12-16-2014, 12:01 AM
I need a laptop* and want to digitize 60 or so family video tapes. They are VHS, Mini-DV, and 8mm. I have a Canon ZR-45 (I think) for a digital pass-through, although it won't play tapes. So, I'll need to find a Mini-DV and 8mm player somewhere. If I use the ZR, I'll need a computer with Firewire. If there is another solution with an input box, I'll do without the Firewire.
My budget is low, but I'll buy a used Mac if I need to. It doesn't have to be blazing fast because I can do other things while the tapes run, although I don't want it do get dog-slow. I won't do any fancy editing - just cutting out the boring scenes and flub-ups. I'll be burning lots of DVDs for relatives and backips.
If I get a Windows laptop with Windows 7 or 8, what input box and free or cheap program will I need?
If I get a Mac laptop, what are the minimum specs I need? I don't care about the retina screen or the latest OS. I don't want a 17" screen. In fact, I lean toward a smaller screen. I would like a built-in DVD-R, but an Air with an outboard recorder would be OK. One without Firewire might be OK if there is a good input box for a reasonable price.
* I need a laptop because I can't get reasonably-priced internet at the house, so I'll use it at free wi-fi places around town.
My budget is low, but I'll buy a used Mac if I need to. It doesn't have to be blazing fast because I can do other things while the tapes run, although I don't want it do get dog-slow. I won't do any fancy editing - just cutting out the boring scenes and flub-ups. I'll be burning lots of DVDs for relatives and backips.
If I get a Windows laptop with Windows 7 or 8, what input box and free or cheap program will I need?
If I get a Mac laptop, what are the minimum specs I need? I don't care about the retina screen or the latest OS. I don't want a 17" screen. In fact, I lean toward a smaller screen. I would like a built-in DVD-R, but an Air with an outboard recorder would be OK. One without Firewire might be OK if there is a good input box for a reasonable price.
* I need a laptop because I can't get reasonably-priced internet at the house, so I'll use it at free wi-fi places around town.