A Few Basic Avid Questions

P

pud

Member
I've decided to go with Avid rather than FCP.

I understand the concepts of editing, but not much about computers
or editing on them.

I was hoping to get an off the rack computer around or under $2000,
a copy of xpress pro (edu), download the cd into the computer, take a
class and start editing.

Is that wishful thinking?

Has anyone had luck running Avid xpress on an out of the box computer
set up?

A notebook seems convienent, since you can carry your work with you.
Can you do serious editing on a laptop alone?

What would be the advantages of a desktop over a laptop?

And lastly, What is a dongle?!
 
I have Avid and have been using it for a long time now. Wishful thinking? Not really but keep in mind that Avid is very picky about which hardware you have. Very picky. You can run it with an out of the box computer but what is usually best is to either customize your own system, that way you can put in the parts that you know will work with Avid, or you can buy an Avid approved system from a seller. That'll usually cost you more than 2 grand. The system you'll have for under 2000 will be satisfactory but not great.

I personally built my own computer which I found both frustrating and very satisfying when I finally got it to work and it ran for years without major problems. I only use it for editing and graphics and not for internet. Avid systems like to be left alone to do what they were meant for...editing. Like I said, Avid is very picky.

A notebook to me is a waste of money for Avid mainly because you are limited on how much you can upgrade. It'll only be worth it if you find yourself having to edit in the field all the time, which I don't understand who would really want to do that.

The advantage I've had with my desktop is constantly being able to upgrade. Can't tell you how important that is.

To answer your question about what is a dongle, it is a small piece of hardware (a key) that goes into your usb port that allows you to run your software. Without it you cannot run it. This keeps people from installing and using the software on multiple computers at one time.

Oh one more thing. You said you understand concepts of editing but not much about computers. My advice....learn. Why? Because you'll need a good knowledge of computers to trouble shoot.
 
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Just for a slightly different take:

I'd say that 75% of all the editing that I do is done on a laptop. My trusty 17 inch Powerbook G4 Mac. Draven4 is right that you lose upgradability, but is mobility is more imporant to you, then it's certainly possible to use a laptop for continuous, serious Avid use.

If you're a PC guy, then there are a handful of approved laptops that will have you cutting anything you can throw at Avid. My G4 choakes on 1080 60i stuff, so I'm waiting for Avid to release a Universal Binary so I can jump to a Macbook Pro and get back in the game, so to speak.
 
I agree with Krestofre. Most of my editing is done on my Windows Laptop with Avid. It usually works great. I think the only thing that would need upgrading is the hard drive, given that you get a laptop with a good amount of speed. I, myself, bought an external hard drive to take with me, which works great. Anyway, have fun editing Pud.
 
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