Which Macbook Pro for mobile recording w/logic 8?

[nas]

I just picked up a 2.5 GHz - 15" display - 4 GB RAM MacBook Pro. Running an external drive w/Loads of samples and recording about 16-24 live tracks along side - So far excellent.

I opted to go for an external 7200 RPM drive and stay with the 5400 rpm internal drive as it tends to run cooler than installing a 7200 RPM drive - so less fan noise.

If you're not recording tons of tracks or streaming lots of samples then the 5400 rpm drive should be fine and you can certainly get away with earlier generations (2.1 etc..) but I would stick with a Core 2 Duo intel model.

cheers,
nas

[nativeaudio]

Originally Posted by yumdrum

Putting together a mobile rig and in the market for a used MBP to be used with the symphony mobile card.

Which version is best for this use?

I've had 4 different MBPs, and the last I had was a 2.4 Core2Duo model. I wouldn't recommend anything slower than 2.4 Core2Duo. Put as much RAM as possible in it, and use an external drive for recording (format it as non-journaled). All my MBPs had an internal 7200 - I wouldn't try anything else unless I had to.

[tamasdragon]

I'm almost in the same situation and everybody I have talked or mailed told me to get the 7200rpm internal drive instead of the slower one. They said it's not hotter than the slower, but performance wise it's far ahead.
Now the truth is out there...
TD

[yumdrum]

Originally Posted by nativeaudio

I've had 4 different MBPs, and the last I had was a 2.4 Core2Duo model. I wouldn't recommend anything slower than 2.4 Core2Duo. Put as much RAM as possible in it, and use an external drive for recording (format it as non-journaled). All my MBPs had an internal 7200 - I wouldn't try anything else unless I had to.

Yeah, I've got a Lacie external drive that I was thinking of using for that. BTW I've never owner a MBP so I'm curious as to how much RAM it will hold and use and is it easy to install?

Also, what speed is the stock internal drive?

Also, is 15" big enough or should I shell out the extra couple hundred on the 17"?

Matte or glossy?

Thanks.

[nas]

the current MBP max out at 4 GB of RAM - get as much as you can. You can install the RAM yourself very easy to do.

I used a 17" w/ an internal 7200 RPM drive previous generation MBP - loved the screen but as I was also using an ext. 7200 drive, I felt I didn't really need the internal to be that fast. It was a little noisier than the 5400 rpm (now standard) and the fan would kick in more often. It was also a bit on the heavy side.

So this is why this time around I went for a 15" with the internal 5400, knowing that I would be running my external drive on either FW800 or eSATA.

Also if you're using a symphony card you can run your external HD on FW800 and not have to share the FireWire bus with an audio interface - so more bandwidth and better speed performance.

cheers,
nas

[yumdrum]

Originally Posted by nas

the current MBP max out at 4 GB of RAM - get as much as you can. You can install the RAM yourself very easy to do.

I used a 17" w/ an internal 7200 RPM drive previous generation MBP - loved the screen but as I was also using an ext. 7200 drive, I felt I didn't really need the internal to be that fast. It was a little noisier than the 5400 rpm (now standard) and the fan would kick in more often. It was also a bit on the heavy side.

So this is why this time around I went for a 15" with the internal 5400, knowing that I would be running my external drive on either FW800 or eSATA.

Also if you're using a symphony card you can run your external HD on FW800 and not have to share the FireWire bus with an audio interface - so more bandwidth and better speed performance.

cheers,
nas

All great information, thanks. was your screen matte or glossy? I'm thinkin' 17" are glossy, but not sure.

[nas]

Originally Posted by yumdrum

All great information, thanks. was your screen matte or glossy? I'm thinkin' 17" are glossy, but not sure.

It was matte - I don't care for the glossy as I find the glare to be annoying. I should also add that the 15" screens are the newer LED backlit type so they are a little brighter and use up a little less power. The 17" is not LED backlit (unless you get the HD screen option). So the battery runs out a little quicker on the 17" and it doesn't get as bright as the 15"- although it's not a huge difference it could still be a factor if you're out in a very bright location and need more brightness on your screen. The 17" are plenty bright though and it's really nice to have that extra real-estate on the screen - especially now with Logic 8.

[yumdrum]

Originally Posted by nas

It was matte - I don't care for the glossy as I find the glare to be annoying. I should also add that the 15" screens are the newer LED backlit type so they are a little brighter and use up a little less power. The 17" is not LED backlit (unless you get the HD screen option). So the battery runs out a little quicker on the 17" and it doesn't get as bright as the 15"- although it's not a huge difference it could still be a factor if you're out in a very bright location and need more brightness on your screen.

I love it, more good stuff I did not know. Input Stephanie, Input...

[yumdrum]

BTW, anyone else rumors on a new model MBP very soon?

[halcyo]

yes and no..... I know there are some strong rumors that suggest a Macbook redesign for September (the rumor is that they'll go 'aluminum' and a bit more like the Macbook Air in shape).... I think I heard a rumor about Macbook Pros too, but I don't remember the specifics!

Most rumormongers say that the MBP is WAY due for an update, but other than details, any of the current MBP's will probably MORE than handle anything you'll throw at 'em....

I, on the other hand, and waiting patiently for a redesigned Macbook!


halcyo

[tamasdragon]

I have heard that even applications are more reliable and faster with 7200rpm system drive. Is that true? In our pecees we've got only 7200rpm drives, so I'm little shy to try a 5400rpm system drive.
TD

[ProducerBoy]

Originally Posted by yumdrum

BTW, anyone else rumors on a new model MBP very soon?

All signs in the market and rumor mill point to a refresh of the MacBook & MacBook Pro lines in September. I'm holding off till then.

[nas]

Originally Posted by ProducerBoy

All signs in the market and rumor mill point to a refresh of the MacBook & MacBook Pro lines in September. I'm holding off till then.

Hi Everyone - I was in this situation recently so I'd like to share some of my thoughts.

I am starting a composing project this month which will take me overseas for 6 months and so I felt I really needed to get my mobile rig happenening. I thought about this long and hard for a few months - expecting a refresh in June/July so I held off - thinking that I would have enough time to test the system, work out any bugs, and make sure there were no compatibility issues with the software.

Well ... July came and went and I realized that not only was i wasting time but that the current line of MBPs' are very powerful - and more importantly, have proven to have generally good stability with the current software I'm using. The LAST thing I wanted was to be overseas and to start having to deal with crashes, serious bugs, and any stability issues with a brand new generation of unproven computer hardware - especially under pressure and deadlines. Remember we're SPECULATING about a MAJOR upgrade not just a bump in processor speed etc..

So to make a long story short.... my advice is to consider the following:

1. How urgently do you need a new computer? If you can hold off fine but even if you do, is this MAJOR upgrade going to delay you further because of bugs, stability, software issues etc.. remember that the current line has matured and is proven so if you need one NOW then get what you need because it's always going to be a game of cat and mouse with technology. Although this does not preclude making an informed decision to the best of one's ability or that things won't go smoothly and trouble free with a brand new purchase - just something to consider.

2. No doubt the new Mac Books and Mac Book Pros are due for an upgrade but is this upgrade something that you really need in terms of performance and function or is the current line powerful ennough? again you can only answer that...

So moral of the story... if you can get by with what you have and are willing to wait not only for a major computer upgrade, but also to maybe deal with software issues, bugs, stability etc.. to be worked out - then cool - hang back. If you need to get cracking (as is my case) then the current line is excellent and also has proven to be stable and generally trouble free.

Everyone has their own individual circumstances so these are just some points to consider. Sorry for the long winded post..just wanted to share my thoughts and experience these past few months.

Good luck!

cheers,
nas

[nas]

Originally Posted by tamasdragon

I have heard that even applications are more reliable and faster with 7200rpm system drive. Is that true? In our pecees we've got only 7200rpm drives, so I'm little shy to try a 5400rpm system drive.
TD

I found this on another thread and it should help to answer your question:

Originally Posted by theblue1

If you have to choose, for this one purpose, a faster data drive is the way to go. Your OS and application files tend to load big chunks of themselves into RAM, so system drive speed is a little less crucial. Loading the program will be slower, as will opening new modules of programs. But they run from RAM so once the module is loaded -- as long as it doesn't need to swap out, system drive isn't as critical.

cheers,
nas

[ProducerBoy]

Originally Posted by nas

Hi Everyone - I was in this situation recently so I'd like to share some of my thoughts.

I am starting a composing project this month which will take me overseas for 6 months and so I felt I really needed to get my mobile rig happenening. I thought about this long and hard for a few months - expecting a refresh in June/July so I held off - thinking that I would have enough time to test the system, work out any bugs, and make sure there were no compatibility issues with the software.

Well ... July came and went and I realized that not only was i wasting time but that the current line of MBPs' are very powerful - and more importantly, have proven to have generally good stability with the current software I'm using. The LAST thing I wanted was to be overseas and to start having to deal with crashes, serious bugs, and any stability issues with a brand new generation of unproven computer hardware - especially under pressure and deadlines. Remember we're SPECULATING about a MAJOR upgrade not just a bump in processor speed etc..

So to make a long story short.... my advice is to consider the following:

1. How urgently do you need a new computer? If you can hold off fine but even if you do, is this MAJOR upgrade going to delay you further because of bugs, stability, software issues etc.. remember that the current line has matured and is proven so if you need one NOW then get what you need because it's always going to be a game of cat and mouse with technology. Although this does not preclude making an informed decision to the best of one's ability or that things won't go smoothly and trouble free with a brand new purchase - just something to consider.

2. No doubt the new Mac Books and Mac Book Pros are due for an upgrade but is this upgrade something that you really need in terms of performance and function or is the current line powerful ennough? again you can only answer that...

So moral of the story... if you can get by with what you have and are willing to wait not only for a major computer upgrade, but also to maybe deal with software issues, bugs, stability etc.. to be worked out - then cool - hang back. If you need to get cracking (as is my case) then the current line is excellent and also has proven to be stable and generally trouble free.

Everyone has their own individual circumstances so these are just some points to consider. Sorry for the long winded post..just wanted to share my thoughts and experience these past few months.

Good luck!

cheers,
nas

VERY sound advice.

[Ol' Betsey]

Originally Posted by ProducerBoy

VERY sound advice.

I concur!

Don't be a first-revision junkie.

Sure it may be slightly faster but only if it's working and there's bound to be some weirdness with a new design/hardware.

I've been there and I've done that. No funny. No funny.

Better safe than sorry.

R.

P.S. I agree that the 5400 should just be fast enough for most light work but you can upgrade the HD yourself (it's really very easy and Apple even give you instructions on their site) really cheaply.

[tamasdragon]

My hobby is digital photo, and a friend of mine told me to get the 7200rpm drive, because those apps (photoshop, aperture,etc.) likes the faster drive better.
I guess the faster must be better, even if not so significantly.
But any other suggestion welcomed about the system drive.
TD