What spec PC for editing AVCHD?

[rich19754]

I posted this on another topic but wanted some more specific advice.

I have got a Panny SD9 which came with Pinnacle Studio Plus. On the back of the CD it says I need a PC with a minimum of 2.4 ghz duo core.

As I am currently looking for a lap top I have noticed I am going to have to fork out a lot more dosh to get one with a processor that is 2.4ghz.

So, my question is - can I still edit HD files using something other than Pinnacle Studio plus and get away with say a 2.1ghz processor?

The thing is, I will only use it occasionally so as long as I can do simple stuff I will be happy.

Also what is the cheapest and easiest software to buy for editing etc?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

[senu]

You may be able to get away with less than the minimum spec
Nero Vision 5 ( Part of Nero 8) similarly even if it is a liitle more basic in features

Sony Vegas MS platinum 9 has a lower system specs but isnt as easy to use as Pinnacle Studio . .you can try it ( as a trial download though)
Bear in mind that the ACVHD standard is not uniform and SVMS ver 8 did not like Panasonics 1080p files
There is no cheapest and easiest as such. They are all similarly priced ( You shouldnt need costlier software anyhow) and anecdotally Uleads VS 11.5/ Coreal X2 and Pinnacle Studio have the friendliest GUI but that is not to say that those who use others like SVMS then get the hang of it dont consider it easy to use
Adobe Premiere Elements 7 has made strides to get easier to use but the ease of use does get to be a matter of personal preference and the "easier" ones for some are a liitle too wizzard driven and handholding for others

[rich19754]

Thanks.

Just so I am clear - I could put the AVCHD mfiles from my SD9 and put them in the correct order, put a title screen on them and burn to DVD in HD using Nero 8?

Looks like I can get away with a lower spec PC after all

[A n d r e w]

Processor speed isn't the be all and end all. Harddrive transfer speed is important when it comes to handling large HD video files. Laptop HDDs usually provide a bit more of a speed obstacle than desktop HDDs, though you may find you get on fine.