Video editing using Gateway 400SD4

I own a Gateway 400SD4 that is working fairly well. I am interested in burning video from my Sony camcorder (miniDV tapes) to DVD using my laptop and an external HD via Firewire.

I found a DVD burner on ebay with Gateway software for about $120. Another very cheap option would be Toshiba SD-R6012 DVD-R/RW (I found that this DVD burner should work for my Gateway) for about $13, but does not come with driver software (I think I can find a driver, plus the ebay seller is willing to throw in some DVD burning software). Also plan on buying another 256mb RAM to give me 512mb (about $25 for the RAM module). The $13 + $25 option might be the least risk option.

For the external HD, I plan on buying an internal 3.5" IDE HD (250 - 300GB) and a case that includes a Firewire port (approx. $150 on ebay). I figure this HD can be used with this laptop or with any future computer purchase. I will probably need a powered Firewire hub so I can daisy chain the HD and camcorder to my laptop.

Finally, will need Firewire (and/or Sony iLink) cables and editing software.

Is this doable with the 400SD4? I realize it may be slow with only 512mb RAM, but I am only planning on dumping about 2-3 hours of video onto the HD and editing to about 90 minutes and burn to DVD to send to relatives or friends. I don't plan on producing high end videos, just basically copying miniDV's to DVD. I welcome any advice/opinions.

 

You might want to upgrade the notebook's hard drive as well. Coding on a 4200RPM drive will be slow. If you are not moving the drive much an external desktop drive is another option. It will offer much better speed and quality than a laptop burner.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I definitely do not plan on putting any of the video on my laptop HD as it is a 30GB drive with maybe 10-12GB free. I definitely plan on using the external HD for the video dump. I figure the external HD can also be used for backup and storing digital pictures. It seems that most of the internal HD's on the market that are 250-300GB are 7200RPM and cache of at least 8mb (with some Maxtors with 16mb).

Any recommendation for editing/DVD burning software?

Also, I should have mentioned that I am using XP pro.

 

Yes, but Windows is still running on the notebook's hard drive. It will work, but slowly. Personally would drive me insane. I used Ulead's Movie Factory, but it has been a while. The best burning software is Nero in my opinion. You can get a cheap OEM copy on eBay for $10 or less. Pro, Home or 2K all will work fine. Good Luck.