What to buy for my music setup? (Quick one)

I've saved up enough to switch to mac. I'll be using it to go online for certain things, running my dj software (Serato), and running my music software (Ableton, FL Studio, Reason, Native Instruments, etc.) I'll probably run the production stuff on a windows partition, and then run serato and go online with the osx partition. Should I get...

1. Macbook - 2.2 ghz, 250 gb 5400 rpm, 2 gig ram, extra 20" widescreen monitor.

2. Macbook Pro - 2.2 ghz, 200 gb 7200 rpm, 2 gig ram, no extra monitor.

Obviously the first choice seems better since i'd have a bigger screen for producing and a smaller laptop to lug around for shows, but can the Macbooks handle running tons of effects, plug-ins, or djing with serato for hours on end with no break? Would I need the 7200 rpm or do 5400 rpm drives handle it coupled with a duo core? And are there any other perks of having a macbook, besides that the get less hot than macbook pros...and i hear the wireless is better though thats probably debatable.

Personally I just bought a Macbook Pro 2.2GHz, 2GB RAM today. I will primarily be using it for Audio Work, but will also be using it for a lot of other things too, (such as the new Eve Online mac client) so I need the better Graphics.

However, if this is for audio alone, I would honestly say that the Macbook 2.2GHz/external monitor would be the better choice because there is no better performance in the macbook pro for audio. As you say yourself the extra widescreen display gives you a lot of extra space for working (I personally have an external 15" display), which is very handy.

The faster HDD speed would not make a noticeable difference.

I'd save some money and go for the macbook.

Hey there (And hello there John from ARU )

I use my first generation macbook for running logic, and with a 32 track project with a fair few plugins running, it hasnt had an issue yet

Also, ive done some DJ sets before and i always found theres nothing more annoying then lugging gear about, so a nice small macbook for the sets would be perfect! (And also cheaper giving you an excuse to get more toys )

~~ TS ~~

TenderSurrender said:

I use my first generation macbook for running logic, and with a 32 track project with a fair few plugins running, it hasnt had an issue yet

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Sweet, that's what I wanted to hear. I'll prolly be picking up the Macbook and a big monitor.....now I just gotta figure out which color

Joey Sarks said:

Sweet, that's what I wanted to hear. I'll prolly be picking up the Macbook and a big monitor.....now I just gotta figure out which color

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my vote is for white...

my vote is for black, too many white ones out there.. that and the ibooks are white too. I just feel like white has been over done.

i got a lowest end macbook with 2 g ram for serato. its 100 percent solid. i got an elevator too, for a stand. i use a LaCie external hard drive for my 160 gigs of music and never a hickup. Now it is time for Serato Midi.