Buying new computer. Advice?!
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Posted on Mar 29, 2006 07:39 am
jimmyboy
Member Since: Sep 08, 2005
I have been using a digital 8-track for recording and sending the files to my laptop for mixing as i dont have the proper equipment on my current laptop for recording.
SO anyway have decided to buy a new laptop or computer for recording.
So first I have to decide what to get first and im hoping someone here can help me decide. Apple or other PC brands (IBM,dell ect).
The i must choose wheather to get a laptop or a PC. I know laptops are conveniant (althuogh more expensive) but a computer has much more room for expansion and adding new cards ect.
I would really appreciate any advice!!!
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Mar 29, 2006 08:54 am Well, this is a heated topic of Mac vs PC evangalists just waiting to happen...
Either way you go regarding that is fine, I like PC myself and recommend them due to the wider use they have (more software available) and often cheaper hardware. But I digress, I don't want to say enough to have any Mac vealots jump on my virtual neck.
laptops, in addition to being more expensive, also tend to have more heat issues due to their compact size, and when recording, multiple tracks in and one, huge HD I/O and processing going on, the heat issue can become greater...and, as you said, desktop are easier and cheaper to upgrade, though not as portable.
With that said, do you need portability? That is what it boils down to. As far as brands, well, with a desk top I would suggest building your own, or having one built. Avoid any proprietry hardware and software that may come bundled with any name brand.
Mar 29, 2006 09:22 am thanks for the advice. I do want something portable although if in the long run a PC is the better choise i dont mind having to carry that bit extra when moving around.
Not to heat any arguments here, but the no one option (apple or pc) much greater than the other?
Mar 29, 2006 09:25 am They both do the same things...it's a matter of preference. I like PC's interface better, I know the platform better, so I stick with it...Mac people do the same thing. You are not going to notice any real performance differences...
They will both do the job for you equally well.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 29, 2006 12:25 pm My .02$us:
seems people with more dedicated recording careers, or very busy in the industry, are working on macs, using logic, or PT.
I think there's a direct correlation between cost of the gear, and the level of involvement in the business.
Now, on the other hand, you have people like me (and many others here) that are running small project studios, not making any real money on their gear (though some are), and already are used to the PC world. I'm thinking it's easier to get into with a PC, and the options are broader, but maybe not as high as quality (in features, if not function).
If you're looking to make money, and interact with other parts of the industry, then the main-line Mac direction may be better. If you're just hobby/project, then PC would probably be easier.
another point to ponder, macs are usually known for much less difficulties. Having less options for configuration, and software/hardware add-ons, they don't glitch up as much, or act badly. Many of us here can troubleshoot our own PC if things go foul, plus we also build our PCs ourselves, so we're more familiar with the innards, and can fix them.
also, there's more people out there who will be willing (and able) to help troubleshoot and/or fix a PC than a Mac. This resource here you're reading is a good example of that: many PC users, but a smaller number of Mac users. Plus Mac users usually don't work on their computers, though they probably don't have too =).
as far as laptop/desktop, i think you already know most of the caveats involved here. There's more options for the PC world, both PC and Mac. Laptops will have scads of software already loaded on them, which will need to be weedled down for recording projects. A pre-built PC will have that as well. I think laptops won't be as powerful as an equivelant PC, even though the specs are similar. But if you're only looking at one-man-band kind of thing, then it may not be an issue. portability is great, if you need to do that. I can record outdoors with a small inverter, and my laptop, 2 mics and my tascam us-122. Works great.
I can get about 8 or 10 tracks with effects on my 600m (centrino 1.5, 512m, tascam us-122) before I start seeing 75% utilization. Something bought now would be much better, probably 20 or so tracks.
as allways: ymmv, imho, etc.
Mar 29, 2006 05:51 pm thanks for the advice. as soon as i cant afford it il go shopping
Mar 29, 2006 09:45 pm Just as reassurance, I would certainly build your own PC or have one built because any premade PC you purchase will have a specific purpose in mind like media, gaming etc. and its more trouble just to get it up to par with your needs.
