Hi AM,
Just 2 more cents worth.
As you can see, you got some very diverse answers here to your question. And that’s because it really all depends on what you are going to be doing in your video editing pursuits.
If you are primarily making slideshows, or just transferring your HD footage from your camera to a couple of timelines in your PD, and more or less just using PD as a transfer device to archive your footage to a DVD, with a trim or two here and there, and a couple of fade transitions between them, and perhaps an opening static title, then a decent laptop should be fine.
But, if you are planning on doing things, like for instance Barry does, where there are multiple tracks in play and layered at any given time. And many effects, and PIP motion, and particles, enhancing the production. And PowerTools’ stabilization, perhaps applied to most sequences, and also some sequences set to play in reverse. And a project where you have 21 tracks active, with an additional 7 audio tracks filled with sound effects and audio beds, then… just as Barry, you may have to do things like lowering your preview resolution, or pre-produce some sequences, or use shadow edit files, and all the rest of the bag of tricks necessary to get by.
Different users and members, attempt and execute very different things with their PD9.
So that’s why one often sees a lot of different perspectives offered, to forum questions that ask...
Will this rig be good enough?
Yes, there are common guidelines as to what specs are necessary to make PD purr like a kitten. But I maintain that it “mostly” depends on the type and intensity of editing that you normally do.
So, if some says… No, a laptop won’t cut it. Or, if someone else tells you… Yes, it is the best way to go. It’s only good advice, if the advice you choose to accept, is coming from someone who generally does the same thing that you also generally want to do with your PD9.
A $2300 desktop, may be overkill if you are primarily making 20 minute DVDs of your dog chasing a Frisbee in your back yard.
But, a $900 laptop may fall short, if you also would like to attempt to make the next Star Wars sequel.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Jun 07. 2011 22:30
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