Should I add RAM or just get new computer (someday) - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

LisaC0503 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

I am new to the whole digital scrapbooking thing but I really want to learn. On a recomendation of my girlfriend (who is also a newbie but a bit more knowledgeable than me) I went out an bought Paint Show Pro X. I started trying to do tutorials to figure out how to use the program and hit a brick wall. My computer is EXTREAMLY slow. Upon further research, I have discovered that based on the computer recomendations here, my computer doesn't meet the minimum requirements to do digital scrapbooking

My laptop is only just over a year old so there is no way my hubby is going to let me go out and buy a new one. The specs on my computer are: Gateway with an Intel Celeron M Processor 1.30GHz with 224 MB of RAM.

I know I can get my hubby to agree to upgrade my RAM by adding 1GB but it seems the processor on my computer doesn't meet the minimum requirements so should I even bother???? I am so confused.... Should I just wait another year or two till I can afford to upgrade my computer and try digital scrapbooking then? I have already spent about $80 to get PSPX and if I upgrade the RAM that will cost me about another $100. I don't want to put any more money into digital scrapping if my CPU is can't handle it.... What would you do?

bkempf · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

oh hopefully someone with more knowledge will see this thread soon for you!

arti-bytes · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

Before I post an answer, what are the minimum processor requirements for PSPX?

LisaC0503 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

According to the box for PSPX:

Recommended System Requirements:

1.0 GhZ processor or faster
Microsoft Windows XP
512 MB of RAM
500 MB of free hard diske space
1024 X 768 resolution display, 32-bit color display

I guess I should have looked at this before I bought the software

kellbuckley · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

It will probably come down to how much money you are willing to put out and also how much you really want to scrap.

I had a similar problem when i got PSPX. My computer had the minimum requirements, but the program ran really slow and would freeze up. I made the choice after about a month of scrapping to upgrade my RAM. But since we were financially able to do so, we just went ahead and bought a new tower that had over 1gb of RAM, a faster processer, and could successfully run PSPX and other graphic programs.

Until you decide that you really like scrapping and are able to put out the money to upgrade you system (PSPX will never run right if you don't) you might consider buying a cheaper program that will run on your system. This would give you the chance to really know if you like digital scrapping, and might make future costs seem bearable

.

Not much, sorry...but HTH

simplyred · #6 (**permalink**) 10-27-2006

Upgrading your ram would probably be a big help.

Another thing to consider is that you don't really need to work in 300 ppi resolution. My computer meets all the PSP requirements but runs very slow in PSP when I try to work with everything in 300 ppi. Then I found out - both from being told and from trying it myself - that 180-200 ppi is more than sufficient resolution. Since I've switched my default to 180 ppi, I have no more problems. And the print quality is wonderful. Now, when I open a paper, element, whatever, I automatically resize it from 300 to 180 and save it as a .pspimage file. I also create in 8x8 page size now since printing out 12x12 is a major pain and is expensive.

Try the above suggestions and get going on learning digiscrapping. We have a great resource on this forum with a lot of quality PSP users who are always willing to help. So go for it and keep on asking questions.

LisaC0503 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-27-2006

Thanks for those great suggestions. I am such a newbie, I had not even thought of trying to change size/settings (I am still learning what these all are so when a tutorial/lessen says to put in 300...I just do it... I will definately play with the settings and I have ordered 1GB of RAM so when I get it next week, I hope that will help alot too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by simplyred

I also create in 8x8 page size now since printing out 12x12 is a major pain and is expensive.

Since you mentioned this, do they have 8x8 albums? Do you print 8x8 and put it in a 12x12 album??? I have a ways to go with learning how to digiscrap so I have not given too much thought to printing yet but it would be good to know....

simplyred · #8 (**permalink**) 10-27-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaC0503

Since you mentioned this, do they have 8x8 albums? Do you print 8x8 and put it in a 12x12 album??? I have a ways to go with learning how to digiscrap so I have not given too much thought to printing yet but it would be good to know....

Lots of 8x8 albums available now in most craft, scrapbooking and even big box stores (I know Target has them). It's the perfect size for me. Plenty of detail and I can print them on my Epson at home. I print using Epson inks in an Epson printer on Epson Heavyweight Matte Paper and the results are just gorgeous.

Good luck and show us your efforts! And don't worry about them not being good enough, we were all beginners at one time and love to help others feed their digi-scrapping addiction!!!