[Scott Norton]

Thanks for your input. The additional questions were in response to the other reply. it seems there is some debate over whether more RAM helps after a certain amount – but I have definitely seen your method (1G per core) mentioned before.

I am obviously looking to get the cheapest machine – with an improved performance over the Macbook Pro. The original Intel Mac that I listed has been presented to me for a good price, and from several vendors.

i am having a hard time determining my opinion on different machines – and the capability/benefits they may provide for my uses, from online resources – other than knowing that buying the latest machine (wich i can’t afford) will provide the latest tech/speed/etc.

I would have just settled for another version of my laptop (I have been very happy with it) except these original intel mac towers are selling for less than my used laptop – and I hoped to determine whether the tower would provide a speed increase for the export/convert scenario listed in first post. It stands to reason that 2×2.66 dual core (4 total) should be better than my single 2.4 duo – but I am not sure that FCP works that way.

[Scott Norton]

Thanks so much for the quick reply. Is there any reason to believe that the original woodcrest processor type would not be as capable as your machine? I think it would have been from sometime in 2006.

Also, can you suggest a good value (cheapest) Video card for these machines? And how much RAM you use? I have read that some programs do not benefit from RAM past a certain amount.

Appreciate all your help.