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TICKET ARCHIVE -> iLfe 4 update to iLife v.8 onG5 v.10.3.9

mrs moon - Aug 17, 2008 - 9:22 am

I have a G5 (3.0) OSX v.10.3.9 1.8GHZ 768 MB RAM installed with iLfe v.4.0.1

I have been given a HD camcorder Canon HG10. This requires iLife v.0.8.

Is there a way of upgrading my system to enable the use of iLife v.0.8 ?

Would this affect files ceated in iLife 4?

earthsaver - Aug 17, 2008 - 10:21 am

iLife is a package of applications with some difference in version numbers among them. I think you're referring to iMovie's compatibility with your new camcorder. Specifically what version of iMovie are you saying you need? Version 6 came with iLife '06; version 8 came with iLife '08 and is a complete redesign of the app. I'm guessing either of these will work.

However, check the system requirements of iLife as well. The current versions require Mac OS X 10.4.11. You can still buy the older version some places. Otherwise, you'll need to upgrade to at least to Tiger, which is still possible though difficult to find. You might want to simply upgrade to Leopard.

In addition, with HD video editing comes a likely need for a significant memory upgrade. I don't know what the "3.0" means in your description of your PowerMac, but if you have the standard 1.8 GHz PowerMac G5, 2 GB of RAM will set you back $80 shipped.

- Ben

mrs moon - Aug 18, 2008 - 9:58 am

Hi Ben, Thanks for getting back to me so soon.

The Canon HG 10 requires version 8 of iMovie.

Yes I have a standard 1.8 GHz HD 160 Gb, installed with Mac OS x10.3.9 and upgraded to 768MB Memory. Currently installed with version 4.0.1 of iMovie in iLife.

I understand that you think I would have to install a new version of Mac OS x - either Tiger or Leopard, plus 2GB RAM, in order to enable the use of Version 08 iMovie and subsequently my Canon HG 10.

Is that tantamount to buying a new computer! This camera has very expensive needs.

Considering this, I imagine it would be better to buy a new computer as I imagine it would be costly to get the instalations done as well.

Thanks for your help, it seems that there is no easy solution as usual- apart from spending lots of money

Carol

earthsaver - Aug 18, 2008 - 10:47 am

I'm quite sure that spending $200 on Leopard and memory is much more reasonable than dropping $2000 on a new computer. You might also want to buy another hard disk, which could work as both extra swap space for your video editing and also a backup space. I recommend the Mercury Elite Aluminum series at Other World Computing.

Your G5 is still a very capable system with much more life left inside, supported only by a few minor upgrades. Further, those upgrades aren't so hard to install. Leopard Archive & Install will take about 40 minutes and leave you with a fresh system folder and leave all of your applications and files in place. Memory and hard disks drop in quite simply as well in your PowerMac, as explained in your manual.

Anything else?

mrs moon - Aug 20, 2008 - 6:53 am

Thanks Ben,
I think I am clear that I need to:
1. Upgade to Mac OS xLeopard
2. Install iLife 08 -( to get iMovie 08 which my canon HG 10 requires)
3. Install 2GB RAM - to accommodate video editing ect
4. Install a hard disk - to save video files
A few more things.
a) iLife 08 needs at least 1.9 GHz. Mine has 1.8GHz porcessor.
b) I looked on the site you suggested and there are lots of Mercury Elite Aluminums - can you recommend one?

Thanks again
Carol (UK)

earthsaver - Aug 20, 2008 - 10:22 am

Did you read that right? iMovie 7 requires 1.9 GHz in an iMac G5 or dual 2 GHz in a PowerMac G5. Sorry I overlooked that before. In that case, iMovie would not get installed. I guess we're stuck with your original assumption of a replacement computer.

As for hard disks, it depends on size and ports. You'll want FireWire at least. If you have a PowerMac (not an iMac), you have FireWire 800, which makes that drive worthwhile. Otherwise, up to you.

mrs moon - Aug 20, 2008 - 11:17 am

Oh dear! Thats all then. Carol Thanks anyway.