Machine for FCP/Editing

[zwbuntster]

So I am in desperate need for a new rig for Final Cut, Color, and some other editing suites for HD footage. I am kinda leaning in a couple different directions and wanted some guidance as to which is the best.. I currently have the very first Gen MBP (with 1.8 Core Duo, 2GB ram, etc etc.) This thing is pretty much heading toward its last leg but still kinda works (dvd drive doesn't, there are some dead pixels, but in general.)

That being said, the first approach would be a new 15 inch MBP with i7 and mostly spec'ed out in order to replace the mobility I have since I am in my last year of school and on the go alot.

Other approach would be keep using my MBP for on the go basic computing, get the new i7 27 inch iMac with 2GB video card, 16GB ram, and maybe an SSD to run the OS and programs.

Finally, a friend recommended that I pick up a late 09/early 10 Mac Pro and swap out the CPUs, video card and ram and go from there. I don't have a monitor at this point in time so that would have to be factored in as well.

So with all of that ranting, thanks for still reading if you are and what do you think is the best approach considering I am a college student and want to keep the budget to a minimum without sacrificing anything when it comes to being able to edit and render full HD footage. Thanks

 

[450]

Personally I'd get the 27" iMac unless you need a mobile editing solution.

 

[UnknownSouljer]

Personally I'd get the 27" iMac unless you need a mobile editing solution.

I would tend to agree with this solution. Unless you need more than 4 processing cores, more than 16 GB of RAM, a Quadro or Fire GL card, or more than 2 hard-drives; the 27" iMac is a better solution over a Mac Pro for a fraction of the price. A fully maxed out 27" iMac will carry you a long way. The price to performance ratio is staggering.

 

[valve1138]

I agree with 450. The new iMac's with a good external firewire drive is tough to beat.

 

[UnknownSouljer]

I agree with 450. The new iMac's with a good external firewire drive is tough to beat.

I am personaly waiting for an inexpensive Thunderbolt solution. I'm curious on who is going to be first to market. It would seem like Drobo would be a likely candidate, but who knows?

 

[valve1138]

Thunderbolt would be cool, but a good Firewire 800 external is still capable.