Okay. Here's the deal. I want to have a pretty good DV editing system. This is a future goal so I'm sure the software/hardware will be different but I just wanted to know what I should do.

I'm thinking of going MAC... I would probably spend no more than $2,000.00 on it (before tax). I want a desktop because the laptops are just far too expensive for what you get on a desktop and I do all my editing in the AC and privacy of my own room...

So software? What's the big deal? I'm going to be taught FCP 3.0 in school. Should I just stick with it? What does FCP 4.0+ offer?

I'm not an "experimental" filmmaker - meaning I don't overly use my editing software (filters/crazy transitions). I would try to use it for good "realistic" FX. I'm sure I'll do a little expimental work from time to time.

So what I need is input about computer and software

I would like a G5 with a 23'' HD screen and 150+ hard drive and 1G RAM, 2GHz processor. I don't know if I can get those. I guess I'll look it up at apple but if anyone has a system that is capable of holding footage for about 8-10 hours worth of raw footage and doesn't crash very often, let me know.

Also, this computer will ONLY be used for editing DV.

Wow! Over five grand for the system I want!
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/71908/wo/6WyAnTJ84UIj3mqWHYa1OWgpCNZ/1.0.7.1.0.5.3

- C. Davis
YELLOW HAMMER PRODUCTIONS

Sounds like you'd be perfectly happy not having the top of the line dual 2ghz mac. Maybe the mid one would work for you. Also, don't buy RAM or HDs from apple. You can get them cheaper elsewhere, just be careful what and where you buy. As for the HD plasma monitor, you don't need it and can't afford it. KDS has 19" monitors that sell for under $150. Flat screens 19" (which I run on my mac) for under $300. Plan on getting two. Check out www.pricewatch.com for monitor or HD prices.

If you have an old version of adobe premiere, you can send in your old disk and get final cut express for free. It is similar to FCP, just less bells and whistles. It sounds like, at least for a while, it should meet all your needs--for free. If you gotta buy, spend the $400 education price to get FCP 4 (you probably can't find FCP3 anymore, nore would you want to buy it). The interface is almost identical, but you have many more better time saving customizable options.

So, knowing you're going to go over your 2k budget (the cheapest computer alone is 1900 or so), get:
1.8 Ghz G5 about 2200 EDU
512 RAM chip (two would be better) $80/$160
80 GB additional HD $85--use this as your main drive and the 160GB as a media drive.
(2) 19" monitors $300
FC express- Free or FCP-$400

So, we're looking at just over 3 grand, with software. If you get the lower end computer(-300) and get FC express for free, your under 2500 (but don't have enough HD space or RAM, then). More than you wanted to spend? With any apple system, you will be able to easily edit on it for at least the next 5-7 years. Ask that of that of the other guys.

hope this helped.
cheers

yes, thanks.

- C. Davis
YELLOW HAMMER PRODUCTIONS

the HD display will cost you like $2000 in and of it's self

But the Mac will never crash on you. Get a new iMac with built-in Superdrive. Burn your own DVDs.

------------------------------
| To be is to do - Socrates |
| To do is to be - Jean-Paul Sartre |
| Do be do be do - Frank Sinatra |
------------------------------

i never said a mac was a bad investment........i plan to blow a ****load on one myself......i would have to win a cinema display in a contest or steal one though

Sweet jesus, those mac monitors are just to die for, eh?

"We'll be able to get all the things we ever dreamed of... front, and rear spoilers for the cars!"

yeah, i've got the 17 incher. i can't stand to use normal CRTs anymore. i just try not to think about how much it cost me.

"...where wings take dream..."
- G. W. Bush