My current system couldn't handle exporting the video I've been working on for several months. First, here are the specs:
- 1 Ghz PowerPC G4
- 1.25 GB RAM
- 133MHz system bus
The project was edited in FCP 4.5, was 55 minutes long, and had lots of effects. The export (Uncompressed NTSC 8 bit 48khz) took 39 hours, and when it was finished, not only did the audio drop out in several places, but upon compression to MPEG-2, there were "streaks" across the video. The DVD authoring house said that the FSB on my laptop was probably too slow for such a huge export (66GB) and the file was therefore compromised. They suggested that I get a new computer for my next project. And they suggested I get something along the lines of their G5 Quad.
Before I get in to the computer options, I need to ask: Does their assessment of the failed export make sense? The sales guy (not "genius") at the Apple Store seemed to think that it wouldn't have to do with the FSB speed as much as the processor speed itself. Regardless of the reason though, I obviously need a faster computer. The question is, how fast?
So, on to my choices. Immediately, we can cancel the G5 off the list, because I want to get on the new processor as all of the new programs will be optimized for that. (I just got FCP Studio and am anxious to see the difference.) My dilemma mainly lies in the fact that I much prefer a laptop, because I use my computer in the office for graphic design, and then edit at home. I also travel. But is the new Mac Book Pro (2.33 Ghz) as fast as I need it to be? I need to know if it is comparable to the G5 Quad, because that's the yardstick I was given as an example. Moreover, I need to know if I am to compare procesor speeds, FSB speeds, or both. In the end, if it doesn't end up being fast enough, I will have to get a bottom-of-the-line refurbished Mac Pro for editing, and keep my laptop at the office. The biggest problem therein being that the Mac Pro is more expensive out the gate, and I was going to use the money from the sale of my PowerBook to fund the cheaper Mac Book Pro purchase. In the end, even though it is tight, I can't let the money be the determining factor. I need a machine that can get the job done. Your feedback and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
- 1 Ghz PowerPC G4
- 1.25 GB RAM
- 133MHz system bus
The project was edited in FCP 4.5, was 55 minutes long, and had lots of effects. The export (Uncompressed NTSC 8 bit 48khz) took 39 hours, and when it was finished, not only did the audio drop out in several places, but upon compression to MPEG-2, there were "streaks" across the video. The DVD authoring house said that the FSB on my laptop was probably too slow for such a huge export (66GB) and the file was therefore compromised. They suggested that I get a new computer for my next project. And they suggested I get something along the lines of their G5 Quad.
Before I get in to the computer options, I need to ask: Does their assessment of the failed export make sense? The sales guy (not "genius") at the Apple Store seemed to think that it wouldn't have to do with the FSB speed as much as the processor speed itself. Regardless of the reason though, I obviously need a faster computer. The question is, how fast?
So, on to my choices. Immediately, we can cancel the G5 off the list, because I want to get on the new processor as all of the new programs will be optimized for that. (I just got FCP Studio and am anxious to see the difference.) My dilemma mainly lies in the fact that I much prefer a laptop, because I use my computer in the office for graphic design, and then edit at home. I also travel. But is the new Mac Book Pro (2.33 Ghz) as fast as I need it to be? I need to know if it is comparable to the G5 Quad, because that's the yardstick I was given as an example. Moreover, I need to know if I am to compare procesor speeds, FSB speeds, or both. In the end, if it doesn't end up being fast enough, I will have to get a bottom-of-the-line refurbished Mac Pro for editing, and keep my laptop at the office. The biggest problem therein being that the Mac Pro is more expensive out the gate, and I was going to use the money from the sale of my PowerBook to fund the cheaper Mac Book Pro purchase. In the end, even though it is tight, I can't let the money be the determining factor. I need a machine that can get the job done. Your feedback and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
