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Computer Advice
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| Zombie0729 |
So i made a thread on Ableton back in Feb when Apple announced the quad-core MBP's. I was convinced by the end of the year I would ditch my desktop in the studio (quad-core PC), replace my current MBP (2009 unibody dual core) for one of the new MBP's, quadcore and simply dock it when i got into the studio and leave with it when i'm done. My only issue with this is I am constantly fighting my current mbp which I haven't even had yet for 2yrs for disk space, my PC has 1.5TB's and I'm using close to 2/3 of it. All my samples, music catalogs, commerical videos that I work on + over 5yrs of projects are on 3 hard drives right now.
I know i could be a bit more efficient w/ the space and i do try and clear things out but there have been a great many of times I was so thankful I kept files there very old.
So question to you TA's. Right now I'm not a full time touring musician, I'm trying to get there but having 2 seperate machines is not an issue. If i was full time touring, I would just buy the most ridiculous MBP ever and call it a day.
I have a 2.5k budget.
Condensed vers.
Do I buy a.) another PC in the studio to hold me over, needs to be a big upgrade as I currently have Quad-Core, 4gig Ram 1.5TB computer
b.) new MBP, simplify my life to one machine and just use a variety of external HD's
c.) get a MP used for around 2k, keep my setup fairly similar
d.) get an iMac ?
@DJRANN need that logical mind of yours please :) |
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| music2dance2 |
Yeah Rann what do you think?
Maybe Imac? |
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| DJ RANN |
Actually this is a tough one.
I think the answer has more to do with your lifestyle needs than processing power as such (even though that is obviously an important consideration).
Personally, I would not buy a new MBP right now. With lightpeak/thunderbolt being rolled in even increasing adoption acorss macs, not to mention new processors coming from Intel, which apparently will see their debut with MBP's, it's not a good idea to buy one anytime within the next 6 months.
Also, it's looking as if on the next generation of MBP's, the internal superdrive will be dumped in favor of a second HDD option (and using the external drive/burner like with the Air).
So for the same reasons, I would not get another used MBP.
in terms of just processing and hard drive space, MBP's are the worst value product that apple make - you're paying a premium for good processing in a small and sexy form.
My advice, if you're going to buy right now, would be to get a top spec imac - either go 24" and get a nice second screen, or go one x 27" imac - either of those options will come to a max of $2200, then spend the rest on an SSD and whack it in there.
You could always go the refurbished route:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G...mco=MjEwNTY5Njc
A mate of mine just got the 27" mid spec and the things just flies - the screen is out of this ing world too.
The reason for me thinking this is that, from what I've gathered from your post, you need something powerful and that will last a long while at the studio, and something to take with you that you can use on the road.TBH, your 2009 MBP should be enough processing power....
......Your main problem seems to disk space, but honestly with even the excellent G-raid drives (just got a G-raid mini really cheap and it's the best drive I've ever bought) dropping in price, you should get your data organised.
Here's what I'd do:
Get a top spec imac (either 24" or 27" to taste) and then a bunch of external drives (Just like hookers and drugs, don't go cheap on these). Think Lacie or G-raid only.
Then max out the ram in your 2009 MBP and install two drives - either get 2 x 1tb internal HDD or one SSD for system and 1 x 1tb HDD for everything else. That would actually give you a serious performance boost.
Then with the left over money, get a rugged external (like the lacie rubber coated one - they're pretty damn tough) to transport projects between the MBP and the Imac. Finally, start using logic, so when you're back at the studio you can use the MBP as a logic node to further boost the power of the imac.
The reason I'm saying this:
1, Your MBP still has plenty of life and processing power to give - I reckon you need to do a ground up format, and do something about the internal drives, but that will literally give it a new lease of life.
2, The Imac currently represents one of the best value products available on the market (all things considered; processing power, screen, accessories, connectivity, etc) and with a budget of $2500 you can get a top spec imac, your MBP sorted and bunch of second drives, meaning you've got a nice mobile setup, and a seriously nice studio setup.
Hope that helps! |
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| music2dance2 |
See I started to type what could benefit you but I dont know enough about mac to give a great response like RANN's. Good stuff as I'll be getting a new mac down the line. That refurb is cheap as man and the fact you get the nice screen also you'll have loads left over. I was going to get one of the new MBP's, I read on here probably RANN's post somewhere that imac were best value but now it makes even more sense. For the price of a new MBP top end I could get a refurb imac like the one linked in RANN's post above and a maybe for a bit more a older MBP with the cash left over.
Can I add for anyone looking to get their 1st apple mac but simply can afford the prices, even 2nd hand ones, get a Apple mac G5. For £150-£500 depending on what spec you would like. I got a Dual 2.3GHz 2 gb RAM 250gB hdd for £220. Until I saved for a new machine, this bridged the gap and does the job nicely. I was in the market for a new PC at the time and was going to spend around £200-£300 but then I discovered G5's, glad I did as logic was something I wanted to use for a while. |
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| music2dance2 |
| actually thinking about it as i dont have a MBP at the moment and mobility and simplicity is key right now for me, maybe just one new MBP is best....Just have to wait longer to save :( |
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| music2dance2 |
| The difference is £500 ($800) cheaper compared to the UK anyone here taken advantage of this before? |
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| evo8 |
| quote: | Originally posted by music2dance2
The difference is £500 ($800) cheaper compared to the UK anyone here taken advantage of this before? |
what you mean, importing from the US to the UK, gotta be careful of the customs!!! |
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| music2dance2 |
| Basically yeah from US to UK or from US to another country depending where you are. |
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| evo8 |
| quote: | Originally posted by music2dance2
Basically yeah from US to UK or from US to another country depending where you are. |
its very tempting because of the currencies but be warned, your stuff could get spotted by customs and youll have to pay up or you wont get the item
thats what happened when i ordered my SSD through work - delivery guy wanted 60 euro before he would hand it over to me - i think customs ahve clamped down a lot this past couple of years... |
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| music2dance2 |
| I can imagine, well thanks for the heads man. Think ill just get in the normal way and save all the bother of customs etc |
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| orTofønChiLd |
| so wut are the benefits of a solid state drive |
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