The recommended laptops here at Avid is a joke. They have low power and especially Dell overprice their whole collection.

I think that Avid should broaden the list of supported specs. I really like to see them adressing the whole realtek issue which they don't seem to do. Almost all laptops have realtek based cards and for me that issue cost me money. I have found a laptop that cost $1300 less then a laptop of equal power from dell. It's a jewel but I don't seem to get any answers from Avid about weather or not it's working. Even though I'm presenting the specs to a tech support guy I still don't get any answers.

What's up with that? How could Avid expect me to buy their software if they can't help me with the computer of choice? I really don't want a HP or Dell computer, it's just stupid to force everyone to use them (also almost illegal in terms of the market of computers, right?).

If I need more power and find a computer that gives, then it would be good to get som answers from Avid about if that computer will be working (at least on paper).

I don't want to order a laptop just to find out it has the same stupid realtek issue as always.
It's also something I thought would be gone in version 3.0 of Media Composer, but it seems that it's still there.

So, what advices are there? Did Avid really "listen" as they say now a days? Or is it just a marketing tool...?

Susi:

And who rates HP over Dell for reliability, ease of maintenance etc?

I do, without hesitation. We have 10 MCA and NCA edit suites and about 15 Newscutter XP platforms, all running HP computers, some for over 6 years. They are stable, reliable workhorses. Rarely do we ever have a serious problem with them, especially the 8400s in the Adrenaline suites. Wish I could say the same of Dell but I simply cannot and I'll leave it at that.

miquelg:

We use an nw9440 to run MC with mojo SDI and all I can say is that it works really smoth, estable and very fast at renders.

...Ditto ! We find MC 3.0 with Old Analogue MOJO runs perfectly ! We use it plugged into an HP docking station and tilt table (A very nice way to run your Avid Power laptop in house). Renders are super fast and all is flawless. Stick to the Avid approved laptops or have nothing but problems.

 Read Discovery's experience using camera gear in the Arctic for the deadliest catch series. Seems half the gear "broke" during filming, so plan on taking some spare cameras.

http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/deadliestcatch/deadliestcatch.html

I think your laptop will be more protected, but it's something to consider. I believe some of Lenovo's X or T series have at least some environmental protection and they are built tough... don't know if they'll run Avid though (I seem to remember one IBM laptop being certified).

My advice - take a spare...

 No one knows if any computer runs with Avid, there's never any response from Avid. I contacted Avid tech support to get some input on the specs of a computer I'm about to invest in.

The answer was "There's so many computers out there that I can't give you an answer".

Must it be so hard to get a "go" from tech support? I know that they will not know for sure before they tested the computer in some lab somewhere, but haven't they got a big list of issues that shows what technology has compability problems with Media Composer? Wouldn't it be possible for them to just check if the computer specs match specs on the issue list?

That's enough for me, but tech support isn't really tech support it seems...  I often get more help here.

They didn't listen...

Hi,

Yeah, it'd be nice if they could test every possible combination of processors, video cards, audio cards, storage and operating systems in existence, but I imagine that'd take an incredible amount of money and time, so I doubt it's going to happen any time soon.

As for Avid support, what did you want them to say?  Would you rather they told you an untested configuration might work, and then you spent a ton of money only to find out it didn't work?  Also, they're not going to respond on these forums because these are user forums.

good luck,
Carl

 There's a difference between writing replies and reading about peoples problems. This forum is a great source of information about issues.

And yeah, I really want them to say that some system "might work" because I can always return the computer if it really doesn't work. The systems on their "tested computers" page are outdated and far from the specs of the computer I'm about to buy. It's not practical in the real world to follow those computers and that is a fact. They will work, but they will not work when cameras like Red One etc. demands much more power then what the recommended computers can give.

The two big things I need to know about is realtek and nvidia 8800. I might be able to get the computer with another card then 8800, but the soundsystem in Clevo PortaNotes can't be changed. Still, I do not know if it's the same as other realtek cards, so I need confirmation from Avid weather or not the card has the realtek issue... which I don't seem to get. I don't think they are unaware of the realtek issues with Media Composer 3.

If they won't answer, maybe someone here can give some input?

Here's the specs of the laptop in mind:
http://www.ggsdata.se/laptops/bilder/D900CDM_v3.6.pdf

Sound system
UAA (Universal Audio Architecture)
Integrated Azalia compliant interface
S/PDIF Digital output

The sound system column doesn't mention AC'97 or realtek.
If someone has the same audio system on their computer as the one mentioned in that PDF, maybe someone could just say if their system works with media composer?

 Glans:

Right off the bat, looking at your link, the operating systems.  You must run either Windows XP PRO Service Pack 2, 32 bit or Vista Business. And in the case of Vista, a minimum of 4 GB RAM. Those are the only two operating systems qualified for 3.0.  And choose a Quadro card, not a GE force.

Glans:

And yeah, I really want them to say that some system "might work" because I can always return the computer if it really doesn't work. The systems on their "tested computers" page are outdated and far from the specs of the computer I'm about to buy. It's not practical in the real world to follow those computers and that is a fact. They will work, but they will not work when cameras like Red One etc. demands much more power then what the recommended computers can give.

 I think you're missing the point. Computer configurations are a moving target. What Avid have done (which very few software providers bother to do-most just give you a minimum config) is to give you a qualified list. That means that the computers on that list are guaranteed to work with Avid. Doesn't matter if they aren't the latest and greatest, although Avid does update the list when the manufacturers they deal with come out with a new system (eg XW8000 then xw8200 then xw8400 and XW8600). Avid have wisely gone for HP, IBM, Apple and Dell (Dell - not quite as reliable but excellent warranty service options). As far as notebooks go, the technology you're looking at hasn't been embraced by many of the mainstream manufacturers. There's a reason for that - it is far from ideal for a laptop scenario. Those quad core processors generate a lot of heat and it may severely shorten the life of a laptop or make it a noisy and unpalatable machine for many scenarios. Excess heat also can lead to weird performance issues.

The HP8710W is a very nice laptop - no doubt HP will be replacing it soon with a new version featuring the express based motherboards, but it is still a great workhorse. It runs CS3 without blinking and Avid flies along. HP have 3 year NBD onsite warranty option.

You said you could always return a computer if it doesn't work so go ahead and buy it and kindly share your experience with the rest of the forum. But if you use your computer to make money, don't trifle with stuff that doesn't have the support you need unless you feel you can support it yourself.

BTW the XW8400 has realtek HD audio and it is a qualified machine. So it isn't that Avid doesn't work with realtek but there are obviously some issues with some realtek chipsets. I think if you google "Azalia" you'll find it's an intel 7.1 chip - but the manufacturer only tells you that it is "Azalia" compliant which probably means it's a Tiawanese knockoff of Intel's chipset.

So I wouldn't hold your breath about advice on the Azalia compliant chipset. No one except someone with exactly that configuration could recommend it or they would just be guessing. Same problem for Avid Support.

 Thanks for the info.

I'm gonna work with large 4K files from Red One and that means using redcine and other tools to convert into avid codecs, then edit in avid. The power I'm after is superpower.

But if what you say is correct about quadcores in laptops; should I go for a dualcore instead?
Should I look for a dual core 3.0GHz instead of 2,5GHz Quad?

Also, I need a computer now, this month, not next or two months from now.
People always say that the next line is going to have this and that...
The computer I linked to is already being sold and it's lightyears ahead of HP, Dell and the others.
I've never had any "brand name" bought computer, because they cost too much and are way behind of companies like Clevo... 

 I found out the card in the computer I checked out... it's a Realtek ALC883.
Anyone that uses a laptop with that card that can assure that their Media Composer works?

Glans:

 Thanks for the info.

I'm gonna work with large 4K files from Red One and that means using redcine and other tools to convert into avid codecs, then edit in avid. The power I'm after is superpower.

But if what you say is correct about quadcores in laptops; should I go for a dualcore instead?
Should I look for a dual core 3.0GHz instead of 2,5GHz Quad?

Also, I need a computer now, this month, not next or two months from now.
People always say that the next line is going to have this and that...
The computer I linked to is already being sold and it's lightyears ahead of HP, Dell and the others.
I've never had any "brand name" bought computer, because they cost too much and are way behind of companies like Clevo... 

Trying to decide which laptop (???) is the least of your worries if you are trying to post 4K files from Red One. The Red workflow is probably the most complex of any,because of how new the format is and the size of the files. Now if you are talking an offline workflow, that makes it a little easier.

The fact that you don't even have a stable system with MC already running, and a lot of time with the system under your belt does not bode well for making it through the management of a Red One edit workflow with a new laptop that is not certified by Avid.

Right now a Final Cut system on a full blown MacPro has an edge over Avid as far as the workflow. I am sure that will change over time. Unless you are talking about working offline with DNXHD material I would forget using a laptop. But then, the information you have given is like finding a small leak with the real flod right behind the door.

If you need a laptop right now to use with Avid MC 3.0 to offline Red One files, my suggestion would be to purchase the fastest Macbook Pro they offer, load up MC3, and do a lot of reading. The best of luck to you.

 I'm fully aware of the limitations of a PC over a mac and final cut pro.

It's just that I'm doing more then editing film, I need something that's good for alot of things and that is when mac's start to lack in my view. People can promote Final Cut all they want but the fact is that I'm educated in Avid and I'm Flash Gordon with it compared to Final Cut. It's better that I build a mobile system to enable me to work anywhere but with the power of my workstation at home. So, I need the best PC avalible and the one I found is the one that beats the crap out of most certified systems...

So, because I've experienced the realtek problem once with media composer I want to know if the sound system might conflict with media composer. If anyone else used a Realtek ALC883 It's good to know if it worked or not for them. It's better then not knowing at all...

I think the real issue here is that people think either black or white. It's either a perfect working system or it's a no go. If people can't say more then "it might work", that is fine for me; then I can pay, test and send it back if it indeed didn't work.

It's just that my issue here is that I need a more powerful system then the certified systems, but for a price lower then the overpriced brands, that still works with MC.

It would be nice if Avid had a list of "possible" issues. A list that shows system setups that encountered errors. Like a system with a realtek card that gave the audio hardware crash that so many got. It's much more helpful for those that don't buy into the delloshpere of false stability.

Most important decision for *this* project is this:  what is the closest town to the excursion in the arctic and which vendor can offer same day or next day hardware replacement services if something happens to your system? 

If you choose the best laptop in the world and a seal kicks it into a pool of saltwater, and that vendor cannot help you out....you're screwed.

*Additionally - if this is going to be a viewed film or documentary, Apple is quite happy to donate a computer IF it will be in the film...they like that marketing.  So you could take that route to have a backup on hand if it fits into your story at all. 

Apple laptops are nice - I'm a Windows Avid guy, but when I purchase a laptop it will be a Mac.  The Avid advantage with a mac is that there are not five million versions of it called anything from alienwear to vaio.   One Macbook pro which means a higher chance that Avid has found the bugs.