Re: Laptops again

["Kevin Cheli-Colando" <billowhead@gmail.com>]

Thanks for the replies so far.  I'm afraid my original message was supposed to be longer but it got accidentally sent before I was finished.  But that's fine as the answers are still covering what I was hoping to ask more or less.

As far as video, I'm talking about live image manipulation so I'm not sure what I would need to pull that off successfully (beside the talent I suppose).

I'm pretty sure the Macs would take care of my needs just fine so I guess my only real question is if there is a cheaper PC route that would be as effective.  So far it sounds hit or miss as far as they're concerned.

Anyone have any thoughts about buying used?

Thanks again, 

Kevin

On Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 12:59 PM, Jeff Larson <jeff.larson@sailpoint.com> wrote:

New computers are pretty darn fast these days.  Unless you want to run
lots of VST plugins at the same time or do intensive things like video
editing a mid-range processor will be fine.  For basic looping I doubt
you can even buy the minimum processor any more, everything will be
more than you need.  A 2.4GHz Dual core is plenty.

I'm not sure what "video control and projection work" means.  If it
is just sending occasional control messages to a video device then you
don't need much.  If you are actually doing real-time video
processing on the computer then you may need more.

Whatever you do get 2GB, memory is dirt cheap right now.

First set a price range.  There are roughly three ranges: above $2000,
between $1000 and $2000, and below $1000.  The Macbook you mention
(assuming we're not talking about the "pro") is around $1300.  The
Macbook Pros start at $2000.

If you're trying to go below $1000 then you will have to look at PC
laptops.  You should be able to find something that meets your needs
but it is a gamble.  You don't need the fastest processor available
but at the low end corners get cut that can affect audio performance.
You will want a video card with dedicated memory, some of the low-end
laptops may not offer that.

You will need to factor in between $200 to $500 for a firewire audio
interface depending in your needs.

If $1300 doesn't bother you then think about the software you want
to run and make the Mac vs PC decision.

If $2000 doesn't bother you then I would agree with the others,
get a Macbook Pro and be happy.  You can still run XP on it if you
want PC software but you will have to buy a license which can be tricky
if you don't have one laying around.

Jeff

-- 

Till now you seriously considered yourself to be the body and to have a
form. That is the primal ignorance which is the root cause of all trouble.

- Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950)

Sound and Vision: http://www.minds-eye.org