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Considering the plunge towards a Mac...
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| Ray_Chappell |
I just placed an order for a quad core XPS with Vista. Originally I thought, "Hell with it... I'll just install XP." But as I'm kicking it around, I'm comparing the XPS to a Mac - the Mac is $600 more, but has 2 gig less ram. Both are quad core - but I'm assume close to the same performance overall. Maybe it's worth it. Without turning this into a Mac vs. Windows debate, can anyone help me with the following:
1) If I make the transition, I have to change software. If I upgrade Ableton and Reason to Ableton 7 and Reason 4, will they let me upgrade but download the Mac version? (I emailed them a moment ago, but not sure how quickly they responde.) I'd hate to have to repurchase everything I own.
2) If I make the transition, and upgrade my software, are all my previous files ok to open - would hate to lose any work because of this.
3) I've checked everything I own and it looks like everything works on both Mac and Windows (hardware and software) - so drivers should be ok... are there any other things I should consider?
4) Will Mac make me an awesome producer? BT swears by it, so will I produce like BT? Kidding. :toothless |
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| Eric J |
| quote: | Originally posted by Ray_Chappell
I just placed an order for a quad core XPS with Vista. Originally I thought, "Hell with it... I'll just install XP." But as I'm kicking it around, I'm comparing the XPS to a Mac - the Mac is $600 more, but has 2 gig less ram. Both are quad core - but I'm assume close to the same performance overall. Maybe it's worth it. Without turning this into a Mac vs. Windows debate, can anyone help me with the following:
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| quote: | Originally posted by Ray_Chappell
1) If I make the transition, I have to change software. If I upgrade Ableton and Reason to Ableton 7 and Reason 4, will they let me upgrade but download the Mac version? (I emailed them a moment ago, but not sure how quickly they responde.) I'd hate to have to repurchase everything I own.
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The Ableton purchase is valid for BOTH platforms. I just switch to Mac a few months ago and there was no problems. I just installed the Mac version and popped in my serial number. I don't know about Reason.
| quote: | Originally posted by Ray_Chappell
2) If I make the transition, and upgrade my software, are all my previous files ok to open - would hate to lose any work because of this.
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The Ableton files will transition, I have done this many times with mixed CD's I started on PC and then opened up on the Mac. Again, not sure about Reason. FWIW, I really love being on the Mac platform. Despite the hiccups I have with Logic, I'm really glad I made the switch. Hell, I liked my Mac Pro so much I bought a MacBook Pro a month later, if that's any indication. :)
| quote: | Originally posted by Ray_Chappell
3) I've checked everything I own and it looks like everything works on both Mac and Windows (hardware and software) - so drivers should be ok... are there any other things I should consider?
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You shouldn't have any problems with Ableton what so ever. That piece of software is fantastic. I use Logic as my main DAW, but with Live I only use it for mixed CD's and the occasional sample editing (read: I don't push it hard at ALL), but it works flawlessly.
| quote: | Originally posted by Ray_Chappell
4) Will Mac make me an awesome producer? BT swears by it, so will I produce like BT? Kidding. :toothless |
:) |
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| Lolo |
| quote: | Originally posted by Ray_Chappell
1) If I make the transition, I have to change software. If I upgrade Ableton and Reason to Ableton 7 and Reason 4, will they let me upgrade but download the Mac version? (I emailed them a moment ago, but not sure how quickly they responde.) I'd hate to have to repurchase everything I own.
2) If I make the transition, and upgrade my software, are all my previous files ok to open - would hate to lose any work because of this.
3) I've checked everything I own and it looks like everything works on both Mac and Windows (hardware and software) - so drivers should be ok... are there any other things I should consider?
4) Will Mac make me an awesome producer? BT swears by it, so will I produce like BT? Kidding. :toothless |
1) Those product purchases are cross-platform, so no matter if it's Live 6 or 7 or Reason 3 or 4, the switch will be free on that point.
2) all of your files will open. Keep in mind that many 3rd party plugins don't have their mac equivalent (those made with synthedit or synthmaker for example).
3) RAM... lots of them. Get at least 2gigs but most preferably 4 if you can.
4) No, but undirectly, a more hassle-free system (because no viruses, no spyware, and less install problems) leaves you more concentration on your stuff. I must admit that XP changed things a lot in the last years, but don't you get Vista only with a new comp now?
If I were you, I'd get an iMac 20". I know, it may not be as powerful as a quad core mac pro, but it'll spare you a lot of money that you can invest on 4 gigs RAM,plugins and softsynths! This is what I have here, and iMac replaced a monster G5 that I paid twice the price of that iMac back then. |
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| Reno |
Mac you say? - I hear ya!! I've been a computer engineer on pc's for 14 years now and yesterday for the first time I went onto Apple's website to have a look at MAC's. My Vista issue has p***ed me right off.
I also know 2 other music producers that rave about their macs stability plus Logic is apparently a great DAW and is mac only.
I think the advantages are:
1. Underlying OS is Unix so stability is so much better than Microsoft plus not open to attack like MS apps.
2. You don't need the same resource to get the same performance. Mac OS will make better use of resource so the 2GB RAM will probably be ok.
3. No driver bull.
4. Better OS features. Vista is still apparently quite far behind Leopard.
Disadvantages
1. Not as much pirate software available. You'll probably have to purchase the apps you want to use but hey, if you're a good boy this won't matter.
2. The cost - you're paying for that little apple logo.
3. PC's have far superior selection of applications.
I reckon if it's just for music and you're prepared to pay for your software then Mac is a decent choise. By the way, Vista will run on a MAC nowadays!! |
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| CReddick |
| quote: | Originally posted by Lolo
3) RAM... lots of them. Get at least 2gigs but most preferably 4 if you can.
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Keep in mind also... you don't have to purchase RAM from Apple. Their accessory prices are a tad high. I order from MacRamDirect.com
My QUAD G5 has 8GB. worth every penny. |
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| CReddick |
| quote: | Originally posted by Reno
2. The cost - you're paying for that little apple logo.
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I look at this as an advantage, not a disadvantage.
You will now own a computer whos manufacturer is in control of everything going on inside your box. You no longer have the issues of: "thats a software issue, call Microsoft", or, "Thats a hardware issue, call Dell (etc)".
Since Apple writes the OS and builds the machine, the tech support experience (i hope you don't have one) is unsurpassed. I could write about this all day, but anyone who's dealt with it understands what I mean. |
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| Ray_Chappell |
Awesome feedback, thank you very much.
Here's what I've come up with:
I'm leaning against the iMac - largely because it is only dual core and I want a second monitor - and don't want to buy an Apple monitor for a boatload of money... and I don't want a funny looking set-up with a black monitor hooked up to the iMac for two monitors. I know it is cosmetic, but it would bother me looking at it. Unless there is an alternative there I'm not aware of?
So, it's probably between the XPS and the Mac Pro.
The XPS would be 2.66 quad core, 4 gigs of ram, give me two monitors (no extra cost), 320 gig hard drive (I use mostly externals), 0% interest for 12 months on Dell card. Price = 1827
The Mac Pro would be 2.8 quad core, 2 gigs of ram, give me one monitor, 320 gig hard drive, 0% for 3 months (so some interest after that). Price with student discount = 2149, plus 130 for 2 gigs of ram from MacRamDirect.com = 2279, plus 280 for monitor to match the other = 2579
The iMac would give me a price inbetween that with the same specs, except funny looking monitor set-up and 2 gigs of ram (which I can upgrade at MacRamDirect.com for like 70 bucks.
I guess now I just need to decide on $$$...
Thanks for the replies!! |
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| StanVoid |
| quote: | Originally posted by Ray_Chappell
Awesome feedback, thank you very much.
Here's what I've come up with:
I'm leaning against the iMac - largely because it is only dual core and I want a second monitor - and don't want to buy an Apple monitor for a boatload of money... and I don't want a funny looking set-up with a black monitor hooked up to the iMac for two monitors. I know it is cosmetic, but it would bother me looking at it. Unless there is an alternative there I'm not aware of?
So, it's probably between the XPS and the Mac Pro.
The XPS would be 2.66 quad core, 4 gigs of ram, give me two monitors (no extra cost), 320 gig hard drive (I use mostly externals), 0% interest for 12 months on Dell card. Price = 1827
The Mac Pro would be 2.8 quad core, 2 gigs of ram, give me one monitor, 320 gig hard drive, 0% for 3 months (so some interest after that). Price with student discount = 2149, plus 130 for 2 gigs of ram from MacRamDirect.com = 2279, plus 280 for monitor to match the other = 2579
The iMac would give me a price inbetween that with the same specs, except funny looking monitor set-up and 2 gigs of ram (which I can upgrade at MacRamDirect.com for like 70 bucks.
I guess now I just need to decide on $$$...
Thanks for the replies!! |
haha 1827, dude i can get 2 monitors, a quad 2.66 dell, 4 gigs of memory and all that other crap for ~1200 bucks from dell. you gotta look for the specials online! don't just click on the standard XPS offer you see as the first thing on dell.com! |
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| Eric J |
| quote: | Originally posted by Ray_Chappell
Awesome feedback, thank you very much.
Here's what I've come up with:
I'm leaning against the iMac - largely because it is only dual core and I want a second monitor - and don't want to buy an Apple monitor for a boatload of money... and I don't want a funny looking set-up with a black monitor hooked up to the iMac for two monitors. I know it is cosmetic, but it would bother me looking at it. Unless there is an alternative there I'm not aware of?
So, it's probably between the XPS and the Mac Pro.
The XPS would be 2.66 quad core, 4 gigs of ram, give me two monitors (no extra cost), 320 gig hard drive (I use mostly externals), 0% interest for 12 months on Dell card. Price = 1827
The Mac Pro would be 2.8 quad core, 2 gigs of ram, give me one monitor, 320 gig hard drive, 0% for 3 months (so some interest after that). Price with student discount = 2149, plus 130 for 2 gigs of ram from MacRamDirect.com = 2279, plus 280 for monitor to match the other = 2579
The iMac would give me a price inbetween that with the same specs, except funny looking monitor set-up and 2 gigs of ram (which I can upgrade at MacRamDirect.com for like 70 bucks.
I guess now I just need to decide on $$$...
Thanks for the replies!! |
One more thing to consider...The Mac Pro has XEON Processors which are server-class processors with a larger cache, server-class motherboard and FB-DIMMS. This alone make the small price increase worth it IMO.
Also, the Apple Cinema displays are expensive, but they can run in very high resolution. I had a Samsung 22" monitor when i first got my Mac and it ran in 1680x1050. Then I upgraded to a 23" Apple Cinema display. Since it was only 23" I figured that it would display the same max resolution, but to my suprise, it ran at 1920 x 1200 even though it was only one inch larger than the Samsung. Very Cool!
IMO, the Cinema display is worth the extra cost, not only for the higher resolution, but for its tight integration with the Mac Pro. |
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| Ray_Chappell |
| quote: | Originally posted by StanVoid
haha 1827, dude i can get 2 monitors, a quad 2.66 dell, 4 gigs of memory and all that other crap for ~1200 bucks from dell. you gotta look for the specials online! don't just click on the standard XPS offer you see as the first thing on dell.com! |
I'm aware of that. I've purchased many, many computers from Dell. It's contigent upon which upgrades you choose. For this I upgraded the video card, the monitors, the type of memory, and the like. For what I wanted, it was 1827. Which, for the price and the specs (which I didn't go into a lot of detail on) it was actually a very good price. |
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| Ray_Chappell |
| quote: | Originally posted by Eric J
One more thing to consider...The Mac Pro has XEON Processors which are server-class processors with a larger cache, server-class motherboard and FB-DIMMS. This alone make the small price increase worth it IMO.
Also, the Apple Cinema displays are expensive, but they can run in very high resolution. I had a Samsung 22" monitor when i first got my Mac and it ran in 1680x1050. Then I upgraded to a 23" Apple Cinema display. Since it was only 23" I figured that it would display the same max resolution, but to my suprise, it ran at 1920 x 1200 even though it was only one inch larger than the Samsung. Very Cool!
IMO, the Cinema display is worth the extra cost, not only for the higher resolution, but for its tight integration with the Mac Pro. |
Thanks. That is probably my next purchase. |
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| StanVoid |
| quote: | Originally posted by Ray_Chappell
I'm aware of that. I've purchased many, many computers from Dell. It's contigent upon which upgrades you choose. For this I upgraded the video card, the monitors, the type of memory, and the like. For what I wanted, it was 1827. Which, for the price and the specs (which I didn't go into a lot of detail on) it was actually a very good price. |
dell makes their profit by offering you a cheap deal on the CPU and then reaping your money on the memory/video/etc upgrades. Get your base CPU box from dell and then soup it up with quality and cheap components from somewhere like newegg.com. You can get 4 gigs of memroy (2x2gb sticks) for ~100 bucks after rebate - what's that gonna cost you to bump it up from 1gb to 4gb on dell.com? Oh i dunno, try 300 dollars. |
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