GarageBand questions

All-

I'm thinking about getting some good solution for home laptop recording, and I have a couple of questions about Garageband


Are there any issues with DRM? This is one of the things that really drives me crazy with the iTunes store, and I assume there's no DRM issues when using GB, but I wanted to make sure?
Can you record to MP3 as opposed to whatever Apples proprietary format is called (I can't remember right now)?
Basically, if I use GB to record, will I be able to put stuff on the net at soundclick or myspace or something?
What kind of free drum loops are available? I have a friend who uses Sony Acid, and he raves about all the weekly and monthly free drum loop releases on the net. Does GB have anything similar?

1) No
2) Yes. (You can output an MP3 or convert to it in iTunes).
3) Yes.
4) Dunno. I usually hack the provided loops (the ones in MIDI format; some are wav). I do have the rhythm jam pack.

the interconnectivity with iTunes makes it a breeze -- after you mix down, you simply "Send Song to iTunes" in the Share menu, and it will convert your .band file to whichever format you want. i usually save as the highest possible quality MP4 (they sound a lot "bigger" to my ears), then make an MP3 copy if needed.

the loops provided will only get you so far ... the jam pack is worth it, and like TeeBird sez, you can slice-n-dice to tailor them for your material. i keep a drum machine handy though, sometimes you just can't get the exact part you want via loops.

Since you guys seem to know a bit about Garage Band maybe you can answer a question for me. Presently I record on Garage Band but was thinking of upgrading to Logic. Is it worth the $500.00 to upgrade? In other words is it that much better of a system? Also right now with Garage Band I plug directly into my Mac through a Digitech RP250 but was told that I should really run my guitar through a interface also. Someone suggested the Lexicon Lambda as a good interface for the money ($150.00). Should I use a interface or is it a waste of money. I don't have any real problems the way I do it now other than a little humming depending on what effect I'm using. Any info is appreciated. Thanks

an interface is likely to give you better quality (preamps, I/O) and something like the Lambda would give you the potential to do vocals.

as far as software, the appeal of GarageBand is ease of use. Logic and other "pro" software will set you up for a major learning curve. the editing features are much deeper and the plugins are more sophisticated, and it's worthwhile if you want to make *serious* recordings. but if you're just laying down tracks for your own amusement or for demos, GarageBand will get you through. the sound quality is decent and if you lay down clean, strong tracks, the results can be surprising for a program that started out as a toy.

Thanks for the input. Logic is a pretty decent nut, around $500.00. I think you convinced me just to stick with GarageBand. Thanks again for the advice.