Macbook Pro for music

[trickyvic]

About to take the plunge and buy my first laptop (currently have a G5 PPC imac.) I'm planning on using Logic 9, Garageband and Sibelius, and recording live instruments. It will be my main computer, and will be moved about a fair bit.

I'm going for a Macbook Pro since Apple decided to remove the Firewire ports from the Macbooks.

Any thoughts on minimum spec? I can't decide whether to go for 13" or 15" - and would appreciate any ideas on what extras are really worth the additional cash (I haven't got an unlimited budget.)

Many thanks.

 

[Capt Underpants]

Speaking from experience, using Logic on a 13" screen is less than spectacular.

If I were you , I would get the base 15" with the upgraded 1680x1050 screen and a 7200 RPM hard drive. Logic will be very manageable at this resolution, and the faster hard drive will let you record/playback more simultaneous tracks without choking.

What kind of interface will you be using, out of curiosity?

 

[trickyvic]

Thanks Capt.

I'm still deciding on the interface - the Presonus Firestudio Mobile is looking very tempting. Also thinking of the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24. Need to break out of my state of indecision paralysis!

I was also thinking of getting a large display monitor (esp. if I end up going for the 13"), but can't afford to do it all at once. It's all adding up . . .

 

[Capt Underpants]

Thanks Capt.

I'm still deciding on the interface - the Presonus Firestudio Mobile is looking very tempting. Also thinking of the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24. Need to break out of my state of indecision paralysis!

I was also thinking of getting a large display monitor (esp. if I end up going for the 13"), but can't afford to do it all at once. It's all adding up . . .

An external display would certainly make the 13" more viable. I've got a 20" display that I connect to my macbook when I want to do real work.

 

[trickyvic]

It's frustrating that the 13" can't be upgraded to 7200rpm. Do you reckon 5400rpm will just be too creaky? Or bearable?

 

[aeboi]

It's frustrating that the 13" can't be upgraded to 7200rpm. Do you reckon 5400rpm will just be too creaky? Or bearable?

upgrade it yourself, it's a simple process

 

[trickyvic]

I guess so! Although I'm not very good at these things, and for the amount of money I'm about to splash out would like to get it set up so I don't have do any messing about. But thanks for the suggestion.