iMac

[SacDAve]

I'm just about ready to buy a new iMac. I'm dead set on a Mac, pretty much will be just for recoding. Right now I use a 2007 iMac but it's become my everyday computer my PC has about had it.
So what i'm considering is a 21.5" with a 2.8 processor, 8GB memory. 1 TB hard drive and 1 year of apple care Cost is $1968. les tax. I can get the 27" with the same specs except a 2.7 processor For the exact price.
So my main question is what's the deference between a 2.7 processor and the 2.8 processor? Any other suggestions on upgrades that would be useful for recoding? I also am using Pro tools 9 if that's any help.

[PinewoodRo]

I'd always go for the bigger screen, especially with ProTools which also recommends a separate data (recording) drive for best performance. You can then have edit and mix windows visible at the same time. You'll need a Mac expert to tell you about the processor spec, the speed is just one part of that particular jigsaw. I'm sure either will be fine for audio recording.

[vjf1968]

Definitely get the memory upgraded if you can swing it. You really do want to do that. That is more important than the processor speed.

[backalleyblues]

Let's just say... you'll notice the difference in screen size...

I'd go for the bigger screen as well, 2.7ghz vs. 2.8ghz is far from a deal breaker, and with the amount of RAM you're getting, most people wouldn't notice the difference...

Just make sure about 1 thing-that the hard drive is 7200 rpm or greater, most recording programs want a fast drive like that...

Franc Robert

[SacDAve]

I am leaning for the bigger screen. Also my current Mac is maxed out at 3GB of ram the ones I'm looking at max out at 16GB. I'm not a computer guy to me 2.7 verses 2.8 dose not seem like much of a deference. I think i'll hit the local apple store and ask some question. Thanks for the info so far.

[vjf1968]

The 2.7 and 2.8Ghz is the clock rate/processor speed of the computer. I wouldn't really worry about it too much since the computer you are looking at, in either configuration will work without a problem. Like I said before you really need to look at upgrading the memory and maxing it out since effects like reverb and delays eat use up memory.

Remember you are not buying a computer you are buying time.

The cool thing about Apple is lack of "bloatware" so you won't be getting a computer with a lot of crap you don't need.

If you are buying new Garage Band is included with iLife so if you have an audio interface you can start recording right out of the box. And when your recording you should disconnect from the interent.

Later on down the line you should invest in an external hard drive for backing up files and projects, your computer will run a lot smoother. Always go for an external drive that has the same capacity (or more) as the one on the computer you are buying.

[storyboards27]

I have a 27" iMac with 16 gigs of RAM and a 2.8 GHz i7 processor. I believe the 2.7 one you're looking at has an i5 processor which runs cooler than the i7. I've never had a problem with mine overheating or anything, but it does get very toasty when I'm rendering video out of After Effects or Final Cut (I'm a video editor, so I put this thing through it's paces). Probably close to 150ºF when I'm really hitting the CPU...

As long as you have the RAM upgrade, I'd go for the one with the bigger viewing real estate.

[imwjl]

Originally Posted by vjf1968

Later on down the line you should invest in an external hard drive for backing up files and projects, your computer will run a lot smoother. Always go for an external drive that has the same capacity (or more) as the one on the computer you are buying.

No, backing up is not just for truck drivers. Choosing more memory or CPU when there's no good evidence for needing it over getting a drive and backing up the system is absurd.

Many are talking nonsense talk about the resources they say they need because they don't use the built in utilities to actually measure how much CPU and memory are being used.

Apple's Time Machine is like a slow poke version of snapshots in virtual computing. It's just absurd to work without it. Anybody who does needs to remind themselves the fools they are or that their work is not worth much.

[woodman]

To me, the wide screen vs. 1/10 of a GHz is a no brainer — big screen wins! ... I agree in principle with vjf that maxing out your RAM is a good thing, but in the real world, I've been getting along fine with 4 GB in my iMac and would be in heaven with 8. A lot depends on how hard you flog your machine ... but there's no question that more RAM = Good.

[SASouth]

I'd wait a few weeks. An update for the iMac is due.

[nickg21285]

I'd go bigger screen. I don't think you will notice the .10 difference in speed. Just max it out on RAM.

[SASouth]

Originally Posted by nickg21285

I'd go bigger screen. I don't think you will notice the .10 difference in speed. Just max it out on RAM.

Just make sure you don't buy RAM from Apple when you get the iMac. You'll pay way too much for it. Buy your iMac with the base amount of RAM and upgrade it yourself. OWC has great prices on RAM. You'll save a bunch.

[SacDAve]

Originally Posted by vjf1968

The 2.7 and 2.8Ghz is the clock rate/processor speed of the computer. I wouldn't really worry about it too much since the computer you are looking at, in either configuration will work without a problem. Like I said before you really need to look at upgrading the memory and maxing it out since effects like reverb and delays eat use up memory.

Remember you are not buying a computer you are buying time.

The cool thing about Apple is lack of "bloatware" so you won't be getting a computer with a lot of crap you don't need.

If you are buying new Garage Band is included with iLife so if you have an audio interface you can start recording right out of the box. And when your recording you should disconnect from the interent.

Later on down the line you should invest in an external hard drive for backing up files and projects, your computer will run a lot smoother. Always go for an external drive that has the same capacity (or more) as the one on the computer you are buying.

"bloatware" I've neer heard that term I like it. I noticed right off when I bought my first Mac there was no bloatware I did have to go threw an adjustment period it was vary scary.

[SacDAve]

Originally Posted by SASouth

Just make sure you don't buy RAM from Apple when you get the iMac. You'll pay way too much for it. Buy your iMac with the base amount of RAM and upgrade it yourself. OWC has great prices on RAM. You'll save a bunch.

Apple is charging $100 for 4 GB of Ram, I think the lowered their prices on Ram. I know from what I paid for my 2007 mac you get a whole lot more for your buck now.

[SacDAve]

Originally Posted by SASouth

I'd wait a few weeks. An update for the iMac is due.

I thinking about 4 to 6 weeks, Do you have an inside scoop?

[SASouth]

Originally Posted by SacDAve

Apple is charging $100 for 4 GB of Ram, I think the lowered their prices on Ram. I know from what I paid for my 2007 mac you get a whole lot more for your buck now.

That same $100 + $10.00 will buy you 16GB at OWC.

[SASouth]

Originally Posted by SacDAve

I thinking about 4 to 6 weeks, Do you have an inside scoop?

No inside scoop but it has been quite awhile since the last update. Check Macrumors.com for their buyers guide.

[w3stie]

Originally Posted by woodman

To me, the wide screen vs. 1/10 of a GHz is a no brainer — big screen wins! ... I agree in principle with vjf that maxing out your RAM is a good thing, but in the real world, I've been getting along fine with 4 GB in my iMac and would be in heaven with 8. A lot depends on how hard you flog your machine ... but there's no question that more RAM = Good.

+1 I have the big screen iMac and it's great. Re waiting for an update, there will *always* be an update in the wings. I think there have been two upgrades since I bought mine a year or so ago. I just avoid comparing and enjoy the experience

[SASouth]

Originally Posted by w3stie

+1 I have the big screen iMac and it's great. Re waiting for an update, there will *always* be an update in the wings. I think there have been two upgrades since I bought mine a year or so ago. I just avoid comparing and enjoy the experience

Normally I would agree with this but the last update to the iMac was on May 03, 2011. This means an update to the iMac is overdue since they are usually on a 9 month cycle.

The MacBook Air and MacBook Pros were updated a just two weeks ago on June 11th which makes an iMac update even more likely.

OS X Mountain Lion is coming later this month. Chances are good that Apple will update the iMac and the Mac Mini at the same time.

Why buy last year's tech if it only means a wait of only a few weeks?

Look here: http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

[ludashoeless]

don't get one-i hear that they have a poly finish!