Earlier today I got an email from…let’s say Jackson. Jackson asked what configuration should he purchase to begin editing with Final Cut Pro. It’s not an easy thing to do. It really depends on which format you will be doing most of your editing. Luckily, Jackson knew what he had to work with, so I came up with this conclusion.

• Go to the Apple Store website and click on the red tag sale located on the bottom right side of the screen. While you’re there buy your new MAC as a Refurbished machine. Apple Certified Refurbished products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple’s stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. All Apple Certified Refurbished products are covered by Apple’s One-Year Limited Warranty. Plus they are on average anywhere from 20-44% off a brand spanking new one. So I suggested getting a Refurbished MacBook Pro, 15-inch, 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo…check it for only 1,449.00. I know that is still a lot of money but hey this laptop smokes.
• I hope you know what’s next. You have to get Final Cut Pro Studio, which includes Motion 2.1, DVD Studio Pro 4.1, Soundtrack Pro, Compressor 2.1, LiveType 2.1, and of course Final Cut Pro 5.1.
• Go out and get an additional GIG of RAM.
• Jackson already had tapes, conventional High8, VHS, and MiniDV tapes. He needs to get a digitial video converter.
• If you already have a high end MiniDV camera like Canon XL2 or dealing strictly with MiniDV. Go out a purchase a cheap MiniDV camera and use it as a capture and playback unit instead of using the high end camera. You will save a ton of money and won’t wear out your expensive camera.
• If you have a Laptop and edit on it you will need an external Hard Drive. This one is up to you. There are so many choices. You can get a 3.5″ firewire, USB 2.0, combo or a 2.5″ firewire, USB 2.0, combo. Really up to you, but if you plan on editing you need an external hard drive to lug around with you. There is no way to store the files on the Laptops Hard Drive and I really advise against it.
• Get a Laptop Fan. When you use these high end apps your laptop will begin to warm up and cook your boys. Plus some have USB 2.0 hubs with it.

Once you get a laptop and cruise around the country working with clients you will appreciate the ease and speed of these Intel Macbook Pros.

Related posts:

1. Email Question: How To Configure Final Cut Pro On A Laptop
2. Macbook Con Firewire 400 & Blu-Ray
3. Learn Final Cut Pro 6 In Asheville Or Hire Me
4. Final Cut Pro Users Upgrade to 5.1 NOW!!
5. Final Cut Pro 6 Coming Soon?
6. Converting Final Cut Pro Movie For Youtube
7. Canon GL-2 And Final Cut Pro 5 Something Is Not Right
8. Final Cut Pro 6: Forget Something?