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New Mac – Recommendation for Use With Final Cut Studio?
It is sales tax holiday weekend in my state, so that means I can get a new Mac and save a significant amount of dough. I currently have a 17 inch PowerBook G4, 1.33 Ghz. with 2 Gb of RAM. I use the machine to do all sorts of graphics and video work, using programs like Final Cut Studio, Adobe Creative Suite, iWork and iLife.
I’m interested in opinions on a new machine. There are some budget constraints, but I’d like to know the following:
1. Is the iMac 24 inch a viable option as a video editing station using Final Cut Pro Studio? One option I am considering is to buy an iMac 24 inch and a MacBook, doing my video work on the iMac and presentation work on the Macbook. What is your opinion about this?
2. I’ve looked on the Apple Store at both new and refurb MacBook Pros. If you had to pick a model, which gives the most bang for the buck? Do you think a refurb Core 2 Duo machine would be fine for my needs? Is there a disadvantage to buying a refurb vs. a new machine for the style of work I am doing?
3. Again, concerning Macbook Pros…do you prefer a 15 inch or 17 inch screen? Are there any disadvantages for going with the smaller screen? Both sizes come in both matte and glossy finishes: do you recommend one over the other for video editing?
4. Are Apple’s RAM module prices in line with others? I would like to trick out the machine with as much RAM as possible right now. If Apple is high, who would you buy RAM from? I have used Other World Computing in the past, but I hear Apple is now competitive on this.Thank you for any help you can provide on this situation!
David Biddix
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6 Replies
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first of all don’t use a G4 with FCS2. You need a G5. I would prefer a smaller screen.For me a 17 ” Powerbook is too big from the size. I think for a portable notebook 15” is enough. Also mechanical stability on a smaller Book is better. I would recommend 4.5GB Ram for FCS2. We use a powerbook in the field with a spare battery 15” screen for transfering P2 files and editing. We still use FCP5, no Motion. Motion uses the RAM and also the Powerbook gets really hot when you use it intensly.
good luck
Rainer
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1. You will want to use the next gen of graphics cards for Motion and (rumor has it) the next gen of FCP. the iMac cannot be altered. Forget it.
2. Yes.
3. Bigger is always better.
4. Do not buy RAM from Apple.bogiesan
This is my standard sigfile so do not take it personally: “For crying out loud, read the freakin’ manual.”
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Rainer has taken a different approach to the question and I assumed a different workflow.
Looking back over your post, you failed to indicate what you are actually going to be doing with these toys. If you are capturing P2 in the field, Wirth makes great points. If you’re doing Motion and AE, a portable is silly.bogiesan
This is my standard sigfile so do not take it personally: “For crying out loud, read the freakin’ manual.”
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I produce historical documentaries, and this is my main computer for production. I need a laptop for the field to scan photos and record audio in realtime. I shoot standard DV for my projects, and I will use the laptop to edit the video. I use LiveType and Motion from time to time to “sweeten” my productions, but I wouldn’t categorize their use as a major part of what I do.
I also do web work on the laptop with Dreamweaver and the Adobe Creative Suite 3.
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Rather than an iMac and macbook combo, If a tower is out of the question, I would get the beefiest 15″ Macbook Pro you can afford and get a 23″Apple cinema display/24″Dell… or whatever other 1900×1200 display floats yer boat.
Get a fan pad for the MBP, they run super hot when put to the test, and when they get hot they can get a touch more unstable. Adding a fan pad keeps it running cool and better, longer.
Also, for your work station at home, pick up a full sized apple keyboard and mouse.
At home put the MBP on the left or right of the 23″ monitor, plug in the keyboard and mouse (and external harddrive!), and you have a very capable dual monitor work station (better than any iMac.) When you gotta go into the field, unplug the peripherals and away you go! A setup like this will scream through DV-NTSC/DV-PAL/HDV projects, Move up to FW800 or better yet e-SATA drives (with express card expansion) for even better performance.When your business grows and your clients require higher end formats and such, add a tower, then a raid, then a second display… so on….
If you get an iMac, your stuck with an iMac.Colin McQuillan
Van. B.C. -
I agree, I think the mac book pro will be far more capable than either of those two other computers.
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