Advice on buying laptop for video/audio editing

[drumwolf]

(I originally posted this in the DU Lounge -- I didn't even realize that DU has drastically expanded the number of separate forums, let alone knew that there actually was a Mac forum. So here I go again.....)

I'm planning to get a Macintosh laptop, and I would specifically like to use it for making music and multimedia and possibly even editing video, using programs like Flash, Final Cut Pro, and ProTools.

As a PC user, I've noticed that standard specs for Macs seem to be different from that of PC's (for example, a 1.25GHz Mac is actually much more powerful than a 1.25GHz or even 2.0 GHz PC). What minimum processor speed and memory should I look for in a Mac if I want to do music or video editing?

Also, could I get away with using an iBook or should I really have a PowerBook?

[bullimiami]

1. you can do it with an ibook

but i would advise you to get the best computer you can afford.

the differences in response and rendering times will make it worthwhile.

[mrbassman03]

5. I would NOT get an iBook for this reason...

It does not support multiple monitors... You can plug in an external display and mirror the two, but it doesn't allow seperate monitors. For video, this is crucial.

[Poiuyt]

2. Powerbook would be ideal

I would like the 17" Powerbook just for the screen real estate. If you're going to be editing video, you will have a lot of windows open. The Powerbooks also allow you to add a PC card, and you can add more RAM than an iBook. I have heard of people editing video using the G4 iBooks, so it can be done.

When I started editing video, I was using a 300mhz Mac. Anything out there is better than that. Make sure you get enough RAM (probably at least 1GB). When editing or recording music, you will be restricted in the number of tracks you can work with if you don't have enough processor power or enough RAM. If you are just editing 2 tracks, you don't need much. If you are going to be editing video, you will want as much as you can afford. It will make things run much more smoothly.

Good decision on doing this on a Mac vs a PC. Macs are much better when it comes to this kind of work.

Lastly, are you sure that you need a laptop? You are paying for that portability. You can get a lot more for your dollar with a desktop Mac.

[drumwolf]

3. A desktop Mac isn't an option for me

I already have a desktop PC, and I need a laptop because I spend most of my time outside the house. And I'm personally able to work much better at a local cafe than inside my cramped, poorly-aired bedroom.

[cheezus]

4. editing works great on my 1.2Ghz G4 iBook

of course, the faster the machine the better, but the iBook certainly works well. A large display is nice, but you can hook up a large VGA monitor to the iBook (and with an easy to install patch, even do dual display with spanning!)

just get lots and lots of RAM. I'd consider RAM before CPU speed.