This is the PERFECT Video Editing Machine for Beginners (2024 Buyers Guide)
Salaam! If you’re on the hunt for the best beginner video editing computer and need some advice, then you’re on the right page.
If you don’t feel like reading, then feel free to watch the video above!
There are many factors to consider when buying a computer for video editing, such as budget, editing software preference, portability, OS preferences, and the lifetime of the machine. There are a few other factors, but the reality is that it’s impossible to cover everything in a short blog post. Therefore, I’ve decided to share my personal experience and preferences, as someone who has been editing for nearly a decade.
It’s important to state right away that I am an Apple and Final Cut Pro user. I don’t mind Windows machines, but Final Cut Pro doesn’t run on anything but Apple’s IOS. Additionally, I’m not fond of subscription services, and the fact that Final Cut Pro is a one-time purchase drew me to the software.
Additionally, I want to preface this by saying that desktop computers can be very cheap or very expensive. The cheap ones aren’t worth it compared to my recommendation, and the expensive desktops with powerful graphics cards aren’t necessary for beginners.
Who Am I to Advise You?
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of the ideal video editing laptop, let me briefly introduce myself. I'm Zain, and I've been immersed in the world of video editing since 2015. While I primarily edit on Apple devices using Final Cut Pro, I'm no stranger to Windows machines and Adobe Premiere Pro when the need arises. Having once been a beginner myself, I'm here to ensure you steer clear of the pitfalls I encountered on my own editing journey.
Money Can't Buy Editing Skills
Let's debunk a common myth right off the bat – more money doesn't always translate to better performance. And, perhaps more importantly, the fanciest PC or laptop won't magically turn you into a better video editor. It's the skills you cultivate and the knowledge you acquire that truly make a difference.
The Crown Jewel: M1 MacBook Pro 13”
Now, onto the star of the show – the M1 MacBook Pro 13”. Released in late 2020, this machine marked Apple's expedition into the world of Silicon. Boasting an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16GB of RAM (8GB is standard), it's a powerhouse that remains an excellent choice for entry to intermediate editors.
Benefits Galore:
1. Price-to-Performance: The M1 MacBook Pro, equipped with Apple Silicon, offers an incredible price-to-performance ratio. Even the entry-level M1 MacBook Air can handle a single stream of 4K footage with ease.
2. Unmatched Performance: I've been using this laptop for nearly three years, and it still impresses. 4K footage, plugins, color correction – you name it, the M1 MacBook Pro handles it seamlessly. Apple’s popularity ensures optimization for most major editing software’s such as Adobe Premier Pro, Davinci Resolve, and obviously Final Cut Pro X (FCPX).
3. Exceptional Battery Life: The battery life is nothing short of amazing. After almost three years of use, I still find myself amazed at how much power is left after hours of editing. It's a portable powerhouse that doesn't need to be plugged in to provide full performance; unlike its windows laptops that need to be.
4. All-Round Excellence: From the screen to the speakers, keyboard, and trackpad – every component is top-notch. These features enhance the overall editing experience, especially during prolonged sessions.
5. Cooling Fan: The presence of a fan might seem trivial to some, but for those pushing their devices to the limit, it's a game-changer. A fan ensures the laptop stays cool during resource-intensive tasks, making it an ideal choice for demanding editing sessions. If the computer becomes too warm, then the system may thermal throttle which could result in the computer slowing down to protect its internal components.
A Quick Disclaimer on Fans:
Apple is not a fan (pun intended) of fan noise, so I recommend downloading a fan controller for those who appreciate control over the temperature settings.
Storage Note: While storage is seemingly irrelevant, it's advisable to keep your footage on an external SSD for serious video editing. Good file management practices are crucial to prevent footage loss or computer slowdown.
Examining the Drawbacks:
Now, let's address the elephant in the room – no product is perfect. The M1 MacBook Pro 13” has its… quirks:
1. Limited Ports: With only two ports, it might be a hindrance if you have multiple peripherals to connect.
2. Subpar Camera and Touch Bar: The 720p camera and Touch Bar may be a downside for some users. The camera quality isn’t great, even with Apple’s processing it isn’t fitting for a laptop made in the 2020’s. And the Touch Bar has some interesting features, but these are almost never utilised, especially when I have the machine hooked up to an external screen and peripherals.
3. Non-Upgradeable Storage and RAM: If you're considering upgrading storage or RAM in the future, this MacBook Pro might not be the ideal choice. Apple solders these components to the motherboard which means they can never be upgraded. The storage isn’t too much of an issue, but the RAM may be depending on how much you multitask – although Apple manages caching well, so an 8GB RAM MacBook Pro has similar performance to a 16GB RAM windows machine.
4. Dated Design: Released in November 2020, the design might feel a bit dated for some users. However, others might appreciate it as a retro aesthetic. The MacBook Pro 13” has a discontinued design which, in my opinion, is starting to show its age. The new 14” and 16” MacBook Pros are much sleeker and have built-in ports that would make any creative thankful. Regardless, a good quality dongle would cover all your imminent needs.
5. Screen Size: The 13” screen might feel a tad small for serious editing, necessitating an external monitor. External monitors are an additional cost but important in my opinion. Anything less than the 16” MacBook would feel small, when you have preview windows and timelines “more is better”. I would recommend an external monitor for any laptop, either to use as a second monitor or a larger primary monitor. It’s worth noting that the base M1 MacBooks only support one external monitor – the same is true with the base M2 and M3 MacBooks.
Conclusion: Is It the One for You?
Now that we've dissected the M1 MacBook Pro 13”, the question remains – is it the right choice for you?
Personally, I could see myself using this machine for at least another two years without a hitch. However, for those desiring more ports and native support for two or more external monitors, a future upgrade might be on the horizon.
For beginners, the M1/M2/M3 MacBook Airs are a solid option, but they fall short in my opinion due to the lack of fans for cooling. If you're willing to splurge, the base M3 MacBook Pro 14” offers more power and ports and is current generation. The aim is to get the most out of every dollar you spend.
In a nutshell, the M1 MacBook Pro 13” is still a fantastic piece of tech; with Apple committed to supporting it until at least 2026. If you have the budget, exploring the MacBook lineup with M1 Pro, M2 Pro, or M3 Pro chips could be a wise investment for the long run.
Remember, the tools you allocate your money toward, like plugins and LUTs, can significantly enhance your editing and workflow. It’s not necessary to spend all your budget on the machine as these additional tools can exponentially cut down editing time.
I hope this guide helps you in selecting your first editing laptop, and I can't wait to witness your editing journey. Feel free to send me your edits on Instagram or Twitter – I'd love to see them.
Thanks for reading my thoughts on the best editing laptop for beginners.
Take care, and until next time. Allahafiz :)