adaM wrote:

I am looking to get a new computer (preferably a laptop) to
record/mixdown audio. I currently have a windows machine with a 2 GHz
processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB 5,400 rpm, etc. With Pro Tools LE,
recording worked fine, but when it came time for mixdown, my CPU stood
no chance! Even with an 8 track mixdown if I EQed a couple track and
used more than one effects plugin I ran out of resources; I sold Pro
Tools LE out of frustration. I am looking into getting an Apple
Powerbook this time and using recording software other than Pro Tools.
I only record one track at a time so my main concern is mixdown. I
like to use a decent amount of effects and EQ. I have a $3000 budget
for the software and computer. Any suggestions? Do you think I should
look beyond a laptop and go with a G5? I noticed the 1.8 GHz dual
processor models are just under $2000. I would appreciate any
suggestions. I do not want to again be stuck with a machine that
cannot handle its workload. I assume an average song of mine would be
around 16 tracks.

You would be able to run many more plugins on the dual processor desktop
machine than on any of teh laptops. (You might have just kept PT until
you had a machine that could handle the plugs. Be sure to get hands-on
with the various DAW apps before you spring for a new one. And check the
various lists and forums about each of them to see what people like and
don't like, and how those opinions might align with your own.)

--
ha