MacBook Pro Questions....

[tech44]

I currently have Live 7 on my AMD 4400+ desktop running xp and I also have an HP notebook running xp. I'd like to get a new 15" MacBook Pro and hopefully consolidate to just one computer. I had some questions for MBP owners though before I pull the trigger. I know some of these answers might be scattered around the forum, but I have several specific questions so I thought I'd put them all in one place.

Does anyone use a MBP for both production AND everyday stuff? Does is work out ok? Right now I keep certain stuff off my desktop music machine like itunes or anything else that leaves processes running all the time. I do all this stuff on my notebook. Is this a problem on a MBP? Can you use it for everyday bs without slowing it down for production?

I have alot of PC only vsti. Does anyone run windows via dualboot or vm on your MBP? Has this worked well for you?

What do you use for a soundcard setup? Is the on board sound ok for when your out at the coffee shop messing with live?

Can you play games on your MBP?

Any other info I should know?

So many questions!:lol:

[nepotist]

I use my MBP for everything, I'm a television editor for my day job so I use it often for that, I use it for music production, emails, invoicing, casual music listening, whatever. In my experience my MBP (and my G4 Powerbook before it) has never let me down, rarely crashed, and is basically awesome.

[Tarekith]

Does anyone use a MBP for both production AND everyday stuff? Does is work out ok? Right now I keep certain stuff off my desktop music machine like itunes or anything else that leaves processes running all the time. I do all this stuff on my notebook. Is this a problem on a MBP? Can you use it for everyday bs without slowing it down for production?

>>> I use a MBP for EVERYTHING, works great, never any issues, very fast laptop. Worrying about processed running all the time is a distinctly Windows thing, it's not an issue in OSX as long as you have at least 2GB of RAM. <<<

I have alot of PC only vsti. Does anyone run windows via dualboot or vm on your MBP? Has this worked well for you?

>>> This is the standard question from anyone I know who goes from Windows to OSX. Without fail, within 3 weeks you'll be looking at trading in those synths for some that will work in OSX. Yes you can use Bootcamp to run Windows, but once you get used to OSX you won't want to. <<<

What do you use for a soundcard setup? Is the on board sound ok for when your out at the coffee shop messing with live?

>>>MOTU Ultralite is a favorite, and yes the onboard card is pretty darn good for being a built in, no worries there. <<<

Can you play games on your MBP?

>>> I was bootcamping into XP to play things like MAss Effect and Dead Space 3, but to be honest it's just so much easier and better looking going with a dedicated system like an XBOX that I doubt you'd want to. Possible for most games, but it IS a laptop and not a dedicated gaming desktop PC. <<<

[skullNbones]

same here, everyday bs, production, fotos, video, interweb. might work even better if it was dedicated to music but no problems. the on board sound is actually pretty alright for out and about. sometimes i think i love this little grey box way too much!

[nepotist]

i love this little grey box way too much!

First object I grab if there is a fire, for sure.

[Atomikat]

Same here, I use my MBP for everything...from music production,electronic live acts/live sets...to play live with a rock band (using Live and Guitar Rig). Also, for e-mailing,editing video,teaching Live/Reason,watching porno,photos,chatting,etc.
I use the built in soundcard (at clubs) or a RME Multiface.
The king is not dead...the king is Steve Jobs.

[nbinder]

+1 MBP for everything.

However I am currently trying to switch to my new mac mini for the studio work. The processor is a bit slower, but the FSB is faster. Maybe the difference is unnoticeable...? Main advantage is the bigger screen and I also like the fact every computer has a designated usage, therefore the MBP is for live playing and everyday work at university, while the mini is for music production + media center.

That's the plan, let's see if it'll work out.... love my MBP too much to be 100% sure that I'll make the switch

[CerebralNektar]

Is the internal sound card reliable for live acts ?
(sound quality, latency...)
Actually I have to borrow my big heavy sound interface, it's not practical at all...

[nbinder]

A friend of mine does his live sets with the internal one, so I guess the answer is yes. The sound was pretty good, however I don't know about the latency.

[tech44]

Well then....I guess I don't have too much to worry about. I'm going to try and order one the in next month or so. Thanks for taking the time to answer everyone.

[bodhi71]

i love this little grey box way too much!

First object I grab if there is a fire, for sure.

+1
It has become indispensable. Once you go MAC...

[swishniak]

evryting