VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Rob Ellis]

Well, thanks for everybody's input.

I may follow George's advice about the refurbished MacBook and the Mac Mini.

[georgethetech]

[Rob Ellis]

Okay, I have ordered a refurbished MacBook from the Mac website---saved about $500 there versus going with a new MacBook Pro.

I may hold off on getting the Mac Mini however, since my desktop PC is still working fairly well.

But since I needed a mobile set-up anyway, I am theorizing that I can operate in Mac when mobile and continue PC at the home studio. Maybe this will actually work out better and allow for a more gradual transition to Mac, with the Mac desktop hardware being purchased when the PC gasps its last.

And if GarageBand works sufficiently for recording basic vocal tracks, and I can figure out how to move ACT contacts into Outlook Express and then into Mac AddressBook, I won't have to purchase any new software for the MacBook!

[Don G.]

Congrats on the MacBook. I think you'll love it.

GarageBand is somewhat adequate for assembling things, but I found it sorely lacking for basic two-track editing, which is about 95% of my needs. I still haven't found a two-track editor I like better than than s/a/?id=5012" target="_blank" class="postlink">Sound Studio. They claim it has multitrack capabilities, but it's not the kind of multitrack that would be of any use to me.

P.S. If you didn't already get it, keep your eyes open for a deal on Applecare. You get the full 1 year warranty from Apple even on refurbs, but Applecare will extend it out another 2 years.

[georgethetech]

Here's instructions on how to transition from ACT to Apple Address Book from a book that you can read on Google.

So you went for a refurb Macbook Pro then? You'll love it!
If you want, use Bootcamp and install Windows on there so you have it all in one place until you finally ween yourself off Windows. It took me the better part of a year to do that.
Garageband works but it is clunky for doing efficient editing. Sound Studio works, but it has some bugs that as of yet have not been resolved. I like Twisted Wave, or for half the cash, Amadeus Pro.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

[Don G.]

George,

At the risk of this turning into a thread-jack (which I guess I just did ), I'm curious as to the bugs you've experienced in Sound Studio. I don't demand much of it, but it is the only two-track editor which seems to work intuitively; that is, I find it most analogous to tape editing. I wanted to like Amadeus, and I do like many of its features. I just don't like the method by which it edits. I'll have to check out Twisted Wave. Interestingly, to me it looks a lot like Sound Studio, but seems to have more features.

[georgethetech]

Amadeus is different (I think it's Austrian, so they think a little differently), but after a short time adjusting I've found myself editing a good deal on there, and quickly. The transition from Sound Studio to Twisted Wave will be a very easy one, though. Sound Studio has a glitch one of my clients discovered. On your 255th edit, make sure you've saved your project, because on the 256th edit it will crash. Beau Weaver who turned me on to Twisted Wave confirmed this as well. The developer takes user comments seriously, and Beau's suggestions for the software often end up in the product!
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

[KaraEdwards]

I noticed you mentioned something about the 'noise' of the Macbook not being a problem. Just a small note- I recently had to use my Macbook during an ISDN session because the scripts were WAY too long to print out. I was very worried about fan noise- but it was never an issue. The fan only pops on when it's really hot. It worked so well in fact, I just added a laptop holder to my own studio so I won't have to print scripts anymore.

I don't use my Macbook for recording, unless I'm on the road- but I sure do love it! Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
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Threadjackers local 420

Kara Edwards
http://www.karaedwards.com
kara@karaedwards.com

[todd ellis]

i'm a dual-platformer - pc for audio - mac for video (final cut pro) -- i AM thinking about getting a macbook pro when i get a new laptop, though. i use a 24" imac a lot now, and really love it.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
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[CarynClark]

So, right now, I'm a-hopin' and a-prayin' that my PC has not taken its last breath. But it's not looking good. Will know more tomorrow when my computer guy can look at it. (THANK YOU LORD that I finished that 3.5 hours of narration before this "crash" this evening!)

If it has, I'm thinking about this Mac Mini idea. However, I'm seeing that one on the refurb site has 1GB of memory and 120GB hard drive. Is that enough (I have an mBox2/ProTools I'd like to hook into this). Can I have them add memory? I also want to be able to have the software in order to run Windows, I think.

And, can I hook in my current PC monitor, or do I have to buy a Mac monitor? My PC monitor is less than a year old - I hate to waste it.

When I was looking at the Macs a few months ago, I was considering the iMac with as much memory as I could get per a discussion on this board... but I'm guessing by this thread that's not necessary? I'm so confused.

I have a hard enough time with my own memory, much less understanding that of a computer.


_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

[jasbart]

[Rob Ellis]

Just got my refurb MacBook.

So far everything's Archie!

I was up and running and surfing the Net in about 5 minutes....a record for me since it usually takes me hours to get a new computer up and running. Then again this is my first Mac.

[Don G.]

Caryn,

You can add memory to the Mini yourself, but it's not for the faint of heart. The first generation Mini was easier, relatively speaking, but still required a putty knife and some patience. I believe the newer generation Mini is even tougher. Unfortunately you'll pay more for the memory when you have Apple install it, but at least they'll cover it (and the installation) under their warranty.

FYI (and anyone else's), there are some great video tutorials for installation of memory, drives, etc. for most all Macs on the OWC website They also have great prices on memory and are very good with customer service. Take a look at the video for Mac Mini memory installation and see if you're game.

P.S. I just watched it and the person doing the tutorial is a heavy breather, so that can be a little distracting.

[CarynClark]

Thanks guys! I'm checking out the vids now. You weren't kidding aboutt the putty knife!! LOL.

I'm having to do a complete re-install or whatever on my PC at this very moment. Hopefully it works. I've been told I will lose everything on the hard drive... luckily I backed up either on my external hard drive, or on Carbonite, so I should be ok.
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

[CarynClark]

PS: I've also found some articles about upgrading the RAM in the MacMini up to 3GB (2x2GB, but it only uses 1.5 GB from each).

So, it is possible, it appears.
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave