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So my old macbook that has been happily sitting in my makeshift studio (cupboard) has finally reached the end of its life. Can't afford/justify new macbook so looking at going to a windows based machine (pref laptop but i'm ok with desktop). Thing is i have no idea what to look for when it comes to speccing a machine. I will be using it for running audio production software (Reason, Reaper, NI maschine,) and photoshop (although not heavily).
Anyone have a clue what i should be looking for i3/i5/i7? Or any AMD? I have an external audio interface already (firewire). Budget £300. Cheers.
What's wrong with the Macbook? Not fixable?
To be fair its almost 10 years old. Doesnt hold charge or recognise any battery (have bought several to test) and runs incredibly hot. So part of me would like to fix it, but part of me wants to wipe the slate clean and start again!!
Maybe something like [url= http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/refurbished-laptops/hp-pavilion-15-p199sa-refurbished-15-6-laptop-blue-10075686-pdt.html?awc=1599_1425569241_a26a8b3d879c263fbb3a918d97013d76&srcid=369&xtor=AL-1&cmpid=aff~HotUKDeals~Communities%20%26%20UGC&istCompanyId=bec25c7e-cbcd-460d-81d5-a25372d2e3d7&istItemId=qqpxmxaq&istBid=t#cat-0 ]this[/url]
If it runs very hot and is 10 years old then it probably needs a good clean out of the cooling vents/inside and/or a new fan.
Or how about this for a bit more cash?
[url= http://www.debenhamsplus.com/DE_ASUS_Notebook_10099800/version.asp ]Clicky[/url]
For audio production software I recommend another macbook.:)
Or on a budget, howsbout this:
How much are you going to have to pay to get the software again on a PC against the additional cost of a Mac over a laptop?
Can you transfer your Reason license? That's $400 right there if you switch if not.
The finance option from Apple's website is pretty reasonable. I've just made the jump from PC to Mac as was getting fed up with my laptops grinding to a halt every 3 years or so. 10 Years is pretty good for a laptop I reckon.
Having just spent an hour this afternoon in IT service desk to get my Dell laptop (1 year old) fixed again, I have given up and gone home. Currently working on my 2009 macbook.
It cost £100 less than my work work laptop and I'm quite sure it will be running years after the windows machine dies.
Doesn't photoshop cost a small fortune too? I'd take the hit now and get a new mac. Pays for itself in the mid-term IMO.
Your budget won't get you a Mac Mini but if you can stretch a bit and you get (say) a Dell monitor you can stay with Apple. You can find used Mini's too if you search about and models up until the very latest ones are easily upgradable for RAM and disc. It doesn't sound like you really need a laptop if it lives in the cupboard most of the time.
Yes the mac mini is a good shout even if you have to jack up your budget a bit. A good point too about licences.
Reason is transferable, as is Maschine. I've been burned with second hand computer in the past. May look up finance options on the Mac though. Thanks for the links and suggestions. I was getting pretty confused trying to compare PC specs.
If I were you I'd look on Apples website at their refurb section.
Currently typing this on my 15" MB Pro that cost me £1100 instead of £1550
I know that is over your budget but you can get MB Pro's for under £800, Ive been using Macs now for over 5 years and would even think of going back to windows stuff.
Not sure if this is upto the job
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/mac-mini-2014-1-4ghz-dual-core-4gb-ram-341-98-insight-2154306