The Same Old Dilemma; Which Platform To Use?

[toyhouse]

I hate to ask the same old tired question again. And I'm really not trolling here but......
I'm in the market for a new machine. A laptop.
Been using both a newer apple macbook, (wife's) and my custom windows xp pro machine to record/mix. Last year or so. I should know the answer to my own question here.....but I don't.
The wife wants me to get another laptop so she can get her's back as I seem to have high-jacked it. Well....it's just handier than my desktop. Form factor.
Both systems have their oddities though. I've crashed the laptop more than once so the stability issue sure isn't all it's cracked up to be. At least not from what I've seen. I can't even remember crashing the win xp operating system. Only it's apps have required forced shutdown. I do like how fast apple comes up and does it's thing though.
Note; recording is just straight forward - an instrument recorded and mixed. Not much midi or sampling. Currently less than 10 percent though that's about to increase. Not sure if that matters. Projects are saved to a usb2.0 drive. Inputs through usb 2.0 also.

Some of the issues I'm considering;
Most of my plug-ins are for windows.
Parts, upgrades etc. for win are usually cheaper. I built my last three machines.
I could run windows on apple. I don't do that now - it's not my laptop. Not familiar with that solution or using it under music production either.
Win 7 is due out shortly and is supposed to be a very nice upgrade.


So....the same ole boring question yet again for the millionth time;

Apple vs Win.
What is the real reason for justifying a machine that costs maybe twice as much or more to get the same job done? Yes, I can be a tightwad at times, lol.
Having used both I'm wondering if I'm missing something? Or is something coming along that'll be a game-changer?

Sorry for bringing up a worn-out question.
Sincerely,
dazed and confused.
Jim P.

[tehLORD]

Apple has Logic and.......

Nope, that's it.



Most of your plugs are Windows only? Question answered I think!

[toyhouse]

Originally Posted by tehLORD

Apple has Logic and.......

Nope, that's it.



Most of your plugs are Windows only? Question answered I think!

You're probably right.
And related to that I did consider the whole "dual-boot" aspect of newer apples.
Not sure how performance works or if all their plugs are even compatible that way.

But that said....even if apple can now boot into both os's.... what's the advantage for basic multitracking/mixing? An advantage worth paying nearly double for? Again..... unless I'm still missing something.
BTW, not trying to anger you mac users. Really. I do see the appeal. I'm typing this on the little mac right now. That's another reason I need to get something real soon. The ole lady wants this thing back. lol.
Thanks much again.
Jim P.






.

[kitekrazy]

I'm an anti Mac person but in all honesty if you are using nothing but a laptop, Mac would be the way to go if you can afford it. The bottom dollar Mac Book is around $1000, Unfortunately that leaves little for software. A low price Mac Book and Logic is a $1500 investment. PC laptops are loaded with crapware and I basically hate laptops.

I believe serious work is to be done on desktops.

[toyhouse]

Originally Posted by kitekrazy

I'm an anti Mac person but in all honesty if you are using nothing but a laptop, Mac would be the way to go if you can afford it. The bottom dollar Mac Book is around $1000, Unfortunately that leaves little for software. A low price Mac Book and Logic is a $1500 investment. PC laptops are loaded with crapware and I basically hate laptops.

I believe serious work is to be done on desktops.

I hear you. For serious production - a desktop yes. Or a custom machine.
I'd never used laptops until last year. Maybe I've gotten a wee bit lazy? I just like the portability I guess. When I plug another monitor in and mouse it's an impressive little setup for on the go use.
And yes, often pc laptops come with crapware. That's one of the reasons I've always built my own machines. All one has to do with a store bought box however is wipe the drive and do a windows re-install without that junk. Some folks do a periodic re-install with everything possible stripped out just to keep windows running at it's fastest.
A bit of work though but I suppose pro operations would go to that level of precision?.
Anyway, you say an apple is the better way to go. Guess I need to run a daw on a pc laptop and have a closer look. Never did that before....
As I said, "I can be rather cheap",. lol. The new windows machines are looking rather attractive to me at the moment since prices have dropped.
Thanks folks.


Jim P.




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[bird.land]

Personally I'd go for a MacBook Pro laptop and put Logic on it. Hassle-free solution.

[tehLORD]

Seeing as the OP has already said most of his plugs are Windows only why the fuck would you suggest a Mac?

PCs AREN'T automatically loaded with crapware either.


Facts are important.

[Gdoubleyou]

Originally Posted by tehLORD

Seeing as the OP has already said most of his plugs are Windows only why the fuck would you suggest a Mac?

PCs AREN'T automatically loaded with crapware either.


Facts are important.

Because MOST plugs are cross platform, and with Logic most 3rd party plugs are optional and some are redundant.

[echosonic]

Win7 was mentioned ...

Never jump on the newest OS (Mac or Windows) - let other users test it for you [/selfish]