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Help from the computer savvy?
I don't really like the word savvy. But anyway, I'm trying to get a new laptop for school and don't really know much about computers but know what I want to be able to do with one. I'm not really interested in gaming, but I watch a lot of films and I'm hoping it will replace my need for a TV. I also do video and music editing, and I tend to be a multi-tasker. Basically, I'm looking at the customization options on Dell, and don't really know how important certain upgrades are for what I'm looking for. Also, I'd like to keep the computer around or under $2000, and it needs to last me the next four years...
They list the Intel Core Duo Processors in 1.66 GHz all the way up to 2.16. How important is processor speed. I can't go up to 2.16 as it's way too big of a jump in money, but is it worth it to go to 1.83 or 2? Next, how important is memory? Do I need 2 gigs for what I want to do, or is 1 gig fine? Video and sound cards? I don't really know where to start on these...what would be ideal for what I want to do? Anything else I should be aware of? I tried looking on google for all this stuff, but most of the information was really outdated. Is there something better than Dell...or rather cheaper? I've noticed some people on here that seem to have an interest in that sort of thing and wondered if anybody could help, as I don't know anybody else who could. It's frustrating trying to buy computers as the technology changes so fast. I really appreciate your help. |
Get an Imac I heard those are good, for editind and recording.
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i think the pc all the way to left has your name on it!
http://alienware.com/product_pages/n...l_default.aspx |
Oh yeah I forgot alienware they are good too.
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Well if you do a lot of Audio and Visual editing, a sound and video card would be pretty ideal.
I think a 2 Ghz Processor should do pretty well. If you are a multi tasker you'll need a good amount of RAM. 1 gig at the least. |
Memory will enable to do the things you do on your computer faster. The cpu and video card are also important if you want to do video and audio editing. Basically all 3 of these things are essential, but most of all the memory, then the cpu, in that order. But if you buy a branded comp. they'll try to bum you off memory by giving you a faster cpu. That's ok, as long as you upgrade your memory after the fact. Or, alternatively, just get one of these:
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Well I don't know a whole lot about computers, but if you're doing a lot of video editting, especially doing multiple projects at a time, HD space is crucial. I'd suggest reserving around $100-$300 for an external HD if you don't have one already and not even bother trying to match the built in one for that purpose. It could take up potentially hundreds gigs of space.
Gaming is really the number one aspect that makes computers "out-of-date" so quickly. Most other stuff is relatively easy to run even on computers that are considered old. $2000 should get you plenty. |
All the things you gotta look out for can give you a headache.
If you don't know much about computers, then I would take Alyasa's advice and go for a g4 macbook or the pro version. It's got everything you need. Good video/sound card with imovie for video editing and I think also garage band for music. You can internet, watch tv etc. You will not regret it. Believe me. |
Thanks to everyone who responded-
I probably should have said that although I have a major interest in video and music editing, the main use of the computer will still be for writing and papers and everyday use and such. I've used PCs all my life, and I'm not sure how I'd feel about getting a Mac. As much as I dislike Microsoft, I've gotten used to all of the office programs, and several of my other programs only run on PC. It seems that Macs are very expensive as well for what you get--the default is only 512 memory with a small hard drive, and the 17" starts out way beyond $2000. I was considering getting the bigger screen since it will be replacing a TV, but it seems to be a big jump in price just about anywhere. I've also had the impression that Macs are great if you only want to focus on video editing, but that they aren't very good for versatility or multi-tasking? Also, about external hard drives, are they much slower than a normal one? |
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agreed. |
WARNING WARNING WARNING: ALIENWARE SUCKS.
i didn't know this before. but they make all their money in first sales-- they have zero customer returns. they build impossible machines that burn out & melt components. hot-rodding with crappy customer support = death. there are plenty of horror stories. even though i think they are were are are going to be bought by dell. not sure on the status. also, i advice strongly against consumer laptops. business class is the only option if you want durability, reliability, and a lid that won't break in 3 months. i love ibm thinkpads (now lenovo), they are the sturdiest most reliable machines out there. video performance however is a bit below par. so let me recommend: get yourself a dell precision m65 if you are into video editing; goes for something like $1600 and it includes a $400 discount coupon on adobe studio standard (premiere pro, adobe audition, and other great goodies). trust me i know my shit. this machine is perfect for what you need. also: video editing will require external storage on a laptop, so forget paying $400 for an extra 20gb... instead, learn about building external storage with enclosures for internal drives. or buy yourself an external storage drive or array of drives when the time comes. but that you can do later. |
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interesting i needs to buy a laptop myself soon and was gonna start a thread on this very subject. i was thinking of a mac. |
IBM
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They are not slower if you have one connected through firewire (IEEE 1394). That's only really needed when you work with heavy file tranfers like film. I use Lacie external hd's and I find them the best. Very stable and your files won't easily be corrupted. You can get them with up to 2GB storage capacity, but are quite expensive. They can be used on macs, pc's and linux. for more info check: http://www.lacie.com |
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i think you mean 2TB (terabytes?). |
I have a Compaq Desktop and Laptop. I got them used and rebuild them for about $400 a piece which is not bad considering that the desktop was about $1600 to begin with and the laptop was $2200.
I highly reccomend getting an IBM, though. ESPECIALLY if your master has anything to do with computers. Are you going to be using Windows or Linux? |
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Yep. Sorry my mistake. Just smoked a jay and i'm a little slow tonight. How ya doing by the way !@#$%!? |
yo hayden, IBM is the best generally speaking, but for video editing you need better graphics, the m65 is the current sweet spot in price/performance for video heavy apps on laptops, and has a quadro video card. not too shabby. and yes it's a dell but it's a business class dell which means it's a lot better than the crap they sell to suckers at best buy.
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Haha. I was thinking the same thing. They make 2GB jump drives.
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you lucky bastard. in holland. no paranoias... |
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Ahh. Didn't even bother to read his entire post. Hence the 'especially if your master...' A decent Dell? That is a surprise to me. I am going to be getting an IBM this fall when I start taking computer classes at the college. What kind of computer do you have? |
my workaday laptop is an ibm x30 which is waiting to be replaced by either a T60 or an x60-- or an m65 if i have to. it all depends on various factors including location of the video editing tower (see description below).
i also have a self-built p4 on an intel 765 chipset (asus board) and about a terabyte of storage in various raid/non-raid configurations, all inside a lian-li all-aluminum full-tower. this one is the video editing/ video encoding machine, configured to run avid, which is a bitch with hardware. and then some other stuff in the junk room-- a transmogrified p3, a bondi green imac, hm, and half of a compaq p-1 (200mhz) laptop... and boxes and boxes of parts. some of those used to hang on the walls of my old bathroom. notice:  |
!@#$%!, thanks for your help, I just had a few questions:
I was looking at the Dell M65, and it seems like it comes with the good video card, but not too much else. The $1700 one comes with a 1.66 processor, a 15" screen, only 512 memory, no DVD burner, and a 60 GB hard drive. I guess I could get it up to a 1.83 processor, 1 GB of memory, and an 80 or maybe 100 GB hard drive for around my price range, but it feels like i'm getting a lot less. I'm sort of looking for what's most essential, how important is the 512 MB video card? Is the business class really that much better than the consumer line? The one I was looking at before was the Inspiron E1705, with the 17" screen, 1.66 processor, 2 GB memory, 100 GB hard drive, and then the video card is the 256 MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1400 HyperMemory. That's coming in at $1979, and then there's also the option of upgrading to the 256 NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GS for another $150 (is that worth it?). My major won't be involving computers I don't think, video editing is just an interest of mine, so it's not my complete priority. This is all very frustrating...it seems like these things are always just a little bit out of your price range. |
Business class Dells? Yes. They are much better than the consumer line. Mostly because they aren't loaded with useless applications and are built to not break down. Dell can make money from fixing consumer line computers. That's why they build them like shit.
If you are editing videos I would say a 512 MB video card is a MUST. |
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What a fabulous picture. So colorful! |
Word 'round the 'hood is that Rock, a UK company, builds high-end laptops with desktop capabilities. A computer geek friend of mine worships them; says they build fabulous laptops for gaming & video editing. They can be pricey depending upon the options you select, but he also says their customer service is unbeatable, which I personally consider a major factor in purchasing a computer.
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Two things you should absolutely avoid:
- 4200 rpm hard drives (they suck, it's so fucking slow I replaced mine with the new 7200RPM Hitachi 2"5 drive, which is unfortunately not yet integrated in laptops) - Nvidia Turbo Cache (TC) or ATI Hypermemory graphic cards as they don't have their own RAM memory As for your needs I'd recommend an Intel Core duo processor (around 1.8ghz), with 1gig of RAM, a 100gig 5400 RPM HDD and at least an ATI X1600 or a NVIDIA 7600 as a video card. Regarding Alienware they're purely for gamers and quite expensive in my opinion. |
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The 512MB are not worth the price in my opinion, A 256 MB card such as a X1800 or a 7900 is fine. |
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Yes it's worth it, the 7900GS is much more powerful than a Hypermemory X1400. |
the 512 mb card is not necessary unless you're into CAD and VERY graphics-heavy shit (3D animation etc). video editing per se does not require much as it's only 2D.
if video editing is NOT a priority i would recommend you get an IBM/Lenovo, as they are the most rock solid durable secure and unkillable little fuckers in the industry, besides the panasonic toughbook-- but thoughbooks are priced at a whole different level and you can't buy them i think unless you're into mining or volcano exploration. the x60 for portability, the t60 for performance why business class laptops you ask? because in laptops you're not just looking for performance, you're looking for portability and durability. a monster alienware with a toaster for a processor might do some tricks for a month or two until is craps out. similarly, a consumer laptop is nice but the battery will last you 40 minutes and if you carry them around much the lid will come apart the day after your warranty expires. guaranteed. it boils down to the chassis, the chassis, and the chassis. made of titanium. and then battery life. you can always build yourself a tower for cheap if you want a performance machine or really want to do video editing. video editing on a laptop is difficult, frustrating, and above all else, pricey. |
does anyone know what one dead pixel means on laptop screen? does it mean that the screen is dying?
i was gonna buy a laptop, fairly decent one but the uy says its got a dead pixel on it so would you? |
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doesn't mean much really as dead pixels are a standard kind of failure in many LCD screens-- when you get too many it is a problem. but it's one bad transistor out of millions so basically shit happens. but it's a good opportunity for you to ask for a discount. oh yes. |
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