9600 Vs. G4 for Mix+

[blisset]

Given all the problems with dual monitor configurations etc. etc., which Mac would you guys recommend for running a mix plus setup; a sawtooth G4 450 or a trusty old 9600?

thanks

[Ray Fabi]

Agree with Spunk. A G3 upgraded 9600 will be in my humble opinion much more stable than a G4, and you might get away at not having to buy an expansion chassis if you can deal with 6 PCI slots!

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Ray Fabi
Ton of Bricks Studios Montreal
514-990-2713

[jaffaman]

Which G3 upgrade to you guys recommend for the 9600/200?

[Captain Crunch]

I also have both a 9600 and a G4, both are Mix+'s. I've got PT5 now on both. And I have to say that I do like the G4 better-I notice the speed difference a lot in terms of system response. It's true that the Digi cards do a lot of the work, and that the drives also determine a lot of the speed of things like batch crossfades, but the G4 itself still makes a difference. I will say this: if you already have a bunch of serial/adb/etc pereipherals, its a bummer having to update them--but its also inevitable. USB, and eventually Firewire, along with a UW SCSI card (that you have to have anyway, right?) gives you a door to future developments, not a closed dead-end peripherals path. Of course, if you have more than a mix plus you are going to need an expansion chassis, as you know, so that's probably the deciding issue.

So if it were me, and I had more than 3 cards, I'd get a 9600. Otherwise it makes no sense to buy a 3 year old computer for more money than a brand new future-oriented computer. Don't forget the MacAlly iKey expanded keyboard ($50) and a Griffin iMate if you use a Kensington Trackball--Spunky's right, the G4's stock kybd and mouse are horrible. But the good thing is, all this stuff is still cheaper than a 9600!

Oh yeah, one more thing--I think PT5 is a definitely positive development. There are a lot of cool new things in it, and once you get used to the things Digi screwed up (tool selection changes, weird bold borders around regions), you'll find you like it. Plus, just like with the new computers--it's inevitable that you'll have to change over.

[Gary Stadler]

I vote 9600... quoting the Captain,
"Otherwise it makes no sense to buy a 3 year old computer for more money than a brand new future-oriented computer"
...or does it? Hmmmm, makes you wonder why those old dog 9600's are STILL more expensive than the newest, hottest.....

[Kurtstudio]

I have both at my systems around me and the 9600 w a newer tech g3 500/250 w 510 rocks so fast I keep making speed mistakes. Not have to buy an extra expansion bay is great. I run a Mix plus,plus with 2 video cards and it rocks. I too hate the keyboards that come with the G4 and the Imac. haveing large fingers the typing errors are griving me crazy. I know I could buy a 3ed party keyboard but what were the Mac perpole thinking, not all of us out here are techo nerds with small fingers