch screen laptop in January. I love it. I travel with it and have not found the 17" size to be cumbersome at all and after using a 15" screen for several years I find the 17" screen to be such a treat.

Like Cassie, I believe in buying the best you can afford at the time.

[Bush Girl]

I agree with all of the above, as an iMac & MacBook owner (yes, I'm a lucky girl), and I would add, buy a decent, cordless mouse to go with your MacBook. There is nothing more irritating than those stupid little mouse pads that go on laptops.

[digigrandma]

Oh, yes, I might add that I use a Wacom tablet and pen with my laptop. I even travel with my tablet.