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Advice re powerbook sought
Hi there,
I’ve had a look through the archives and have sort-of answered some of my queries – but I’d appreciate the wisdom of the group…
Editing on the move/away from studio. I have a chance to get a cheap 2004 PB 1.5 17″ (the one with FW800 & 400) and am thinking this, along with a FW800 array, seperate 20″ monitor and possible a PCMCIA FW card (for a 2nd bus) may be more cost effective than, say, getting a new Macbook 15 or 17 (when they arrive) and upgrading FCP etc.etc. This will be mainly DV editing, not too effects heavy, with a smattering of HDV thrown in. I’m planning on running FCPHD production suite.
Can the second monitor work as a true second monitor rather than simply mirroring the main PB display? Am I being foolish in buying ‘redundant technology’ even though it will be fine for 95% of what I need? I figure on the whole set up standing me $2500 ish as opposed to $4000+ if I go the new route…
Your thoughts are appreciated…
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3 Replies
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My opinion based on what you have said, is that you should go with the 17″ pb.
You can use a true second monitor with this set up.
I’m sure you can find uses for the money you save, maybe even put it away for the inevitable upgrade in the future.
Tom
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Yes, the PB can use the external monitor as a true second monitor. You are limited as to size and resolution depending on the model but still, high res for video is not essential. You could run a 23 with plenty of res. I’d get the Dell 24 inch with the componate video inputs. They go on sale almost every month. As for the drives, sounds good. I use Lacie but like G-raid too. I build a lot of my own cause of cost.
The most important thing is, What do your clients need? then What do you need? That determines what you buy. I just got a quad Mac after using a dual 500 G4 for 6 years. I had to upgrade.
Hope this helps-
Matthew
Quad 2.5 G5
OSX 10.4.X
Ram 4GB
FCP 4.5/AE 6.5/DVDSP3 -
My 17″ PB does well for DV editing, but I’m not sure I’d attempt anything that needed too much more guts from your system. I tried to cut a HDV project (natively) in FCP off my FW800 drive… it was painful, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Otherwise, I have used my PB as an offline suite, online (I got desperate!), After Effects and for DVD Studio Pro authoring with a minimum of fuss (with the obvious slowdown issues). Save the cash and buy a bigger monitor / hard drive etc. Especiall if it’s a temporary setup.
My two cents :o)
Enzo Tedeschi
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Editor
Sydney, Australia
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