Some computer help

[Washougal_Otaku]

Hello everyone!

So, it's tax time, and I'm planning on getting a new laptop, especially since my old one just recently died on me.  I'd like to ask you guys what I should be looking for in terms of what works best for making an AMV.

[Sui Fong]

i like/use Sony Vegas movie studio. its easy to navigate and use. the output quality is also really good. plus u can download it from sony's website, so you dont have to wait for the install cd to come in. 

[Washougal_Otaku]

Thanks for that, but I'm looking for a laptop first.  I'm not sure what I should be looking for.  I'll look into that once I get it though, thanks.

I've had some friends recommend going to newegg.com to look for options, and I think I found some good choices.  Here's the links to the one's I think may be good to go with.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834107045

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220705

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157165

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220705

[Sui Fong]

The HP looks good, then i'd put the compaq in close second. i dont recognize the brand of the other 2 though...

[Washougal_Otaku]

Well, the search is over!  I got an ACER Aspire from Best Buy.  Now I'm trying to get this stupid Office program installed but it keeps having problems.  yay

[Pie Row Maniac]

What editing software are you considering/getting?

[Washougal_Otaku]

I don't know yet.  Sui Fong has recommended Sony Vegas, but I've heard some people tell me that it's too glitchy.  I've been looking at some AMV tutorials on YouTube, and many of them recommend Movie Maker; one even recommended downloading Avid AVI.

[Sui Fong]

It's true that Sony Vegas can be glitchy on start up, but in my experience it's only glitchy when u open the program. i dont have any other problems with it. but other people might have had more problems with it.

[Washougal_Otaku]

Hmm... maybe I should look into it some more.

[somanyturtles]

Don't use Movie Maker. Unless you download the right codex for it, it will leave a water mark on the bottom of the screen that will get you DQed out of most convention contests.

The two most common programs to use for editing are either Adobe Premier  or Sony Vegas. The no B.S. truth between the two is that they are essentially the same program. Both will create a good quality video and can do exactly what the other one can with the exception of a few previously installed transitions. I'm not positive on this but I think that Premier can handle a few file types that Vegas can't, but that shouldn't be a huge issue.

Honestly it comes down to a matter of preference and whatever you get used too and whatever you can get your hands on for cheaper.

I will say that I use Vegas and don't have a problem with it being "Glitchy" at all.

[Washougal_Otaku]

Um... how about something that won't cost me $200?

[somanyturtles]

Find an older copy of one of them. My buddy just picked up an older version of Premier for $20. It may not have all the new bells and whistles but it still makes vids.

[Sui Fong]

Vegas isn't that expensive. I got it for 50 bucks, u can download it directly from the website. Of course, i didn't get pro.