[TheMule]

If you where new to film making and apples (and low on $) what Mac would you get?

[ApplCmptrDood]

Probably an iMac...

[budster101]

Depends on your budget exactly. You say low budget but that is relative...


1. PowerMac G5 Dual 2.xGhz with 1GB Ram or more if your budget allows. $2k and up
1b. 20" Display ($799) 23" ($1,499), 30" ($2,999)
2. Comes with iLife (iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto, Garageband, iTunes) If you need more than iMovie/iDvd then #3.
3. Maybe Final Cut Express, or Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro (Later on when you can afford it)

go into an Apple Store and play with them. Ask one of their movie people for some advice.

[tooki]

I'd get an iMac G5 17" with DVD burner. Good performance and a good display for not too much $. You could then also add a second display (VERY useful for video work; use Screen Spanning Doctor to allow extended desktop mode). I'd run Final Cut Express -- Pro is probably overkill.

I'd also get a bunch of external hard disks. Video editing needs boatloads of storage.

tooki

Edit: P.S. and lots of RAM. 1GB at least.

[TheMule]

I am thinking about an iMac G5, I think a Power Mac is a little too much for me right know.

I didn’t know that I could have a second display? Would I have to void my warranty to do this?

[Kyros]

You sort of void your warranty. It is voided, but if you uninstall the program before getting it fixed or whatever they have no way of knowing you used it. I will second the iMac suggestion, and make sure you boost the RAM, especially for graphics/video stuff.

[marc]

Film editing is an art. Sometimes, especially when you are learning, not having the best of everything forces you to focus on the art and not the tools. Tooki's advice is good. You can even start with iMovie and iDVD, which are free with the machine. Move up in software and hardware when you've outgrown what you have. Best wishes