FCS 2 + DVX100B....are there any current Macbooks/laptops still compatible?

Mark Marx

Mark Marx

Member
It always bugs me that the time between upgrades tends to lead to compatability issues...not everyone can buy everything at the same time, right?! I'd like to get a laptop that I can install FCP on (can I install it on 2 computers btw...it's currently installed on my G5!?).

Any help would be much appreciated.

:happy:
 
I have a chance to get a white Macbook with a Firewire 400 port.

It's a 13.3" Core 2 Duo 2,13 GHz, 2GB ram, 160 GB hd, running Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.

Will this be enough to run Final Cut Studio in SD (from my DVX100B)?

Any help MUCH appreciated!
 
Yes! That should be more than enough for SD.

ex. - I have a 1.67 ghz power pc G4 running tiger with 1gb ram. I cut 2 features shot with the dvx 100 on it and also dabbled with 720p HD. Worked no problem.

When at home doing editing if I was you - I'd use the laptop as a computer instead of a laptop. Meaning hook it up to a larger display and keyboard/mouse (if you happen to have them). Easier than dealing with the small screen all the time, save that for in the field or road.

***EDIT: Crap didn't think of this... if you have the power pc version of Final Cut Studio 2 you cannot switch over to an intel based machine, the program will no longer work. But... the upgrade for Final Cut Studio 3 is pretty damn cheap and comes with a lot of awesome features and programs, so switching over isn't that expensive.

And yes you can install it on more than one computer. Only thing that happens is if you are connected to the internet it won't let you open more than one. So if you had to use it on two systems at the same time disconnect or turn off wireless on the computer before opening the 2nd program.
 
Last edited:
Staven said:
Yes! That should be more than enough for SD.

ex. - I have a 1.67 ghz power pc G4 running tiger with 1gb ram. I cut 2 features shot with the dvx 100 on it and also dabbled with 720p HD. Worked no problem.

When at home doing editing if I was you - I'd use the laptop as a computer instead of a laptop. Meaning hook it up to a larger display and keyboard/mouse (if you happen to have them). Easier than dealing with the small screen all the time, save that for in the field or road.

***EDIT: Crap didn't think of this... if you have the power pc version of Final Cut Studio 2 you cannot switch over to an intel based machine, the program will no longer work. But... the upgrade for Final Cut Studio 3 is pretty damn cheap and comes with a lot of awesome features and programs, so switching over isn't that expensive.

And yes you can install it on more than one computer. Only thing that happens is if you are connected to the internet it won't let you open more than one. So if you had to use it on two systems at the same time disconnect or turn off wireless on the computer before opening the 2nd program.
Click to expand...

Thanks Staven,

I have what appears to be a "universal" version. The system requirements say either a PowerPC G5, Intel Core Duo, or Intel Xeon processor....

am I in luck?!
 
Mark Marx said:
Thanks Staven,

I have what appears to be a "universal" version. The system requirements say either a PowerPC G5, Intel Core Duo, or Intel Xeon processor....

am I in luck?!
Click to expand...

You should be.

If possible, why not ask if you can try installing your program on the computer to ensure you are buying it for what you hoped for. (like if you are buying it off a friend or someone who would find that a reasonable suggestion.)
 
the macbook will do great. i have a first generation one, and it has never let me down. I've even edited 3 hour HD projects on here with no problem...

Other than the fact exporting took about a day.

All in all its a great little travel machine. I wish I had a reason to get rid of it, but I just cant, it goes everywhere with me!

(not to mention having a firewire port is nice) I think some of the new apples dont have them.
 
I edited a 15min. piece for an internet tv show that was shot in 1080/24p on an HVX200 (DVCproHD) on a MacMini 1.66Ghz with 2gb of ram. It was slow, but it worked. SD on that same machine worked like a charm. Not sure if i'd have to patience to use that machine for the HD editing i'm doing now, but in a pinch, i'm sure it'd get the job done.

That MacBook you mentioned will be plenty fast for DVX100 editing, although, I'd recommend hooking up a 7200 rpm external hard drive and making sure all the FCP project files go on that for better performance.
 
Staven said:
You should be.

If possible, why not ask if you can try installing your program on the computer to ensure you are buying it for what you hoped for. (like if you are buying it off a friend or someone who would find that a reasonable suggestion.)
Click to expand...

Jay Rodriguez said:
i know staven already answered so i'll just jump in and agree, that macbook will be just fine...
Click to expand...

rafikiwilliams said:
the macbook will do great. i have a first generation one, and it has never let me down. I've even edited 3 hour HD projects on here with no problem...

Other than the fact exporting took about a day.

All in all its a great little travel machine. I wish I had a reason to get rid of it, but I just cant, it goes everywhere with me!

(not to mention having a firewire port is nice) I think some of the new apples dont have them.
Click to expand...

ShugPro Digital Studio said:
I edited a 15min. piece for an internet tv show that was shot in 1080/24p on an HVX200 (DVCproHD) on a MacMini 1.66Ghz with 2gb of ram. It was slow, but it worked. SD on that same machine worked like a charm. Not sure if i'd have to patience to use that machine for the HD editing i'm doing now, but in a pinch, i'm sure it'd get the job done.

That MacBook you mentioned will be plenty fast for DVX100 editing, although, I'd recommend hooking up a 7200 rpm external hard drive and making sure all the FCP project files go on that for better performance.
Click to expand...


Thanks for all your help... :dankk2:

I managed to get a brand new Macbook that still had a firewire port on it and although I haven't had a chance to test it, I've installed FCS....I'm too busy with a music project right now.

Maybe it's just Apple but there seems to be a constant wrestle to have all your gear compatible at the same time....GRR! Fingers crossed this should all work together now.
:thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top