Intel-mac software

[JonFoo]

What software can I use on my new intel based mac (macbook pro)? According to macworld, Logic has released a "universal" version, which apparently runs well. But what other options do I have?

I understand that a new macbook pro will actually run slower than an "old" powerbook if the software isn't universal (and has to run on rosetta...) But I'm a little worried it will take time before most software convert.. What is the status on other pro audio software (steinberg, etc..)?

 

[knugen]

You can always use GarageBand, but since I don't know your needs you might find it too lowend...

I've read somewhere, can't remeber where, that Rosetta on the new MBPs gives about the same performance as running natively on the old G4 PBs. If you go to a store that sells such software they can probably give you more detailed information than I have.

 

[altitude909]

I believe logic is mactel ready. Live! 5.2 is also native.

AFAIK thats it for now

that Rosetta on the new MBPs gives about the same performance as running natively on the old G4 PBs

That may be true for regular apps but DAW software will have problems on rosetta and u will get very long latencies

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

I've been watching the mactel stuff very cautiously. It'll be a while be it offers many options.

Pro Tools is supposed to be mactel native this month. I'll believe it when I see it. Cubase and Nuendo are schedule for going native "later this year."

Here is a list of manufacturers and programs that are universal or promised. Not sure how current it is.

http://www.macintouch.com/imacintel/ubinaries.html

Take care,
Chris

 

[knugen]

Considering that list I'd say that things are quite prmoising for the MacTel world. Most of the big ones are ported or promised to be ported within the near future... Sounds good, cause my good, old mac will need replacing at some point

altitude909 has a good point when it comes to latency on DAW-software running on the Rosetta interpreter. You'd have a nightmare multitracking i guess.

Other than that I still believe in the Mac as a DAW-platform. I have nothing but positive experiences with mine since I purchased it almost three years ago and I'm replacing it with a MacTel one when this one retires. A lot of Apple's userbase is in the creative arts and a lot of the DAW-software manufactureres sell licenses to Mac-users, which means that they'll loose a portion of their marketshare if they cease to support macs.

 

[dgatwood]

What software can I use on my new intel based mac (macbook pro)? According to macworld, Logic has released a "universal" version, which apparently runs well. But what other options do I have?

I understand that a new macbook pro will actually run slower than an "old" powerbook if the software isn't universal (and has to run on rosetta...) But I'm a little worried it will take time before most software convert.. What is the status on other pro audio software (steinberg, etc..)?

Some folks have reportedly used Digital Performer semi-acceptably in Rosetta, though others have had issues. They expect to have an x86-compatible version of DP5 this quarter (i.e. by the end of next month).

 

[JonFoo]

Thank you everyone. To sum it up:

Intel-ready software:

Garageband
Logic 7.2
Live! 5.2
Protools (may)
Digital Performer (next month?)
Cubase, Nuende (this year???)

My feeling is that within a year(?) most major software will be universal. And an intel-based macbook pro is the right choice to buy over a soon-to-be-old power book. Until further I can get by with a slightly slow rosetta-run application...

 

[TuoKaerf]

Pro Tools version 7.1.1 will be MacTel compatable, and is expected to be released very soon (within a few weeks at most).

 

[dgatwood]

My feeling is that within a year(?) most major software will be universal. And an intel-based macbook pro is the right choice to buy over a soon-to-be-old power book. Until further I can get by with a slightly slow rosetta-run application...

Yeah, at least as long as you don't want to run Pro Tools. It reportedly does not run in Rosetta (not that I'm even slightly surprised).