Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Laptop PC or Mac for a Digital Audio Workstation?

by sandym0 Oct 26, 2009 4:30AM PDT

Like many before me, I'm having a real consideration between a Mac or a Laptop PC.

Starting from scratch and buying the actual computer, audio interface/soundcard, keyboard controller and software - with my budget, I'm not sure if I can justify spending the money on the Mac whilst having something similar in power for much less price when buying a Laptop PC.

If anyone has been in the same situation, please let me know your advice. I'm not looking to produce anything amazing, just something to record home songs and a few other recording of bands on the go etc.

Do I spend

Discussion is locked

2 Posts

- Collapse + Expand Details

- Collapse -

There is more to consider!

by jcrobso Oct 26, 2009 6:50AM PDT

The Mac will come out of the box ready to go. It will in clude software to do recording and editing.
The PC nope got to buy it separately.
I suggest you take a look at what comes with the Mac vs the PC.

- Collapse -

I have considered lots, but still don't know the answer!

by sandym0 Oct 26, 2009 8:31PM PDT

I certainly have looked at what comes with each, for the money. RAM for example, 4gb for a PC laptop, same as the Mac, but cheaper. Also processor speed, both with an Intel dual core, however cheaper for PC.

Some have said that, even though they may run on similar hardware, the Mac is much more 'streamlined' for music making on a DAW. Is this fact or myth?

In terms of software, I'd be looking at Logic Express for the Mac and Pro-Tools LE (which comes free with an Mbox for example) - so quite similar, but does it justify spending the money on the Mac?

You say 'The Mac will come out of the box ready to go.' - what more would I have to do to the PC to configure, even if I bought a 'plug n play' USB soundcard per se?

Many thanks for your reply!

Back to TVs & Home Theaters forum