Switching Question

[crazycamel01]

Hey guys,

Was thinking buying powerbook in near future. I am experienced PC user but Apple-ignorant. Few questions:

- File Formats... If I have an external FW or USB hard drive, could I plug it into the PB and add files, then plug into PC to add files or is there different file systems between the two (need to partition to a certain file format)? Also, can I take an MP3 cd created on PC and transfer files to PB? What about other file formats like video, docs, etc.?

- What sort of connection (cables, etc) can take my PB video output and show it on my LCD monitor? Is this feasible and does the quality look OK?

- I have heard conflicting things about airport express (the new one). Can I take my university LAN connection, plug it into express and use wireless or does it only serve as a repeater for the Extreme base station?

- Never done video editing before but thinking about it. Is it feasible on 12' PB or do I need something stronger? What about music editing?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[micvog]

- File Formats... If I have an external FW or USB hard drive, could I plug it into the PB and add files, then plug into PC to add files or is there different file systems between the two (need to partition to a certain file format)? Also, can I take an MP3 cd created on PC and transfer files to PB? What about other file formats like video, docs, etc.?

As long as the external hard drive is formatted in FAT32 you will be fine; both the Mac and PC can read/write FAT32. If it isn't FAT32, I believe there is software for Mac to read/write NTFS and/or for Windows to read/write HFS+.

- What sort of connection (cables, etc) can take my PB video output and show it on my LCD monitor? Is this feasible and does the quality look OK?

The current PowerBooks have digital out and the appropriate cables included for both digital and analog LCDs. Your LCD will look just as good as it does on Windows.

- I have heard conflicting things about airport express (the new one). Can I take my university LAN connection, plug it into express and use wireless or does it only serve as a repeater for the Extreme base station?

You can take your university LAN connection, plug it into Airport Express and you will have everything you need to go wireless (since all current PBs include Airport). Express can either replace or supplement an Extreme base-station depending on your needs.

- Never done video editing before but thinking about it. Is it feasible on 12' PB or do I need something stronger? What about music editing?

I had never done video editing either, but last weekend I imported video from a digital video camera using iMovie, edited it and burned it to DVD using iDVD on my 12" PB. The 12" PB definately has the power. Some might suggest a bigger screen, but I didn't have a problem.

 

[7on]

Hey guys,

Was thinking buying powerbook in near future. I am experienced PC user but Apple-ignorant. Few questions:

- File Formats... If I have an external FW or USB hard drive, could I plug it into the PB and add files, then plug into PC to add files or is there different file systems between the two (need to partition to a certain file format)? Also, can I take an MP3 cd created on PC and transfer files to PB? What about other file formats like video, docs, etc.?

As long as it's FAT32. Make standard FS is HFS+ which writes faster on a Mac. Macs can't write to NTFS drives yet. Copying about 10GB of data to a Fat32 drive takes like 45min and to a HFS+ like 15minutes for speed comparison. Windows can't read HFS+. In all fairness, Macs are compatible with more stuff IMO that PCs are.

- What sort of connection (cables, etc) can take my PB video output and show it on my LCD monitor? Is this feasible and does the quality look OK?

the 12"PB has a mini-DVI out. It comes with a mini-DVI to DVI and a mini-DV to VGA (I think). Mini-DVI to S-video is sold separately.

- I have heard conflicting things about airport express (the new one). Can I take my university LAN connection, plug it into express and use wireless or does it only serve as a repeater for the Extreme base station?

It'll work by just plugging it in. It's the same as a router except it doesn't have multiple wired ports (and only 5 wifi connections at a time instead of the 10 provided by Extreme (I think)).

- Never done video editing before but thinking about it. Is it feasible on 12' PB or do I need something stronger? What about music editing?
Thanks in advance for any help.

Yes it's feasible. Video/audio editing can be done on the lowest spec of Mac. You could probably do video/audio editing on 2+ year old Macs. Even older I bet.


Edit: micvog beat me!!!!

 

[rueyeet]

I have a USB thumbdrive I use to transfer files between work (Windows) and home (Mac), and neither computer has any trouble with it. However, I've noticed that Windows ME had slight problems with a data CD burned on the Mac, because Windows didn't want to see inside the directories. Burning the same files with no directory structure worked fine.

I think the upshot is that Mac reads Windows filesystems, but Windows does not return the favor.

My TiBook did come with a widget for converting the DVI video output to VGA; it's the DVI-to-ADC that you need to cough up $99 for, if you want to use an Apple LCD. I don't know about the aluminum 'Books, but don't see any reason the DVI-to-VGA widget wouldn't still be in there.

The other stuff you mention--AirPort Express and digital video--should work as you want them to.

Happy switching!!

 

[jesuscandle]

It'll work by just plugging it in. It's the same as a router except it doesn't have multiple wired ports (and only 5 wifi connections at a time instead of the 10 provided by Extreme (I think)).

Airport Express supports 10 clients.

Airport Extreme supports 50.

Just to clarify.

 

[hotwire132002]

Video/audio editing can be done on the lowest spec of Mac. You could probably do video/audio editing on 2+ year old Macs. Even older I bet.

I run FCP on an iMac DV (400Mhz)...That's, what, 4 years old?
I usually use my 17" Flat-Panel iMac, though. Much faster.