Mac or Alienware????

JS Vai · #1 09-26-2004, 12:51 AM

Hi all Jemsiters I'm shopping around for a new comp.Im wanting it to do everything on the recording side so I like mac.but I want to play d00m 3,far cry,half-life 2 etc... and thats not on Mac. and its the same price (budget a little over 2 grand on comp.)($1000 on software) this will be my 1st comp. since 98 ( I know

)so what would you recommend.You think a pentium 4w/ht tech.3.0Ghz,160gigs 1gig Ram,GEforce 6800.you think this will work for both.It also will be 1st time for recording on comp.Im thinking a Mbox or Cubase,and Reason or somthing like that.Thanks for all your advice!!!!! PEACE

Rotti · #2 09-26-2004, 01:40 AM

I'd go with the Alienware and get two hard drives. One for recording and one for everything else. Mac's are supposed to be great and all but I think you can get good software and performance from a Windows based pc, plus play Doom III when you feel like it.

Carlo · #3 09-30-2004, 03:52 PM

Alienware sounds cool, but it might distract you from actually making music....lol

anuj · #4 10-01-2004, 02:08 AM

jebus, mac.

alienware is WAY overpriced. and for the performance, the mac isn't.

software is priced the same, and jebus, you don't have to deal with windows.

mac = win.

~A

Jeff · #5 10-03-2004, 12:40 AM

If you want to record, play games, and get caught up in the whole techie scene (which is not a bad thing by no means) go with Alienware.

If you want to get work done, and be able to just record without worrying about setting things up right and all the techie-business, go Mac.

RSVampire · #6 10-04-2004, 02:18 PM

If you don't know how to build your own PC, get the Alienware. If your a first time computer user, get a Mac.

Soup Kitchen Studios · #7 10-04-2004, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSVampire

If your a first time computer user, get a Mac.

lol, this may have been the thing to say 10 years ago, but come on. We have OS X now. Unix backend. Unmatched stability. Virus and spyware free. Relentless innovation.

OS X is undoubtably at least 3 years ahead of Windows, and when Tiger comes out next year the distance will get even further.

Buy an imac with logic 7 and you will have everything you need for audio and you'll have enough money left to build a cheap PC to play video games on. Or buy an xbox for video games.

Getthis · #8 10-04-2004, 06:36 PM

I'd say get an Apple. For games you could buy an Xbox(or Playstation2) or buy a used PC(some great deals can be found if you look) and add some better parts(graphics card, Ram, etc..) and have a decent gaming machine, totally seperate from your recording setup.

If you decide to sell your computer and upgrade. Apple's machines have a great resale value while most PC's have don't. Check E.bay for example.

software wise: Apple's GarageBand is a simple/cheap solution and you could progress later towards Reason along with Digital Performer or Logic.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by RSVampire

If you are a first time computer user, get a Mac.

I agree, don't waste your time with all of the problems of a Windows based computer. If you aren't a first time computer user get a Apple anyways. It'll save you money and probaly quite a few headaches.

RSVampire · #9 10-05-2004, 04:03 AM

Quote:

"Soup Kitchen Studios]lol, this may have been the thing to say 10 years ago, but come on. We have OS X now. Unix backend. Unmatched stability. Virus and spyware free. Relentless innovation.

OS X is undoubtably at least 3 years ahead of Windows, and when Tiger comes out next year the distance will get even further.

Buy an imac with logic 7 and you will have everything you need for audio and you'll have enough money left to build a cheap PC to play video games on. Or buy an xbox for video games.

I'll give ya that one. But I've got Windows and Linux!

Nah it's not that I'm a Mac hater, I'm just a PC user that's all. OS X blows away Windows. How many hardcore PC users do you hear admit that?!? OS X rules I wish we had something backended by Linux and then have crossplatform software for both systems.

Polaris20 · #10 10-30-2004, 10:26 PM

In the PC world, custom's the only way to fly. I wouldn't want something I can't change something out on in 6 months if I so felt like it.

You can have Monarch computers build an Alienware clone (component-wise, minus the ugly case) for a helluva lot less, that's better for audio use.

JS Vai · #11 10-31-2004, 05:34 PM

I think Im going to go w/Cyberpower system and make a custom comp.w/2 160 gig hard drives.

RythmicIllusion · #12 11-05-2004, 06:40 PM

Gotta put in another vote for the Mac....

Yes, PCs are everywhere. Except in audio...I work at a professional studio, have recorded at a few places, go to school at Berklee. I've only seen a couple PCs in these venues, and they are usually old outdated ones used only to surf.

If you decide to go PC, cool. But Macs are so prolific in the music world, for good reason. They are a bit pricey, but not overpricey like an alienware.

Good luck whatever you decide!

-Andy Renault
Boston, MA