All Macs are supplied ready for digital video, with Firewire sockets and iLife, a suite of creative applications including the iMovie video editing program.

Buying a Mac

Even if you're only a part-time lecturer or student, you may be able to qualify for Apple's lower education prices.

iMac and Mac mini

There are several configurations available at different prices. The size of the hard disc and the amount of RAM are more important than the processor speed.

The new Mac mini is the cheapest option if you already have PCs: it's a computer only, which you can use with a standard PC screen (VGA) and USB keyboard and mouse.

The latest iMac has a 20 or 24 inch flat panel screen and the option of very large, hard drives for video and multimedia work. It comes with a Superdrive (for CD and DVD writing) as standard. 


Desktop

If you are a demanding user, you may want a Mac Pro desktop computer where you buy the monitor separately. They are fast, very expandable (eg you can fit an analogue capture card), and unlike the iMacs you can get them built to order with the specification you need.

Professional users recommend two or more separate hard drives: a relatively small drive for the system and software, a much larger drive for capture, and possibly a third drive for rendering.

Laptops

MacBooks, with 13 inch screens, are good choices for mobile digital video. Unlike their predecessor (the iBook) they have a line input for connecting a microphone. It's worth buying a mouse, as children (and many teachers) struggle with trackpads.

If you're using professional programs like Final Cut you might want to consider the larger MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro

For using professional programmes such as Final Cut Pro on the move, the 17" aluminium alloy MacBook Pro has the biggest screen available in a laptop, though the 15" model is adequate. These are more resistant to scratching than iBooks, though it is possible to dent them if you're careless.

Memory

It's best to install at least the recommended memory for an editing program, rather than the minimum - video editing is demanding on memory. 

Travel

You need at least a neoprene sleeve to protect your Mac laptop. For travelling with sets of laptops, we use the lockable, wheeled Peli range of cases with customised interiors (available in the UK from Hofbauer ).

Which software should I use?

iMovie HD has now been replaced with iMovie 08, a completely new program which dispenses with the timeline - its 'storyboard' editing mode is more like word processing than a traditional video editing program. You can still download iMovie 06 from Apple if you buy a Mac with the new version, and it's a better program for most classroom use (it's even used for Media Studies coursework, unlike its successor). 

If you want more flexibility and power you will need a program which has the standard two-window professional editing interface. The more professional programs will take a considerable amount of time to learn. The Mac market is dominated by two Apple programmes - Final Cut Pro (part of Final Cut Studio) and Final Cut Express.

Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express?

Final Cut Express is a much cheaper version of Final Cut Pro, which has the same interface but lacks some professional features which may not be relevant unless you're teaching a vocational course.

Final Cut Studio includes Soundtrack, which enables you to compose a soundtrack from a bank of music loops and effects.

Tom Barrance

© 2007 Media Education Wales