Hello Everyone,

I am such a newbie I haven't even started yet. Long term goal: I would like to produce short HD video clips for websites and some instructional videos. (special effects would also be nice). My old laptop died and I am typing this on an old dinosaur desktop. Unfortunately, since I am unemployed my budget is practically nonexistent, lets call it $500 total with software. I know I can't do much of anything with that so my short term goal is simply to learn and practice with non HD video. If I can produce some short video clips as well that would be great.

My question: Where could I possibly put that $500 to get started? Used Macbook (core 2 duo), PC laptop, Hackintosh, etc? I would prefer starting with a laptop and later expanding to a more powerful tower.

What software would make sense, Final Cut Express, Pro, Adobe, etc? Any models or specs would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Ed