Age-old Question: Mac or PC

[Arguspop]

Hi. I'm getting ready to buy a laptop and am trying to choose between Mac and PC. I've always used Macs (never yet for recording, though) but am considering a PC because of the bang for the buck. From a recording perspective, is one easier to use than the other? Do they both have comparable software options? What features, other than hard drive and RAM, should I keep in mind to maximize recording capabilities? (And is, say, 40 GB adequate for hard-drive memory?) In the past I've always used a four-track tape recorder, so I'm new to computer recording.

Thanks!

 

[ds21]

PC for me, MACs are to complicated(to me anyways, just in general). Now that we got that out of the way. I have allways used Cakewalk products, also some Acid, and seeing as they don't make it for the mac that mean PC, if I was going to start use Logic I would use a mac... so I would first try to figure out what software you want and go from there.

 

[Jotosuds]

if you have lots of money, go mac

if not go pc

simple eh?

 

[dwillis45]

The Mac-PC war is or should be over. Both can be used for recording with good results and both offer a wide variety of hardware/software options. In general, PC's are less expensive and offer more custom-built configurations. That said, I would buy a Mac. If you have experience with OS9/OSX, you will undoubtedly have some basic understanding of troubleshooting on the Mac. When you set up your DAW you will eventually run into some type of hardware glitch. It's and computer and it's almost inevitable. Knowing where to look for solutions is half the battle!

 

[Stealthtech]

I would first try to figure out what software you want and go from there.

Agreed

Decide what software and especially interface you prefer and then pick your Computer based on specs and performance, compatibily tests

 

[Arguspop]

Thanks for all of your comments. The advice that my choice of recording software should guide my decision on whether to get a Mac or PC seems to make sense, although it begs another question: which software should I choose? I'm not in a band right now, so I'll be playing all the instruments myself. I don't own a drum set. I'd be interested in a program that has good, natural-sounding drums that are easy and flexible to program. Also, since I'm somewhat familiar with old-school 4-track recording, a program that emulates that type of interface might be nice. And finally, I'm way more into rock than, say, electronica; maybe some programs are better suited to certain types of music? As for price, a preliminary check indicates that Macs may not be so much cheaper than PCs, particularly in the laptop department, which is what I'll be needing. Maybe Macs start costing a lot more when you want a lot of extra features? Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing your input on recording software.

Thanks again!