'Serious' Audio on iBook 700? Options

[Tim]

I am switching to Mac and generally want a laptop. I actually have already bought an MBox from digidesign. Initially, I intend to use ProTools LE, Absynth. I envision myself running mostly MIDI, with half of a dozen audio tracks. I intend to also get a glyph drive in the future.

So, knowing that, will the iBook 700 suffice. The debate of course between it and the PB (maybe 550). It seems like the iBook will be fine, especially when packed with 640 of RAM, but I've read comments here and there on the net about how it isn't for the 'Serious' audio production. No, I'm not recording the next Puff Daddy album, but I want something that I won't outgrow for 2-3 years.

Any opinions are great, especially from current iBook owners...

Thanks,
Tim.

[damann]

the powerbook has a g4 processor of course.
g4 chips employ 'altivec' which seriously enhances processing power.
more and more music software utilizes this, to the point that there are actually plugs around these days that require it.
raw power becomes increasingly necassary for music software.
the new powerbooks also have a faster data buss that also helps.
ibooks are currently the only machines in the apple range that still use g3 chips, this won't be the case for much longer!
the only way you'll ever be happy to be making music on the same computer in 2-3 years time will be to buy the best technology currently available and cross your fingers.
also, sorry to say that protools is not the obvious choice for midi. cubase, logic and performer are seriously better in this area. also the mbox connects via usb which is definitely the slow lane!
finally, i use absynth, it's excellent but hits the cpu harder than any other vsti around, definitely needs a g4 if you're 'gonna rely on it heavily.
sorry if i'm depressing you, just trying to help.