Hello. All this has been covered, but I would like to help if it's still needed.
Since I think you are interested, I started out on PC's, then went to the 1st powerbook, and then a dual G5. I went to this thread because I am beginning to think about the next one.
So what have you decided on?
Forget the details. (I understand a bit about how you think because I think the same way.) As has been stated, reduce the question to the following:
Which of the following will allow me to be most productive? 'Portability' or the 'Most Power existing today'?
Isn't this question still reducible to the question of productive in what sense"? That is productive in terms of getting you in front of the PC more on one vs the other, OR more productive in terms of being able to do more. I think that while portability is great and important to me, I would rather have more power and features than anything else because I don't want to be limited or frustrated in what I am trying to do..While the laptop may get me in front of the screen more in more places, I know I'd sit there wishing I had gone with the desktop if I cannot do certain things on the laptop I can do with the desktop.
That's it.
Some more thoughts.
- Portability is a very useful & convenient aspect.
- I am guessing you are not very experienced with the mac nor the current versions of the applications you intend to use as tools to develop your art. Therefore, the MBP has sufficient power to comfortably run today's software for a few years.
- On the other hand, if for your uses, you know that you do not need or even want portability, then go for more power. The more power will help get an extra lil' bit from your computer.
I actually started OUT on Power Macs, went to PCs, and now have longed to go back to Apple for a long time since graduated from college a while back. So while I'm not new to Mac I AM new to the current models features and software. I was saying I hated Vista BUT now with the service pack I haven't really had problems, have liked the refresh rate of it in how it never makes my eyes tired (unlike how it is with XP/bootcamp), and the ability to expand my ram with an SD Card or Flash Drive in the USB slot. Now with these features I may actually stick with Vista over XP. Macs don't have Vista, only XP so that is one strike against it, though other than that I see no other strikes against Apple. These factors among others have lead me to get a PC laptop and the Mac Pro desktop.. Id get the best of both OSs, the best variety of hardware, the best in terms of what technology offers (for one HP has BlueRay while Apple doesn't), and the best in terms of variety of software options. One thing I don't see discussed is how Mac OS X is now available for PCs so I'd love to see what people think of that.
For a laptop HP has many things that a Mac Book doesn't:
The HDX has a 20 inch screen, comes FULL 1080p, has the ability to have 2 320GB (expandable) Hard drives, has BlueRay, has all the ports you could need, has more powerful processor options, more powerful FSB, has HDTV TV Tuner, HDMI out, the most configuration options I have seen with all those things available etc..even Sagers top of the line doesn't have all these things..though 3 hard drives w RAID 0 1 or 5 options is pretty sweet.
But know, that if things continue as they have gone the last 4 years, then in 4 more, those laptops will be beyond today's desktops.
While I have waited a LONG while now, and can stand to a wait a bit more 4 years is entirely out of the question. I need something asap.
Since I can't afford the HDX RIGHT NOW, I will settle for a DV9700t, use it for 21 days, return it or sell it and then get the HDX Lord willing. That's the plan at least.
So, while being pedantic, an early responder had it right.
Do you want/need/desire portability?
If yes, then your answer is done. Because today's laptop is powerful (from what I read.) And, you have some time to get comfortable with the mac & its apps.
Yes it is but not with Mac for now with regards to a laptop. As soon as I can get my hands on either the DV9700t and or the HDX I will be putting Mac OSX on it as well in order to get acquainted with the newest Mac OS.
If portability will not help you with productivity (of your art) -- and/or you value having the absolute most power that exists today over portability -- then go for the desktop.
It helps but is not my biggest priority. I'm selling 2 of my cars so I don't need to go anywhere
I can pretend I'm going to the movies by watching them on my laptop?
Lol. I can webcam anyone who needs to talk to me till I get a new car?
Lol. Maybe I'll get a bike for now??
Once you truly crossover to mac, you will not care at all what's going on in the pc world. I don't care if the pc world was twice as fast as the mac. I'm settled and pleased here. I'd rather be very comfortable in one world.
By the way, I am currently running Pro Tools LE on my (desktop) dual 2.3 G5. I have run Logic & a bit of DP on it. And, I've hit its limits & I wish I had more cpu power so that I can have the playback buffer set lower while composing with virtual instruments or tracking with fx plug-ins. Whatever. I just know its tech-limits, and I work around it. Remember, people have been doing very fancy things with computers of many years ago, now. (By many, I mean, 4, 6, 7 years ago.) And while I know today's laptop would improve my performance, I am very pleased with my ever aging desktop.
I can see why you wouldn't care what's going on with PCs as Apples stuff is mesmerizing in terms of beauty as well as intuitive ease of use design in hardware and software. What youre talking about sounds pretty cool though I would have no idea on how to do it. So you do music on it, how would you say Garageband is compared to Protools and Logic if you have fooled around on it?
I truly hope this helps.
I believe you've done sufficient research. Now forget all of it, and see if your past experience has shown that a laptop helps or hinders you in being productive for your art. This depends on whether or not you have a dedicated, reliable work space. And this is the only place you do your main work.
And by the way,
go for either one now, and then when you're next ready, & you'll know & feel when that is, get the other (laptop & desktop). & if $ is that tight, then that'll dictate the decision: if you have a good workspace & $ is tight, go for desktop. If you don't have a daily good workspace, & you need to work in lots of place and $ is tight, then go for a laptop.
serve the art
Yes it does thank you.
