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Re: Laptops again



Macbook is amazing for audio, a bit slow for video but it does do it

MS
On 20 Mar 2008, at 20:53, Chris Sewell wrote:

> I recently got a Macbook Pro 2.4 with 4 gigs,(2 are standard) and  
> its almost too cool. There are SOOO many options for effects and  
> sound manipulation that you can sometimes feel overwhelmed. I hear  
> the Macbook (not pro) is more then enough for audio. But since you  
> are doing video as well, spend the extra wad for the Pro. By the  
> way, the processors have been upgraded to 2.6.
>
>
> On Mar 20, 2008, at 3:59 PM, Jeff Larson wrote:
>
>>
>> New computers are pretty darn fast these days.  Unless you want to  
>> run
>> lots of VST plugins at the same time or do intensive things like  
>> video
>> editing a mid-range processor will be fine.  For basic looping I  
>> doubt
>> you can even buy the minimum processor any more, everything will be
>> more than you need.  A 2.4GHz Dual core is plenty.
>>
>> I'm not sure what "video control and projection work" means.  If it
>> is just sending occasional control messages to a video device then  
>> you
>> don't need much.  If you are actually doing real-time video
>> processing on the computer then you may need more.
>>
>> Whatever you do get 2GB, memory is dirt cheap right now.
>>
>> First set a price range.  There are roughly three ranges: above  
>> $2000,
>> between $1000 and $2000, and below $1000.  The Macbook you mention
>> (assuming we're not talking about the "pro") is around $1300.  The
>> Macbook Pros start at $2000.
>>
>> If you're trying to go below $1000 then you will have to look at PC
>> laptops.  You should be able to find something that meets your needs
>> but it is a gamble.  You don't need the fastest processor available
>> but at the low end corners get cut that can affect audio performance.
>> You will want a video card with dedicated memory, some of the low-end
>> laptops may not offer that.
>>
>> You will need to factor in between $200 to $500 for a firewire audio
>> interface depending in your needs.
>>
>> If $1300 doesn't bother you then think about the software you want
>> to run and make the Mac vs PC decision.
>>
>> If $2000 doesn't bother you then I would agree with the others,
>> get a Macbook Pro and be happy.  You can still run XP on it if you
>> want PC software but you will have to buy a license which can be  
>> tricky
>> if you don't have one laying around.
>>
>> Jeff
>>
>