Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

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I have been looking for this answer for two days. I have a new Dell Inspiron 8500, processor 2GHZ pen 4, 40 Gb storage, memory 256, here's the kicker, it has what they say is intergrated audio.
also a NVIDIA GEFORCE 4 4200 graphics card.
Can Vegas run on this thing, Can Avid, anything. The Dell folks were a joke. I can't find a straight answer, it meets requirments in almost all areas. Audio seems a problem. Please let me know what you think, or where I can find some more info. Avid folks on the Cow ignored my questions. I expected that.Thanks,
Dave
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

It is almost a sure thing.  In order to make it a sure thing, just download the Vegas software, without a serial number it runs in Demo mode with an expiration date.  If you decide you want to keep it, buy it and then type in the serial number later to set it into full legal mode.  Can't get better than that.

This integrated audio is probably stereo only.  In addition it may not have some functions that Vegas looks for, but all is not lost. There are USB external audio devices that should have the required functionality. If you decide you want to do 5.1 you can get a USB audio device that will do 5.1 sound.

For either USB solution you will need to disable the onboard audio by hitting F2 during boot up, this gets you into the CMOS settings where you turn it off.

Don't be too hard on the Dell guys, they can't possibly be familiar with all of the third party software out there.

Best regards,
ScreechingHalt Productions
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

Thank you, Thank you,
Where can I find the device (usb, audio). I did not think that was possible. You have made me happy.
Thanks again,
Dave
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

Dave, just remember that if you want to work with 5.1, you will need to get the Vegas + DVD package.  Or add it seperately, but it is smarter to get the package.

Zoomforce, how does the Soundblaster measure up to the other 5.1 solutions I have read about here, or the expensive Lynx boards (at $1000).

Best regards,
ScreechingHalt Productions
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

soundblaster is 24bit.. and super sensitive. They really outdid themselves. It is really all you need with vegas, since vegas uses Direct X to output its audio. Some picky people may be notice the fidelity differences working with content lower than 24bit but I dont think it's worth the $1000 difference. If you are looking for best audio i would omit the lynx and go for the Terratec card which is in the $300 range and sounds pretty close the the lynx. The lynx is nice because of its xlr's, but the wire tangle can get a little out of hand.
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

You guys are great!
I increased memory to 1gb and storage to 60gb. I using the NVIDIA GEFORCE 4 , 4200 for graphics. To be honest I'm not sure what that really means. Dell says it is top of the line. The audio should rock with your suggestions. Any way to add USB ports?
Peace,
Dave
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

Zoomforce: Thanks for the info. I may just stick with the Audigy for now. You are quite correct, this get's more expensive by the minute....

David: First, you can add a USB hub.
Second, you won't want to (I think). I read a review that talked about USB bandwidth problems (V1.1) especially when the CPU is under load. It causes glitches in the Exigy. They did not recommend using anything but a dedicated port.

If your machine has a FireWire port, you could also consider a FireWire based solution like the one I was looking at from MAudio.

Best regards,
ScreechingHalt Productions
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

David - Is that Inspiron 8500 a notebook? FWIW - I have Vegas on my 1.2 Ghz celeron notebook w/ 256 MB RAM and a 20 GB HD and it runs fine - slow but fine. (I also have a p-4 desktop system that I actually edit on in case you were wondering :o) In any event, you're probably gonna want to add an external hard drive since a 60 GB HD with the operating system on it is not the best way to go in general. USB 2.0 drives are fine. Don't know if you have firewire on that machine but some of us have had problems using external firewire drives with Vegas even when those drives work fine with other applications.
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

24paul,
It is a notebook and it has firewire. Why not 60gb harddrive? I have an external ACOM USB or Firewire 60 gb drive also.
I think I'll get the sound blaster, it will help me hear what I'm trying to edit.
Anyway, thanks for the information, I'm learning a lot and saving money,
Dave
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

"I think I'll get the sound blaster, it will help me hear what I'm trying to edit."

No, no it won't. Unless what you’re doing is stereo.
It doesn't support ASIO 2.0 so you can't hear the surround sound when you play it when editing. Only when you render it and play it as AC-3 will you hear the results.

Other than that the Dell 8500 is one of the best.
I've thought about getting it myself. :)

Kevin
Nerv Studios
 
Re: Dell Inspiron 8500 can I use Vegas?

Thanks Kevin,
I've changed my tune, no soundblaster. I'll try out the laptop sound first.
Peace,
Dave
 
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