[SQLDba]

I am considering jumping over from the dark side (windows) and buying a PB primarily for multimedia uses. I have a MiniDV recorder and have used Pinnacle Studio on the XP side.

I'm not sure I want the superdrive as I'd rather spend money on upping ram, video memory and HD speed. I've looked at the pages on Apple's site - but it's not too clear....is it possible within iMovie or Final Cut Express, to save your final product on a video CD (VCD) as opposed to a DVD? My DVD player supports this format and it would eliminate the need for the SD.

Thanks

[SupahCoolX]

I'm not sure about FCE, but iMovie should be OK. Just export your finished project as a Quicktime movie, then convert to whatever format you need to burn a VCD. Check www.versiontracker.com for various freeware/shareware converting and VCD burning apps that may be available.

[alligator]

I use both iMovie and FCE. Normally I just export a FCE movie to iDVD and burn it there. I don't believe it can create a Video CD. You can also export it from FCE to QuickTime - and you might be able to burn it from there.

I too switched from Windows about 9 months ago just for the multimedia. I was a Windows user since DOS. I've since abandoned Windows almost entirely because EVERYTHING is better in OS X than in Windows XP Pro. I edit my own movies, listen to music, edit images, surf the web, and even play a few games. I still use Windows for work, and it's amazing how much better I like OS X instead.

My advice (having been exactly in your shoes) is to switch. No question about it, no looking back. Ever have Pinnacle crash or not work quite right? I edited a 1.5 hour movie on FCE (never having used it before) and burned it to a DVD and it was fantastic (G5 with 512 MB RAM). No problems, no crashes, very good transfer from my digital camcorder.

In short, go for it. I can't stress that enough.

[azdude]

Originally posted by SQLDba:
I am considering jumping over from the dark side (windows) and buying a PB primarily for multimedia uses. I have a MiniDV recorder and have used Pinnacle Studio on the XP side.

I'm not sure I want the superdrive as I'd rather spend money on upping ram, video memory and HD speed. I've looked at the pages on Apple's site - but it's not too clear....is it possible within iMovie or Final Cut Express, to save your final product on a video CD (VCD) as opposed to a DVD? My DVD player supports this format and it would eliminate the need for the SD.

Thanks

I am usually quick to recommend to prospective Powerbook owners looking to save a few dollars that they remove the SuperDrive.

However, I simply can't recommend that when your primary purpose for the Powerbook will be digital video & media burning. The SuperDrive is great, and will make your Mac/DV experience much much MUCH better than simple VCDs.

BTW, if you disregard the above, I believe Toast will burn VCDs simply. However, it costs half the price of the Superdrive. Think carefully.

[tooki]

All application questions belong in the Software forum.

tooki