What version should I upgrade to?

Question

I am currently using Premiere RT 5.1.  I know, I know, it's ancient.  Before anyone gets on my case, I did do this as a career once.  I went to film school, interned and learned how to edit using a Matrox computer and Premiere software.  After I left that job, I changed my direction, settled down and became a full-time mom.  I have dabbled in video projects since once or twice a year to make extra money.  I bought a used system from a former client that's 10 years old.  At this point in our lives, money for groceries is scarce enough, so I'm not anywhere near purchasing the newest version of Premiere.  But I can't keep going on like this.  I've spent 3 full days trying to edit together a simple video of my son's preschool Christmas program.  It should have taken me 3 hours.  I'm now switching to a cheap consumer software just to be able to finish it.
My question is this:  Should I purchase the new Premiere Elements or an older version of Pro on ebay.  The little bit of money that I should make on DVD's from the other parents should be able to give me that choice.  I hate to go down to a consumer version of editing, but I assume having Premiere Elements is still eons better than 5.1.  Is there someone that has used all of the above and can tell me what I'll be losing if I go with Elements?  My 10 year old editing computer is currently running on Windows 2000, and has many quirks (like sometimes not turning on).  But I can usually deal through those.  For little projects, I like using my laptop, so I can watch my kids.  I'm on Vista with it (a limited, cheap laptop).  I don't think I would mind keeping 5.1 on the edit computer, since the whole system is ancient anyway.  But the laptop needs something newer.
Also, does anyone have any suggestions for an alternative to using a big soundboard?  Again, I can't afford a new soundboard.  But is there some sort of 2-4 input cheap version just to be able to hook up my few components?  I would like to have some brand/model names to look for used on ebay.  I believe my soundboard has officially moved to the paperweight category.  Is there anyone that recycles these?
Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

I've used both PrPro (now up to 2.0), and PrE 4. I use a laptop, but it's built for NLE and Photoshop work. For final color and gamma correction, I still take images, and video to my workstation.
One caveat for a new laptop: the more physical HDD's, that you can get, the better. In my Sager (really an extreme gaming laptop, configured for NLE work), I have 3x 200GB SATA II's, and not many laptop vendors offer more than one HDD. Two would be the absolute minimum, and three would be even better. Because I transfer Projects between the laptop and the workstation, I use FW-800 external HDD's, with all Project, media, Scratch Disks, etc., on those. Each has a unique drive letter assigned on both the OS of the laptop and the workstation, so that Z:\ is always Z:\ on all computers.
Now, back to the two programs: I really like PrPro, and find the "big button" approach of PrE to not be my thing. Still, I use it for small Projects. It offers limited DVD-Video authoring, but I always use Adobe EncoreDVD 2.0 (my version), and note that Encore is now bundled with PrPro.
Since you are beyond the upgrade path, on Premiere, you are looking at a big price difference, unfortunately.
I've also followed the trials and tribulations of PrE 8, to which John alludes. PrE 7 seemed much more stable, but that is just from reading, as I have used neither. It seems that PrE 8 requires much more power, than does PrE 7.
I also second John's comments on eBay. It seems that almost all copies of Adobe programs there are pirated copies. Some will run, partially, but usually not without issues. They also cannot be registered, or Activated (in the case of PrPro). Be very wary, and demand that any seller provide you with the full official transfer of license paperwork from Adobe. Adobe makes it very easy to do, with legit software. Demand that paperwork, and then verify with Adobe. Most sellers will put you off, and make excuses for why there is no transfer paperwork. This is usually done by FAX, so there is NO reason for them to not have it. Also, with PrPro, there is no OEM software, and most pirates will claim that is what they are selling.
Good luck,
Hunt