MBA 13"/ i5/ 128GB SSD/ 8GB RAM & Final Cut Pro X

Hey guys,

First of all this forum is adictive (not good for the wallet).

After a disappointing first order with a ***** store I placed yesterday the order for a new MBA 13"/ i5/ 128GB SSD/ 8GB RAM.

As I am doing monstly video edit (daily basis for 2-3 hours after work) the MBA will be replacing my current veryyyyy slow Asus Eee !


Now, I have seen on YT that the 2012 MBA works with FCP X, it just takes longer.

Now there were some threads about the MBA running hot when doing heavy stuff and I don't think there is anything heavier than video editing!

How will this effect my new MBA in the lngetivity and life expectancy?

Next summer I am planning to get a maxed our 27" iMac and the MBA will be used as second light machine for video edit and when going on vacation to be mobile.

What do you guys think? Anyone doing the same on his MBA?

Thanks!

DrumApple said:

I would have gone with the 256gb and i7 upgrades if you're doing heavy video editing. Higher SSD for video files that tend to take a lot of space, and the i7 because it's a notch more powerful than the i5. Not much, but will speed things up to the max on an MBA.

I'm sure the fans will kick in and it will get pretty hot. Macs run pretty warm, especially when pushing a machine to it's limit.

And for the record, there's plenty of heavier things than video editing.

Click to expand...

Yeah, 3D animation is heavier.

I didn't want to go for the maxed out MBA as I am planning on getting the maxed out iMac in summer.

In addition I read that the i7 runs hotter than the i5 which I didn't want. I will either way get iStatPro to monitor the temperature and the fan speeds just in case.

I believe I should be fine and the only effect will be that it will take longer to render the videos.

For more space I will add a SanDisk Cruizer Fit with 32GB for quick additional space.

The MBA will be kept as empty as possible to not slow down the machine by being to filled up. After the videos are imported, edited and uploaded all will be moved to external hard drivers for back up. Therefore I don't need a 256GB SSD (I would take it, but it's too expensive).

So, in general I guess I should be fine, the rendering will just take bit longer, right?

Thanks!

Are you working with full HD 1080p files?

Not SD card, flash memory USB drive, but the same thing. This would be only as last option if I run out of space when away while traveling!

But coming back to FXP X. How long does a 1 min. 1080p 30fps video render and export take on the MBA with the specs I have mentioned?

Thanks a lot!