latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

I'm a newbie here, and also a newbie to Mac and Pro Tools. I just recently purchased the digi001 LE. I decided to go with Mac because I've never used a mac and would like to get familiar with the system. Also, I want solid performance, and while I understand that all systems have their potential for problems, I want to record music...not tweak systems as much as possible. I've heard great things about Macs stability, so I thought I'd give it a go.

What I'd like is some opinions from experieced users as to what Mac to get. The latest single processor G4 1GHz power mac? Or is it worth the extra cash for the dual 1.25GHz power mac? I really dont like to over spend just to get the latest and greatest machine, especially if I'm not even going to be using the extra processing power. So I'm curious as to wether or not I really need the dual proccessors. What are the major benefits that I would expect from having the dual over the single, or vice versa?

And I already plan on adding more RAM to either machine I get.

Also, I really dont ever plan on needing more than 24 tracks of recording and at most, 8 - 12 tracks simultaneous (I know I've only eight with the digi001 but I do want to expand later on). Also, I cant ever imagine using more than 2-4 plug-ins per track...

Any advice between these two machines from you experienced minds will be VERY helpful.

Thanks so much!

-ouija

Re: latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

Eventually PT6 for OSX will have it's bugs worked out, and given that OS9 is pretty much history in Apples eyes, I'd recommend going for the dual processor. It will be a longer lasting machine in terms of speed/power than the single processor. Just make sure the machine you get will run OS9 and the 001. some of the new duals need some "modifications" to run OS9 and PT5.

FWIW, we recently aquired a dual 1ghz qs mac, and it is fantastic.

don't forget a dedicated audio drive(s) as well, either internal (G-4's can accomodate 3 internal ata drives w/o add'l hardware) or FireWire.

Hope this is helpful.

Re: latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

Search around the Duc and you`ll see that people are getting about 1/4 to 1/3 more power with the duals using PT6 than with the single processors. But why not get a used Mac?

Re: latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

Thanks for the input so far. Being that I am new to both mac and ProTools, I've got a lot of information to absorb, so any input helps, and will most likely lead me to ask questions or open up options that I wouldnt otherwise think of.

where02190 - that helps a lot! I agree that it's good to spend a little extra on a mac that will have room to 'grow' later on. Also, I did some research after reading your post on drive options, and will most likely be getting an external firewire. This way I can also make my tracks portable.

LarryBoy - Thanks for your input! That doesnt seem to be a huge difference in performance which has me a little curious. And I dont have anything against a used mac, I just tend to steer away because I get nervous about buying used hardware. Maybe that's a crutch of mine, but I like to know a machines history. Would save me some cash though, so that's something to think about.

I'm both excited and nervous about investing in ProTools. I've been tracking for a few years now and I'm blind to the cons of tracking in ProTools. Eventually, I'd like to track on a Radar24, but that's a bit out of my budget at this time, so I'm really doing the head swim right now...

Thanks guys!

-ouija

Re: latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">None of the new Macs can run OS9, there are no such modifications that will work.

Re: latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

actually a mate of mine just brought a dual 1.25 that was modified by apple to run OS 9.... They are available here in NZ

Re: latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

Their not modified., their for sale... at the Apple store under "dual boot systems". The new ones (Jan release) won't even see an OS9 boot partition let alone boot from it. Apple modified the boot rom which makes it impossible. It would be like trying to boot your Mac off of an NT disc.

dk

Re: latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

The unbootable in OS9 rumor is jsut that, and, while Apple won't support it, it is possible. there are several posts on this and other forums that discuss it in detail, and I have personally seen it on the new macs that Apple claim cannot run OS9.

Don't believe the hype.

Hope this is helpful.

Re: latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

If I were you, I would wait until after the WWDC in June before I bought a new Mac. There a rumors abound that Apple will be announcing new hardware.

Re: latest single G4 1GHz or latest dual 1.25 GHz w/001?
 

I would say go with the dual. I'm running a new dual 1.42 gHz machine with PTLE 6.0 and OS X 10.2.3 and it's great.