I’m looking for a computer for professional film editing use with a budget of $2,000 max (including some software and repair plan). I’m posting on this forum for feedback/suggestions and have also listed general technical questions (underlined below) I would greatly appreciate help with. At the bottom, I have a couple models I’m looking at if I go laptop (one PC, one Mac), but feel free to suggest others. Let me know what you think in general, especially whether I’m overthinking or overlooking something.
I want to (continue to) break into the film industry with this machine, so I’m looking for an optimal “freelance” machine to build my profile (and possibly even a business) with. The normal route to become an editor (and my plan) seems to be: make money taking lot of freelance assistant/editing assignments (TV, music vid, corporate, maybe film) while building strong connections with promising filmmakers. That’s what I want to use this computer for.
I am leaning toward a laptop for portability and affordability. Going with a desktop, however, would create an office environment, and allow for a more powerful system. Mac desktops start at $2500 without monitor, but have Quad Core processors, while a MacBook Pro would be $1450 with a Dual Core processor. I’m not sure about PC desktop prices, but I’m kind of ruling out desktops due to their non-portability and cost (even though, when I think about it, a PC desktop may be the best option for a pro Avid editor).
Do prod companies often want you to bring in laptop? Is having a portable option important for gigs? I know others freelance at home - is it smarter/more common for Editors to have desktops or laptops? As stated, I was thinking laptop but I’m not sure how many assignments I’ll get that don’t involve using companies’ equipment for now - I think I’ll be relegated to Night Assistant Editor for a bit, but hope to use this for simultaneous side work.
Does anyone have a sense whether more production places use Mac or PC hardware, and whether more use FCP 7 (is this even possible to get anymore?), FCP X, Premiere/AE, or Avid software? It seems like PC/Avid is the norm in pro environments, I saw it used at two reality TV companies and a large sports network. But on a TV prod company’s corporate project (YouTube vids for a WSJ project) freelancers brought in their MacBooks to use FCP 7 (in Spring 2013).
I’m not set on PC or Mac, but definitely want to use Avid on that machine I get. I’ve heard that Macs are bad with Avid and experienced it in versions 6 and 6.5. Have others experienced or heard this? If so, do you think Macs will work well with Avid soon?
The non-video software I want is Office - which is $119 on PC (a year?), and $139 on Mac - and GarageBand. I know GB/iLife comes with Macs, and that PCs don’t have GB. But since I have working GB files, If I went PC is there a program that can import/convert GB files (i.e. Pro Tools)? I mention Pro Tools in hopes that it is cheap or included when purchasing Avid. Is that correct?
The main thing I’m basing the decision on are specs and how well the machine will perform with video. Memory/RAM was going to be my first priority since I thought it determines application speed, that it is important before export, and affects speed of editing/operating programs. Is this the case? Or , as I just read, does, RAM only affect speed of using multiple apps at once? Is upgrading RAM equally easy on Mac and PC? The models I’ve been looking at have 4 or 8 GB of RAM, but you need 8 or 16 GB for smooth editing, correct?
The second priority is the processor, since I’ve been told it determines export speed. Do you know what a good speed is? How many cores do I need? Do you have any PC or Mac processor brand suggestions? I’ve been looking at a “AMD A Series A6-4400M / 2.7 GHz (3.2 Turbo Boost) (Dual Core)” for PC and “Intel Core i7 / 2.9 GHz (3.6 GHz Turbo Boost) (Dual Core).” Are those good? I’ve been told it’s difficult to upgrade a Processor on a PC. Is that true? Can you only upgrade before purchase, as is the case on Macs? It is even harder to up upgrade a Processor on a Mac? There’s no way to upgrade after a Mac’s processor once you have the machine, right?
After this, I have been focusing on the computer’s Hard Disk Drive’s Space, Speed, and Format. I have been told to use 7200 RPM HDD’s, but the MacBook Pro I’m looking at only has a 5400 RPM drive. Is that enough? What exactly does the Speed/RPM spec affect - Editing Speed or File Transfer Speed? I know SSD Drives (offered on Macs) open files quicker and are supposedly more stable (though just as difficult to recover as HDDs). But they seem expensive to the point of pointlessness. The HDDs on the machines i’m looking at are both 500GB. That seems fine - I will just be using external HDDs to complement. Fat 32 is the worst format for HDDs - least file size versatility, and most limit for transfers, correct? Unfortunately, there aren’t internal HDD formats labeled on the models’ I’m looking at (Lenovo and Mac) - but those would be just Mac / NTFS formatted, correct? They would have no size limits for file transfers, correct? Also, does OS in general factor into computer speed? Are file transfers generally faster on Macs than PCs (just by virtue of OS, all specs being equal)? And has anyone heard that editing in general is faster on either a PC or Mac?
Another factor I’m considering is the Graphics Card. First, I will have to make sure it’s compatible with Avid (and probably After Effects/whatever other software I get), correct? Beyond that, what is the key spec for the card - Core Speed (MHz) or Actual Speed (GB)? Is the card actually important for editing, what does this really affect? I was told I shouldn’t notice difference b/w smaller/slower GFX card when working with up to 1080p footage (which I plan on being the highest res I work with). I should notice slowing/problems operating a smaller card when working with 4K and up resolutions, according to a Mac rep. What would qualify as a smaller/slower GFX card? When starting to research cards, I found extremely in depth performance reviews. Are these worth looking at? How is the ease of Upgrade? I’ve heard on a Mac it is difficult and possibly impossible. Is that the case? What about for a PC? According to that Mac rep their 15” MacBook (which, since talking with him, has been removed from the Apple site) has a “dedicated” 512 MB GFX card. What did he mean by “dedicated?” I was also told the Retinas also have a better Graphics Card, at 1 GB. What does the 1GB refer to? And I don’t see the GB/speed of the GFX cards listed when shopping online - is there a way to find this easily? Should I look for certain models/specs in my GFX card? How are the cards I’m looking at: A6MD Radeon HD 7520G (PC) and the Intel HD 4000 (which I think is on a Mac - it doesn’t exactly say)?
Then I’m also looking at the computer Monitor/Display. In terms of size, do you think 13” is adequate? It seems like the biggest you can get for a MacBook Pro currently. I was told about the new Retina machines (for Macs) that have better res, at “2800.” What does that refer to? Is it actually a big difference? The other computers’ resolutions are 1080, correct? I was also told to look at “refresh speed” - does anyone know if this is key, what spec to look for, and what a good range for the spec would be?
Is a 64 bit Operating System needed for most programs? Are most modern computers 64 bit? I have not seen that spec listed. I was told all Macs are 64 bit and can access 32 GB of RAM. Is this true? Can someone break down what that actually means?
The last thing I want to make sure of, spec-wise, is that basically all specs are compatible, and work/perform well with Avid/CS7 (at least AE)/FCP X (maybe)/FCP 7 (maybe). Do you have suggestions for how to go about this?
Other features I’m looking for in the machine are a CD/DVD Drive/Burner. I will not find a new Mac model with CD/DVD drive built in, correct? If so, how much are external CD/DVD drives? They’re annoyingly bulky, no? In terms of ports, all Macs come with Thunderbolt no, right? I heard TB is 25x faster than Firewire, but only on SSD drives. Is that correct? Does anyone know how much faster they are on HDDs? They would require FW > TB cables if you have External HDDs that only have FW/USB 2.0, correct? What ports do PCs typically have? Are there any drawbacks to that setup?
Other concerns of mine are Maintenance/Care/Repairs. I’ve heard PCs have way more tech issues than Macs, is this the case? Are viruses still a big issue with PCs? No matter what I go with, I should get a plan, correct? AppleCare is $240. If I go PC, I could get it at Best Buy and purchase Geek Squad service for I’m assuming a comprable price. Are there other options for a PC service plan? Also, I want to make sure the computer will have a long projected life length. None of the following/discussed machines are going to be obsolete quickly, correct? My previous MacBook was on ‘borrowed time and its last legs’ within 4 years according to ‘Genius,’ even if I had installed OS upgrade (it ended up breaking and HDD was unrecoverable due to blow). This should last at least 6 years, correct?
Possible Models:
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E530 3260 (Lenovo is formerly IBM, was Best Buy brand suggestion, ranked #2 Laptop brand)
-Processor: AMD A Series A6-4400M / 2.7 GHz (3.2 Turbo Boost) (Dual Core)
-Graphics card: A6MD Radeon HD 7520G
-“Mid-range Trinity APU”
-97 - 686 MHz Core Speed
-Memory/RAM: 4 GB
-Drive: 500 GB Serial ATA 300, 7200 RPM
-Display: 15.6”
-Price: $650
Apple MacBook Pro 13” (Apple is ranked #1 Laptop brand)
-Processor: Intel Core i7 / 2.9 GHz (3.6 GHz Turbo Boost) (Dual Core)
-Graphics card: Intel HD 4000 (This is correct?)
-Is this a “Dedicated” gfx card? What does a “Dedicated gfx card” mean?
Is it important to have? How do you know? When would gfx card be
shared/not dedicated?
-“On level above the AMD processor graphics Radeon HD 6620G. Casual
gamers that wont mind reducing the quality settings in high end games,
may be happy with the performance”
-350 - 1350 MHz Core Speed
-Intel HD Graphics 5000 (GT3) card
-Best Buy claimed Lenovo had this
-“Highest config of integrated gfx unit, 50% faster than Intel
HD 4000,” 200 - 1100 MHz Core Speed
-Memory/RAM: 8GB
-Drive: 500 GB Serial ATA, 5400 RPM
-Display: 13”
-Price: $1450
I want to (continue to) break into the film industry with this machine, so I’m looking for an optimal “freelance” machine to build my profile (and possibly even a business) with. The normal route to become an editor (and my plan) seems to be: make money taking lot of freelance assistant/editing assignments (TV, music vid, corporate, maybe film) while building strong connections with promising filmmakers. That’s what I want to use this computer for.
I am leaning toward a laptop for portability and affordability. Going with a desktop, however, would create an office environment, and allow for a more powerful system. Mac desktops start at $2500 without monitor, but have Quad Core processors, while a MacBook Pro would be $1450 with a Dual Core processor. I’m not sure about PC desktop prices, but I’m kind of ruling out desktops due to their non-portability and cost (even though, when I think about it, a PC desktop may be the best option for a pro Avid editor).
Do prod companies often want you to bring in laptop? Is having a portable option important for gigs? I know others freelance at home - is it smarter/more common for Editors to have desktops or laptops? As stated, I was thinking laptop but I’m not sure how many assignments I’ll get that don’t involve using companies’ equipment for now - I think I’ll be relegated to Night Assistant Editor for a bit, but hope to use this for simultaneous side work.
Does anyone have a sense whether more production places use Mac or PC hardware, and whether more use FCP 7 (is this even possible to get anymore?), FCP X, Premiere/AE, or Avid software? It seems like PC/Avid is the norm in pro environments, I saw it used at two reality TV companies and a large sports network. But on a TV prod company’s corporate project (YouTube vids for a WSJ project) freelancers brought in their MacBooks to use FCP 7 (in Spring 2013).
I’m not set on PC or Mac, but definitely want to use Avid on that machine I get. I’ve heard that Macs are bad with Avid and experienced it in versions 6 and 6.5. Have others experienced or heard this? If so, do you think Macs will work well with Avid soon?
The non-video software I want is Office - which is $119 on PC (a year?), and $139 on Mac - and GarageBand. I know GB/iLife comes with Macs, and that PCs don’t have GB. But since I have working GB files, If I went PC is there a program that can import/convert GB files (i.e. Pro Tools)? I mention Pro Tools in hopes that it is cheap or included when purchasing Avid. Is that correct?
The main thing I’m basing the decision on are specs and how well the machine will perform with video. Memory/RAM was going to be my first priority since I thought it determines application speed, that it is important before export, and affects speed of editing/operating programs. Is this the case? Or , as I just read, does, RAM only affect speed of using multiple apps at once? Is upgrading RAM equally easy on Mac and PC? The models I’ve been looking at have 4 or 8 GB of RAM, but you need 8 or 16 GB for smooth editing, correct?
The second priority is the processor, since I’ve been told it determines export speed. Do you know what a good speed is? How many cores do I need? Do you have any PC or Mac processor brand suggestions? I’ve been looking at a “AMD A Series A6-4400M / 2.7 GHz (3.2 Turbo Boost) (Dual Core)” for PC and “Intel Core i7 / 2.9 GHz (3.6 GHz Turbo Boost) (Dual Core).” Are those good? I’ve been told it’s difficult to upgrade a Processor on a PC. Is that true? Can you only upgrade before purchase, as is the case on Macs? It is even harder to up upgrade a Processor on a Mac? There’s no way to upgrade after a Mac’s processor once you have the machine, right?
After this, I have been focusing on the computer’s Hard Disk Drive’s Space, Speed, and Format. I have been told to use 7200 RPM HDD’s, but the MacBook Pro I’m looking at only has a 5400 RPM drive. Is that enough? What exactly does the Speed/RPM spec affect - Editing Speed or File Transfer Speed? I know SSD Drives (offered on Macs) open files quicker and are supposedly more stable (though just as difficult to recover as HDDs). But they seem expensive to the point of pointlessness. The HDDs on the machines i’m looking at are both 500GB. That seems fine - I will just be using external HDDs to complement. Fat 32 is the worst format for HDDs - least file size versatility, and most limit for transfers, correct? Unfortunately, there aren’t internal HDD formats labeled on the models’ I’m looking at (Lenovo and Mac) - but those would be just Mac / NTFS formatted, correct? They would have no size limits for file transfers, correct? Also, does OS in general factor into computer speed? Are file transfers generally faster on Macs than PCs (just by virtue of OS, all specs being equal)? And has anyone heard that editing in general is faster on either a PC or Mac?
Another factor I’m considering is the Graphics Card. First, I will have to make sure it’s compatible with Avid (and probably After Effects/whatever other software I get), correct? Beyond that, what is the key spec for the card - Core Speed (MHz) or Actual Speed (GB)? Is the card actually important for editing, what does this really affect? I was told I shouldn’t notice difference b/w smaller/slower GFX card when working with up to 1080p footage (which I plan on being the highest res I work with). I should notice slowing/problems operating a smaller card when working with 4K and up resolutions, according to a Mac rep. What would qualify as a smaller/slower GFX card? When starting to research cards, I found extremely in depth performance reviews. Are these worth looking at? How is the ease of Upgrade? I’ve heard on a Mac it is difficult and possibly impossible. Is that the case? What about for a PC? According to that Mac rep their 15” MacBook (which, since talking with him, has been removed from the Apple site) has a “dedicated” 512 MB GFX card. What did he mean by “dedicated?” I was also told the Retinas also have a better Graphics Card, at 1 GB. What does the 1GB refer to? And I don’t see the GB/speed of the GFX cards listed when shopping online - is there a way to find this easily? Should I look for certain models/specs in my GFX card? How are the cards I’m looking at: A6MD Radeon HD 7520G (PC) and the Intel HD 4000 (which I think is on a Mac - it doesn’t exactly say)?
Then I’m also looking at the computer Monitor/Display. In terms of size, do you think 13” is adequate? It seems like the biggest you can get for a MacBook Pro currently. I was told about the new Retina machines (for Macs) that have better res, at “2800.” What does that refer to? Is it actually a big difference? The other computers’ resolutions are 1080, correct? I was also told to look at “refresh speed” - does anyone know if this is key, what spec to look for, and what a good range for the spec would be?
Is a 64 bit Operating System needed for most programs? Are most modern computers 64 bit? I have not seen that spec listed. I was told all Macs are 64 bit and can access 32 GB of RAM. Is this true? Can someone break down what that actually means?
The last thing I want to make sure of, spec-wise, is that basically all specs are compatible, and work/perform well with Avid/CS7 (at least AE)/FCP X (maybe)/FCP 7 (maybe). Do you have suggestions for how to go about this?
Other features I’m looking for in the machine are a CD/DVD Drive/Burner. I will not find a new Mac model with CD/DVD drive built in, correct? If so, how much are external CD/DVD drives? They’re annoyingly bulky, no? In terms of ports, all Macs come with Thunderbolt no, right? I heard TB is 25x faster than Firewire, but only on SSD drives. Is that correct? Does anyone know how much faster they are on HDDs? They would require FW > TB cables if you have External HDDs that only have FW/USB 2.0, correct? What ports do PCs typically have? Are there any drawbacks to that setup?
Other concerns of mine are Maintenance/Care/Repairs. I’ve heard PCs have way more tech issues than Macs, is this the case? Are viruses still a big issue with PCs? No matter what I go with, I should get a plan, correct? AppleCare is $240. If I go PC, I could get it at Best Buy and purchase Geek Squad service for I’m assuming a comprable price. Are there other options for a PC service plan? Also, I want to make sure the computer will have a long projected life length. None of the following/discussed machines are going to be obsolete quickly, correct? My previous MacBook was on ‘borrowed time and its last legs’ within 4 years according to ‘Genius,’ even if I had installed OS upgrade (it ended up breaking and HDD was unrecoverable due to blow). This should last at least 6 years, correct?
Possible Models:
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E530 3260 (Lenovo is formerly IBM, was Best Buy brand suggestion, ranked #2 Laptop brand)
-Processor: AMD A Series A6-4400M / 2.7 GHz (3.2 Turbo Boost) (Dual Core)
-Graphics card: A6MD Radeon HD 7520G
-“Mid-range Trinity APU”
-97 - 686 MHz Core Speed
-Memory/RAM: 4 GB
-Drive: 500 GB Serial ATA 300, 7200 RPM
-Display: 15.6”
-Price: $650
Apple MacBook Pro 13” (Apple is ranked #1 Laptop brand)
-Processor: Intel Core i7 / 2.9 GHz (3.6 GHz Turbo Boost) (Dual Core)
-Graphics card: Intel HD 4000 (This is correct?)
-Is this a “Dedicated” gfx card? What does a “Dedicated gfx card” mean?
Is it important to have? How do you know? When would gfx card be
shared/not dedicated?
-“On level above the AMD processor graphics Radeon HD 6620G. Casual
gamers that wont mind reducing the quality settings in high end games,
may be happy with the performance”
-350 - 1350 MHz Core Speed
-Intel HD Graphics 5000 (GT3) card
-Best Buy claimed Lenovo had this
-“Highest config of integrated gfx unit, 50% faster than Intel
HD 4000,” 200 - 1100 MHz Core Speed
-Memory/RAM: 8GB
-Drive: 500 GB Serial ATA, 5400 RPM
-Display: 13”
-Price: $1450
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