Laptop Vídeo Editing On Steroids!!

[@MuhlisErtugrul]

It would be better to have proper monitors (maybe a single ultrawide or multiple regular monitors) and connect them to the laptop instead, but in this case (for portability or limited space) the idea of portable monitors for laptop is a considerable one. That was another well done video Samuel!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Yes, you hit the nail on the head, for portability and when space is not available for a more traditional permanent set ip, this works really good!! I use it now all the time when I edit and my workflow has improved because I can get things better organised and less crammed..

[@ninthislandrc]

First off, fantastic information. Thank you for such an incredibly informative, and helpful, video. Overall, I definitely like the idea of this setup. Plus, even though my desktop (with a single 34" 3440x1440 monitor) is my primary editing computer, I could also see myself using a multi-monitor setup with my Dell XPS 15 laptop. Although I haven't yet started using Resolve Studio (need to learn how to use it, currently using Adobe Premiere Elements), for those occasions where I might need to edit "on the go", something like this would be outstanding. However, one thing I would worry about is the additional weight on the laptop's hinge mechanism. Although I am certain the hinge mechanism is capable of handling more weight than the upper half of the 'clamshell', I'm not certain it was designed to, or is capable of, handling the additional 2+lbs of a "clamp-on" 2-monitor unit. Sure, the rear stand would definitely help alleviate the majority of that additional weight...but, not entirely. Having two separate USB-C monitors would, obviously, be more cumbersome...but, at the same time, such would completely remove any additional weight pressing down on the laptop's hinge mechanism. Additionally, this configuration would cost considerably less (individual USB-C monitors can be found for under $100 each). Honestly, I really do like the idea of being able to edit "on the go" using a multi-monitor configuration...but, I'm torn between the possibility of "a more cumbersome, less costly, combination that puts less stress on the laptop's hinge mechanism" vs "a more simplistic & less cumbersome combination that costs more, and might (not saying it "does", only that it "might") put additional stress on the laptop's hinge mechanism". Anyone else have any thoughts on these two possible configurations, and what they truly believe might be the 'better' configuration?

[@SamuelSotiega]

I think it all comes down to whether you need to fold it away or not. I have a family and I don’t have a fixed or permanent spot. The table I edit from is also the table we eat as a family. So, having a large “standard” monitor that is a pain to move is not an option. This set up it folds down and you can store it in a shelf or drawer. You can’t do that with a large 27-30-35inch monitor, let alone a wide screen monitor, they look amazing, but you need a permanent place for it. This is a different proposition. If you need to be mobile or work on site here and there, this is a really cool set up, rather than carrying a large bulky monitor that can get easily damaged… one thing I can tell you, it works a treat!!

[@ninthislandrc]

​​​@@SamuelSotiegaI don't think you understood what I was getting at. The 34" monitor I described is the monitor I use with my desktop computer. What I was commenting about is the idea of this folding 2-monitor units vs two lightweight 12-14" USB-C monitors w/ built-in kickstands. I was never considering carrying around a huge monitor...that would be insane...lol

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@ninthislandrc I see what you mean.... I guess it is down to personal taste, I guess. I was myself looking at exactly that, portable usbc monitors, but the setup, if you want to be mobile, to me and this is personal, is a real pain. What I like about this setup, and it is not perfect by any means, is that the laptop screen holds the 2 monitors as if they are floating, so no need for stand, a very annoying thing if you want to raise the laptop to a more ergonomic position. With this setup, you just need to raise the laptop itself, the screen holds the 2 monitors. With usbc monitors it is a whole bigger operation... I don't know if I am making sense to you...

[@ninthislandrc]

@@SamuelSotiega Everything you said makes perfect sense. My only 'worry' is if, due to the weight, the additional stress it puts on the laptop's hinge mechanism can eventually lead to damaging the hinge. As I said in my initial comment, I am certain that the hinge mechanism's design is capable of holding more weight than the upper half of the laptop's clamshell...but, what I don't know is whether it's strong enough to constantly support the weights of the upper clamshell AND the weight of the double-monitor contraption. Hopefully, my wording this time makes a little more sense than how I originally worded it in my initial comment.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@ninthislandrc there is a support arm/ bracket behind the rear of the middle panel of the triple monitor. It is the side that “clamps” to the laptop screen and that arm/ bracket provides support against the top-heaviness and protects’s the laptop’s screen. In the video I show a couple of times where you see me “wrestling” a little with the rear of the screen as I mount it. It’s not because it is difficult to mount it, which isn’t, I was just extending the support bracket/ holder enough to support the setup for the inclination I want it to be. It is a pretty neat solution and makes sure the hinges are never under any stress. Does this make sense?

[@Gem6557]

This is really interesting. I had never thoight about something like this. It looks really good. How is the stability?

[@SamuelSotiega]

It's actually really good with the support bracket that you get at the back. This is how I edit my videos nowadays and it has helped my productivity a lot.

[@ScottHirschman]

I'm from the Windows area, doesnt Crapple have a Docking Station for their laptops? Windows/Dell does. Plug one USB Type C cable into your laptop, everything else into the dock and your done. I'm just confused as to why your carrying the dock around with you on the laptop lid?

[@SamuelSotiega]

The M1 and M2 only provide 1x monitor feed out. To get two or more you need a workaround, which is provided by the special hyperdrive hub. You won’t get multiple screens on M1 and M2 chips with just any hub. The setup requires 1x HDMI feed for each monitor and then power also via usb. You can potentially power the screens via one of the USBC>HDMI cables from the laptop but you get better and faster performance (and brighter screens) if power for the screens does not cycle through the laptop and is provided externally. Hence the set up and power for laptop, screens and external SSD drive I use for editing directly via the hub. Ideally, as I say in the video, i’d love for the set up to be integrated, and you might be able to get that for double the price. But money doesn’t grow on trees and this set up works for me. It is still fairly light and quick too.. And the hyoerdrive is fixed to the back of the unit is so that the wiring is done permanently and all I need to do is plug one cable, rather than plugging and unplugging 4 cables every time I want to use it, which I do every day. Hopefully that came across clear in the video and hopefully my explanation makes sense… 🙂

[@vim1471]

Can you edit 4K/60fps on your MacBook Air M1 ?

[@SamuelSotiega]

I have never tried. I always record 25fps and all footage I record at 60fps is for slow down. But i can't imagine why not. It is just a frame rate and the M1 can handle a lot. I imagine you set the timeline setting to 1080P and the playback quality to medium and you would get everything (except some heavy plugins or effects) real time as you get at 25fps...