Video Editing Laptop

[DKlein]

It's been a couple years since I kept up with the computer industry, so I have no clue what I'm doing now, especially since I'm new to laptop territory.

I need a laptop for video editing, simple as that. I prefer to make my own (I'm assuming you can do that with laptops - I've done it with a few PCs before). I already have XP/Office and Premiere, so it will be Windows-based (I don't think that matters anymore, though, right?).

Anyway, I've got $1500-2000 for the whole thing. I'd prefer to keep the cost low, as I don't want to spend all my money (it's an emergency thing).

What should I look for?

Thanks

 

[DKlein]

Well, after looking around for a bit, I came up with this:
HP V6000Z 15.4"
AMD X2 1.8MHz
512x2MB RAM
40GB SATA 5400
8x DVD R/RW
$850

plus a WD 120GB 5400RPM 8MB 2.5-in for editing - $105



Seems good maybe?

 

[cparker]

If you don't absolutely have to have a laptop you should consider building your own PC that's not a laptop. You will get much more bang for the buck, probably could do it for under $1000 and have a much more powerful, flexible machine for video editing. Check out the AT Guides on building low-end to mid-range PCs. If you absolutely have to have a laptop, I think you might try a search on this forum for "video editing". I kind of recall previous threads dealing with the topic. You will probably find it will cost you towards the high end of your range, if not more to go the laptop route.

 

[cheesehead]

For video editing, Apple's MacBook is a very nice choice. For $1100, you get portability, good battery life (4 hours!), and a C2D at 1.83 ghz - faster than the X2 by a good bit. Add an external hard drive of decent speed and upgrade to 2GB of RAM (trust me on this one), and for under $1500 you'll have a very nice machine indeed.

Also, if possible, see if you can get an educational discount - it drops the price $100.

 

[Boo Boo]

id go intel if you want a decent video editing laptop. run cooler and seem to be better bang for buck

 

[ilovecables]

Premiere is Windows only and I have used it on quite a few low spec machines and it runs fine. You can edit DV footage without having to go high end and spending big bucks. Get 2GB of ram as suggested and a core 2 duo and you should be sorted.

I personally am goning to get a macbook pro only because I want to try Final Cut Pro, a new OS and a single click mouse (only kidding).

 

[xfile]

Without having multiple hard drives you won't have an ideal setup for video editing.....I run 3 hard drives. One for the OS, one for the video capture/source file, one for the output.