| I've got an iMac core duo 2 ghz - the one released a little more than 2 years ago.
You can push it pretty far. Later that year, I got the Macbook core 2 duo 2 ghz and I must say that it runs even better than the iMac, due to the smarter processor. By now, it's 3.06 ghz and it has a newer chip design, twice the amount of RAM (4 gb - NOT 2 Gb) at 800 Mhz instead of 667 Mhz, FW800.. If you compare it to my setup, I think you'll squeeze at least 50 % more out of this machine in real life situations - probably more.
I'm running Logic Pro 8 and make heavy use of software instruments. I've had my iMac and Macbook choking at around 60 tracks with 2 of them being Albino and 16 of them being MOTU Symphonic instrument, which is a pretty heavy software instrument. On top of that I had inserts on almost all the tracks and I was synching the whole thing to video. This session wouldn't be a problem at all on a new iMac.
Of course, the Mac Pro is insane and if you get you're just set. It's simply a matter of money. If you can afford a Mac Pro and a large monitor, just do it. But the high end iMac is such a beauty.. it's pretty cheap for what you get and it will for sure satisfy your needs. |