Advice: A PowerBook Studio?
I have a Powerbook 667 with the ram maxed out to a gig. I've been hording my cash to buy a second machine, either a high-end iMac or mid level G4 Tower. But it seems the more and more research I do, the more it points to the idea that I really would not be hurting myself if I just got a second laptop. I want to set up my studio for audio production, final cut, dvd studio pro, after effects, etc. Right now I do all that on my PowerBook with no problem, but I wanted to get another machine so I can always have one rendering while I work on other stuff. I'm sure the G4 Tower is faster, but in 'general terms' can I set up a viable multimedia studio with two PowerBooks?
[ 02-24-2003: Message edited by: jim katta ]
[ 02-24-2003: Message edited by: jim katta ]</p>
[ 02-24-2003: Message edited by: jim katta ]
[ 02-24-2003: Message edited by: jim katta ]</p>
Comments
So if you're not going to be moving the second PowerBook around at all... why not just get a desktop? With the PowerBook, you're buying the computer and the LCD panel. If I was getting a machine for the studio and just for the studio, I'd get a tower.
p.s. Never mind the expandability argument, I usually upgrade to another machine before I do any machine upgrades.
I don't know, I mean, really, if I were buying a computer that would never leave my studio, I'd get a machine that didn't have an expensive LCD display attached to it that i wouldn't use.
You seem pretty sold on the idea though, I think you're waiting for someone to post and tell you it is a good idea
Really though, if you can find another PowerBook between 1400 and 1700 refurbished.... you can find a better refurbished tower with more "features" for the same buck, if not less.
Really, if you're never going to have the thing leave the studio, get a desktop. For the same price you're quoting you can get a refurb PowerBook for, you can get a better, faster, maybe even dual, Power Mac G4.
I can see the appeal of having a laptop. You can just unplug and walk out the door with it. Again though, if you already have one PowerBook, and this new machine won't be leaving the studio, I don't know why you would want a laptop.
If I'm convinced that a tower is "absolutely" the way to go, then I'll plunk down the cash, but if the difference is minimal, in you guys' opinion, then I would just get another PB or a new iMac.
[ 02-25-2003: Message edited by: jim katta ]</p>
Apple DOES NOT earn this desktop sale, IMHO. If you buy an iMac, none of the traditional desktop advantages are there for you, and it isn't cheaper than a 12" PB. If you buy a Tower, it costs an arm and a leg.
Up to you.
You could always just sell the PB and get a newer faster PB. Though you'd still be stuck with one machine.
How would a cheapie used firewire gum drop fit into the audio environment. G3 only, I know, but just to run background stuff while you work on the PB?
Just trying to save you some cash. If you got scads to spend, well, just ignore me then.
This sounds like a real endorsement for a desktop studio if you can get hold of a new dual (closeout dual867or 1G maybe) in your price range. Do work on the desktop w/ video rendering in background AND have your powerbook rendering something else entirely! No point buying a cheaper PC & more software that isn't FCP or DVD SP compatible. Add airport cards to share files, then walk around house and do photoshop or audio work in kitchen or on the couch using your desktop as a server (can add more hard drives cheaper in your desktop).
Or hang on to your $$$ a bit longer for a bigger jump in performance at your price range.
I think regardless of whether or not we are impressed with Apple's desktops, I think we can agree that if you're going to spend $1500 on a PowerBook, you can get a faster desktop with better specs for that same amount of cash. Don't buy a new tower, buy a refurb, buy one used. The $1500 you quoted on a laptop wasn't for a new laptop anyway, seems silly to say that it's either a refurb PB or a brand new tower
If the new machine needs to leave the studio on a moments notice and go to, say, another building entirely... get the laptop. If you may move the physical computer every so often, desktop is the way to go. More durable, cheaper, etceteras.