Last problem for today--memory

[lulutoo]

I know this was discussed in 2007, but that topic seems dead now.

I have a quad processor 2.4ghz pc with 3 gb memory, plus another 2 gb readyboost (which it does use, I see the light flashing sometimes), and several hard drives: 2 320gb internal, 1tb external, 250 gb external, 100gb external. Plenty of memory and space--all of them are in the "green" and have recently been defragged except the new tb one which doesn't have any programs on it--only a backup drive. The page file setting says 3369MB, running Vista home premium 32 bit with the UAC turned off (and a good firewall turned on--PC Tools not Norton or McAfee.)

Ever since I started digital scrapbooking, I have to turn off the marquee or I can't do anything in the program due to the lag. I also frequently have to exit the program to continue working because I get insufficient memory error messages after a while when I try to do something like rotate, move a layer, etc. Fortunately, it will always let me save before I exit. The images I am working with are 12"x12" at 300dpi (or 3600x3600).

I read somewhere that the earlier Ulead products did not recognize any more processors than one, so it might not be using the other 3. I'm not sure if that applies to this product or not. Generally, I have my email, a small footprint popup reminder program and one or two explorer windows open when I'm working on my computer (plus the multitude of behind the scenes programs like the firewall and all that stuff Windows does.)

Does anyone have suggestions? Also, does X3 do a better job in this department if I were to upgrade?

[Ron P.]

I'm sure that PI 12 is not capable of using all the processors. I seriously doubt that it can use more than one processor correctly.

Reading your other posts, I'm not sure what route you wish to take, upgrade to a now defunct version X3, or look at the competitors. It appears that Corel is not going to continue the PI line. Factor in that Corel was just bought up by Corel Holdings.. Vector Capitol. So there's the typical uncertainty in the air, not knowing which way to go.

[lulutoo]

Yeah, I do appreciate knowing that it's probably the last version. I think that if I can actually get it for the $20, then it would be worth it to me to have my existing stuff convert better than it does now. You'll laugh at this, but I always enter the drawings for the free Craft Bamboo pen tablet, because it comes with PSE 7 (although they're up to 8 now.) One of these days maybe I'll get lucky!

[lulutoo]

I was just about to pay the $20 (which I had to use Google to search and find it on the Corel website, because it's so hidden--another sign it's dead in the water), when I thought the smart thing to do would be to try it first like you suggested to make sure it does fix some of my problems. I found it at Brothersoft still, but interestingly, the first link went to the $20 Corel page. The last link on the Brothersoft site worked, though (although the connection dropped on the first download attempt.)

After a VERY slow 163mb download, I was able to try it. It's like you said. If it's a different layer, it will save the shadow, but otherwise not. On the soft edge--it still can't remember the setting when converting. I also use the properties, merge, (various choices) and that also doesn't save when converting.

I was surprised how slow X3 was to open and save. Definitely no improvement there. Kind of disappointing all around. I really appreciate your suggesting I try the trial version first. Thanks!

P.S. It seems like in digital scrapping, anyone who doesn't use either PS or PSE uses PSP, so possibly that influenced them which product to continue.

[Ron P.]

Yes it is possibly a consideration in dropping PI. It however concerns us that have used VS, and DVDMF, as Ulead had made sure to use their proprietary UFO format in the DVD menus. Dropping PI, and not carrying the UFO file format in PSP or CorelDraw will make it impossible to create or edit the DVD menus.

[lulutoo]

Yes, unfortunately I have VideoStudio, too. I'll just keep my PI installed for that after I make the switch (and let's face it, it's going to be VERY difficult to adjust after using it since version 4). I have several DVD authoring programs, so I don't rely on VS for the menus. Sony DVD Architect uses XML files with regular pngs and jpgs.