Which laptop/processor for HD camcorder editing?

WarPig · 18-05-2010, 19:08

I want to buy a new laptop that might be capable of running editing software for my HD camcorder, and I understand that I will need a fast processor.

Should I choose one of the new i5 or i7 processors? Would they cope?

Ive narrowed my choice to..

Acer 5740 (i5)

HP Pavilion DV6-2105EA (i5)

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/190964 HP Pavilion DV6-2106EA (i7)

Ive read that the i7 processors are really quick, but drain battery power, and have overheating issues?

Any advice welcom, thanks

stevesheff08 · 18-05-2010, 19:53

mainly all laptops do that eventually, drain and overheat, depends wich one take's your fancy really,

the link doesnt work for this one, HP Pavilion DV6-2106EA (i7), to be honest id go for the one with the most memory ect, say for example that acer, 4GB that will be fast for you., but its each to their own opinion.

regards steve.

WarPig · 18-05-2010, 21:43

Thanks steve, hopefully the link works now.

I dont fully understand the magic that goes on inside computers. So does the 4GB really make a difference to its speed?

stevesheff08 · 18-05-2010, 22:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarPig

Thanks steve, hopefully the link works now.

I dont fully understand the magic that goes on inside computers. So does the 4GB really make a difference to its speed?

yes i would think so, the more memory you have got the, faster and stable it will be.
Forgot to add, you will have to Get some video editing software if your wanting to edit your videos, unless you have some allready.

PC Brigade · 19-05-2010, 06:37

I wouldn't worry too much about the amount of RAM - the difference 3GB will make over 4GB isn't that great, and also memory is cheap to add afterwards anyway.

To be honest you wont need either and i5 or i7 unless you intend to be doing some really heavy video processing - if you just want to edit your home movies then a decent Core 2 Duo with either 3 or 4 GB will do you fine for about £400

WarPig · 20-05-2010, 18:26

Thanks for your replies.

PC Brigade, I was under the impression that editing High Def camcorder footage required a fast processor. I curently have an Intel Core2 duo, but my laptop is about to die so im wanting a new one. I might as well consider one of the new 'i' processors I guess?

swarfendor43 · 20-05-2010, 20:48

Before you take the plunge, have a read at this

And on a similar thread, Ghozer stated it is all in the Cache - spec here (wish I had got one at the time they were out!)

regards,
swarfendor43

anywebsite · 20-05-2010, 21:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarPig

Thanks for your replies.

PC Brigade, I was under the impression that editing High Def camcorder footage required a fast processor. I curently have an Intel Core2 duo, but my laptop is about to die so im wanting a new one. I might as well consider one of the new 'i' processors I guess?

It depends on the software you use & how much editing you want to do. A 'fast' processor could mean most mainstream (dual or quad) cpus from the last couple of years. It doesn't mean you must go out & buy the latest fastest cpu or the software wont run.

Faster processors mean faster encoding times for videos, so if the machine is to be mainly used for video processing, you should get the fastest one within your budget. If you've got the money to spend, you might as well get an i5 / i7, but most dual (or more) core chips will be adequate, choose more cores over a faster clock speed.

You'll also want a reasonable graphics chipset (nvidia/amd), theres little point getting the latest & greatest gaming card, but a really basic graphics chipset could cause problems.

Obviously a large, good quality screen is important too, so you can see what you're doing. Better make sure you've got a hd display to look at your hd movies on.

I'd also say a desktop would be better than a laptop for video editing, unless you really need it to be portable. They tend to be cheaper, faster & you can get a nice big hd screen.

WarPig · 20-05-2010, 22:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by swarfendor43

Before you take the plunge, have a read at this

And on a similar thread, Ghozer stated it is all in the Cache - spec here (wish I had got one at the time they were out!)

regards,
swarfendor43

Thanks for the link. Some clever folk on that forum.

anywebsite · 20-05-2010, 22:13

I'd seriously consider a desktop over a laptop. The final encoding of your video is going to take many hours, even on the fastest cpu & it'll be using it at 100% for the whole time. Laptops aren't designed for that kind of thing, a lot of them will overheat & your expensive new laptop will meet a premature end.

WarPig · 21-05-2010, 00:06

anywebsite, you are probably correct.

I used to have a desktop, but SWMBO used to go mad, as I would be spending hours and hours on the computer in the spare room

A few years ago she made me buy a laptop so that I could sit in the lounge with her. She watches crap TV soaps, whilst I go on the laptop.

Perhaps I might have to accept that I wont realistically be able to do HD camcorder editing?