When I first opened this thread I didn't realize we were talking about professional editing. I've only done amateur editing using freeware such as VitualDub, AVI ReComp, Format Factory, etc...

A lot of Intelligent replies in this thread. I've especially enjoyed reading Bishop's answers, since he's giving us an Industry insider perspective. Which I know nothing about. He made a strong point about the Industry Standard of Final Cut Pro. It would make it easier to get tech advice over the phone, if you're using the same software.

Yesterday I downloaded Vegas Pro 9 just out of curiosity, after reading this thread. I'm not use to it, and it may take me a few tutorials to know how to use some of the editing functions.

My question to Eric: Are you gonna be doing much more than cutting parts out of video, or editing photos?

My question to Bishop, or any other insider: If Eric Answers yes, and all we're talking about is cutting video. Is it really that complicated? I saw a bunch of Tutorials on youtube showing how to cut pieces out of video,(using Vegas) along with other editing tutorials. It would seem to me that Using Vegas to cut video wouldn't be that difficult. I would think it was more about having a good sense of knowing what to cut, rather than how. But again, I'm not a pro, or an Industry Insider. It's possible there are things I could be overlooking, given my inexperience with pro editing. Is it more complicated than that, Bishop?

I admit that I'm curious to know for myself. But I don't think it's a hijack of this thread, since Your reply could help Eric Determine how necessary it would be to put out extra money for a Mac, for his purposes.

This has been an educational thread, I'm enjoying it.