Considering getting a Mac

Undo · Post by **Undo** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 1:58 pm

I'm almost surprised there isn't a sticky topic on this, since when I opened this sub-forum I figured that every other thread would be some kind of "Mac vs. PC" topic. Obviously that isn't the case, which as we all know, is a good thing, given how most threads like that usually descend into pointless arguments. But I digress.

I did a lot of video editing in college about 2 years ago using Final Cut Pro on a Mac. I was comfortable using it, and though there were a few problems I encountered, I chalk most of them up to the fact that it was a shared computer that numerous people were constantly tinkering with. Anyway, I got to be somewhat proficient with Final Cut Pro, and the urge to jump back into that has been nagging me ever since then.

Besides, I need a new computer anyway. Still running Windows 98 on an old Emachines PC here, which I suppose still serves me well enough for internet and general MS Officie functions. But I'm at the point where I want to do more. I know this computer (533 MHz, 128 kB) isn't going to be able to handle the multimedia applications I'd like to get into (video and audio editing).

So I suppose my question is, what are the minimum (or for that matter, the preferred) specs I'm going to want to look for in choosing a Mac that's going to provide me with enough horsepower to get me through every stage of the AMV-making process? Mind you, I plan on doing other video stuff too -- not just AMVs. But it's all the same in the end, I suppose.

I've checked around the 'org looking for a guide on this particular topic (did find the very helpful guide on using imovie, though that's not really what I'm looking for now) but didn't see anything. If this topic has been exhaustively covered elsewhere, then shoot me a link? Otherwise, any help would be appreciated. This is a hobby I've been waiting a long time to start but it's still a big commitment. I want to make smart choices, and I figured hey, where else to look for help?

obh04 · Post by **obh04** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:54 pm

I just got a new iMac G5 a few months ago, and I love it. I have done some editing on it and it is handling just fine. I have the 20 inch widescreen with 160 GB drive, and 512 MB DDR RAM. I also got Final Cut Express 2.
But, what I have is fine, it has done everything I wanted it to do.
If you want to do more then just AMV I would suggest the 250GB drive, and at least 1 GB of RAM.

Or

You can just pay more and, have enough housepower for everything, get the G5 Power Mac.

I hope I have helped you some.

http://www.apple.com/store/

Kalium · Post by **Kalium** » Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:56 pm

I have only one thing to say: if you can, try to get an educational discount. Through a friend, if you have to.

milatchi · Post by **milatchi** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 6:21 pm

New G4 Mac starting at $499

Kalium · Post by **Kalium** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:22 pm

milatchi wrote:New G4 Mac starting at $499

Yes, with the cheap one having 256 meg RAM and 40 gig HD.

Great for editing without AVS.

Honestly, as shiny as the Mac Mini is, it's not exactly suited to our purposes here.

milatchi · Post by **milatchi** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:40 pm

Yes, we all know that the PC2700 RAM and ATA Hard Disk in that Mac can't be upgraded. 256MB of RAM and a 40GB Hard Disk FOREVER!

Not to mention that worthless Firewire port on the back. It's not like you could hook a Dazzle or Formac Analog to DV converter to it for capture. Let alone an external Hard Disk for more storage if you didn't want to replace the internal one.

Let's not forget about those two USB 2.0 ports on the back. Who uses USB anyway? No company would ever make a USB 2.0 compatible Hard Disk or capture device, it's just crazy to think so.

DVI, what is that? Even though it comes with a VGA adapter and has an available Composite/S-Video adapter. I think I'll stick with my good old VGA. I don't want any company trying to put a higher quality ouput on my machine.

Kalium · Post by **Kalium** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:55 pm

Sure... Except that you have to pay out the nose for more RAM. Total of $900-something for a full gig of RAM.

milatchi · Post by **milatchi** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:06 pm

Last time I checked Apple uses Samsung RAM. Same kind I bought for my Mac from Computer Builders Warehouse.

Although you are right. If you get it from Apple and get them to install it before they send it, they make you pay out the nose.

Kalium · Post by **Kalium** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:38 pm

The small HS space kills it as an editimg station. Not to mention that if you want to install the RAM yourself yourself you kill the warranty - and these may well use different RAM.

milatchi · Post by **milatchi** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:03 am

Kalium wrote:if you want to install the RAM yourself you kill the warranty

Just like any other computer purchased with warranty.

Kalium wrote:these may well use different RAM.

PC2700 (333MHz) DDR SRAM [Up to 1 GB]