Mac Mini vs. Macbook pro for Mixing and Recording on Protools 8

[Bassman18]

Hey all,

Recently got hold of an Mbox 2 factory for a University course i am doing. I'm using it mainly for Mixing but want to do some recording once i buy a couple of nice mics and some other gear.

My main issue is...i'm using a laptop PC that is really bad.

1.5 GB Ram, 1.8Ghz Processor and a 120Gb HDD...not the best.

It keeps display error messages, losing tracks and freezing.

I am going to upgrade to a mac but i am unsure what the best route to take is?

What do u recon? Mac mini or a Macbook?

My budget is pretty tight and i'm living out of home in the city and commuting back home on the weekends.

cheers.

[bassplayer22]

For the price the Mac Mini is the best solution. But, what is your budget?

Tim

[Greevus]

I'm using an Imac with 1 Gb of ram and it does fantastic for a while, but when I load up the effects it always freezes. My brother/bandmate is recording the tracks on Logic 9 with his Macbook with 2 Gb ram and it seems fine. Ram seems to be the key.

I love Imacs, Macbooks, and Minis. Garageband and Logic are great. All things considered I may have to declare the Mini the winner. You can just take it like a Macbook if needed and use as big a monitor as you like. There's freaking old monitors everywhere collecting dust.

I really don't mind saying it. I HATE Windows. Been trying to help my Uncle get his HP going after a new drive and that thing is a pain in the azz big time. Macs are worth it. They cost way too much, yeah, but the ease of use in comparison is wonderful. I joined the Mac Cult four years ago and am not leaving.

[N.F.A.]

Isn't the rpm of the drive important? 5200 rpm vs. 7200 rpm I think...

[bwv1013]

RAM is definitely important for audio. if you already have PC components (monitor, keyboard, etc.) i would go with the mini and load it with as much RAM as you can afford. any MAC will come with Garageband which is a decent place to start for home recording.

FWIW both my machines have 2 gigs of RAM and they run smooth as butter for audio. happy shopping.

[bwv1013]

Originally Posted by N.F.A.

Isn't the rpm of the drive important? 5200 rpm vs. 7200 rpm I think...

for pristine recording, yes, but it would need to be an external drive anyway.

[newbold]

If you need a notebook then go for a pro.
If that's not a necessity then grab a mini and max it out with RAM, get a good high speed external drive and save your money to upgrade your interface.