Upgrading to Pro - Will this laptop work? Vaio ..

CallDon wrote on 3/26/2012, 10:18 PM
I have a Sony Vaio VGN-FW140E that I have been using with Movie Studio Platinum 8.0. I bought this Sony Vaio probably 2-1/2 years ago brand new but have hardly used it at all. I have another daily driver. When I received the e-mail about upgrading from Movie Studio Platinum 8.0 to PRO 11, I thought I might do it if this laptop could handle it.

Here are the specs on this Sony Vaio:

Processor 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400
Memory 3GB DDR2
Hard drive 250GB, 5400rpm
Chipset Intel GM45 Express
Graphics Intel GMA 4700MHD (integrated)
Hard Drive: 250 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm

Will this work fairly well with upgrading to Pro 11?

Any other suggestions for me?

Thanks,
Don

Comments

Duncan H wrote on 3/27/2012, 1:00 AM
Hi Calldon.

I'm editing on an F series Vaio (VPCF 127 HG), which has a Quad core CPU (i7- 740QM), with 6 GB memory.

I have found that my laptop is O.K for VP11, with some Magic Bullet &/or Sapphire Edge effects added to HD footage. Crashing way less with the latest build (595). My machine only just creeps into GPU capable (CUDA). My experience is that the latest build is pretty stable for straightforward editing, I'm still nervous about New Blue Titler. I don't get great preview - I generally use "good" and "half", but that's fine.

I think your stated 3 GB memory is going to be found wanting, assuming your using HD.

If I had the cash, I'd upgrade my PC now as I'm sometimes quite surprised that my laptop can manage VP11 given my experiences since launch, which has seen many crashes until this most recent build.

I'm not sure that answers your question, but I would caution against having too high expectations of editing bliss with your laptop specs, H.D, VP 11 and a few OFX effects.

Regards

Duncan
Steve Mann wrote on 3/27/2012, 9:18 AM
The specs sound like one of my laptops that I use with Vegas 10, only for audio recording. It is way underpowered for editing and Version 11 would be a challenge.
CallDon wrote on 3/27/2012, 10:36 AM
The ram can be upgraded to 4gb.

I would like to stay with a laptop for convenience. I can always use a larger monitor at home for extensive work, none of which I do yet. I'm just upgrading for the ability to use multicam.

So what should I look for in a laptop or should I just get a more powerful desktop for this use??

Thanks!
ritsmer wrote on 3/27/2012, 3:43 PM
Just my 2 cents: - for AVCHD editing I feel that my 2 x quad core Xeon machine with 8 GB ECC RAM, 3 HDDs and a 27 plus a 24 extended desktop monitors is just below what I really would like for a good workplace ...

... but I have edited on my Intel atom dual core EEE 13" laptop - and did get the work done too - but it was certainly no fun ...

Probably a matter of habit - a Civic does work, yes - but a Caddy V8 is more convenient ...
tumbleweed7 wrote on 3/27/2012, 9:16 PM

I also have a Vaio...S series, VPCSC1AFM... (check specs on web)

Mine works ok, VP 11, but the playback can get quite choppy, depending on effects...
Like someone else said, yours is underpowered a bit, & the onboard grahics on that unit, will not run NewBlues Titler Pro...

Maybe download the trial, & see how it works?
wandering journalist wrote on 3/28/2012, 10:57 AM
Hey - I'm using one a F series Vaio notebook and love it for editing. Went with it for portability obviously. Also running Vegas 11 with no problems. But, it is quad core and while the 4g ram is minimum (keep meaning to upgrade) I find the key is the dedicated video card. Absolutely use the trial version of the software and see how it goes... you might find that this time of year you can grab a demo or floor model of a Vaio at a big box retailer for deep discount. That's how I got mine last spring...

Dale.
Gene Aum wrote on 3/28/2012, 5:02 PM
I have an F - upgraded to faster speed 8GB (from Crucial I think).
While the computer is fast enough to run VP11 it still doesn't match the speed of a desktop.
Also, when you really crank the CPU/GPU the cooling system is quite loud.

I still like the computer and would purchase again.

Steve