Need Custom Laptop for Adobe Premiere

[Michael Frymus]

So, I am asking this again because I am now on the hunt for a new computer.

What do I need it for:
- Editing footage: HD & RED (mainly)
- School misc.

My Budget?
$2,000 CAD.

This is what I found:
Intel i7 3820
Asus P9X79 S
16GB 4x4
Nvidia GeForce GTX 670
120GB SSD
1TB HDD
1TB HDD
1000w CPU
Blu Ray Burner
Thermaltake Chaser
Windows 7 Premium 64bit


I have been talking to others, and for editing HD content, I think this would be a great setup.
But, what if I was shooting anything on the RED Scarlet?

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Going to say that what you want and your budget are not really compatible.

The system that fits your hardware requirements would be the HP EliteBook 8570w with DreamColor 1080p 10bit display.

Unfortunately, the base price of the 8570w is $2250. By the time you upgrade to the DreamColor display, 2GB nVidia K2000M GPU, 750GB HDD and 16GB RAM, you're running about $3800. I'm also factoring in a couple small bumps that are no-brainers like the 2.6GHz CPU upgrade is $75 - do it. It's another $275 to go to the 2.7GHz, not necessary. You will need to add another $200 for the DreamColor probe to maintain calibration of your display.

There are other options out there, new or used that can start bringing the price down. However, they're all a compromise in various ways.... First thing you're going to lose by going to a cheaper configuration or another vendor is that DreamColor screen... Next you'll have to downgrade the CPU, and/or RAM, etc.. HP makes offerings to fit your budget, they just lack the workstation-class performance and lack the DreamColor option.

If you don't need the color accurate screen, the Lenovo T and W series are good choices too. Dell is another option as well, but similar to HP and while their Precision line is good for CAD, programming and a lot of "pro" stuff, they can't match the HP when it comes to color critical work.

HP also has the 17" 8770w notebook. Same options as the 15.6" 8570w, but an additional drive bay, one higher CPU option and it comes at a higher price. It also weighs more and is quite a bit larger. Top screen option on both is a 1080p DreamColor, I really wouldn't want the 17" model unless I was only going to shuttle it around an office, home or studio. If I were commuting with it daily, on campus or around town, no thanks. If I were traveling, airports, whatever, hell no..



If you want to go the Mac route, you can pick up a nicely loaded 2011 Macbook Pro that falls well into your $2K budget. PM me if interested, I know a few people looking to unload one.

 

[Richard Tran]

What do you guys think of the MSI GT70?

It's under $2K.

But, g'luck with their warranty.

 

[Michael Frymus]

It doesn't have to be a laptop. I dont know anything about computers, and I never knew that a laptop would be harder to get, and wont be as good.
So, I will be sticking with a Desktop computer, for the same price point of $2000

 

[Cory Petkovsek]

I dont know anything about computers,

This is a problem. Little experience and little money won't get you an ideal result; certainly not a super computer nor a workstation.

You'll get more bang for your buck with a desktop. You can get a system with reasonable performance.

This is what you really need:
- Processor Core i7
- RAM 8-16GB
- Disk 7200RPM or SSD (this is critical), whatever size you want (1TB)
- Windows 7 64-bit pro
- Bluray writer
- Any recent Nvidia geforce card on premiere's list. I have a gtx480 which isn't on the list but works fine:
http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/tech-specs.html

"-A properly calibrated screen to give true colours & contrast"Broadcast color is out of your budget right now. You can get broadcast color for about $400 minimum (intensity pro, plus a used 14" sony broadcast monitor), though for premiere you'll do better with a matrox mxo2 and sony monitor for $600, both used. This is in addition to your regular computer monitor.

More likely you will be satisfied with a good 8-bit S-IPS or better lcd panel that you can calibrate. Read up on the types of panels and do not buy one that is 6-bit or dithers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD

Do some research on reviews for lcd panels with good color and use the above link as a reference to determine the type of panel. I'm very satisfied with my HP ZR24w 24" 1920x1200 monitor which you can get for $4-500. It's probably outside your budget range, but you can use it as a reference and see how the description and reviews will tell you it's an 8-bit S-IPS panel with good color uniformity and fidelity for the price range.

Go to a local computer store. Ask them to build you a custom pc with my specs and your other desires. Get the monitor online after doing your research.

As an alternative I'd recommend Dell for an inexpensive, quality desktop. They also have some decent lcds (read reviews on their ultrasharps and pro series). I just configured a system with 16gb ram, no monitor and their cheapest ATI graphics card for $1219. The remaining $700 would get you a nice gtx card and a nice 22-24" LCD with good color. If I did this, I'd probably get a dell monitor to save on shipping. Start with their $850 option and configure as I specified.
http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/xps-8500/fs

You could also look at dells laptops; just make sure you consider the right specs. They still apply.

Cory

 

[Michael Frymus]

This is what I a getting:

Intel i7 3820
16GB RAM
120 SDD
1TB HDD
1TB HDD
Nvidia GeForce 670
Windows 7 Premium
Blu-Ray Burner
$180 24" Asus monitor

$2000

So, is this adequate enough? From what I heard, its impossible to get a computer for $2K. But from what I have been talking to others, and from the post just about from Cory, this seems to be perfect.

 

[Michael Frymus]

Any thought on the current setup I found? - For edting HD content & possibly RED Scarlet?

 

[Cory Petkovsek]

I already gave recommendations. Are you going to change something if I don't like it? It's fine for your needs.
Windows 7 Premium - I hope you got 64-bit or 3/4ths of your memory will be unusable.
Asus monitor - look up your model and see if it is a 6-bit tft or tn panel or s-ips or better. Be sure to calibrate it as best as it can be calibrated.
Make sure you have a backup process in place.

 

[Michael Frymus]

Well, I keep hearing about raid, and the Red Rocket is needed, so im not sure.

 

[Cory Petkovsek]

Needed? No. RAID will provide more redundancy, or more performance; and in some configurations, both. Red Rocket provides more performance. You don't need to get a bunch of stuff you don't understand. As you have developed your understanding of cinematography, continue to expand your computer knowledge. Eventually when your budget is ready for raid you'll know why and when you need it, and whether you should spend 500 or 5000. I used to edit 4k Red One footage on a pentium 4 with a single 7200rpm drive in realtime on sony vegas. Your hardware is adequate. Your software? Well... Probably. Just chunk down the resolution until it is smooth.

Cory