I have owned two laptops since I started video editing in 2006. Both MacBook Pro's (the model most recommended by videographers, musicians and graphic designers at the time) and the first serving me well for five years of frequent daily usage and travel. To this day it is only the keyboard which doesn't work and it still can wheeze into action to serve as a hard drive.

The second I purchased in 2011 and a couple of months ago I was hit by that malady whereupon the screen turns blue when using a program like Photoshop or Final Cut Pro (7) which requires a lot of memory. A local Apple service centre said it would need a new motherboard costing a third of the price of the laptop so I took it to Phantip Plaza, a famous Bangkok IT Mall full of computer stores and specialist repair shops.

It spent almost two months here. The repairmen first had to wait for a new graphics card to arrive from China but it turned out this was a misdiagnosis and by the time I went to collect it, the laptop was completely lifeless and dead. I was refunded and tok it back to an official Apple store who confirmed that it had any of its innards stolen.

The new OS I hated anyway, it put more focus into pretty transitions and looking fancy then simply functioning and doing its job. Apple have lost the plot and are hopefully facing the decline they deserve due to their incessant greed and patronizing and unnecessary changes and updates, gradually taking freedom away from the user - the one thing they once prided themselves on doing the opposite.

In short - I need a laptop that is suitable for us creative types and is reliable that is NOT an Apple product.

I figured that here would be the best place for recommendations.

Budget $1000 or under.

There is another choice, Linux. Linux is mainly GUI operated now, so is easy to use when changing over from another OS. It's lighter and faster than Windoze and works well on older hardware too. There's a distribution for everyone. I use it all the time, I have done for a couple of years.

I would suggest buying a used high spec. laptop, preferably with Windows 7 installed and install a Linux distribution as a dual boot OS beside it. It really is easy now, most distros have auto partitioning and will install beside Windows with no manual help.

As a first distro I would suggest ArtistX (http://artistx.org/blog/), it has almost every artistic application available for Linux "out of the box". As with many Linux distros, it can be tested as a live CD before installing. And, of course, it's free!

Just my two penn'orth.

Dave

Thanks Dave for presenting a third option.

I've only heard of Linux but it definitely sounds worth looking into.

I'm starting here:

Linux - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux)

There is another choice, Linux. Linux is mainly GUI operated now, so is easy to use when changing over from another OS.

If you want to change to another OS the first question you need to ask is what software you will be planning to use, lots of popular software doesn't run natively on a Linux OS so in those cases a Windo(ze)ws OS would be a much wiser and better choice.

Cameron; I suggest you first make a list of the software you are planning to use and what type of camera files you are going to edit and based on that you have to choose the laptop, some NLE's and codecs have very specific hardware requirements, if you buy just based on the price you might end up with another negative experience.

Noa makes a good point. Linux still holds only a few percent of the overall OS marketshare, so not a lot of software that you might be used to will run natively on Linux. Certainly most mainstream NLEs won't.

There's nothing wrong with Windows 7, it's plenty fast and will run 99% of software that you will likely be using.

If you want to change to another OS the first question you need to ask is what software you will be planning to use, lots of popular software doesn't run natively on a Linux OS
Often said and perfectly true, but there is a Linux alternative for everything that can be done on Windows. Cameron won't have any favourite Windows applications since he wants to ditch the Mac OS, so he will have to get used to new ones in any case.

If you read my post correctly, I am suggesting an OS that can run on a Windows computer as an alternative to Windows, but Windows can be booted if preferred and also an OS that can be tried out, totally free, by running it as a live CD and then installed if liked, again totally free. Full choice with no risk! What's wrong with that?

Dave

Lightworks is currently the only professional NLE that will run on Linux. Other software choices (unless into servers etc) are probably limited, but include Gimp and Blender instead of Photoshop and After Effects.

I know what you mean about the icons and folders sweeping around the screen with the current Mac OS, I normally use Windows 7 and have been using the Mac at the company where I'm currently working.

Full choice with no risk! What's wrong with that?

I have gone through several linux distro's both as dual booth with windows but also with only linux installed but my experience with Linux is that it is for advanced users, it can be easy to use depending on what distro you install but if it goes wrong you need to have knowledge of how to use the terminal. I have had my fair share of issues with Linux, often driver related, mostly fixable but again only with a extensive knowlegde of code you had to enter into the terminal to get things working again. Sometimes it was just a minor issue but resulting into a system that did not want to boot anymore and while a Linux expert friend managed to get it working again quite easily it is not something I want to deal with in daily use. That's why I find Linux systems a quite high risk to use when your income depends on it and when you don't know how to maintain it.

Fair enough Noa. I tried Linux as a main OS a few years ago and had similar experiences to yours. Worst of all, video editing was still at the very simple stage, so I paid up for Windows 7 and went back to Vegas.

Now it's very different. The terminal is only necessary on very odd occasions. I have not learned command line working, nor do I intend to. If there is a problem, almost certainly someone will have written the code for fixing it, just copy and paste. The only specialist knowledge needed now is how to use a search engine.

My favourite NLE, Kdenlive, is now a very capable package and I have come to prefer it to Vegas.

I guess if my income depended on it I would be sceptical too, but I am not suggesting Linux only, but alongside Windows until, or if, he likes it.

When I came over to Linux this time, I was determined that I would do it as a Windows user who knows nothing about Linux. Either that, or back to Windows. Well, I'm here to stay, it works for me.

There are several Linux distros that are easy to install and so Windows-like to use you won't believe it. They all have forums where, if anything goes wrong, it can be discussed and a fix found. Naturally nothing ever goes wrong with Windows, does it?

Mint, Ubuntu and its derivatives like ArtistX, openSUSE, PClinuxOS to name a few, are all suitable for beginners.

Dave

Naturally nothing ever goes wrong with Windows, does it?

Well, when I started using windows 7 I didn't have any issue with it at all, it was rock solid until recently, when I had to install a cheap ATI graphics card, there is also a driver related issue as for the first time in years I get BSOD's after longer editing sessions, I can see in the error reports it tracks back to a driver problem, I have tried everything but the problem keeps popping up now and then. A correctly configured system, no matter if you use apple, linux or windows will run trouble free but it's always the weakest link that can bring an entire system down. I won't switch to Linux though but will buy a Nvidia card instead :D

I no longer video edit full time, however I still occasionally need to be able to use Final Cut - which I guess I wouldn't without a Mac but I7d be willing to purchase and learn:

Adobe Premier
Photoshop
Logic Pro (or something similar)

What type of codec does your videocamera use?

I forgot the user that helped me on this forum. But some one guided me to set up Sony Vegas to be completely crash free.

I am absolutely terrified of my PC catching a virus or anything whereby I will need to give it a 'fresh' install of Windows.

My work flow is so smooth now on my i7 I absolutely love it. It is easily the perfect 1080p editing machine. I can use multiple layers / tracks and edit lag free.

I should of filmed myself making all the changes for future reference but I didn't ...

I don't think I will ever upgrade until my clients require me to change ALL my cameras to 4K in which case my NLE and my PC will be upgraded as well.

it put more focus into pretty transitions and looking fancy then simply functioning and doing its job

My thoughts exactly when it comes to the Apple operating system. I can easily be more productive on Windows 7.

Andrew

In short - I need a laptop that is suitable for us creative types and is reliable that is NOT an Apple product.

I figured that here would be the best place for recommendations.

Budget $1000 or under.

For that budget I would build my own pc desktop and then turn it into a hackintosh with a dual boot windows 7. Best bet is to find a motherboard that is well supported for hackintosh conversion. You really get more bang for your buck with your own build. If you aren't comfortable with the hackintosh conversion, try to find a used one. Both operating systems have their own advantages.

To add to the thread -

$1K for a video capable laptop is probably a bit low, there are gaming machines with higher end video cards that supposedly will be workable. I'm fiddling with editing on a 4th gen Ultrabook, haven't got it configured yet, and need to hit up Intel for a working driver for my external 4K monitor - driver issues are LOTS o' fun on the "bleeding edge"!

Windows 7 is good, but Windows 8/8.1 is faster, and once you get rid of the "PlaySkool" interface with a 3rd party "start" menu, the transition is not "too" painful. I survived the initial shock and revulsion, and now run W8.1 with quite stable results.

I agree that sometimes configuring a computer for video editing is an "adventure" - setting up a 4K capable desktop on the cheap was an interesting experience, and while I use Windows Defender (MS Security Essentials is good for W7), so I don't worry TOO much about infections (and Defender and SE are easy on system resources unlike most "modern" Anti virus software), I too fear the inevitable "refresh"...

I've been through running Premiere and Vegas on a variety of Windows 7 64 laptops. My suggestion is saving up a bit more money. First off, you need a really good graphics card in the machine, 2GBs of dedicated RAM. Secondly, you need about 16 GBs of RAM. A SSD main drive is also really worth while.

I highly recommend against Windows 8 until the next release of 8 or even 9 comes out. I find it so frustrating that I've migrated back to 7 (64 bit). It's very very stable.

So my current best of breed laptop for editing (instead of a desktop which is still my favorite) is Lenovo Thinkpad. The model that comes with the kind of power you want is a W540 or above. You can remove the DVD drive and replace it with a second hard disk if you want.

HP also sells the Z laptop, and it has the kind of power you need.

Trying to low ball this kind of unit will lead to the kind of frustration you already have been through. Just go buy the right thing from the beginning and save yourself the grief. Your time is worth something. Go save another $1000 and get the right laptop from the start. Or better yet, buy a desktop which has the power supplies and other expansion to really do the job right. It will be cheaper.
By the way, I've also been running Premiere on a 16 GB iMac with an SSD. Not a problem to report at this point. It's wonderful. Cost me $1800 fully configured with 16GBs RAM on ebay. I find that I don't really need the laptop anymore.

Yes, there is also Linux, but I'm unclear how techie you really are. I've found Linux to be a pain in the ass. It's been much cheaper for me to just buy a real Windows machine and run standard software like Premiere and Vegas on it. If you are really into Linux already, then go for it. You'll figure out what you need to do.

I love Pantip Plaza! What an amazing place. I brought my old 2011 macbook pro in there because after 3 years the Graphics card was going out. A guy there in a store way in the back offered to fix for me with a hair dyer, it was either that or a new Mother board. I declined.

When my wife was shopping across the street I told her I'll be waiting for her in Pantip plaza! I bought some lens and a follow focus in there, but no computers.

I'm addicted to Pantip also. When browsing at a booth if I mention that I'd like to shop longer but I'm really thirsty for a cold drink at the A&W, next thing you know, somebody is handing me an ice cold root beer and offering me a stool. Now that's service! Been going there for years and one time I was shopping and the whole place was locked up with the lights going out as they were closing and the sales guy told me don't worry, keep looking (shopping for DVD player). I got the player and the security guy let me out. I only wish there was a 4 or 5 star hotel nearby. I get all my large poster prints (30x60") made over at the shop near the other restaurant, S&P I think it's called. Costs a fraction of what I pay in the states, $30 vs $160.

Go over to MBK Plaza and find the high end camera shop, with the rigged out C500.

Mark

I'm addicted to Pantip also. When browsing at a booth if I mention that I'd like to shop longer but I'm really thirsty for a cold drink at the A&W, next thing you know, somebody is handing me an ice cold root beer and offering me a stool. Now that's service! Been going there for years and one time I was shopping and the whole place was locked up with the lights going out as they were closing and the sales guy told me don't worry, keep looking (shopping for DVD player). I got the player and the security guy let me out. I only wish there was a 4 or 5 star hotel nearby. I get all my large poster prints (30x60") made over at the shop near the other restaurant, S&P I think it's called. Costs a fraction of what I pay in the states, $30 vs $160.

Go over to MBK Plaza and find the high end camera shop, with the rigged out C500.

Mark

Mark I feel an odd kinship with you knowing you know about Pantip! Yes, the A&W at the 1st floor entrance I've been there as well, but I usually go to the food court at the top of the escalators. Instead of root beer, I'm addicted to Thai-tea (Cha-yin) on a hot day they go down very easy!

I go to Thailand quite often because my wife is from Ubon Rachathaini. She had an apt at the Skytrain station Anuit..... a few blocks from there. So I always stayed over there when I came..... now of course we live in Santa Fe, NM, but go back at least once a year to shop for her store here in Santa Fe, and visit her family.

Yes MBK is another cool place for camera gear lots of "high end" camera shops there as well as just about anything else you might need. My wife always buys Durian chips there..... I think the only place to get them in Bangkok.

Bangkok is such a stark contrast to the dying strip malls in America. I try to explain the many shopping malls in Bangkok to my friends here but they can't quite comprehend the size and magnitude of what I'm talking about. There is one mall, I think, "Emporium" that has a BMW/Maserati dealership on the 5th floor!!!

There seems to be some nice Hotels around Pantip Plaza..... but I can't remember because I never looked for one. The problem with Pantip is getting there through the traffic usually a sky train stop then a Tuk-tuk...... after a day of my wife shopping across the street, and me at Pantip plaza we have so much stuff to haul back home we have to take a taxi, but the taxi's don't go that direction at certain times of the day.

Can't wait to go back to Thailand again this coming February..... maybe I'll see you there.... ha ha!

I took some photos and video inside Pantip Plaza. I'll see if I can digg them up later and post a couple here.

One good thing about the 5D3 is it's not too obvious..... although once while on my way out I filmed going down the escalators and a security guard started harassing me all the way out the door. In an act of defiance once I was outside on the street I took a few photos of the the entrance to Pantip...... and he was still chasing me away. So if I do find any photos you know they are posted here at great risk to myself...... ha hah!

I know all of what you're talking about, got photos of them cars in the mall too! I've bought 3 laptops in Pantip and got a cell phone fixed there. To get there, I take the Skytrain and get off at N1 Rathathewi (sounds more like "Ratch-a-Terry"). Take Exit 4 from the platform. At the bottom of the steps, do a 180 and walk up the sidewalk to the intersection. Turn right onto Phetchaburi Road. Walk about 12 minutes and Pantip is on your right. If you go by taxi, hire him for a few hours, exchange cell numbers, have him drop you at the front entrance. He'll go park the car, call you and come find you. If he's like most, he'll offer to carry all your stuff. When done shopping, tell him to go get the car and meet you in front in so many minutes. I've also had stuff I bought delivered to my hotel so I could get on the Skytrain and keep on shopping or hit a movie theater (Siam Paragon) on the way home. Doubt I'll be there in Feb. but I never know. Planning a 20-day trip for Christmas & New Years right now. Every time I get a new camera I feel like I need to go back and re-shoot certain things!! They don't like you to take pictures inside due to the sale of pirated movies, music and software. It's actually illegal there. Have fun!

Mark

It could always be a similar thing to South Korea where the interior design of their shopping centres is a competitive sensitivity - something that is more important than usual when differentiating yourself form the rest of the concrete jungle.

I took this photo in South Korea. Through my interpreter I did offer (to the security guys) to delete the pic, but they were happy to just ask me to not take any more photos.

Andrew

Oh sorry I dropped the ball in responding to this. My hard drive got fried with all my photos of Pantip Plaza, and all my good video. But here is a video I made shortly after getting my 5D3..... out of focus and all.

Bangkok Anuit on Vimeo

To add to the thread -

$1K for a video capable laptop is probably a bit low, there are gaming machines with higher end video cards that supposedly will be workable. [snip]

I'll add a me too to that. You could check out the sort of specs recommended by Videoguys. (I have a feeling links are not welcome here, but the info is short Google away.) I'll also go along with looking at gaming laptops, because they seem to offer a lot of bang for your buck, and tend to have the right balance of components for video editing.

I went for an MSI GT70 ONE a year or so back. It only has a four core CPU (i7-3630QM) and 16Gb RAM, but the GTX680 video card is useful, and it has a pair of SSDs in a raid0 for the boot drive. It runs the full Creative Cloud suite quite well, and boots and loads apps amazingly fast. It cost maybe double your budget though.

Welcome back Trevor!

Mark