for basic HD editing it's no longer necessary to buy desktop computers

"but for basic HD editing it's no longer necessary to buy desktop computers"
Kevin you say this as if you have found a revelation and as if I don't know that video editing is possible on a laptop. What you are also saying is that you interpreted Buck's needs as basic.
You describe the minimum needs for the EX1, but what you didn't think of is Buck's expectations for broadcast. To many people answer these questions with a ten dollar firewire cable or a laptop not taking in all of the big picture.

You obviously are a person that wants to help others or you wouldn't be here, I think you should have your name along the top of the HDV forum heading so you can provide people answers to the entire question. Your perspective will no doubt change.

I'd say Tim's post today has properly interpreted the needs for Buck and gave him strong reasons why it is important to have the right tools.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer