I'm about to cop an iMac 21.5in

[Sucio]

So I'm considering purchasing an iMac (almost just said "fuck it" and cop it today). I want something I could use Pro tools 8LE on.

I've been making some pretty decent beats, but now that I'm straying away from the sample game and utilizing many VSTs...I've finally noticed how my current laptop has no muscle. I have a few great VSTs and they hog the shit out of my memory and even caused my FL to crash at times. My PC is a 1.8ghz Centrino Duo...the Mac is 3.06ghz..

My PC is running 3GB RAM with XP (I will be bringing XP to my Mac via either bootcamp or Parallel).

Now does XP run up to 3GB or 4GB? Because the iMac runs 4 or 8GB (considering 8GB, since the upgrade is cheaper than buying the memory outright from what I've seen so far).

I'll be using the OSX for running PT and to have more secure internet experience if needed..

Also I'll be screwing around with iChat as well, possibly working Final Cut Pro with a friend of mine who does video production for Orlando's Mayor's office. I hear that you can work another person's computer through iChat.

It's not a Mac vs. PC thing... I think with the Mac, I would feel more motivated to put in more work and I have now have access to more software compatible with Mac.

The reason I didn't have the Mac was the inability to work efficiently due to it's incompatibility with a lot of the software that I use....now that's not the case and I think it's time to make that transition...

Thoughts, suggestions?

 

[thedreampolice]

Ok thats a bunch of questions, let me see

that I'm straying away from the sample game and utilizing many VSTs...I've finally noticed how my current laptop has no muscle

Pro tools is notoriously bad about this, Logic would give you better performance. But again there are good reasons to use Pro tools and you know what they are so no need to rehash that.

Now does XP run up to 3GB or 4GB? Because the iMac runs 4 or 8GB (considering 8GB, since the upgrade is cheaper than buying the memory outright from what I've seen so far).

Xp can see just under 4gb of ram so it will not make the best use of all that ram. OSX will use whatever you throw at it. This is the difference between a 64bit or and a 32bit one.

Seriously once you go mac.....you finally get some work done!
ha ha

 

[Shonsteez]

If you can afford it, considering how many different areas your trying to get into aside from audio like video production you might consider getting the MacPro since thats really the #1 workhorse for just about ANY intensive task...but Im pretty confident you can survive with an iMac to complete those types of tasks as well, there just may be a couple "rare" occurrences where you need that extra oomph, but IMO they will still be rare.

One thing I would def do if you roll with the iMac is max out your RAM if possible. That will pretty much get you square.

 

[Sucio]

The max RAM for the current iMac is 16GB, but I'm looking to put it to 8GB, because it's only an additional $200 as opposed to a lot more separately.


In terms of video production, it's not going to be that in-depth

As with the Mac Pro...If I had the $ to cop the MacPro, I would've gotten it already...

I'll still be utilizing both FL Studio and PT for production...still using Windows for FL and some other programs (Cool edit pro, yes I still use it)....

But yeah...I think it's time to make that change.....Especially since the Macbooks are so expensive in comparison to the iMac....I can still use my laptop to bring sessions, and make some minor adjustments to beats n shit...

 

[Shonsteez]

Oh wow, yeah 8GB is plenty, i didnt realize the iMac's let you go that high now. (I havent really been in the market to purchase a new Mac for a minute now since I copped my fist MacBook back in like 05)...

You'll be stoked then man, 8GB of RAM and their newer 3.06ghz processor will kick serious ass. Buy me one too while your at it! lol. (thats my next big wishlist item - a nice iMac with maxxed out specs, hehe

 

[Ominous]

I vote Mac.

Do it.

 

[Sucio]

Word...I spoke wit wifey today and we're going to hold off for a month or two...gonna pay off a couple of bills before we throw it on a card.....this way I could possibly get the 1TB HD and the 8GB Ram....I already have Parallel waiting...and I'm gonna get Windows 7 as well....this way I can utilize all 8GB when working with FL Studio...

 

[Formant024]

^^^ parallels is nice for office, not! for audio/video. Just get refit and setup bootcamp for FL, the lot and Macdrive to swap files back and forth.
If! you're going to wait out than you might get lucky finding a MacPro on sale since there are new mac pro's coming out.

A mac pro will only benefit you if you're either going the video route or opening a recording studio (24/32/48++ tracks) since you will be able to drop the latency to about +/- 1ms (depending on your i/o card - ssl i/o does 0.9ms though i think thats 2 tracks@192/24 lol).

An iMac has no option for pci-x cards, just in case you want to dable with a nice high end card eventualy (non usb/fw recommended).

Regardless of the specs, macs are overkill for hiphop production. The cheapest mac (any current model) is a good production machine already so dont sweat it. Just try any model and stuff it with reverbs to stress the machine, you'll be amazed how well it goes with factory installed ram lol(speaking from my exp with logic on macbook 1.8Ghz/2Gb -macbookpro 2.2Ghz/4gb - mac pro octo 2.26/12Gb).

 

[Shonsteez]

Nice, Im jealous. lol. Your gonna dig it man. Im still using the same Mac I copped from 05 - this is the only computer Ive ever owned thats held it together for that long and it still runs as good as it did the day I bought it.

Plus the new Macs make even better use of screen realestate which is dope. Let me know when u get it, I can put you on to some really nice cutty spots for apps

 

[thedreampolice]

.this way I can utilize all 8GB when working with FL Studio.

WIN7 only sees 4gb as well unless you get win7 64bit. But sorry FL studio is a 32bit app so no matter what you do, you wont get 8gb of ram on FL

 

[Sucio]

WIN7 only sees 4gb as well unless you get win7 64bit. But sorry FL studio is a 32bit app so no matter what you do, you wont get 8gb of ram on FL

Oh shit..I didn't even know that....That's wack!

I did plan on getting the 64 bit...

That was some very useful info...

Image-Line needs to step it up...

 

[UNORTHODOX]

...
Image-Line needs to step it up...

OOORRRrrrrrr you can stop lettin Dream fill your head with this Mac non sense! He's crazy... just look at the avatar... PC on the other hand... *Rubs comp screen* alll the FL you neeeed!

 

[Shonsteez]

Lol...

 

[thedreampolice]

He's crazy... just look at the avatar

LMAO!

There is not hate for FL, it is just not 64bit yet and for the record my baby Reason isnt either and ver5 wont be 64bit either. Welcome to the bleeding edge.

 

[UNORTHODOX]

lol well its even then...

 

[Sucio]

Yeah..I'm gonna see about getting 4GB instead of the 8GB...just don't need the overkill right now...

 

[Shonsteez]

<<---------Jealous..lol.