Should I get a new pc for video editing, or just a video editing app?

[Ian_abaco]

So, I really wanted a gopro to do videos for youtube. At the moment I shoot video on an old smartphone, not the best but it works "okay."

I haven't posted any videos recently, in the past I used windows movie maker and it worked really well.

But my two old pcs aren't doing very well, one is xp and the other w7.

I mainly use my chromebook and through googleplay I have edited a few videos using an app called power director. I'm not sure if it's the answer yet or not. If I do choose to edit via power director I'd need to pay a license fee to take the watermark off.

So I realized that the gopro would be counterproductive without a reliable way to edit the videos.

If I got a new hopefully inexpensive pc I would have more video editing choices. Or I could try to do it via an app on the chromebook. Should I pay for the license, or put that money towards a windows pc?

Appreciate your thoughts,

Ian

 

[Glen Barrington]

I personally would prefer a Windows 10 machine and an inexpensive video editor like ACDSee Video Studio 3 because I like having the most control over my computing environment as possible.

But I will concede that that a Chromebook device and an ongoing subscription to an online editor is a valid way to go. (So long as you have RELIABLE access to high speed internet)

 

[jbcohen]

Your software seems to be sufficient for what you are doing so let's look at your hardware. I doubt that the Xp or Chromebook can help. However what is so bad about the 7 PC that you want to do away with it. Seems to me that the 7 should be able to do what you want.

 

[Ian_abaco]

Yes the 7 would be good but a few years ago it had issues booting and freezing. I ran a scan and I think it mentioned hd issue. I reinstalled w7 and it boots sometimes and sometimes hangs up. I hate throwing things away but they both seem like they are past their time.

The chromebook actually does well with the app, but the issue is chromebooks have little storage.

Right now I will try to make a video with a few recordings and see how it goes.

 

[rb0321]

Yes the 7 would be good but a few years ago it had issues booting and freezing. I ran a scan and I think it mentioned hd issue. I reinstalled w7 and it boots sometimes and sometimes hangs up. I hate throwing things away but they both seem like they are past their time.

The chromebook actually does well with the app, but the issue is chromebooks have little storage.

Right now I will try to make a video with a few recordings and see how it goes.

If your Chromebook has an SD card slot you could expand your memory with that. Another less expensive option would be an external hard drive like this:

Loading…

www.bestbuy.com

Either way you can store quite a bit.

 

[Bobthearch]

So, I really wanted a gopro to do videos for youtube. At the moment I shoot video on an old smartphone, not the best but it works "okay."

I haven't posted any videos recently, in the past I used windows movie maker and it worked really well.

But my two old pcs aren't doing very well, one is xp and the other w7.

I mainly use my chromebook and through googleplay I have edited a few videos using an app called power director. I'm not sure if it's the answer yet or not. If I do choose to edit via power director I'd need to pay a license fee to take the watermark off.

So I realized that the gopro would be counterproductive without a reliable way to edit the videos.

If I got a new hopefully inexpensive pc I would have more video editing choices. Or I could try to do it via an app on the chromebook. Should I pay for the license, or put that money towards a windows pc?

Appreciate your thoughts,

Ian

You should be able to snap together a decent PC for under $1000, especially if you re-use some of the components from your Windows 7 machine. Assuming your Windows 7 computer was built with standard components you can re-use the optical drive(s), keyboard, mouse, monitor, sound card, speakers, case, card reader, and maybe even the power supply and hard drives.

Then you would have a lot of software options for editing videos, including several no-cost choices and many low-cost options.

 

[Ian_abaco]

If your Chromebook has an SD card slot you could expand your memory with that. Another less expensive option would be an external hard drive like this:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-eas...able-hard-drive-black/5792404.p?skuId=5792404

Either way you can store quite a bit.

It does have sd and usb, the issue is the installed video editor only sees videos that are on the internal drive

I keep trying to find another decent app that will view external files as well.

And browsing inexpensive windows computers, but the cheaper ones have the same issue, small hard drives.

 

[Bobthearch]

If your Chromebook has an SD card slot you could expand your memory with that. Another less expensive option would be an external hard drive like this:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-eas...able-hard-drive-black/5792404.p?skuId=5792404

Either way you can store quite a bit.

It does have sd and usb, the issue is the installed video editor only sees videos that are on the internal drive

I keep trying to find another decent app that will view external files as well.

And browsing inexpensive windows computers, but the cheaper ones have the same issue, small hard drives.

The primary hard drive size is the least concern when choosing a computer for video editing; you can install larger and additional hard drives at any time. It's the power supply, the processor power, the amount of RAM, and the graphics card that matter.

No Chromebook or inexpensive off-the-shelf PC is going to run advanced video editing software very well; they just aren't made for it.

 

[Bobthearch]

Maybe tackle the problem from the backside?

Select the software you wish to use, look up the system requirements of that software, and choose a computer based on those specs.

 

[CAcreeks]

So, I really wanted a gopro to do videos for youtube. At the moment I shoot video on an old smartphone, not the best but it works "okay."

GoPro video is worse than smartphone, unless you like curved lines at all the edges. I think of GoPro mostly as a "sports" camera to wear on your helmet. Most people are sick of that stuff. But if it's your goal, go for the GoPro non-pro.

I haven't posted any videos recently, in the past I used windows movie maker and it worked really well.

Doesn't Movie Maker still run on your W7 machine? If not, Magix (formerly Sony) Vegas 14 movie studio costs only $39 and works well.

But my two old pcs aren't doing very well, one is xp and the other w7.

Your XP machine is basically useless now, so you could try installing Linux Kubuntu and run the very fine (and easy to use) KDEnlive video editor.

I mainly use my chromebook and through googleplay I have edited a few videos using an app called power director. I'm not sure if it's the answer yet or not. If I do choose to edit via power director I'd need to pay a license fee to take the watermark off.

Sorry I have no advice about video editing on a Chromebook.

You can resurrect your W7 machine with more memory and whatever else is needed. Video editing of HD clips is not particularly computer intensive. Rendering takes a long time, but you don't have to sit there while it happens.

 

[Ian_abaco]

If your Chromebook has an SD card slot you could expand your memory with that. Another less expensive option would be an external hard drive like this:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-eas...able-hard-drive-black/5792404.p?skuId=5792404

Either way you can store quite a bit.

It does have sd and usb, the issue is the installed video editor only sees videos that are on the internal drive

I keep trying to find another decent app that will view external files as well.

And browsing inexpensive windows computers, but the cheaper ones have the same issue, small hard drives.

The primary hard drive size is the least concern when choosing a computer for video editing; you can install larger and additional hard drives at any time. It's the power supply, the processor power, the amount of RAM, and the graphics card that matter.

No Chromebook or inexpensive off-the-shelf PC is going to run advanced video editing software very well; they just aren't made for it.

I know very little about those specs, always looked at the size and in the they have worked well for editing videos. If a laptop with w10 has a program like windows movie maker already installed I think it would work okay. I know that's not a good policy when it comes to specs but it has worked for me in the past.

Please tell me what you think about specs of this laptop:

Windows 10 operating system

Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen. Learn more ›

11.6" display

Typical 1366 x 768 HD resolution. Energy-efficient LED backlight.

Intel® Celeron® processor N4000

Entry-level dual-core processor for general e-mail, Internet and productivity tasks.

4GB system memory for basic multitasking

Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once.

32GB eMMC flash memory

This ultracompact memory system is ideal for mobile devices and applications, providing enhanced storage capabilities, streamlined data management, quick boot-up times and support for high-definition video playback.

Intel® UHD Graphics 600

On-processor graphics with shared video memory provide everyday image quality for Internet use, basic photo editing and casual gaming.

Weighs 2.18 lbs. and measures 0.7" thin

Ultrathin and ultralight for maximum portability, featuring a smaller screen size and omitting the DVD/CD drive to achieve the compact form factor. 2-cell lithium-polymer battery.

HDMI output expands your viewing options

Connect to an HDTV or high-def monitor to set up two screens side by side or just see more of the big picture.

Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer

Supports microSD memory card formats.

Next-generation wireless connectivity

Connects to your network or hotspots on all current Wi-Fi standards. Connect to a Wireless-AC router for speed nearly 3x faster than Wireless-N.

Basic software package included

1 year trial of Microsoft Office 365 Personal.

Additional port

Headphone/microphone combo jack.

Note: This laptop does not include a built-in DVD/CD drive.

Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Core, Atom, Ultrabook, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

-----------

Small hd but 32gb should be sufficient to add multiple videos for editing and then move to external storage once done. I'm looking at this laptop because it's in my price range at $129.99

Thank you for the help

 

[Bobthearch]

I know very little about those specs, always looked at the size and in the they have worked well for editing videos. If a laptop with w10 has a program like windows movie maker already installed I think it would work okay. I know that's not a good policy when it comes to specs but it has worked for me in the past.

Please tell me what you think about specs of this laptop:

Windows 10 operating system

Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen. Learn more ›

11.6" display

Typical 1366 x 768 HD resolution. Energy-efficient LED backlight.

Intel® Celeron® processor N4000

Entry-level dual-core processor for general e-mail, Internet and productivity tasks.

4GB system memory for basic multitasking

Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once.

32GB eMMC flash memory

This ultracompact memory system is ideal for mobile devices and applications, providing enhanced storage capabilities, streamlined data management, quick boot-up times and support for high-definition video playback.

Intel® UHD Graphics 600

On-processor graphics with shared video memory provide everyday image quality for Internet use, basic photo editing and casual gaming.

Weighs 2.18 lbs. and measures 0.7" thin

Ultrathin and ultralight for maximum portability, featuring a smaller screen size and omitting the DVD/CD drive to achieve the compact form factor. 2-cell lithium-polymer battery.

HDMI output expands your viewing options

Connect to an HDTV or high-def monitor to set up two screens side by side or just see more of the big picture.

Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer

Supports microSD memory card formats.

Next-generation wireless connectivity

Connects to your network or hotspots on all current Wi-Fi standards. Connect to a Wireless-AC router for speed nearly 3x faster than Wireless-N.

Basic software package included

1 year trial of Microsoft Office 365 Personal.

Additional port

Headphone/microphone combo jack.

Note: This laptop does not include a built-in DVD/CD drive.

Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Core, Atom, Ultrabook, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Look, knowing the specs doesn't matter if you don't know what software you're going to be using.

That laptop is exceptionally low-end and cheap, and in general I would not choose a laptop for serious computing. You basically end up with a very low-end computer that can't easily be repaired, expanded, or upgraded in the future; and none of the components can ever be re-used.

Here is a book outlining the system requirements for Davinci Resolve, a pro-level but free video editor: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...on_Guide.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2juw7dq8BEec4dvJ9iEWZ9

Here are the system requirements for Corel Video Studio, a fairly run-of-the-mill consumer grade software: http://help.corel.com/videostudio/e.../videostudio-2018/h2-system_requirements.html

When looking at specs, always use the "recommended" stat rather than the "minimum."

Will that laptop run the video editor that comes with Windows 10? Perhaps, or probably, but again it depends on many other variables.

--
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Local photography: http://ratonphotos.com/
Travel and photography: http://placesandpics.com/
Special-interest photos: http://ghosttowns.placesandpics.com/

 

[Bobthearch]

If your Chromebook has an SD card slot you could expand your memory with that. Another less expensive option would be an external hard drive like this:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-eas...able-hard-drive-black/5792404.p?skuId=5792404

Either way you can store quite a bit.

It does have sd and usb, the issue is the installed video editor only sees videos that are on the internal drive

I keep trying to find another decent app that will view external files as well.

And browsing inexpensive windows computers, but the cheaper ones have the same issue, small hard drives.

The primary hard drive size is the least concern when choosing a computer for video editing; you can install larger and additional hard drives at any time. It's the power supply, the processor power, the amount of RAM, and the graphics card that matter.

No Chromebook or inexpensive off-the-shelf PC is going to run advanced video editing software very well; they just aren't made for it.

I know very little about those specs, always looked at the size and in the they have worked well for editing videos. If a laptop with w10 has a program like windows movie maker already installed I think it would work okay. I know that's not a good policy when it comes to specs but it has worked for me in the past.

Please tell me what you think about specs of this laptop:

Windows 10 operating system

Windows 10 ...

Windows 10 is the latest. Windows 7 continues to run every software I've encountered.

11.6" display

Tiny.

Typical 1366 x 768 HD resolution. Energy-efficient LED backlight.

Intel® Celeron® processor N4000

That's incredibly cheap and low-powered, designed for typing a letter or browsing the internet, not for running software.

Entry-level dual-core processor for general e-mail, Internet and productivity tasks.

See?

4GB system memory for basic multitasking

Most photo and video editing software require 8GB to run smooth, and usually run better with 16 GB or even 32GB.

Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once.

Yes, good enough for internet browsing like I said.

32GB eMMC flash memory

That means there is no hard drive. Nor can you install one. And depending on ports and plugs, you may not even be able to use an external drive effectively.

This ultracompact memory system is ideal for mobile devices and applications, providing enhanced storage capabilities, streamlined data management, quick boot-up times and support for high-definition video playback.

Intel® UHD Graphics 600

The lowest of all onboard graphics. It probably can't be upgraded, and you can't install a real video card in any laptop.

Even a basic cheap desktop graphic card from two years ago is 1,300% faster.

On-processor graphics with shared video memory provide everyday image quality for Internet use, basic photo editing and casual gaming.

Emphasis on basic.

Weighs 2.18 lbs. and measures 0.7" thin

Ultrathin and ultralight for maximum portability, featuring a smaller screen size and omitting the DVD/CD drive to achieve the compact form factor. 2-cell lithium-polymer battery.

Does any of that sound like the qualities of a functional video-editing computer? You're not being realistic.

 

[Ian_abaco]

I don't disagree with you. And if cost wasn't an issue I might get the top rated machine. But sometimes that isn't possible. A lot of times cheaper choices (although not the best) can still do what you need until you might be able to afford a better choice.

 

[rb0321]

If your Chromebook has an SD card slot you could expand your memory with that. Another less expensive option would be an external hard drive like this:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-eas...able-hard-drive-black/5792404.p?skuId=5792404

Either way you can store quite a bit.

It does have sd and usb, the issue is the installed video editor only sees videos that are on the internal drive

I keep trying to find another decent app that will view external files as well.

And browsing inexpensive windows computers, but the cheaper ones have the same issue, small hard drives.

Since money is an issue you can use the internal drive for editing, then move finished products to an external drive. This should work fine until you decide what the next upgrade step will be.

 

[Bobthearch]

I don't disagree with you. And if cost wasn't an issue I might get the top rated machine. But sometimes that isn't possible. A lot of times cheaper choices (although not the best) can still do what you need until you might be able to afford a better choice.

I understand completely. But if you want to make the best use of a limited budget:

Don't waste money on something that can't be expanded or upgraded later, that's money down the toilet.

Snap one together re-using as many components as possible that you already own; make maximum use of the items you've already paid for.

I remain confident that you don't need a "top rated" machine. But I suggest that you likely do need something better than a low-end mobile device.

Anyway, good luck and happy film-making!

--
Personal non-commercial websites with no ads or tracking:
Local photography: http://ratonphotos.com/
Travel and photography: http://placesandpics.com/
Special-interest photos: http://ghosttowns.placesandpics.com/

 

[jbcohen]

Perhaps a new Windows 10 laptop is in your future.

 

[Tom_N]

Please tell me what you think about specs of this laptop:

That 720p display will be cramped for editing 1080p videos. You may want an external monitor, one with at least 1920 x 1080 pixels.

You were complaining about hard drives on entry-level PCs being too small. You know – the hard drives whose capacity is typically 500 GB to 1 TB. Even entry-level SSDs might hold 128 GB to 256 GB. This laptop has only 32 GB of storage.

4 GB of RAM is very low for video editing these days. Is the RAM expandable?

 

[jbcohen]

I used to use an older version of Vegas studio, wasn't to find of it. Personal opinion only.

 

[BobSC]

You can resurrect your W7 machine with more memory and whatever else is needed. Video editing of HD clips is not particularly computer intensive. Rendering takes a long time, but you don't have to sit there while it happens.

If it's not 64-bit windows then adding memory won't help.