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How Important is Video Ram?

Actually the iBook G4s DO have alti-vec (Velocity Engine). Check the iBook specs page.

Also, both the iBook and PowerBook 12" models can officially have up to 1.25 GB of RAM. They both have 256MB soldered on and a free slot which can accept 1GB chips.
 
johnnyjibbs said:
Actually the iBook G4s DO have alti-vec (Velocity Engine). Check the iBook specs page.

Also, both the iBook and PowerBook 12" models can officially have up to 1.25 GB of RAM. They both have 256MB soldered on and a free slot which can accept 1GB chips.
Click to expand...
Hmm. my bad, I checked the specs on an old site. sorry.

I edited my prev. post
 
Thanks Palad1 and Johnnyjibbs,

You two have given me great info! I will buy a 12" powerbook, or a G5 iMac....just have to decide between how portable I need to be....at least I can get an ext. monitor for the powerbook.....and really....if I just have to.....I can get an iMac in a knapsack and go.....just better work out my back.

Your comments have been very helpful!

GadgetGirl ......tired of the Micro$oft world!!
 
GadgetGirl said:
Thanks Palad1 and Johnnyjibbs,

You two have given me great info! I will buy a 12" powerbook, or a G5 iMac....just have to decide between how portable I need to be....at least I can get an ext. monitor for the powerbook.....and really....if I just have to.....I can get an iMac in a knapsack and go.....just better work out my back.

Your comments have been very helpful!

GadgetGirl ......tired of the Micro$oft world!!
Click to expand...
That's ok. The PowerBook 12" is a nice machine, although I'm afraid your guess is as good as mine when it comes to when they will be updated. Even though they are still better and more powerful than the iBooks, the iBooks are a lot cheaper at the moment for most of the specs. However, I think the PB would suit your needs better. Or of course the iMac if you can do without the portability.
 
blackfox said:
GadgetGirl, you might want to look at this link before deciding on your purchase:
http://www.barefeats.com/fcp4.html

Again, assuming you don't absolutely need portability, I still recommend a PM, preferrably dual.

Good luck regardless...
Click to expand...


Blackfox, thanks for the link, but I don't have dual processor power mac $$ and as an amateur film/video editor, am not ready to make such an investment. I can, however, go for a 12" Power Book or an iMac. No need to invest such a large amount with no realistic chance of getting a decent return on the investment, let alone breaking even. I am willing to deal with slower render times.

GadgetGirl....on a budget and tired of a Micro$oft World
 
Get the iMac G5

GadgetGirl said:
You two have given me great info! I will buy a 12" powerbook, or a G5 iMac....just have to decide between how portable I need to be....at least I can get an ext. monitor for the powerbook.....and really....if I just have to.....I can get an iMac in a knapsack and go.....just better work out my back.
Click to expand...

The iMac G5 will satisfy your needs for a long time. Remember that the HD on the laptops is almost 50% slower than the one in the iMac.

Another thing to keep in mind is that as more and more apps are optimised to take advantage of the G5's 64Bit computing capability, your computer will feel like it's been upgraded with these improved/optimised apps. The same apps will probably only make an insignificant inprovement on an iBook or PB because they use 32Bit G4's.

Either way, good luck 🙂
 
One more thing

One thing I don't remember reading in this thread is the possible need for a scratch drive. From all I've heard FC realy like to have a separate HD to write your working files to. Although maybe not needed immediatly it's something that you may want to plan on purchasing down the road?
 
fv_sound said:
One thing I don't remember reading in this thread is the possible need for a scratch drive. From all I've heard FC realy like to have a separate HD to write your working files to. Although maybe not needed immediatly it's something that you may want to plan on purchasing down the road?
Click to expand...


Thanks, that's good to know. I'm going for the iMac G5 because it's a G5. I know I could get an iBook and be ok, but why not just get the G5 for future flexibility. 😀

GadgetGirl
 
im a little late in this post, but i figured i would offer my 2¢...

i have a 12" powerbook, and it can do anything i need it to with now issues. its the newest 12" with a combo drive. here is what i added and for how much.

12" Powerbook $1399
1Gb RAM $199
LaCie 8x DVDr/rw $109
used 15" Samsung LCD $195

so for a little over $2000 you can have a really decent set up, and you can always add you own stuff later like external hard drives and things of that nature. i dont do a lot of video, but when i do, i have no problems at all. i mainly do design work with photoshop, illustrator and flash. occasionally i get into Digital Performer and other audio apps, but this set up is MORE than enough for my needs.

so i say, get the 12" powerbook, and later on add an external dvd burner and hard drive (firewire), the 1Gb of RAM, and an external monitor.
 
If you really think you'll be taking the computer somewhere, the iMac is the best choice, otherwise a refurbished dual 1.8 ($1700) is the best value and will give you real flexibility.

If you add a second monitor to the iMac, you can only do mirroring. Also for video work, a CRT is much better. You can get a nice 22" for $200 used.

If you really can't afford the $300 more (20%) for something over twice better, I'd rather get a refurb single 1.6 PowerMac + 22" CRT for $1500 than a 1.8 iMac.
 
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