iBook vs. Powerbook for FCP3?

[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.

 

[ibookin']

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.

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.

 

[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.

 

[WinterMute]

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.

 

[ibookin']

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.

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.

 

[melchior]

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.

 

[Pancake]

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.

 

[ibookin']

Re: Thank You

Originally posted by Pancake
No I just have to save $3000.

Ah, the only problem...