will X2 make use of upgraded graphics?

[Colleen]

My Dell laptop died and I need to get a new laptop. X2 doesn't mention video card requirements. X3 shows requirements. Do I need a specific graphic card to use X2 on a new computer?

[Ken Berry]

I would use the X3 requirements as a guide... although I don't think it will make much difference. Personally, I would:
1) avoid a computer whose only graphics is built into the motherboard; and
2) one that doesn't come with enough of its own RAM and thus 'steals' some from the main computer RAM... It should have at least 256 MB of its own RAM, and preferably 512 MB or even higher!

However, in doing so, I would not be thinking so much in terms of video editing, but general multimedia (or gaming, if that's your thing!) requirements.

[Black Lab]

From a timely article in Videomaker magazine:

Video Card
The type of video card you put in your computer is dependent on what type of work is done with the workstation. For pure video editing with programs like Adobe CS4, a nice video card is not required. When using programs like Maya, Lightwave and 3d Studio Max, an editing video card like the ATI FirePro or NVIDIA Quadro will greatly improve performance. For an in-depth look at how video cards affect workstation performance, take a look at the ATI Video Card Comparison article.

The entire Workstation Buyer's Guide can be found HERE.