Advice sought: Least expensive PC for video editing programs

Hello,

Advice sought: Least expensive PC for video editing programs

I am seeking help finding the least expensive PC laptop capable
of running Pinnacle Studio video editing programs. I'm on the low income side
(especially after becoming unemployed) so I am working with modest equipment.

Because I am couch surfing, I need to stick with a laptop,
not a PC.

I've tried several other editing programs such as Vegas,
Adobe, etc., and I've tried iMovie on the Mac. Pinnacle works best for me. My
current laptop, a Dell I bought in 2009, cannot handle my HD video editing. I
am using a Kodak Zi8 camera.

The system requirements are at: http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us/Products/Consumer+Products/Home+Video/Studio+Family/

There are three main versions and all 3 appear to have
different requirements:

Studio HD,Studio Ultimate,Studio Ultimate Collection

The graphics card requirement is the same for all of three.

I'm a quick learner on my own how to use document, photo, and
video editing programs for creative purposes. I am however clueless about the
tech stuff.

I am getting unemployment checks and money is tight.However, I believe in myself enough to take a gamble and spend up to $1,000 ona laptop.I need help though because I'm not good at the tech stuffand don't want to get ripped off at the stores.

So far, Best Buy, Fry's and my computer savvy friends have all recommendeddifferent machines. I'm hoping that at somepoint I'll hear the same recommendation a few times.At least at Best Buy and Wal-Mart there are no re-stockingfees.

Thanks! I appreciate your time and help,

-Jeff

System Requirements for Studio Ultimate Collection

Windows 7,Windows Vista (SP2),Windows XP (SP3)

Intel Pentiumor AMD Athlon 1.8 GHz (2.4 GHz or higher recommended)

Intel Core 2Duo 2.4 GHz required for AVCHD*

Intel Core 2Quad 2.66 GHz or Intel Core i7 requiredfor AVCHD 1920

1 GB systemmemory recommended, 2 GB required for AVCHD

DirectX 9 or10 compatible graphics card with 64 MB (128 MB or higher recommended) - 128 MB
required for Red Giant Magic Bullet Looks Plug-in: Pixelshader 2 required,Intel GMA integrated graphics not supported. - 256 MB required for HD andAVCHD

DirectX 9 orhigher compatible sound card3,6 GB of diskspace

DVD-ROM drive toinstall software

Accessory:

CD burnerfor creating Video CDs or Super Video CDs (S-VCDs),DVD burner

for creating DVD and AVCHD discs,Blu-rayburner for creating Blu-ray discs

Sound cardwith surround sound output required for preview of surround sound mixes

Input Options

Capture from DV,HDV and Digital8 camcorders or VCRs (requires a FireWire; port)Capture fromanalog camcorders, 8 mm, HI 8, VHS, SVHS, VHS-C, SVHS-C, or VCRs(NTSC/PAL/SECAM). (requires Pinnacle or Dazzle video hardware)Import fromAVCHD and other file based Camcorders, Digital Still Cameras, Mobile Devicesand Webcams via USB

Output Options

Output to DV,HDV or Digital8 tape (requires camcorder with FireWire Input port and a PC witha DV/FireWire port),Output to analog videotape (requiresDirectShow compatible device with video output)

Import Formats

Video: AVCHD,BD Blu-ray, DV, HDV, AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DivX, MPEG-4, 3GP(MPEG-4),WMV, Non-encrypted DVD titles (incl. DVD-VR/+VR), QuickTime; (DV, MPEG-4,H.264)

Audio: MP3, MPA,WAV, AC3, WMA

Graphic: BMP,GIF, JPG, PCX, PSD, TGA, TIF, WMF, PNG, J2K

Export Formats

AVCHD, BDBlu-ray, HD-DVD, DVD (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R or DVD+RW, dual layer), S-VCD,

Video CD (VCD),Apple iPod ,Sony; PSP/PS3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox compatible formats,DV, HDV, AVI,DivX, RealVideo 8, WMV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, Flash, 3GP, WAV, MP3,QuickTime (SD format) files

Dolby Digital2 channel and 5.1 channel audio

PS: I found this but it only recommends options over $1,5000 - is it possible to get one less than that? Under $1,000?

http://www.videomaker.com/article/8247/