New laptop for NLE

[AevnsGrandpa]

Hi all,

After 5 years of using my Core 2 Duo 2ghz, 4GB ram, ATI x1600 ASUS laptop, it is time to move up again, problem is I am finding alot of the new core i7 or i5 laptops from the major brands, HP and such, no longer provide a 1394 firewire connection or a Express Card slot. I am still running a DV camera so I need 1394 to import.

Any ideas or what do some of you all use that is within a year old? Wanting to stick with Intel processor and Nvidia graphics. I am using Media Composer 5.0.3.

Thanks,

Jeff

[bladeaudio]

I'm using the Dell Precision M4500, with an i7 processor and 8GB of Ram. It also has the Nvidia Quadro FX 880M graphics card, which has been working GREAT for me editing AVCHD video in Premiere CS5 (using the simple text file hack to enable this card with the mercury engine, 1080p AVCHD video edits as smooth as SD DV video.)

It has a firewire connection built in and an express 34 (I think) expansion slot.

Other nice features include an eSATA connector and a display port connector.

I've been VERY happy with this laptop for video editing.

[AevnsGrandpa]

Thanks, I am looking at the Toshiba X505-Q894. i7-740QM, Windows 7 64bit, 4GB ram, 500GB HD, Nvidia GTX460m, 18" HD+ LCD, 1394, express slot, 4 USB, eSATA, etc. Pricing not too bad either and I'll pick up an extra 4GB of ram to give it some breathing room.

Of course now I have to wait till Tax time to get the funding!

Jeff

[FloridaMan339]

Check out Rain Computers at rainrecording

Our church uses a Livebook laptop. They are optimized for A/V use and they have fantastic support!

[wmmsaved]

I had no idea I would encounter a problem with 1394 and usb streaming when I moved up to an i7 machine with Windows 7 but I did. The prosumer camcorder we bought just 2 years ago is not compatible with Windows 7 nor are 2 other older cameras we own. Fortunately we can use all but the usb camera via the analog inputs on our Osprey 440 card.

Be very sure your equipment will work before you make the jump.