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Filmmakers/Final Cut editors: Bigger macbook vs external monitor, best setup for editing?
I am a filmmaker and and am buying a new Macbook Pro. It’ll primarily serve as my day to day computer, but I’m also planning to edit some films of my own and also take on other editing projects, and possibly turning it into a business.
I bought a 17 inch Macbook Pro to replace my older 15 inch model, thinking of the possibility of creating films on it. I decided to exchange it for the new 15 inch version because even though I don’t usually carry my laptop around with me, it just seemed too big. It was hard to get used to all the extra screen space, especially when web browsing it seemed like a bit of overkill, too much information was displayed on the screen at once. I missed the more personal size of the 15 inch model, for writing and web-browsing, and the overall look and feel of it.
I’m having second thoughts though because where the 17 inch model shines is in displaying HD video. While they both have great displays, the bigger screen is beautiful for watching movies/video. It’s basically a portable HD theater. I’m guessing the extra space would also be helpful for working in Final Cut Pro.
Which setup would you prefer? Having a 17 inch Macbook Pro for editing in Final Cut, and everything in one package, or having a 15 inch Macbook Pro with an even larger external HD monitor? I haven’t tried this setup before so I’m not sure how it would feel for editing. Not sure if this would be too cluttered.
I feel more comfortable on the 15 inch as a primary computer, but the 17 seems crafted to be a movie making machine. I have both Macbooks in front of me now. I have to return one of them in the next day or two! The 15 inch is an i7, and the 17 inch is an i5, so they’re pretty much equal in price. Others have commented on the necessity of the expresscard for an eSata hard drive. Is this really a must for HD editing? The built in drive is big enough that I could keep the raw footage locally while I’m editing.
Having a hard time with this decision for some reason, so I thought I’d open it up for feedback. Thanks!
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4 Replies
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I’m in favor of having a MacBook Pro AND a Mac Pro.
You already changed your mind once. Only you can make the decision on what works for you. You will also need more equipment than just a computer to edit HD.
I see you also like to double post.
Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group -
Sorry for the double post, my first one was in the wrong forum. Is there a way to remove it?
Thanks for your feedback. I can only afford one computer for now, so I’d like to make sure I get the one that will best meet my needs, since I will be using it for the next couple years. -
If you don’t need to edit on the road:
Get a Mac Pro. Much better for editing. It will stay current longer and will give you lots of options for upgrading. Buy a Dell monitor if you can’t afford the Cinema Display.If you do need to edit on the road:
The 17″ has an ExpressCard/34 slot which no other book has in the current line-up. You really need this to edit. If you are editing using any tape-based media, then you need the firewire port to connect your deck/cam. Now you are left with no input for your media drive. Even if you are not using tape, you can use the ExpressCard/34 slot to connect via esata, which is faster than firewire 800 and will work well with external raids. If you do get offered an editing gig, who knows what media your client might ask you to edit. The express slot can be used to ingest almost anything if you add the right card.Also: You do not want to store your media on your system drive when working in FCP! Do a search and you’ll learn why.
OSX 10.5.7; MAC Book PRO (EARLY 2008); Camcorders: Sony Z7U, Canon HV30, Sony vx2000/PD170, Canon xl2; Pana, Sony, and Canon consumer cams; FCP certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.
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I have to agree with Craig.
There are a hundred reasons to use the Mac Pro, and two to use a laptop as your primary edit workstation.1. You absolutely have to view and edit in the field.
2. To appear chic’, hip and trendy at the coffee shop.A laptop as a second machine, as Steve said is a good option.
We have discussed this topic over and over again, a search of the forum would reveal lots of opinions.
Scott Sheriff
Director
SST Digital Media
https://www.sstdigitalmedia.com
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