Very true -- and something I should definitely keep in mind. I probably am pricing systems well over my current needs. I've learned to buy the best processor and most RAM I possibly can to make a machine last (my current home machine dates to 2001, pre-USB 2.0). Not only because who knows what I'll want to do with it in, say, 3 years time, but also because software upgrades over time invariably need more processor power and more RAM.

I worry about something like the MacMini because it seems to me that I wouldn't have a lot of upgrade potential -- or replacement parts if something broke. Maybe I'm still thinking too much like a Windows user, though, and I'd find an Apple didn't need upgrading like a Windows box?

I was definitely comparing it to a high-end Windows machine. Dell, who I'd rather avoid but will buy from if necessary, has started offering Win XP again on its upper end CPUs. It didn't come out significantly cheaper but for slightly less money, it would have twice as many hard drives, twice as much RAM, two graphics cards, and an extra monitor (dual monitors! yes!!!!!). Since I knew that all of my software and peripherals would work, I was sinking money into the hardware.

Decisions, decisions. As I said down there in another comment, I think I've grown used to WalMart prices and now that I'm hoping for Neiman Marcus service, I'm having a little sticker shock.

We have a mini. It's essentially a laptop in a box.

I made do with a TiBook for 4 years and we did upgrade memory and the hard drive during that time. Yay for being married to a former hardware guy! I don't remember when I bought the new machine, but I run photoshop (CS2) and have had no urge to upgrade in the year or so since I did so.

I checked the Adobe web site and there's no love on crossgrading as far as I can tell. Keep an ear to the ground for that, or for a package through Apple that lets you buy the Adobe stuff on the cheap. That's how I got my first Photoshop.

OK, those are good data points. :) Thank you.

The mini is well within the mental budget I'd devised and, even with repurchasing Photoshop, leaves me the extra cash to purchase a refurbished laptop for travel. (I can't always stay with a host who has extra laptops lying around for my use. ;) ) Seriously, though, I lost an entire 2 GB of photos last year because the portable HD I carry failed to copy. I want something with a screen so I can check next time. :|

I had checked out the Adobe website and didn't see anything either. I think with Photoshop they don't have to because it's such an in-demand program. I'm hyperventilating a little less as I settle into the reality of getting a new computer. That's why I started now because by the time I'm ready to buy, I'll be over the sticker shock.

I'm in no hurry to do this; my original schedule was in August or about the time back-to-school sales happen. Maybe between now and then there will be a nice Adobe deal. *fingers crossed*

I just had a thought...I'm still trying to sell a used Powerbook that just might serve your purposes quite nicely, and to which you could probably connect your existing monitor to give yourself dual monitor functionality. If the only reason you needed to keep Windows functionality was for your old version of Photoshop, I can solve that problem for you by leaving the version of Photoshop I have on the Powerbook when I send it to you, as well as the version of Office that's on it.

Let me know if you're interested, and I'll e-mail you the specs.

If you're willing to hold on to it for a bit longer, please do e-mail me: mish@trueproficient.com

Don't hold it for me, though, ok? If you have someone who wants to buy it, please sell it to them. I'm planning this purchase as the "I don't have to invest every single cent" part of an inheritance I will be getting. I don't know exactly when I'll be getting assets, though, because some are liquid and others won't mature until late July. (Which worked well since it would coincide with Back-To-School sales.)

While I'm happy to dream & educate myself now and buy whenever the funds show up, I don't want you hanging on to an asset while the Florida judicial system works its magic. :|

I'm only holding onto it because so far I have been too lazy to figure out a good way to sell it. :) As long as I keep being lazy, you'll be in luck. ;)

And, by the way, if it affects your timeline at all, I can accept credit cards through my company. It doesn't have to be cash.

I'll e-mail you specs when I get home. If you go with the "desktop + lower end laptop" plan, this one might be a good choice for you.

Do you take AmEx? When the time comes to buy, it's my plan to use AmEx if I can because I like cashing in my points at Christmas for AmEx gift cards. They make very nice, very welcome gifts.

I'm still planning to wait until I have cash in hand because I *know* myself and I'm determined to invest most of this money. If I've gotten my treat now, I'm more likely to treat myself AGAIN when I actually get the money -- because, hey, the computer is old news now. I am very bad about that and I'm trying to reform.

I can't take Amex through my company. (Good LORD was that an expensive option to setup, so I opted out.) But I THINK I can through Paypal. I'll check. And good for you on setting up wise spending habits.

Honestly, I'm hoping to have the laptop sold before this summer, and may take a lower-price option to sell to a third party who would then sell it so I can just be done with it. But if I still have it when you're ready to buy, I'd be happy to do business with you.

By all means, please look out after your interests first. It would be a shame to miss this opportunity but I have no control over Florida courts or my siblings signing/returning their paperwork.

I hate having to exercise a modicum of fiscal responsibility because I want it all now now now! I'm unlikely to ever have a chunk of unearned money just appear tax-free in my life ever again, though, so I'm determined not to waste the opportunity. I'm getting too old to be the grasshopper. ;)

Do you still have the Titanium notebook? If so and you're willing to hold it until July 1, then would you please send me an e-mail with the specs and how much you're hoping to sell it for?

Turns out I'm getting a bonus next month (I don't know if it's on the 15th or 30th but I'd bet the latter or exactly how much it'll be after taxes/401K deductions) and so I'm looking into my laptop options. Thanks!

I do still have it, I am willing to wait until July 1st, but I'm not sure if I have your current e-mail address. If you have mine, would you ping me there?