Planning on a new computer

[Tuxedo Kaz]

So this old one is starting to finally give up the ghost (which is when I usually change computers), and I'm thinking of replacing it with something that'll be capable of running a pro audio setup for recording and mixing. This computer's specs have largely been the reason I haven't gotten involved in any serious home recording.

I used to be pretty 'with it' on the computer stuff in my late teens but now (almost 23) I'm pretty lost on what the latest cutting edge is in regard to consumer desktop models. My girlfriend has a really good Dell (and several of my savvy friends have raved about Dell for years) so they're my top choice right now (Either a customized XPS 730 or XPS One 24in).

I really want something that can handle good recording software (Sonar/Cakewalk/Pro Tools LE/etc) as well as work with a good digital video setup I'm looking to get (to make better youtube vids).

Any recommendations? (I'm looking to stay away from Apple...)

[Geetarguy]

Why are you looking to stay away from APPLE? I was a PC guy for years..I also stayed away from APPLE....and then I got one! I have never looked back...the thing JUST WORKS. No bullshit...had I known how great APPLE was ..I would have switched years ago. I don't want to get into a PC vs. APPLE thing....but for Music and video I think there is none better than MAC.

[Tuxedo Kaz]

Originally Posted by Geetarguy

Why are you looking to stay away from APPLE?

Simple:

1). Much more expensive in terms of specs vs. cost
2). I do not like MacOS at all. I've had plenty of experiences with various versions of it. My father used to have a Power Mac G4 that he never used. I used it alot because I had a broken-down laptop at that point. It was completely retarded.
3). Software for Macs cost more and are harder to get (see No. 1).

It's that simple. I'm not interested in an Apple.

[Geetarguy]

Originally Posted by Tuxedo Kaz

Simple:

1). Much more expensive in terms of specs vs. cost
2). I do not like MacOS at all. I've had plenty of experiences with various versions of it. My father used to have a Power Mac G4 that he never used. I used it alot because I had a broken-down laptop at that point. It was completely retarded.
3). Software for Macs cost more and are harder to get (see No. 1).

It's that simple. I'm not interested in an Apple.

Ok ...cool...!!!

[AXE]

Originally Posted by Tuxedo Kaz

I used to be pretty 'with it' on the computer stuff in my late teens but now (almost 23) I'm pretty lost on what the latest cutting edge is in regard to consumer desktop models.

You crusty old bastard. I bet you fart dust...

[Sinmastah]

Can I sk how much you are looking to spend? Also labtop or the opposite (Sorry forgot what they are called). Basically anything from dell will give you good enough specs to run a recording program. 2 gig of ram + 2.4 gig hz procesor should be more than enough. However if you get a new labtop you can almost always get 3 gig ram anyways.

[Zoshquin]

as for the OS:
Apple:for media! Music,Video,Pictures(photoshop),etc.
Linux: For Deving.. XD Programming,hacking,crackin,etc.
Windows: More Programs but More Viruses.

your choice

[Sinmastah]

More viruses, if you are stupid. Vista is also very secure against viruses.

[Zoshquin]

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

More viruses, if you are stupid. Vista is also very secure against viruses.

I'm a computer technician myself and I've never encounter a customer with a mac or linux that has virus problems...

and Vista?.. dude.. makes me puke Vista is kinda crazy over security, I had a customer with vista and it always ask for permission every fricking click!

[lespaulmaniac]

I see it this way:

Apple: for losers that bash PCs all day and brag about their overpriced equipment
Linux: for elitists who believe that anyone who doesn't use linux is inferior
Windows: for anyone who wants a cheap and simple system... just invest in some nice antivirus software and you'll be fine

I would say that Apple would be the way to go if you were very serious about your music... but there is no need for a Mac if you're doing normal, everyday things w/your computer. Apple computers are not BAD, they're just not necessary for everyone.

[Tuxedo Kaz]

Originally Posted by AXE

You crusty old bastard. I bet you fart dust...

LOL... I know, 23 is not 'old', but sometimes when you see these kids born in 1993 running around with their laptops and blackberries and other spoiled-rotten stuff you begin to FEEL old. I want an 'honorary old guy' badge.

I think, for the most part, a PC can stand toe to toe against an Apple in all but the most serious, work-intensive graphic design situations (High level video effects editing/3D rendering) and recording situations (running a full pro-tools hardware rig). For like, running Cubase or something and some peripherals, I think a PC will suit me just fine.


I just ordered a very high-end Dell for myself. Should be here in a few days. I'll be sure to post some pics. It's got a pretty massive 24" HD LCD. haha.

[Tuxedo Kaz]

Originally Posted by ai3gtmc

I'm a computer technician myself and I've never encounter a customer with a mac or linux that has virus problems...

and Vista?.. dude.. makes me puke Vista is kinda crazy over security, I had a customer with vista and it always ask for permission every fricking click!

Better safe than sorry with a virus.

Btw, music ref. I was reading GW one day and in their tech section someone said he was reluctant to use epoxy to glue his foot controller to his pedalboard. He said, "It's like herpes; It's forever, man!"

[Tuxedo Kaz]

Oh and for anyone wondering, here are the stats of the machine itself:

Windows Vista Premium
8x DVD-RW/DVD/CD-ROM optical drive
4 gigs of Dual Channel DDR 2 SDRAM @ 800Mhz
750GB @ 7200RM Hard Drive
Intel Core2 Quad Q8200 Processor
NVidia 512Mb GeForce 960MGT Video card
Soundblaster Audigy HD Sound Card

[st.bede]

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

More viruses, if you are stupid. Vista is also very secure against viruses.

so far in the music world Vista SUCKS...(it is always running things in the backround, that are hard if not impossible to stop...if I remember right) of course this will change with updates....(I am not going to run vista yet)

if you are not going to get an apple...and you are going to get a computer to run recording/midi software at a intense level....spend the big bucks and get the most you can....if just going to do a little home recording thing (like a tape four track level) then right now computer are very powerful and you should not have to many problems...but stay away from dell (at least a number of years ago I ran into serious problems with them and music software....if I remember right, I could not add a pci card...now days that could be moot with firewire)

[st.bede]

Originally Posted by Tuxedo Kaz

Oh and for anyone wondering, here are the stats of the machine itself:

Windows Vista Premium
8x DVD-RW/DVD/CD-ROM optical drive
4 gigs of Dual Channel DDR 2 SDRAM @ 800Mhz
750GB @ 7200RM Hard Drive
Intel Core2 Quad Q8200 Processor
NVidia 512Mb GeForce 960MGT Video card
Soundblaster Audigy HD Sound Card

(I am not a fan of soundblaster....I assume you are going to get some other audio interface)...can the ram be upgraded? 7200...good...750 gigs...are you going to run huge sample libraries or do many recording at 24bit 96htz? can you add another hard drive, if needed...it has been too long since I dealt with this stuff...I cannot remember if I heard about the video card having conflicts with any programs....I am not going to use Vista yet but, I understand that there really is no choice....


(if it were me...I would just get an good mac, presounce firebox and, logic pro [logic is around 400$ now] but, I love logic [and samplitude which is PC only...and I am getting into Ableton a lot....] so I have a win computer and a mac...I used to only run a win machine but Emagic sold logic to apple so I was F@#@#ed)