Used Macbook or New PC for music production?

[revive]

I have the opportunity to buy a 2011 Macbook Pro (i7, 8Gb rom, 500Gb hd, 13" non retina display) for $800. Should I go for it, or should I spend the money to buy a brand new PC?

Note: I intend to use the computer primarily for music production. I have used PC all my life, never owned a Mac, but heard great things about using Mac for music production. So Im definitely open to switching to Mac.

[pieterh]

I'd go for the Mac. The non-retina version has CD/DVD writer which has to be bought as extra on the Retina models. It also has gigabit connector (RJ45) which is the only physical connection needed for Dante audio (playing witg that myself at the moment).

Mac gives you the possibility to use Logic, more or less industry standard apart from protools. Since being bought by Apple some years ago Logic hasn't been available for PC.

Even at a fairly basic level macBook comes with Garage Band which gives a decent multi-track recorder, and iMovie and other applications do a good job of creating different multi-media productions.

One of the exciting developments in recent years is Qlab, a program that can run audio, video and lighting cues according to a timeline and/or manual start/stop cues. maybe not what you need, but very useful in my job as theatre tech!

I'd go for the Mac.

[BarryR]

^^^^ What he said, go for the Mac..^^^^

[mjz]

Get thee on a mac and ye won't look back.
max

[revive]

Thanks for the feedback.
Is it safe to buy a used mac? Will it last at least as long as a new PC?

[imwjl]

Originally Posted by revive

Thanks for the feedback.
Is it safe to buy a used mac? Will it last at least as long as a new PC?

From the eyes of an IT director babysitting or watching tech crap at large scale....

It's (Mac) made of same things you'll find an an equivalent top tier PC type. We don't see the nonsense some will post about favored products. Just that top tier products like the Mac or business class from Dell or HP generally do better in terms of quality.

The support you can get called AppleCare is much like the enterprise support you get from Dell or HP but geared toward consumers. I see heavily used laptops often make a warranty claim for keyboard or display in their life so I happen to get it for my own use or systems that can't be out of commission long.

Your purchase needs to have an external drive for the Time Machine backup system.

Personal opinion: As one who uses several platforms I feel you get value or substance for any premium Apple may charge if you use GarageBand and iMovie.

You can P2V your old Windows system and use that virtual machine as a great way to maximize compatibility or transition to a new system.

[fdwill]

I use a Macbook Pro for recording and Logic in a Mac Pro desktop for editing/mixing. The 13" screen drives me crazy, it's just too small! The laptop will allow use of a larger external monitor and mouse and if you get the 13" laptop I do recommend a larger monitor and mouse. The Macs work just fine for me.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by revive

I have the opportunity to buy a 2011 Macbook Pro (i7, 8Gb rom, 500Gb hd, 13" non retina display) for $800. Should I go for it, or should I spend the money to buy a brand new PC?

Note: I intend to use the computer primarily for music production. I have used PC all my life, never owned a Mac, but heard great things about using Mac for music production. So Im definitely open to switching to Mac.

I am a total mac guy BUT That said First it may depend as much on what software DAW you are using or anticipate using .

[Steve Berger]

Take a bite of the Apple!

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by revive

I have the opportunity to buy a 2011 Macbook Pro (i7, 8Gb rom, 500Gb hd, 13" non retina display) for $800. Should I go for it, or should I spend the money to buy a brand new PC?

Note: I intend to use the computer primarily for music production. I have used PC all my life, never owned a Mac, but heard great things about using Mac for music production. So Im definitely open to switching to Mac.

More important than the i7 processor (compared to an i5 processor for instance), is the hard drive you will be using for recording. It should be 7200 rpm and, if external, it should be connected via firewire or a faster connection.

Of course, much depends on how many tracks are involved with your recording projects, whether you will using any or many virtual instruments and how many and the CPU draw of any plugins you will be using.

[JoeCharter]

An Apple computer is not superior to a similarly spec'ed PC by any stretch.

That being said, I really like the Apogee/Apple combo. Your tastes may vary.

FWIW, as someone who has used and managed lots of computers, I would not buy a two year old laptop for any kind of money. I would rather buy a lower spec new Powerbook for a couple hundred more.

Laptops all have a certain lifespan. After a while, everything starts to degrade.

[revive]

Originally Posted by KevWind

I am a total mac guy BUT That said First it may depend as much on what software DAW you are using or anticipate using .

If mac, then Logic.
If PC, then Mixcraft and Ableton.

I'm not married to any particular DAW.

Btw, I plan to record guitars and vocals. I also anticipate using VSTs and loops.

[KevWind]

opps double post to bad there is not a delete function

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

An Apple computer is not superior to a similarly spec'ed PC by any stretch.

That being said, I really like the Apogee/Apple combo. Your tastes may vary.

FWIW, as someone who has used and managed lots of computers, I would not buy a two year old laptop for any kind of money. I would rather buy a lower spec new Powerbook for a couple hundred more.

Laptops all have a certain lifespan. After a while, everything starts to degrade.

True spec wise there is really no performance difference. Though it does seem , as if people tend use mac computers for longer periods of time before upgrading. For instance I am writing this on a 5 year old macbook
For me though it is much more subjective ,about personal preference and simply liking the entire workflow of the Mac OS as opposed to Windows.

I completely agree the Apogee Duet for price/performance is a pretty nifty piece.

[revive]

Maybe Mac's tightly controlled system (more efficient & less virus attacks) contribute to its longevity?