VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Rob Ellis]

....since I need more portability, rather than add a low-priced PC notebook for that, I am leaning towards taking this opportunity to transition to Mac and get a MacBook Pro to use as my main computer that will will of course also work on the road.

Anyone else using a notebook as their main computer? It will be outside the booth so no concerns as far as noise go.

I thought about maybe getting a Mac mini for the desk and then Mac's cheapest notebook for portability , which would be about the same price together as a MacBook Pro 17-inch screen, but my computer geek brother thinks I'm better off having one laptop with a lot of power and hard drive...any thoughts or caveats from you current Macaholics/Former PCers?

[Diane Havens]

I have been using my MacBook Pro exclusively for the past few months since my desktop Mac has been showing its age -- and very happily. I would like to buy another desktop, but (if you saw my other thread about my hesitation on the switch to Leopard OS) I use ProTools and there were some compatibility issues there. Now it appears to be worked out, but I'm still researching it. I'll probably get the most powerful iMac for my desktop. I like the portability of my MacBook Pro, and have even taken it on the road, with my M Box Mini and mic in tow.
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Diane


Veni, Vidi, Voci
http://www.dianehavens.com

[davidmonteath]

Not allowed to say...get jumped on...shhhh, please check other threads with mac in the title.
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[jasbart]

[jasbart]

[Rob Ellis]

[jasbart]

I considered using just one computer for everything, but I decided against it. First I think I'd really miss having a decent sized monitor like the one I use with the Mac Mini day to day.

Secondly, the MacBook is also my office machine. I use Parallels for Outlook, Word, Quicken, and a bunch of other stuff (I never really weaned myself off Windows). Then on the road it doubles as my recording machine.

The Mac Mini is used only for Pro Tools. I think I felt like I needed a certain amount of redundancy redundancy (thanks!).

I've never felt like I needed more power on the MacBook, but then I've never used anything more powerful. I definitely wouldn't want anything any larger. My travel bag includes the MacBook, Digi Mbox Mini, a good selection of cords and connectors, and an AT-4050.

Jim
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Jim Barton
Barton Voice & Sound
www.bartonvoice.com

[Rob Ellis]

Jim, I really appreciate your input on this. (I'm from Lexington BTW which I think is where you were until recently?)

What size screen do you have on your MacBook, if you don't mind me asking?

[jasbart]

It's just the basic little 13" diagonal white MacBook. The first or second that Mac put out.

Yep, we lived in Lexington from 1993-2007. Beautiful town, and I really miss it. Has one of the best NBC weathermen I've ever watched!

Oh by the way, back up your data!

Jim
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Jim Barton
Barton Voice & Sound
www.bartonvoice.com

[Evans Byrd]

I made the switch to mac a few years ago. I haven't had to reload my operating system once. Very stable machines. I liked because everything (Hardware wise) works with it. The problem I found was the software. I like use Adobe Audition and Sony Soundforge and a few others packages that are PC only. I used Cubase on the mac and Logic. Not the same to me. Not as intuitive. If you want a good notebook to take on the road and work with use a Sony or Dell. They typically have Intel chipsets and harware runs well. I use a tascam us 428 with Sony Vaio. Works well. no hickups.

[georgethetech]

I have several clients that rely on just a single laptop computer for their recording and office needs, but I don't recommend it. Spread your money over the Mini and the Macbook, and you'll always have a backup computer.
The increased price of the Macbook Pro will have zero benefit for VO, as it is entirely in the graphics processor (the Pro has a 2nd GPU off the mainboard), Firewire 800 port, and 15" screen.
Snag the original Macbook (not the new one) from the Apple refurb store and a Mac Mini for MUCH less than a new Macbook Pro, and use the leftover cash for a 22" or 24" monitor for your desk at home. Then get your hands on Twisted Wave for $80 and start recording.

Just my humble opinion...
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[georgethetech]

[BenWils]

Just to be rude and change the subject....if you use Mac, you may want to consider a program called DiskWarrior. I run it once a month on both my Macs to maintain registry files, disk integrity and all that good stuff. It will save you from having any sort of crash due to saving and deleting of large files etc. Knock on wood, I have had no crashes in the 2 and half years or so I have had my Mac Intel tower.

It runs about $75 to $100 but well worth the price.
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Ben


"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

[TC]

What Ben said.

[TheVoiceOfBob]

I'm also a happy Mac user. I have a Mac Mini that I use exclusively for my audio work.

Then again, it has WinXP on it.
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The Voice of Bob