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dissident · Sep 19, 2003, 02:31 AM

Lately I've been thinking of selling my powermac G4 1GHz MDD and bying maybe one of the new powerbook g4s, a 12".

I do a lot of audio stuff, like cubase sx, and some video. I'm a student living in a small apartment, and the little neat powerbook seems soo cool!

Of course I need a audiocard to be able to record music.

Would this be a mistake? Can anyone help me think of reasons why I would regret switching. Is the pbg4 powerful enough to replace my 1ghz g4 pm? By switching I would gain space and silence, what would I loose?

thanx!

bluejam · Sep 19, 2003, 06:31 AM

Go for it. Stop being chained to your home computing. However, you are probably used to a larger screen so consider the 15". I have a 1GzG4 and find it plenty fast enough for pix, video and music. You should find the 15PB even better than you PM(better video card, etc?).

CobaltGT · Sep 19, 2003, 07:11 AM

dissident, similar situation here. I was going to buy a refurbished 800mhz ibook for $800 so I could have some mobile audio capability. However i own a 20" cinema and MDD 1ghz at home. Before I bought this machine I had a 700mhz iBook (was waiting for new powermac release)and the display was a little cramped.

So up to yesterday I was antipating getting a 12" PB so I could utilize my cinema when at home, and it could even replace my single 1ghz MDD. Last night I ordered the 1.25ghz 15" w/ combo drive. After normalizing the 12" to the 15", and adding about $250 for the additional mhz, it came down to a $250 cost for the larger screen. Instead of gambling with the possibility of a frustratingly small screen, I just opted to spend the $250.

dissident · Sep 19, 2003, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by bluejam:
Go for it. Stop being chained to your home computing. However, you are probably used to a larger screen so consider the 15".

I have I 17" monitor I could hook it up to when at home, but you might still be right.

I have a 1GzG4 and find it plenty fast enough for pix, video and music. You should find the 15PB even better than you PM(better video card, etc?).

Is the video card really better? Do the 12" and 15" have similar videocard etc.?

schmoe · Sep 19, 2003, 12:07 PM

I've actually been considering going in the opposite direction. I love my Powerbook and really prefer laptops. However, since I upgrade every year or two, the cost of new LCDs becomes disproportional. Plus a dual 2ghz G5 wouldn't need to be replaced anytime soon, and you could always upgrade the HD or video card =)

Well, the real solution is probably to have both, especially considering I'm in a bad spot if the Powerbook breaks. What I wouldn't give for onsite service!

:dragonflypro: · Sep 19, 2003, 03:44 PM

I just decided to dump my DP 533/768ram w/ATI 9000 pro for $850.

I will be replacing it with a 15" MedAL 1.25Ghz PB.

I solved my monitor space issues by getting a Samsung 17" LCD for 350 bucks on ebay that I can use in a dual monitor set up.

Now I just need to find a buyer for my 19" Lacie CRT w/Hood.

I have no regrets and will love no longer being chained to my desk!

toby

Luca Rescigno · Sep 19, 2003, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by dissident:
I have I 17" monitor I could hook it up to when at home, but you might still be right.

Is the video card really better? Do the 12" and 15" have similar videocard etc.?

You won't regret getting a larger screen. I got used to the tiny screen on my 12" iBook within a couple weeks, but I couldn't stand using large screens because I got so jealous! The 15" should definitely be better for that.

Also, the 15" has a video card that is much, MUCH better than the 12". The Radeon 9600 blows the GeForce FX5200 out of the water in every area.

rambo47 · Sep 19, 2003, 04:25 PM

Now with the BlueTooth keyboard, going to a Powerbook and external monitor is even sweeter.

Angus_D · Sep 20, 2003, 07:21 AM

Originally posted by dissident:
Is the video card really better? Do the 12" and 15" have similar videocard etc.?

The new 12" uses the NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 with 32MB of DDR SDRAM, and the 15" and 17" use the ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 with 64MB of DDR SDRAM.

babajazz · Sep 22, 2003, 12:11 AM

12 inch is not good enough if you're serious about intense audio production. I use cubase SX, reason 2.5, and ableton live 2.0 with loads of plugins. I think the new 15 inch is the best bang for the buck. Fast processor, more ram capabilty than the 12 inch, and more L2 cache. Also look into motu 828 for soundcard.
I sold my G4 733 about a month ago in order to save for the new 15 inch powerbook. I'm typing this from my PC as we speak. Can't wait.
I think owning a laptop as an electronic musician is going to make things wonderful. Imagine activating all your samplers, synths, and plugins with a laptop and midi controller. It's the way.
cheers

dissident · Sep 22, 2003, 03:33 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies!

I've started thinking about maybe a used laptop is a good idea, since I think the new Al15" is a bit pricy, and a lot of you suggest a 15" monitor. Maybe a Ti 1GHz or something, what do you think?

Comparing the last rev of the Ti PB and the new 12", which one would you say is probably the most bang for the buck in terms of display and power?