Help with computer hardware essentials for lightroom.

[juicegoose]

My current setup for post processing is a hp pavilion dv6t with a core 2 due processor 4gig of ram and a 250gb ssd(upgraded recently). I've got a 24" dell IPS monitor that I connect it to. For most things computer related it does the job. As I'm getting more and more clients I'm beginning to notice a bottleneck in my workflow and it revolves around the computer.
Where I really see the slowdown is
1. Importing and smartpreview creation
2. Adjustments like blemish removal or brushing.
3. Depending on background programs running an overall laggy nature of lightroom.

I'm not a power photoshop user by any means. My typical workflow involves importing into lightroom, selecting the keepers, and then adjusting WB, levels, and general cleanup as required. Sometimes I will export an image to PS if I need to fix a blemish or remove something that lightroom simply can't.

I am drawn to the versatility of a tablet and because I don't do a ton of editing I think one would work fine but again I'm torn. It would be nice to be able to import my photos onto a tablet. Sort through them and select to keepers, remove blemishes or branches or whatever and then do final touchup and color adjustment with the computer attached to my 24" IPS monitor.

Tablets tend to be expensive for the upper level models(yoga and surface pro 3 are my primary candidates).
Will the I5 processor be plenty for my needs or is the i7 needed?
Ram or processor power?
Would it be better to go with a desktop powerhouse and a mediocore tablet?

I know there are people that have super computers and I'm sure they blaze but would something like a surface pro 3 with i5 and 8gig of ram help stop the lagging I'm getting in post?

 

[astroNikon]

The more RAM the better
Can you upgrade from 4gb to 8gb ram ?

 

[lambertpix]

The two biggest factors that will help speed for that type of processing are RAM (somewhere around 8-16 is probably good for most folks) and fast disk drives (preferably solid-state). Note that as you grow in volume, keeping everything on SSD is prohibitively expensive, so you'd need to split stuff to allow storage on "regular" spinning disks. The i5 processor is probably just fine for LR -- last time I checked, LR wasn't really very good at taking advantage of all the extra threads the i7 provides.

 

[Overread]

I would go with a desktop for editing and a cheap tablet to show clients photos.

The desktop will give you the option of a bigger screen, easier storage and backup as well as improved performance. You'll also be able to more easily calibrate the screen for consistent results.

A few additional thoughts on a good PC;

1) Get yourself a card-reader attachment with a USB3 port (ensuring that your motherboard takes USB3 connections). I got one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00B1XWAEY/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and fitted it into one of the CD tray slots. Allows for very fast card downloads off the card and onto the harddisk - ideal if you've multiple cards you want to download.

2) I'd install Photoshop onto the SSD harddrive, but I'd have several terrabyte regular HD for storage of the photos. It's simply far cheaper and more sensible otherwise you'll spend a fortune on SSD storage. Remembering that you'll want backup of all your photos as well so that's at least two additional harddrives (internal or external).

 

[KmH]

Here is what Adobe says you need. Note:theses are minimums.
System requirements | Lightroom

For performance you would want exceeded the minimums and notice that while 2 GB of RAM is the minimum Adobe recommend 8 GB be used.

An issue with using a tablet could be the

• DirectX 10-capable or later video adapter

minimum requirement.

 

[BananaRepublic]

I would say a tablet would be a bad choice. The Surface Pro has a 12" screen compared to current 24". Have you tried just removing programs you don't use and other junk to see if that speeds things up.

 

[KmH]

RAM, RAM, lots of scratch disc space for Ps, and more RAM.

Did I mention more RAM?

If I didn't mention RAM, be sure and get as much RAM as you can cram into what ever device you decide to use.

RAM! (Random Access Memory)

 

[juicegoose]

Thanks for the responses guys. Remember although this tablet would be my main editing machine it would not be my main storage device. I purchase a external hard drive annually to keep photos on and also have a deep backup network drive. The tablet screen would only be used for general web surfing and initial selection of photos. All major edits involving color and tones would be done through the tablet connected to my 24" calibrated IPS monitor.

It seems through my searching that as far as hardware goes Ram is the key over processor. I5 I'm sure would be far and above better then my core 2 duo currently used on my HP.

 

[juicegoose]

My other concern is how lightrrom and photoshop dont support these new hidpi screens all the manufactures are using. Has that been fixed?

 

[Overread]

If you are already plugging the tablet into an external monitor why not get a full desktop computer? You'll get far more power for your money and far more versatility, plus reduced chances for software incompatibilities or having to work around tablet limitations. A cheap tablet can then be used to display finished photos in slide show to your clients.

If the idea of touch screen interface is what you're after then a desktop with a drawing tablet (eg Wacom brand options) would be far superior again

 

[KmH]

My other concern is how lightrrom and photoshop dont support these new hidpi screens all the manufactures are using.

Where did you that that?

 

[juicegoose]

Its all over the net. Adobe/windows hasnt been able to get the upscaling to work properly on the surfaces and yogas.

 

[Patriot]

It will still work. The problem with higher res monitors is that the software hasn't caught up yet. Websites and text won't look as crisp until everyone start to rewrite their software for it.

 

[Overread]

Basically save your money and get a normal regular monitor and let everyone else pay the premium for brand new tech that the market isn't quite ready for

 

[juicegoose]

Man the wealth of info out there has my head spinning.
If i were to go desktop route it seems like the money needs to be spent in the following order
1. Harddrive - ssd and fast but no need for big. Second drive for storage.
2. Ram 8gig is plenty but faster speed is essential
3. CPU. Seems like an i5 would be plenty. Any reason to go highr?
4. Videocard. Lightrrom doesnt need anything more then onboard video. Unless using multiple monitors and onboard wont drive 2 monitors onboard is plenty.

Can anyone help recommend a good board chip combo?

Any manufactures out there putting a good desktop together?