Up until now I've mainly been running with my laptop for editing, but really looking hard at upgrading to a new computer dedicated strictly to editing video. In your opinion what's better, and why. Desktop vs. Laptop. I'm not switching to a MAC, so that's not even an option. Thanks!
Larger screen makes for easier viewing. Bigger keyboard is easier to type with when necessary. Dedicated would probably run faster also. I have a dedicated desk top computer dedicated to my weather station, runs 24 - 7. Others a lot more knowledgeable will probably chime in. I have a laptop that is only used for service manuals for Garden Tractors off CD's. Works much better then trying to read a manual on a tiny 2 X 3" screen on a phone.
Desktop with multiple monitors (I run 4), solid state drives, super graphics card, a ton of RAM, and a good processor.
This is going to depend on quite a few factors. What are you shooting with to verify the file format of your footage and what program are you going to be utilizing to edit your video footage. After you determine that I would then proceed with building your editing computer to meet your needs. By building your own computer you can have it tuned for the software that you are running. SSD (solid slate drives are good for running your software, However I would recommend running and internal RAID 0 if you have a back-up storage or RAID 10 if you do not. A good amount of ram and good processor are all needed as well as a high end video card w/ 1-2 GB or ram. The problem with editing computers now days is that they are only as good as the weakest component. So they all need to work together in order to make a efficient machine. So you can have a really high end processor but it my be limited by your video card or ram, or mother board, or it may over heat if you don't have a good case/or processor cooler. Main thing first though is to pick software and determine the file type your are going to be editing and you can build it off of that. I personally edit with Sony Vegas Pro because it easily handles AVCHD files where as the Adobe Premiere systems do not. Dual monitors is nice to have as it allows my work flow to be more efficient. Lastly and maybe one of the most important things is BUDGET. This will greatly affect what you can get. Tyler Adsit Crimson Fletch Outdoors ------------------ Watch Videos & Subscribe @ Crimson Fletch Outdoors
You get more bang for you buck w. a desktop type PC. A laptop is much more convenient because it's portable and you can work from anywhere. I good quality laptop that will work for editing can cost upwards of $2000 or more. You can get into a custom PC for close to half of that price. I have both and use the laptop much more frequently. Having multiple monitors can be achieved with either option. Some codecs are much more processor intensive to edit, so you will have to understand what you are editing. Some software takes more processor power as well. Lots of variables.
Depends if you'll ever need to edit anywhere other than home. You can always run external monitors off a aptly equipped laptop when you're home, then you can still edit on the go. Otherwise, as others have said, you'll get more bang for your buck with a desktop.
Built desktop user here. Best bang for the buck is an understatement really...Best explosion for your buck is more like it LOL I already may upgrade it further and still be at a fraction of a capable laptop option.
