Can you help "cross-reference" these Specs ?

Hi guys,

I'd like to get a new laptop that can handle AVCHD video editing, but I'm not sure how to "cross-reference" to the new Montevina/Centrino2 processor.

Based on the minimum system requirements for some AVCHD video editing software (see below):

1. Which Montevina/Centrino2 processor is recommended?

2. Which graphics card should I shoot for?

3. How much RAM would you suggest getting?
____________________________

Minimum System Requirements

* Intel® Core™2 Duo 2.4 GHz or higher required for 1440x1080 AVCHD editing

* 2 GB RAM required for AVCHD recommended for HD and/or Windows Vista

* DirectX® 9 or 10 compatible graphics card with 64 MB (128 MB or higher recommended), 128 MB required for Plug-ins (for Magic Bullet Looks: Pixelshader 2 required, Intel GMA integrated graphics not supported; for VitaScene with HD: 512MB recommended)
- 128 MB required on Windows Vista (256 MB or higher recommended)
- 256 MB required for HD and AVCHD


EDIT: I forgot to mention that I play NO GAMES so the graphics card only needs to be for HD video editing. Nothing else I do requires a dedicated graphics cards except the editing.


Thanks!

 

a p9500 cpu and 9600m gt will do nicely

 

1. anything from P8400 and up or T9300 up.

2. many choices.

3. I'd go for 4GB in Dual Channel.

 

That's the problem!

 

I don't see it as a problem, just take a laptop that fits the other criteria and then the check the specs of the GPU if it matches your needs. According to your list it has to have 512MB dedicated. The list is not that long.

So you're looking for laptop with P8400, 4GB and a GPU with 512 mb dedicated.

I'll give you some suggestions:
Zepto Nox: http://www.zeptousa.com/configure.php?pid=39&cid=1
HP DV5t
Dell 1530 (not montevina)
Compal and Sager also have models that fit the bill.


If you start a thread in the "what should I buy" section you'll get many recommendations.

 

Thanks, Phil. I'm actually considering the Sony FW, but I need to decide if I can deal with the massive size.

Anyway, I just wanted to know the best way to configure it for my AVCHD video editing needs.

 

What is your budget? Are you trying to just meet the minimum requirements or do want the best? So many questions.

 

Hard to say. I don't need the best (if not for the video editing I could stay with my current D420) but I don't want the absolute minimum either.

 

As much as I like the Sony FW, it only comes with a 256MB ATI HD3470 which may not be enough for 'VitaScene' (512MB recommended).

So in my opinion you can do a lot better.

 

Hmmm. I don't know what the heck VitaScene is.


EDIT: Found it. Doesn't look like something I'd use with our home/family videos:

proDAD VitaScene – lighting, glows & more
"Now you can achieve sophisticated effects and transitions that contribute greatly to the style and mood of your project: light rays, color matching, artistic film styles, and much more. Now it’s easy to add those subtle details that give you professional looking results."

http://www.prodad.de/gb/vitascene_std_details.html

 

By the way, I'm still very curious to see what new XPS units Dell comes out with.

 

Hey Phil, aside from the VitaScene issue, what are your personal thoughts on the new FW?

 

I will throw this one out. Sager NP5796 for about $2100/$2200 configured with T9400 and WUXGA (so you can do 1080 HD) from XoticPC, link. Powernotebooks also has.

This Sager and the NP9262 are absolute power monsters. Priced well for all that power. If it is more than you need at least you will be a little future proofed and well it will flat out perform well. There are cheaper solutions that would work but not a lot and well likely if cost less, performance decrease.

I agree with Phil about the HD3470 but if I remember correctly NVidia dominate ATI in gaming performance but not in HD performance so ATI is a solid option just not that ATI card.

If you really want to go with a low budget I would recommend the Gateway M-152XL unfortunately price just went up to $1099. It is Santa Rosa, T8300 2.4Ghz, ATI HD2600 512MB DDR3, 4GB's RAM.

I wish I knew more but the ATI 3XXX have some special video editing processing capabilities I believe meaning the card can take load off CPU? But I don't know enough to elaborate.

 

If I would be in the market for a 15.4"-17" laptop I would probably consider it. I am not a gamer myself, so the GPU is no issue for me.

I like the design, but still I'm not overly enthusiast. Somehow the BZ with it's 1440*900 LED screen appeals more to me.

I don't like the fact that some of the FW models come with 4200rpm HDD.

I think there are better options out there. I am not a Dell fan but it seems the M1530 has more to offer (screen, GPU, HDD).

 

Thanks powerpack... I'll take a peek at the Sager (I'm not familiar with them).

And I too read read about the ATIs being better for HD, with NVidia best for games.

 

Funny you say that. I've been wondering if a 15.4"er with 1440x900 LED is my best bet (for size and readability).

I am a Dell fan... I'm hoping the replace/update the m1530 soon.

Oh, I'll also look again at the BZ. Thanks!

 

Montevina is not all that spectaculair in my opinion. If you can get a really good deal on the 1530 with for example a T9500 CPU the performance will be stellar.

Here's a review of Montevina by Anandtech

 

Hmmm... good point. Gotta think about that one. And thanks again!