Dave1

Adobe writes Photoshop native in windows, but since mac moved to Intel, the program functions identically. I just went through a pc/mac comparison for a new box and discovered the identical configuration in a high-end box, the mac was more than 3 times the cost of the pc. That was for an identically configured box, other than os. I think it is a lifestyle choice. It is absolutely not faster, or smoother.

Photoshop runs great on modern dual-cores, quad is better when using a lot of Photoshop filters. If she is dealing with digital camera files (20 - 50 megs) photoshop will be fine on a laptop. The biggest issue with Photoshop is really large files (1gb+) or keeping multiple large programs running simultaneously (Photoshop+illustrator+fireworks+inDesign). She will then experience problems with the program paging off pieces to cashe. Get as much ram as you can. We have bought several $750 HP laptops which are zippy. Get the largest monitor you can, there is never enough real estate for all the menus. You can plan on a second monitor as well. Photoshop does not stress graphics chips. OpenGL is not needed now, but not a bad idea for futureproofing.

Oh yeah, I heard that track many times with Hirsch. It is a great window into the lower octives and also can show how a headphone handles impact (literally). I agree that the 701 and the 340 were not in the same league as the K-1000. The day we were listening I was wondering what the big deal was with the 701. I couldn't really decide if I liked the 340 better, but both were no match for the k-1000, at least through the Wheatfield and a MG head.

Are you guys nuts? The r10? Bass? I have tries to love the r10's for years, but the only area where it falls down is the bass. It has almost no thud. I have heard it through systems optimized to get bass out of it and consistently walked away disappointed. Four pages in and no mention of the Omega 2's in a bass thread? I do like the PS-1's and the Leatherhead's for Bass, but the r-10. Hmmmmm?

The Stax 001's are not reallt IEM's but thet serve the same purpose. The big difference, besides being electrostatic and needing a specialized amp, are that they are open. I really like the ety's, abut the 001's are also very nice. I have also heard the Shure e4's and e5's but prefered the ety 4p's to them.

Infants and toddlers are no problem for floor standing speakers. The do not have enough inertia or mass to worry about, but wait about 4 years and then start to worry. I have a pair of Gallo reference 3's that sit out in the open with kids running all around them. They are literally encased in a metal cage. They also have no sharp corners, which will be more of a concern for you in a year or two. Oh, they also sound awesome.