g4 Powerbook spruce-up for HVX?

[Tony Torn]

Like many Mac users interested in interfacing with the HVX, I was waiting to see what the Intel-book announcement would bring, and like many of us (I'm assuming), I have decided to wait for a future machine with firewire 800 and, hopefully, a blue-ray burnable drive.

So, I'm stuck with a 1ghz 15" powerbook. I'm planning to put in a 7200rpm HD to make p2 cardbus capture speedy speedy speedy, (anyone, do we feel good about www.PowerBookResQ.com as a company? 100GB 7200 disc plus install plus enclosure for old drive at about $400)...and work in tandem with an 120 GB 7200rpm fw800/usb 2.0 On-The-Go Drive.

So I'm mainly talking about a workflow dependant on swapping out p2 cards rather than hitting a bottleneck with the fw400 into the laptop. But I like the idea of using theis p2 card tech for the unique way it was designed for use, rather than as just a transfer point for fw.

Big worry...if i'm moving to HD on my FCP5, 1ghz is the minimum stated speed for that level of use. That's rather nerve wracking. But am I a fool not to update the processer as well, even if I pump my memory to the maximum? Damn, this is getting expensive! (naturally, fool, it's apple!)

I'm not expecting to do any fancy editing on this system...just enough to create rough assembly in the field until i dump the footage into a high test big storeage desktop NLE.

this should work for now, I hope. or...will this cheap skate clown be cryin'?:embarasse

ps...I'm a director who was mucho impressed by the job the DVX did on a short film I did summer before last, and I'll be getting a HVX for myself late spring once the dust settles. I want a camera that can be integrated into a more professional work flow for higher budget projects, but can still make me a one man band for my more personal, experimental, no budget narrative projects. Like others here, I started with super 8, and am loving the idea of being choosy with what I shoot:engel017

I'm not a tech guy, so as one of those clueless 'artiste' types venturing out in the wild wild west of this forum, I've got my flame retardant suit on...evil: I've learned so much from the excellent discussions on this board, and don't want to remain in the shadows any longer.

TT:

 

[Hawkeye]

Hi Tony,
If I were you I'd try to get a hold of a new g4 17" with 7200rpm drive option and 2gig ram. The 17" will give you just that extra bit of space needed for the FCP layout. Also they've come down in price a bit now and their screens are supposedly higher res and brighter. Maybe you can pick up a bargain if you search around from a pro who is selling one to get the new intel MacProBook...
Definitely need the 7200rpm drive, also the graphics card and type of ram in your current powerbook may be less powerful than those in the latest powerbook.
I know the intels are coming and maybe the hvx won't come any sooner for you than the inevitable 17" intel Mac - a few months away probably. But if you're planning to use the HVX now or very soon, then the current Powerbook has the right card slot for P2, will have the driver to use P2, FCP is ready for it too, and it has the power and speed needed.... you may also get a very good deal if you shop around either new or maybe if you're lucky, just the right upgraded one that is only a couple months old but selling due to new intel/macs...
good luck

 

[tak1108]

I use my G4 1.67 every day for editing with final cut pro. It works like a charm. Mostly. i use a firewire 400 external disk and a firewire MOTU 828 for sound. When I need to edit with a client or need a lot of Timeline space (near the end when adding music and effects) I hook up an external 17" LCD display where I put everything but the audio meters and the main canvas window. Then I have 100% on the main screen.

i should just get an external monitor, but now with HD, I don't want to get JUST an NTSC model. Hey it's worked for several years this way, (renting a monitor for Color correction) so why stop now!