If you dont need to use the computer in tablet mode, you can save a few hundred dollars by getting other laptops.

Ive used Photoshop for more than 10 years in my job as an artist creating art for newspaper publication.

If youre the DIY kind, then this article probably might not be as useful.

Im happy to say that most computers nowadays are much more powerful than the listed specifications.

Getting 4-core is recommended if other applications you have can make use of the cores though.

However, for Photoshop, getting a 2-core processor is sufficient.

Because Photoshop dont use all cores, clock speed of each core will matters more.

So having a dual-core will balance the load out between Photoshop and the OS, either Windows or Mac.

They are great for storing huge files, or files you dont use that often, and good for backup purposes.

Good Cheap For Photoshop Install Your OS

If you install your OS or Photoshop on the SSD, they will start in a fraction of time compared to HDD.

When opening and saving huge files on SSD, you save a few seconds with each save.

Good Cheap For Photoshop Upgrade Your System

If you have limited budget to upgrade your system, I recommend upgrading the HDD to SSD first.

A scratch disk is a place for temporary storage for memory as well, such as caches for your opened files.

You can choose to use storage (either HDD or SSD) as a scratch disk.

So if you have more RAM, having a scratch disk becomes less important.

Nowadays, it would be difficult to buy a monitor or laptop that runs at that low a resolution.

Glossy screens present colours more vividly compared to matte screens.

Personally, I dont like the distractions of reflections, or looking at my own face on the screen when working.

Subjective stuff.

Which OS you choose depends on what other applications you want to run.

If you want to run games as well, then its better to get Windows for the wider selection.

I recommend Western Digital My Passport (I have several for backups of backups).

I recommend the Logitech Marathon wireless mouse and Logitech K360 wireless keyboard.

While I want to help you save money, a good laptop is just not cheap.

Probably because of the Surface Books gimmicky detachable screen.