Quest For The Right Mac, g5 vs. g4 vs. imac etc. Options

[cwmiii3]

..depends on what you do and how much you want to spend. yes, i know..and more so than before thanks to reading posts for the last week.

So here' s my question to macmusic users: i'm currently a pc user with a modest starting studio setup (Mbox, PTLE, decent moniters, and at least one half decent mic) who does some home recording of guitar based music and crafted radio production work. In other words, i'm a semi-professional who does everything from layered pop songs to 1/2 four track audio documentary work....and looking to get more serious. my pc laptop just barely meets my needs and, after pulling out my hair trying to run ptle for the past couple months, i've decided to go mac. But which one is for me ?

i've done a fair amount of research on this and to tell the truth, i still can't make up my fri'ggin mind. Money is an issue, but more in the sense of 'should i borrow towards the G5?' The noise factor is also important, mainly because my current computer makes so much of it and it drives me bonkers. Finally, which macs are more audio friendly than others with more i/o's otions?

One final aside: i was all settled on 'buy for the future' approach and had picked the G5 1.8 duall as the best bang for the buck. But then, i talked with a Guitar Center mac studio guy who said i, given my equipment and needs, it was like pairing a Jag with a flat tires. Does the truth hurt? his advice: i should think G4. any suggestions?
thanks,
cwmiii3

[Nels]

The G4 iMac? Defintiely not to be ruled out. All Macs these days can be used for most DAW systems and the iMac is used by some. The Macs mostly used though are the G4 Dual / Tower, the new Power books and last but not least, the "G5". Just a matter of preference.

If you're considering the iMac as a choice, then it's your choice. It's, of course, good to weigh all your options before buying, that's all. Do the reasearch and get different views, which you're doing and then decide. Keep in mind that you really can't go wrong with any of the more recent and especially the newer Macs.

I have a friend that uses an iBook w/ PT and he's perfectly content for now. The new Macs are most defintely cool and powerful, but the most recent Macs get the job done too.

Don't let all the G5/Powerbook hype get you down. Bottom line: If you're not a complete pro yet, you could save yourself a lot of money by getting something comprable to your needs. On the other hand, if you really intend on getting more and more serious and your budget allows, go for the gold.

Tough, I know, but if you do decide to go for the Gold, rest easy knowing that you won't have to upgrade(spend mo $$$) for quite some time. You'll be able to grow into your Mac pants, if you will.

Nelson