Need Opinion Between 3 Systems Options

[Killall]

Sorry, title said 3, but is actually 4 systems.

Hey everyone, I have the availability between the following four systems to start creating my home studio with and I wanted to see what you guys thought.

System 1 - iMac G4 1.25Ghz 256MB 80GB, 20 inch screen, Superdrive
System 2 - iMac G4 1.25Ghz 256MB 80GB, 17inch, Superdrive (Lamp)
System 3 - PowerMac G4 1.25Ghz 256MB 80GB, Combodrive, 17inch display
System 4 - iBook 1Ghz 256MB, 60GB HD, Combo, 14inch display

I realize that any of these I'll have to throw more RAM into. I'm leaning towards the iBook so that I can record live and have the portability, especially since my band is in a practice studio away from housing. However I know it only has 1 memory bank so the most it could have is 640mb of RAM.

I'm completely new to Mac and this will be a big learning experience for me.

Any suggestions?

P.S. It's these 4 systems or nothing because of a program I have where I am employed.

This post has been edited by Killall: Thu 19 Feb 2004, 20:57

[nate d]

If you really want the portability, then go with the iBook. With the upgraded RAM, it should do everything you want it to do. I use a Powerbook G4 and I haven't had a single problem with power or performance.

However, if you decide to go the non-laptop route, I would choose the PowerMac G4. Versus the iMacs, they offer more performance and much more expandability.

Good luck!

[Killall]

Thanks Nate. I appreciate the advice. Also from reading other forums and researching myself, I've found that I should also purchase the other following items:

Tascam US-122
External 7200 HD
Mic (shure sm-57 is what I'm used to using for things like this)
Keyboard controller if I wish to use features in Garageband or other software..

Does that sound about right to get me started?

[snow]

i would not compare the power of an ibook, to the power of the new powerbooks. if u want to be portable, get a powerbook. they are much faster for audio. the ibook might be sluggish for multiple live recordings.
your best bet is that G4 tower, for a solid home studio.
other items on your list really depend on your recordings technics and the quality you want to achive. money should help, too.

[nate d]

I agree that it's probably not fair to compare the Powerbook to the iBooks, but on the same note, one of my friends has the newer G4 iBooks and along with his audio interface and external firewire drive, he hasn't had a problem recording audio live with multiple tracks (not sure how many total though).

Snow is right, it really does come down to what you're going to be using it most for. If you need the portability, you should be fine as long as you're not going to record too many tracks at once. The band Broken Social Scene was recording live with their G3 iBook with no problems (until it got stolen ). But for a real powerful, expandable home studio solution the G4 tower is the way to go.

As far as the other gear you mentioned, you seem to be right on track. As always, see what interfaces you can try out or compare before you settle on one, but the Tascam has gotten rave reviews. Very affordable too. You seem to be right on track, make sure to talk to as many people as you can and get as many opinions as possible...it'll help you find what's right for you!