Downloading camcorder on the computer

I have a new HD camcorder. Need to put them on the computer. Since my PC is 7 years old, it can't handle AVCHD. So I'm thinking Mac and use iMovie. I know there's conversion needed. My question is: am I heading in the right direction in my computer purchase?

 

there seems to be some compatibility issues with Mac, final cut, and AVCHD...

although, on most cameras, there should be a folder in the DCIM that contains .mov format files, depending on the camera...

from what i recently found out from a color correction editor i booked for a gig, there was some conversion he had to do to make my raw files work on his system...

for seamless work flow, a PC would faster...

my 3 cameras are AVCHD and i use Sony Movie Studio Platinum 12.0 on a Sony Vaio... works great and is straight plug and edit...

what camera are you shooting with?