Windows DigiTales Toolkit

DigiTales (WIN) Software Toolkit recommendations are meant to give beginners a jump start in choosing software and hardware in the market place: The BASIC software listed will be plenty for amateur hobbyists who are not likely to need the high-end functions or be inclined to invest more learning time and dime to have more features. The PRO software listed will generally be more suited to professionals, serious hobbyists, or long-term specific classes whose needs for more features are going to be worth the investment of more time and dime.

Retail Costs are listed to give a sense of the expense involved but prices may change or be available at discounts. Be sure to shop around for education or academic pricing (www.academicsuperstore.com) if you qualify. Many catalogue and online discount stores also have specials for the general public that can make the overall retail cost be lower.

CLICK on products for additional vendor information.

BASIC Windows Software Toolkit + Retail Pricing		PRO Windows Software Toolkit + Retail Pricing
• iTunes (no cost) • QuickTime (no cost) • Windows MovieMaker (no cost) • Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 with Multi-media Slidehow ($99) • ImageBlender 3 ($44.95) Optional but Recommended: • MusicShake: Online Music Making Tool (TBD) • Inspiration ($50) • QuickTime Pro ($30) • SoundzAbound Royalty Free Music (Varies) BASIC WIN Software Cost: $143.95		• iTunes (no cost) • Adobe Photoshop Elements ($99) • Corel's VideoStudio X2 ($59) • QuickTime Pro ($30) Optional: • Corel's VideoStudio PRO X2 ($99) • Inspiration ($50) • SoundzAbound Royalty Free Music (Varies) PRO WIN Software Cost: $188.00

DigiTales Hardware Checklists provide general lists for workstations, optional but useful additional hardware and an optional PRO Voice Station. By reviewing these checklists, you can comparison shop with other products.

XP Workstation Function Checklist

• Memory – more is better! Recommended 1 Gig RAM and 80-120 Gig harddrive
• Processor speed – faster is better! Recommend fastest available processor. Minimum 800 mHz Pentium II.
• Installed Anti-Virus Software ESSENTIAL!
• Fire wire cards for importing and exporting files
• Wireless card for accessing printers and internet
• DVD burners - 4x to 8x speed recommended
• Operating System - Recommended: Windows XP - minimum Windows 2000
• Video card - minimum 64 MB RAM

Specialized Hardware Function Checklist

• Internet connection
• Multimedia headphones
• Logitech USB Microphone
• An analogue to digital video converter box (Dazzel Hollywood DV Bridge)
• A color flatbed scanning station
• An external fire wire 200+ gig hard drive
• A digital movie camera w/ tripod and fire wire connection
• A still digital camera with USB connection