A New PC

[bfisher]

We need to get some action on this forum so I'll as a question, being a new member.

I'm also new to video and finding it hard, frustrating, work intensive, but rewarding. One of my problems is that I am slowly working my way into doing HD and will have to get a new computer. Please don't say "Get a MAC". That isn't happening. Here's just one of a couple that has my interest.

Dell Inspiron
Windows Vista Premium w/ SP1
Intel Core 2 Quad 6600 processor
2GB of DDR2 800ram (can add more)
500G HD (7200rpm)
ATI radeon HD 2400 pro graphics
16X DVD +/- RW
19" wide screen flat panel monitor

I already have an external DVD burner w/Litescribe. I also plan on getting a 1TB hard drive to store my video. I may hook this thing up in my living room and use my 40" HDTV for a monitor.

So if you know much about video editing tell me how this would work doing standard def for now.

I'm on bit of a budget and this is $960, new from Dell.

[DIdiver]

Well, I use a Mac. I am sure the Dell will do fine in between the reboots.

[Trainacomin]

I'd add 2 more gb's of memory.
I use Premiere Pro to edit and it takes a lot of space because it saves the last three versions of your project. So plan a lot of space to edit.

As for storage I be sure to at least have my drives mirrored just in case you lose one. That or backup all raw files to a dvd.

Other than that you should be fine to edit SD video.

[waytooslow]

Originally Posted by DIdiver

Well, I use a Mac. I am sure the Dell will do fine in between the reboots.

hehehe - funny stuff

[reactive]

I use a mac also, but all my work machines are dell. If I could convince you to buy a mac, I would tell you that it will change your life (for the better) but unforuntately, mac's are expensive and probably won't meet your budget. They are pretty proud of their stuff.

For the dell, i would offer two bits of wisdom. I work in the computer center for a university, and I'm here to tell you that if you can still get xp on your new computer, do it. Avoid Vista like the plague. It's very buggy and has a LOT of compatibility issues with software and hardware alike. Secondly, it won't hurt you to upgrade the ram in the machine a smidge, but if you do, don't get it included in your order. Visit newegg.com when you receive your order and get the ram upgrade through them. It will save you $100 or more. Dell marks up a lot of "upgrades' since a lot of companies are forced to order only through them. The ram you will purchase at newegg is just as good if not better than the ram that dell provides.

Good luck on your new purchase!

[harb99]

Originally Posted by reactive

I use a mac also, but all my work machines are dell. If I could convince you to buy a mac, I would tell you that it will change your life (for the better) but unforuntately, mac's are expensive and probably won't meet your budget. They are pretty proud of their stuff.

For the dell, i would offer two bits of wisdom. I work in the computer center for a university, and I'm here to tell you that if you can still get xp on your new computer, do it. Avoid Vista like the plague. It's very buggy and has a LOT of compatibility issues with software and hardware alike. Secondly, it won't hurt you to upgrade the ram in the machine a smidge, but if you do, don't get it included in your order. Visit newegg.com when you receive your order and get the ram upgrade through them. It will save you $100 or more. Dell marks up a lot of "upgrades' since a lot of companies are forced to order only through them. The ram you will purchase at newegg is just as good if not better than the ram that dell provides.

Good luck on your new purchase!

good advice on newegg

[waytooslow]

yeah it is higher upfront to go mac, but in long run it is cheaper. in 13 years I have upgraded macs 3 times, the average for pc users is like twice that rate.

of course I am platform agnosistic you have to be now in days, pc and unix at work

[scubacat80]

I'd put in as much RAM as the computer can handle.

[bfisher]

Ok guys, I went ahead and ordered the Dell Inps. 530. However I made a some changes. Added another Gig of RAM, and cancelled the monitor. I'm going to use my 17" temporarily and get a 24" in August. Also stepped down to the Intel 3100 video card and am going to replace it ASAP with something from Tiger Direct. I priced the upgrade Dell offers ( Radeon ATI 2600 XT Pro) and Tiger Direct sells it $50 cheaper. Also no speakers as I'll use headphones when the wife is home and just tap into my Bose Surround System when I'm alone.

Oh yeah, I changed the OS to XP Pro from Vista.

[jtkkym]

Have you checked Dell Outlet? You might find pretty good deal.