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Apple's new Mac Mini good for video editing?

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(@thefilmguy)
Posts: 8
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hello fellow filmmakers,?:)?

I'm new to the forums,and I'm also new to filmmaking. I'm sorry if this question is off topic (maybe it belongs in the POST-PRODUCTION forum),but has anyone tried using one of Apple's new Mac Mini computers to edit video? I'm planning on getting a new Panasonic GS400, and I didn't know for sure if the Mac Mini (thinking about the 1.42Ghz version, w/Superdrive and about a 1Gb of RAM.)I have an old 1Ghz 12" Aluminum Powerbook w/512Mb of RAM and 40GB HDD, but I'm going to bet that will be slower. I'll be using Imovie HD to edit, at first. I probably add an external HDD for editing since the Mac Mini only comes with an 80Gb drive, with no option to upgrade.?:(?

Also, has anyone used an internal or external DVD burner with HP's new Lightscribe technology? If so, what do think about it?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 
Posted : 10/03/2005 8:55 pm
(@certified-instigator)
Posts: 2951
Famed Member
 

It's cool here. A fair newbie question.

I haven't seen it in use, but it's more powerful than my 3 year old iMac G4 and I've done 6 features on it. I ALWAYS use an external drive - one for each project.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

 
Posted : 10/03/2005 9:04 pm
(@sigamy)
Posts: 18
Eminent Member
 

Are you planning to sell your Powerbook or keep it alongside the mini? I just ask because I really don't see the need to have both machines. They are pretty similar in specs. Don't get me wrong, you should see a decent increase in the 1.4ghz G4 in the mini, but this will only come into play when using effects and when encoding DVDs.

My advice would be to start out with your Powerbook and see if you hit a wall. Then look toward getting a G5, either iMac or PowerMac.

But to answer your question, the mini will handle all iLife apps very well and it will handle Photoshop and Final Cut after you bump the RAM. And definetly get an extenal HD. You don't want to be feeding DV into the drive that holds your OS and apps.

 
Posted : 11/03/2005 7:54 pm
(@sigamy)
Posts: 18
Eminent Member
 

And oh yeah, I have the GS400 and it is a great cam. Check out http://www.pana3ccduser.com for more on the cam.

 
Posted : 11/03/2005 7:56 pm
(@thefilmguy)
Posts: 8
Active Member
Topic starter
 

quote:


Originally posted by sigamy

Are you planning to sell your Powerbook or keep it alongside the mini? I just ask because I really don't see the need to have both machines. They are pretty similar in specs. Don't get me wrong, you should see a decent increase in the 1.4ghz G4 in the mini, but this will only come into play when using effects and when encoding DVDs.

My advice would be to start out with your Powerbook and see if you hit a wall. Then look toward getting a G5, either iMac or PowerMac.

But to answer your question, the mini will handle all iLife apps very well and it will handle Photoshop and Final Cut after you bump the RAM. And definetly get an extenal HD. You don't want to be feeding DV into the drive that holds your OS and apps.


Sigamy,

No I wasn't planning on sell my Powerbook, I've got to keep it around until the Applecare runs out anyway,?:)? and then I'll probably have it around until won't run Mac programs anymore, or the hardware (ie, hard drive, Superdrive, LCD) fails.?:(?, I was planning on maxing out the RAM on whatever new Mac I get, I really want a G5 PowerMac but will probably only be able to afford (right now anyway) an Imac G5 or the high end Mac Mini. You're right though I am going to get an external drive of some sort, cause reinstalling OS X is not something I find enjoyable. I've checked out http://www.pana3ccduser.com , seems to tell me everything I wanted to know, about all the 3ccd Panasonic cams out right now, all I'm waiting for is my tax refund to come in.

Have you seen the new external DVD burner w/ HP's "Lightscribe" technology from LaCie? I think it looks ?8D?, but I'm not sure if "Lightscribe" isn't just a passing consumer fad, or will the professional world take this technology seriously?

 
Posted : 14/03/2005 5:07 pm
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