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New Mac advice

For our MAC users, questions about the various Video Editing software products.

New Mac advice

Postby don731 » Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:17 am

Hi! I currently use a 2011 MacBook Air (I7)with PE14 connected to a Dell monitor for editing. I will be in the market for a new Mac (does not need to be a notebook) in the next few months. Looking at the new IMacs with 4K/5K but also at a refurb Mac Pro, realizing it's using 2013 processor.

Any advice? Would like to keep the price at $3K or less.

Thanks!
Don W.

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Re: New Mac advice

Postby Steve Grisetti » Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:37 am

Refurbs are a great deal, in my opinion. They can save you a good 20%, and they're Apple certified, so they're essentially as good as new.

That said, what computer you get will depend on how powerful a box you want and how much you want to pay.

For most users (including video editors) an iMac is more than enough power for between $1000 and $2000.

Unless you're a video or graphics professional who uses all pro programs, wants the hottest engine on the market and has $3-4k to spend on hardware alone, I don't think a Mac Pro is a necessary investment.
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Re: New Mac advice

Postby Ron Hunter » Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:13 pm

Hi Don,

Ditto what Steve said. Apple refurbs rock!

I have a refurb 13" MacBook Pro with retina display (late 2013) that I bought in spring 2014 with 3yrs of AppleCare. It has i5 CPU, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. I have used it to create many videos using Final Cut Pro X with 4k source footage. The only time the laptop gets bogged down is when I insert 3D titles. Otherwise, editing on the MBP is very responsive. I think I paid around $1300 for it, which at the time was about $300 less than new. I also made the jump to FCPX because I didn't want to pay monthly for Premiere Pro CC.

Unless mobility is important, Steve's recommendation for an iMac is excellent. When my Windows desktop PC dies, I will replace it with a refurb iMac. I love editing on FCPX and the Mac.

- Ron
Desktop: HPE-580T, i7-950 (3.07GHz), 16GB RAM, Win'7 64-bit Home Premium, PSE12/PRE12, Lightroom 5.
Laptop: MacBook Pro (retina), 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5.
Cameras (in use): Panasonic GH4/Canon HFR400/Canon HV30, GoPro HD Hero2.
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Re: New Mac advice

Postby don731 » Tue Nov 03, 2015 9:22 pm

Thanks guys! This is the real world advice I need. I love my 24" Dell monitor, and if Apple updates the Mac Mini line with quad core Skylake CPUs, I might take a look at 'em. Otherwise, an iMac is probably in the cards. I've bought a few small refurbs (like Apple TV), and have been totally satisfied. Where is the best place to learn FCP?

Cheers,
Don
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Re: New Mac advice

Postby Briantho » Wed Nov 04, 2015 12:54 am

The first FCPX course I bought was from Izzy at http://store.izzyvideo.com He does well paced comprehensive and reasonably priced courses for both FCPX and Motion (and maybe others, I haven't looked) and I wouldn't be doing the regular multicam, theatre-based stuff I do without him. All the same, because all this stuff is my main hobby (and it all works out much cheaper than golf or boats) I also bought annual memberships with Larry Jordan. I've attended the BVE in London a few times and seen him speak there - impressive.

Obviously there are overlaps between the two lots of courses but I regarded all that as useful reinforcement. Both trainers are excellent, Larry's probably work out a bit more expensive but for what you get (to keep) I'd say it's well worth it.

I'm sure others here will have more ideas including Lynda courses but I didn't take up that option. Two good courses were enough for me.
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Re: New Mac advice

Postby Steve Grisetti » Wed Nov 04, 2015 11:49 am

And I can't resist recommending my alma mater, http://lynda.com
;)
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Re: New Mac advice

Postby Ron Hunter » Wed Nov 04, 2015 12:13 pm

I vote for Ripple Training for FCPX training. I have bought four courses from them; FCPX, Color Correction in FCPX, Audio Correction in FCPX, and Motion. The courses are all less than $50 each and contain amazing content. The Ripple courses are maintained in a "locker" on their website and you can also download them to your machine. Steve Martin and Mark Spencer do a phenomenal job!

I took the Lynda FCPX course but found the Ripple Training course to be much more informative and "hands on".
Desktop: HPE-580T, i7-950 (3.07GHz), 16GB RAM, Win'7 64-bit Home Premium, PSE12/PRE12, Lightroom 5.
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Re: New Mac advice

Postby don731 » Wed Nov 04, 2015 8:09 pm

This is all great advice! Thanks!

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