New To Adobe & Design

[SWOnslowGrown]

Hello All!

I haven't really done anything with graphic designing or artistic since elementary or middle school.  But I have had an interest in photography, and in essence want to be able to edit photos I take as a hobby / for friends and family. I found a decent deal on a yearly plan and decided to give Adobe a try.

I am in need of a new laptop, and want to be sure to get something capable of using the Adobe software. I plan to some basic photo and video editing. And in the near future possibly some t-shirt printing and light design editing to go along with that. 

Biggest thing is - being that I'm just getting my toes wet with it, and I tend to bail on things if they don't keep my interest - I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on my first laptop in this adventure.

I am hoping after this long ramble that someone is still reading this, and has 2¢ to throw in on "lower end" laptop options. Say $500-$750?

[Nancy OShea]

Hi @SWOnslowGrown,

Photoshop is pro-level software.  As such, you need a good machine with plenty of resources to support it.  See links below for details.
- https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/photoshop-cc-gpu-card-faq.html

Suggested Photoshop Workstation:

https://www.pugetsystems.com/recommended/Recommended-Systems-for-Adobe-Photoshop-139/Hardware-Recomm...

That said, Photoshop Elements might be all you need.  It's a lighter version of Photoshop without all the fancy bells & whistles. 

https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

PSE is very affordable at under $100 (no subscription required).  The learning curve and system requirements are not too steep either.  

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/system-requirements.html

No matter which computer you buy, your user experience will be much improved with a fast chip, ample storage/hard drive space, extra RAM and a good GPU.  🙂

Happy shopping & have fun with your new hobby!

[John T Smith]

This is aimed at Premiere Pro... you may do better with Premiere Elements

This includes 2 recommendation links from Puget Systems... copied from Peru Bob
https://community.adobe.com/t5/video-hardware/premiere-pro-hardware-articles-to-read-before-you-buy-...

[Nancy OShea]

The OP posted this in Photoshop, the Lounge and Video Hardware so it's hard to know for sure.  But then said,  "I want to be able to edit photos I take as a hobby..."

Photoshop, Lightroom or PS Elements are more suitable for photo editing.

[John T Smith]

He also said "basic photo and video editing" so Premiere Elements would be appropriate

Elements http://www.adobe.com/products/elements-family.html although I buy the disc box from Amazon

[Trevor.Dennis]

If you are looking for a laptop to run Adobe apps, then look at gaming laptops.  They have the right sort of spec for Photoshop etc. and because they have that economy of scale thing going for them, you can get some good deals.