best budget mac for running digi002rack

[badmayonaise]

So I'm enrolled in a protools college class. I'm planning on a 002rackmount. I also want a mac laptop that'll work well with my music endevors while allowing me to do basic wordprocessing and internet duties. I've seen that the latest and greatest macs seem to have compatibility issues with protools. I'd like a basic mac notebook computer for these duties. I'm thinking an ibook with additional ram, along with a firewire to store my work. I know this is vague. The main reason for getting a notebook computer is for my music and I don't want to buy the latest and greatest only to have to jump more hurdles. I'm thinking an 002rackmount, ibook, and firewire, then I'll be set. any help is appreciated.

[rc86mike]

I would personally stay away from the iBooks. They only have G4 chips in them. With the new Intel Duo chips (aka G6) they're way behind the modern Mac, IMO. I would spring for the new MacBook. Yes I know 10.4.4, but by the time you order recieve and setup Digi will have figured it out. The 002 rack is perfect though. If you have the budget and want to go the notebook mac route rather then desktop mac route the MacBook is your best bet. The Powerbooks are also great. They too have a G4 chip but are way faster than the iBooks. Good luck!

[badmayonaise]

thanks, I've found the digidesign page that shows all the compatibilities although I've searched and found a few nightmare threads here. I'll pursue the info you posted.

[MboxCanuck]

BE VERY CAREFUL!

I followed all the Digi rules and had a good computer store set-up a whole new Mac set up for me with a Digi 002 rack.

Bought this on Jan-2-2006!!!

G4 powerbook 17 - 2gig internal
Digi 002 rack
Ext Firewire Lacie 250gig.
Pt 7

Well, I can record...but it won't bounce to disk (8 tracks no plug-ins!). Like I said, brand new, all to spec...double checked everything. Now I have no money and a system that can't burn an audio CD of my sessions.

Just wanted to warn you, PT 7 has some issues for sure.

BE VERY CAREFUL!!!

PS...and switching to the Tiger OS from my Windows PC has set me way back. I find it a very awkward and illogical system, many seem to love it but I cannot see it, every little thing you do seems to be hidden.(IMO)

Just my opinion - Cheers.

[PastaViking II]

I would spring for the new MacBook.

Sure, if you wanna surf the net and play with iPhoto. For ProTools users the Intel machines are untouchable until PT and all associated plugins are updated which could take a little longer than expected.

xoxo pv

[cbrock]

FWIW, I have an iBook G4 and the 002R and have had nothing but good results with that combination.

[phasephucked]

cbrock, I'm thinking of an iBook for a secondary portable rig-recording only, but quick bounces for reference would be handy. Can you expand on how you've used your ibook? Number of tracks recorded, how long, luck with bounces? Did you ever try with just the stock 512mb ram? thanks.

[rc86mike]

You should check and see if they have some Powerbooks in their discount section. Now that the new MacBook has taken it's place it's still primetime to score one for a dsicounted price. Check it out!