Can't comment on the ibooks, but I did recently purchase a powerbook G4 (1 GHz, 1 GB RAM). I'm coming from a PC/Windows background but the learning curve isn't too steep at all. I would definitely encourage you to save up the scratch for one of these. From what I understand, the ibooks aren't as expandable (640MB RAM maximum, and a max of 800MHz G3) The laptop studio was definitely the way to go for me, as I travel frequently. Couple of nice things about the Powerbook - Dual monitor support (sequencer in one window, console in the other), Firewire + 2 USB ports, DVD-R and wireless airport card.
I haven't been able to put it through the paces yet as far as max amount of channels/vst plugins/softsynths running simultaneously so I'll have to get back to you on that... meanwhile, I'm a couple paychecks short of picking up a MOTU 896 firewire or possibly the Digi 002. Both great professional cards and both cost tall tall dollars.
Re: the hard disk speeds, it's true most laptop HDs run at 4,200rpm to 4,800rpm but (assuming you're not tracking 16+ channels direct to disk) this should be adequete for audio recording and playback.
PC Laptops definitely have the edge in terms of cost and availability of software but the macs are pretty much the industry standard when it comes to commercial studio environments.
There's an excellent article by Computer Music on this topic: http://www.computermusic.co.uk/tutorial/laptop/laptop1.asp
my 2 cents, Dave
Daniel Norman wrote:
Hi all
Quick question for a quiet Friday.
Does anyone use Apple ibooks or mid range PC Laptops (c.�900) for music and if so, what specs do you have that enable you to fully make tracks just using eg Cubase/Logic and a load of Vst instruments?
How many tracks do you guys end up with before the computer chokes and whats your favourite soundcard of choice for laptops?
I've read that even if the CPUs are fast enough, the hard disks in laptops are often 4200rpm so they end up stunting the grunt
Any opinions would be cool, cos I don't know whether i would be wasting my time unless I forked out for G4 Powerbook or a �1800 PC laptop.
Don't know about Macs, but some people swear by them....just wondered why
Cheers
Dan
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