Looking to upgrade to a new computer (Mac) need advice

[Inconnu]

Hi!

I'm thinking of replacing my late 2009 MacBook (2.26 Ghz intel duo core, 2 gig 1067 mhz) and I'm loosing myself through tech specs. The main reasons I'm looking for an upgrade are that my computer sometimes (and I mean sometimes) gives me the "disk too slow" message when I'm recording multiple tracks at once, I can't upgrade the OS anymore (according to the system requirements), I can't use the latest GarageBand (yes, I'm pleased with GarageBand with what I'm doing) because I think I don't have the minimum system requirements and finally, well, that 6 year old computer is starting to show sings of of it's age...

Now, I'm thinking either an iMac or a MacBook air, don't care much about screen size, want to go as cheap as possible. I'm looking and specs and processors aren't rated faster then mine. I'm not a computer guy, maybe someone here can help? What should I look into to actually have a computer for recording that I would keep at least as long as my current late 2009?

Thanks!

 

[seamonkey]

Mac Mini are a good choice. Lots of performance. When recording there's a lot of I/O to the disc going on. Get one with a good disk.
If you're using a lot of VST effects, then get one with faster processor. Sometimes it's better to go with higher clock speeds and less cores, than a bunch of cores with lower clock speed. Just depends on the software you're running.

 

[Inconnu]

What I'm actually wondering is... well, my "old" macbook as a 2,26 ghz processor, the new ones have a 1,4 ghz (well, the cheapest at least). Should I just add some RAM on mine or would I win something with replacing it?

 

[tmdazed]

I was actually looking at maxing a mac mini, but doing some research I can build a hackintosh specced out to a mac pro (cost around 5 large) for about a grand , takes a little work, but the tutorials are there , far better expandability and the mac minis are zero expandable in the new config, no slots, ram soldered to the board , no ram boosts. I am in process of building my hackintosh and am doing a 2 tb raid 0 array with 4 520 gb ssd and using a 1 tb usb 3 external HD hub with 2 520 gb ssd's for back up . the solid state drives will speed things up expotentially

 

[BlushResponse]

My band uses a maxed out Mac Mini. Standard processor, maxed memory 16GB. Out of the box we run Reason on it. So far we've been able to record up to 8 tracks at a time, since that's the maximum number of inputs on our interface. Live drums, guitar, bass, etc. No hicups. It was the best $500 I ever spent.