What laptop specs matter most for editing RAW photos in Photoshop Elements while traveling?

For Photoshop Elements 9 RAW work, almost any modern laptop can run it, but usability matters more than just CPU speed.

Prioritize these:

• RAM: 2GB minimum, but 4GB or more is much better for smoother editing.
• Screen size and resolution: This is one of the biggest factors. Very small screens (for example, netbook-sized displays) are cramped for photo editing. Aim for at least 1024×768 resolution so the RAW interface fits properly.
• Weight vs. comfort: Ultralight laptops are easier to carry, but often trade away screen size and resolution, which can make editing frustrating.
• Graphics/display quality: Integrated graphics are usually fine for Elements, but many thin/light laptops also have lower-quality displays.
• Color accuracy: A laptop screen is not ideal for precise color work. If you won’t have access to a calibrated external monitor, use a gray card / white-balance or color target in your shoots so you can make more reliable corrections even if the laptop display isn’t perfectly accurate.

In short: don’t overemphasize processor speed. For travel photo editing, a laptop with enough RAM and a reasonably sized, higher-resolution screen is usually the better balance.