Laptop Specs Compatible?

[Chips Mom]

I am new to this forum and would really appreciate any and all suggestions.

Since my desktop computer is getting too old for video work, I am replacing my old desktop computer with a laptop.

Can anyone tell me if Dell’s Studio XPS 16, with the following specs is a good choice for video capture and editing

with Roxio Creator 2010 Pro:

 

Studio XPS 16 Notebook

Either

Intel Core i7-740QM Quad Core Processor 1.73GHz (2.93GHz Turbo Mode, 6M Cache)

Or

Intel Core i7-840QM Quad Core Processor 1.86GHz (3.2GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)

Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

6 GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz

500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 – 1 GB

Edge-to-Edge FHD Widescreen 15.6 inch WLED LCD (1920 x 1080) W/2.0 MP

Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio – Software Enabled

 

I am looking to convert old VHS tapes to DVD. I would also like to connect my laptop to my TV.

I want to be able to watch or capture live TV on my laptop but also be able to view video from my laptop on my TV.

 

This laptop has ports for VGA video connector, IEEE compliant 1394a port, Display Port, and HDMI Port.

 

From research, I understand that I need a TV Tuner to watch TV on my laptop.

I am having a hard time finding a laptop configuration with a graphics card that includes a TV Tuner.

Dell sells one that is a separate piece of hardware. Do you think that this would be suitable or should it be included

in the graphics card? I contacted Dell earlier today and the tech told me that the graphics card does not have TV Out.

Would the HDMI Port on my laptop, connected to the HDMI on my TV, let me watch video from my laptop on my TV?

 

Is this Audio Card sufficient? The tech told me that it is integrated.

 

Sorry for all the questions. I’m not completely new at this, but I’m also not a computer genius.

From searching the forums, you guys seem to know a lot and I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

[Chips Mom]

Yes, HDMI out and HDMI in on your TV will allow you to watch/work with your TV and laptop.

 

I know one person that recently got a Dell with a TV tuner. I think that turner is not really compatible with the capture program in Creator 2010 or 2011 but I'm not sure. Perhaps someone will offer a better idea of if it will work. I has a external TV turner tied to an antenna and was able to watch the over the air digital signal. I used that turner's software to capture TV programming. You may want to look at 3rd party TV turners.

 

Look at my signature and you'll see that I have the first XPS 16 laptop. Make sure that it comes with the 125 or 150 watt AC power supply. Go to the local big box store or an on-line electronics store to get a laptop cooler (for example only). I use a passive one (just a stand) but there are some that run fans off a USB port. Also see if you can get the larger battery if you plan to lug that thing around. It is heavy. I have had several laptops and NONE of them have speakers that are worth a #$^@. You can get a sound bar type speaker set up that also runs off a USB port for when you have the laptop on a desk. Of course, the HDMI connection will output to your TV's speaker system. If you plan to carry the laptop around and are used to using a mouse, the touch pad will drive you nuts until you get used to it. A laptop mouse is somehting you should consider also. There are some small ones that work well. If you have it at home, just use the mouse that you have now. The key pad on the laptop is large enough to use comfortably.

 

I agree with cd on the laptop vs the desktop. Unless you plan to carry it around, then the desktop is probably a better idea. It MAY be cheaper for the same specs or you can add more for the same price.

 

I think I answered all your questions. Also look at the Dell refurbished store and talk to the tech. They have some stock that is not displayed. I got mine there and it looked like new. The lower cost may allow you to buy the cooler and external TV tuner and still save some money

 

Thank you for replying and for all the info and suggestions. I really appreciate it.

[cdanteek]

I'm not a computer genius either but I do build the box's I run...

 

If your serious about doing video work I would steer clear of a laptop..

 

No matter how many buzz words they use like , Turbo Mode, Shared Memory, Shared Dual Channel, it's still a laptop. They have trouble cooling themselves surfing the net let alone grinding out video for hours at a time...

 

That's just my opinion of buying a new laptop for video work...

[sknis]

I am new to this forum and would really appreciate any and all suggestions.

Since my desktop computer is getting too old for video work, I am replacing my old desktop computer with a laptop.

Can anyone tell me if Dells Studio XPS 16, with the following specs is a good choice for video capture and editing

with Roxio Creator 2010 Pro:

 

Studio XPS 16 Notebook

Either

Intel Core i7-740QM Quad Core Processor 1.73GHz (2.93GHz Turbo Mode, 6M Cache)

Or

Intel Core i7-840QM Quad Core Processor 1.86GHz (3.2GHz Turbo Mode, 8MB Cache)

Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

6 GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz

500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 1 GB

Edge-to-Edge FHD Widescreen 15.6 inch WLED LCD (1920 x 1080) W/2.0 MP

Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio Software Enabled

 

I am looking to convert old VHS tapes to DVD. I would also like to connect my laptop to my TV.

I want to be able to watch or capture live TV on my laptop but also be able to view video from my laptop on my TV.

 

This laptop has ports for VGA video connector, IEEE compliant 1394a port, Display Port, and HDMI Port.

 

From research, I understand that I need a TV Tuner to watch TV on my laptop.

I am having a hard time finding a laptop configuration with a graphics card that includes a TV Tuner.

Dell sells one that is a separate piece of hardware. Do you think that this would be suitable or should it be included

in the graphics card? I contacted Dell earlier today and the tech told me that the graphics card does not have TV Out.

Would the HDMI Port on my laptop, connected to the HDMI on my TV, let me watch video from my laptop on my TV?

 

Is this Audio Card sufficient? The tech told me that it is integrated.

 

Sorry for all the questions. Im not completely new at this, but Im also not a computer genius.

From searching the forums, you guys seem to know a lot and I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, HDMI out and HDMI in on your TV will allow you to watch/work with your TV and laptop.

 

I know one person that recently got a Dell with a TV tuner. I think that turner is not really compatible with the capture program in Creator 2010 or 2011 but I'm not sure. Perhaps someone will offer a better idea of if it will work. I has a external TV turner tied to an antenna and was able to watch the over the air digital signal. I used that turner's software to capture TV programming. You may want to look at 3rd party TV turners.

 

Look at my signature and you'll see that I have the first XPS 16 laptop. Make sure that it comes with the 125 or 150 watt AC power supply. Go to the local big box store or an on-line electronics store to get a laptop cooler (for example only). I use a passive one (just a stand) but there are some that run fans off a USB port. Also see if you can get the larger battery if you plan to lug that thing around. It is heavy. I have had several laptops and NONE of them have speakers that are worth a #$^@. You can get a sound bar type speaker set up that also runs off a USB port for when you have the laptop on a desk. Of course, the HDMI connection will output to your TV's speaker system. If you plan to carry the laptop around and are used to using a mouse, the touch pad will drive you nuts until you get used to it. A laptop mouse is somehting you should consider also. There are some small ones that work well. If you have it at home, just use the mouse that you have now. The key pad on the laptop is large enough to use comfortably.

 

I agree with cd on the laptop vs the desktop. Unless you plan to carry it around, then the desktop is probably a better idea. It MAY be cheaper for the same specs or you can add more for the same price.

 

I think I answered all your questions. Also look at the Dell refurbished store and talk to the tech. They have some stock that is not displayed. I got mine there and it looked like new. The lower cost may allow you to buy the cooler and external TV tuner and still save some money