Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iBook vs. Powerbook for FCP3?

Pancake

Pancake

macrumors regular
Original poster
I'm will be going to University in London this fall and am trying to save up for a laptop, Apple ofcourse. I can probally get the money together for an iBook but hope to get enough for a Powerbook.

The most demanding program I use is FCP. My question is: How much of a performance difference will there be between a iBook and a Powerbook when it comes to FCP. And keep in mind I use FCP on a G4 400, which is so slow for rendering, that anything would be an improvement.
 
Re: iBook vs. Powerbook for FCP3?

Originally posted by Pancake
I'm will be going to University in London this fall and am trying to save up for a laptop, Apple ofcourse. I can probally get the money together for an iBook but hope to get enough for a Powerbook.

The most demanding program I use is FCP. My question is: How much of a performance difference will there be between a iBook and a Powerbook when it comes to FCP. And keep in mind I use FCP on a G4 400, which is so slow for rendering, that anything would be an improvement.
Click to expand...

The advantage to having a Powerbook for FCP 3 or 4 is that it can render most of the effects in real time. I suggest getting a 15" or 17" for the widescreen if you're going to be doing a lot of work in FCP. Widescreens are incredible in that program. I've used it with a Cinema display and the experience is so much better than with a standard screen.
 
Another thing is that the iBook is a G3, but the PowerBook is a G4, so that could make a difference in FCP, too.
 
Just changed up to the 17' AlBook from a 400 TiBook, and FCP 3 flies on it in comparison, if you're serious about yout DV work, get the PowerBook.
 
Originally posted by MacFan25
Another thing is that the iBook is a G3, but the PowerBook is a G4, so that could make a difference in FCP, too.
Click to expand...

The main difference being zero rendering time, as I said in my original post.

Another advantage of the 15" or above PowerBook is that it also has L3 cache, which will speed up apps like FCP.

Also, get a large external 7200RPM or better hard drive if you're going to be doing serious video work on a laptop.
 
you're comparing the ibook to the PB, so i assume you are talking about the 12" models....

well, i just wanted to make it clear, and i agree with everyone here, for various reasons. you need a 15" or 17" PB. the 12" PB is noticably better than the ibook, but not that much, when it comes to rendering huge things. (read: painful on ibook. slow on 12"pb)

wait for the 15" revision. you will be happy.
 
Thank You

Thanks everybody.

I was thinking a Powerbook was the way to go, just wanted some reasurrence.

I will definately wait for the 15" revision.

Now I just have to save $3000.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back