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Macbook for Final Cut Studio / Single fw400 ??
Hi,
I’ve been reading some benchmarks of the faster macbook vs. the macbook pro and am becoming convinced to save the money and buy the macbook.
One issue I have however is the singe fw400 on the macbook, is it possible to run an external fw400 drive and capture via fw from a camera at the same time??
Can I chain fw devices? or is there some kind of adaptor available? or is it impossible? or can I go usb2 with the drive for DV/HDV editing?lots of questions. Any answers?
Thanks,
Johnny White
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3 Replies
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Stay away from USB2.
Daisy-chaining the firewire will work, but it may occasionally give you some trouble here and there. It’s not a perfect system, but I’ve done it before without any problems for a project here or there.
If you’re looking to save money (and you can wait a little longer) here’s what I’d do: It’s very likely that Apple is going to update the Macbook Pro to Core 2 Duo chips in the next few weeks. (Maybe even next week, but obviously that could change.)
If I were you, I’d wait for that to happen and then wait another day or two. Keep checking the refurbished section on the online Apple store for the current, Core 1 Duo Macbook Pros at that point. Right NOW you can get one there for $1,549 and the price is bound to come down more once newer versions are available.
With the Macbook Pro you can buy an adapter card and add on another FW 400 or 800 port that’s seperate from the one already on the computer. Plus, you won’t have to get that glossy screen.
The Macbook will probably work for what you want to do. If that fits your budget better, you can do it. I just thought I’d suggest this alternative.
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Thanks for your very helpful reply. I’m researching both for myself and a friend who’s a student and even more strapped for cash than myself so we may well be advised to wait a little while.
Johnny
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Here’s something to keep in mind…
How about going with SATA drives?
You can get a SATA notebook card to use SATA drives for editing, which would give you the ability of HD editing on your MacBook Pros. The tough part may be finding one that will work with the new MacBook Pros but keep your eyes and ears glued to the web and something should pop up soon.
And if all else fails and you have to go firewire, then make sure that you spend a few extra bucks and get a G-Raid drive. They are much tougher and more rugged than anything on the market.
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Wayne Carey
Schazam Productions
http://www.schazamproductions.com
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