I'm in the market for a new PC or Mac specifically for VDJ not really doing much video stuff I'm looking at allot of different models. I hear allot of talk about MACs probably posting here I'll get allot of biased opinions so not sure if I'm crazy or not. So I have a few questions I need to know how stable is the MAC version for Virtual DJ is. What's the learning curve? (I've had PCs all my life). I have the timeCoded vinyls and am scared and reluctant to jump the PC ship. Even though I'm way on the edge I own a Sony Vaio and it just abruptly shutdown on me last night during a practice session (could u imagine, at a function :0 )
So let me hear some pros and cons and experiences with the latest MAC build - I heard about the font and the 10.4.x req issues anything else.
The MAC and PC models that are up against each other for purchase:
In the Left corner we have:
* Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger (includes Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat AV, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Xcode Developer Tools)
* iLife ’06 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand),
* Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive, iWork ’06 (30-day trial), QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition, Comic Life, FileMaker Pro trial, Omni Outliner
* Photo Booth
* Front Row
Configuration
* Processor: 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo
* Memory: 1GB (single SODIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)
* Display: 15.4-inch (diagonal), 1440 x 900 resolution, TFT widescreen
* PCI Express Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI
* Video: Built-in iSight Camera, DVI, VGA (DVI to VGA adapter included)
* Audio: Combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/headphone out, stereo speakers, microphone
* Hard Disk Drive (4): 100GB Serial ATA/100; 5400 rpm
* Slot-loading Optical Drive: SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* Ethernet: Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit)
* Wireless (3): Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme (802.11g); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
====$2400
And in the right corner we have:
# Hardware Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz processor T7400 4MB L2
# Mobile Intel 945PM & ICH7-M
# Discreet 256MB ATI X1600
# Built-in Azalia audio chip, with 3D effect & full duplex Built-in Stereo Speakers and Microphone S/W Volume up/down
# 2 GB DDR2 677 MHz 2 x SODIMM Dual Channel
# 15.4-inch WSXGA+ (1680x1050) TFT Color Shine (glossy) enhanced display
# 100 GB SATA 8MB Buffer 7200RPM
# 4 in 1 Card reader SD/MMC/MS/MS-Pro
# 1.3MP Camera
# DVD/RW Super-Multi 2x(2.4x)/4x/24x/24x8x/24
# Azalia V.90 Modem
# Built-in BlueTooth
# Integrated mobile Intel Pro Wireless 3945 a/b/g
# 10/100/1000 built-in/Realtek Fast Ethernet Controller
# Touch pad with 2 click buttons, 88 key keyboard
# Li-Ion 6 cell Smart Li-Ion battery 64W/Hrs, 4 Hrs., Built-in gauge IC
# I/O Ports:
* 4 x USB 2.0 ports
* 1 x VGA port/MiniD-sub 15-pin for external monitor
* 1 x 1.3MP Webcam
* 1 x IEEE 1394 port (4 pin)
* 1 x Card Reader
* 2 x Audio jack: Audio out (SPIDIF) / Mic-in
* 1 x Express Card Slot
* 1 x RJ11 connector for Modem
* 1 x RJ45 connector for Ethernet
* 1 S-Video Composite (TV-Out)
# Dimensions: 14.2 x 10.5 x 1.1 to 1.5 inches (WxDxH)
# Weight: 5.5 lbs. with 6 cell battery
Software
# Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
# SONAR® LE™ Digital Audio Workstation
# Tascam GigaStudio SOLO
# PCDJ Be the DJ
# NERO Express CD/DVD Creation Software
# Acronis True Image Recovery Software
=============$2200
So let me hear some pros and cons and experiences with the latest MAC build - I heard about the font and the 10.4.x req issues anything else.
The MAC and PC models that are up against each other for purchase:
In the Left corner we have:
* Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger (includes Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat AV, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Xcode Developer Tools)
* iLife ’06 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand),
* Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive, iWork ’06 (30-day trial), QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition, Comic Life, FileMaker Pro trial, Omni Outliner
* Photo Booth
* Front Row
Configuration
* Processor: 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo
* Memory: 1GB (single SODIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)
* Display: 15.4-inch (diagonal), 1440 x 900 resolution, TFT widescreen
* PCI Express Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI
* Video: Built-in iSight Camera, DVI, VGA (DVI to VGA adapter included)
* Audio: Combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/headphone out, stereo speakers, microphone
* Hard Disk Drive (4): 100GB Serial ATA/100; 5400 rpm
* Slot-loading Optical Drive: SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* Ethernet: Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit)
* Wireless (3): Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme (802.11g); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
====$2400
And in the right corner we have:
# Hardware Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz processor T7400 4MB L2
# Mobile Intel 945PM & ICH7-M
# Discreet 256MB ATI X1600
# Built-in Azalia audio chip, with 3D effect & full duplex Built-in Stereo Speakers and Microphone S/W Volume up/down
# 2 GB DDR2 677 MHz 2 x SODIMM Dual Channel
# 15.4-inch WSXGA+ (1680x1050) TFT Color Shine (glossy) enhanced display
# 100 GB SATA 8MB Buffer 7200RPM
# 4 in 1 Card reader SD/MMC/MS/MS-Pro
# 1.3MP Camera
# DVD/RW Super-Multi 2x(2.4x)/4x/24x/24x8x/24
# Azalia V.90 Modem
# Built-in BlueTooth
# Integrated mobile Intel Pro Wireless 3945 a/b/g
# 10/100/1000 built-in/Realtek Fast Ethernet Controller
# Touch pad with 2 click buttons, 88 key keyboard
# Li-Ion 6 cell Smart Li-Ion battery 64W/Hrs, 4 Hrs., Built-in gauge IC
# I/O Ports:
* 4 x USB 2.0 ports
* 1 x VGA port/MiniD-sub 15-pin for external monitor
* 1 x 1.3MP Webcam
* 1 x IEEE 1394 port (4 pin)
* 1 x Card Reader
* 2 x Audio jack: Audio out (SPIDIF) / Mic-in
* 1 x Express Card Slot
* 1 x RJ11 connector for Modem
* 1 x RJ45 connector for Ethernet
* 1 S-Video Composite (TV-Out)
# Dimensions: 14.2 x 10.5 x 1.1 to 1.5 inches (WxDxH)
# Weight: 5.5 lbs. with 6 cell battery
Software
# Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
# SONAR® LE™ Digital Audio Workstation
# Tascam GigaStudio SOLO
# PCDJ Be the DJ
# NERO Express CD/DVD Creation Software
# Acronis True Image Recovery Software
=============$2200
Posté Thu 19 Apr 07 @ 10:36 pm
tipsy
I just went through the same dilemma as yourself, and I chose the left corner, the Mac, but not at first ...
Originally I bought a Dell PC, a powerhouse of a laptop, 2 gigs of ram, 160 gig hard drive, good graphics card etc. for around 2100. After about 3 weeks, the Windows XP version it came pre-installed with started crashing, and the wireless internet would not work. The entire computer became incredibly problematic, so I called Dell about the problems, and after over 100 hours on the phone with them, finally returned the product.
I was then presented with a problem. I didn't want to order from Dell again, that was for sure. But I didn't really want another PC either, after seeing what just happened to that computer, and after witnessing many crashes and blue screens of death on my windows desktop. So, I decided to take a little trip over to eBay and purchase a new Macbook Pro. I got it for around 2200, and it had the same, if not better, specs than the Dell laptop.
I was excited, but also very scared as to how I would like Mac OS X, as I had never used a Mac before for anything more than typing a document. But when I got the Macbook Pro, I immediately fell in love. It was so much smaller than the Dell, and everything about it was just that much more solid. And Mac OS X? Beautiful. Haven't had one problem yet, and I've had it for about 3 months now. I run everything on it, including Windows XP SP2 with Boot Camp, and everything works seamlessly. It only took me a week to get used to it and learn my way around. After that, everything was second nature, and it felt like I was home.
Apple knows what their doing, and their only going to progress further into the industry with more ground-breaking products. Just look at the iPhone ...
From the perspective of a fellow "switcher", I say .... DO IT! You won't regret it for one minute and you'll be way happier than you would ever be with a PC.
Trust me ...
Originally I bought a Dell PC, a powerhouse of a laptop, 2 gigs of ram, 160 gig hard drive, good graphics card etc. for around 2100. After about 3 weeks, the Windows XP version it came pre-installed with started crashing, and the wireless internet would not work. The entire computer became incredibly problematic, so I called Dell about the problems, and after over 100 hours on the phone with them, finally returned the product.
I was then presented with a problem. I didn't want to order from Dell again, that was for sure. But I didn't really want another PC either, after seeing what just happened to that computer, and after witnessing many crashes and blue screens of death on my windows desktop. So, I decided to take a little trip over to eBay and purchase a new Macbook Pro. I got it for around 2200, and it had the same, if not better, specs than the Dell laptop.
I was excited, but also very scared as to how I would like Mac OS X, as I had never used a Mac before for anything more than typing a document. But when I got the Macbook Pro, I immediately fell in love. It was so much smaller than the Dell, and everything about it was just that much more solid. And Mac OS X? Beautiful. Haven't had one problem yet, and I've had it for about 3 months now. I run everything on it, including Windows XP SP2 with Boot Camp, and everything works seamlessly. It only took me a week to get used to it and learn my way around. After that, everything was second nature, and it felt like I was home.
Apple knows what their doing, and their only going to progress further into the industry with more ground-breaking products. Just look at the iPhone ...
From the perspective of a fellow "switcher", I say .... DO IT! You won't regret it for one minute and you'll be way happier than you would ever be with a PC.
Trust me ...
Posté Fri 20 Apr 07 @ 9:11 am
ConQuest
tipsy wrote :
Apple knows what their doing, and their only going to progress further into the industry with more ground-breaking products. Just look at the iPhone ...
...and Apple TV, and the new 8 core Mac Pro towers, and MUCH more to come through the next couple of years.
tipsy wrote :
From the perspective of a fellow "switcher", I say .... DO IT! You won't regret it for one minute and you'll be way happier than you would ever be with a PC.
Trust me ...
Trust me ...
Trust me too. =)
Posté Fri 20 Apr 07 @ 9:35 am
Charlie Five
That MAC seems a little outdated for that price. Don't buy that one.
I just got my new one a few weeks ago. 17" 2.33ghz 2gig ram 200gig Hardrive. $2,800-2,900 US. When I was checking I found the 15" refurbs with 2.33 and 2gig ram 120gig HD for $2,000. You can get a new one 15" for $2,500. With the student discount (ive been out of college for 5 over 5 years and still use mine, over the phone by the way...) you get and extra $200 bucks off making it $2,300.
I just got my new one a few weeks ago. 17" 2.33ghz 2gig ram 200gig Hardrive. $2,800-2,900 US. When I was checking I found the 15" refurbs with 2.33 and 2gig ram 120gig HD for $2,000. You can get a new one 15" for $2,500. With the student discount (ive been out of college for 5 over 5 years and still use mine, over the phone by the way...) you get and extra $200 bucks off making it $2,300.
Posté Fri 20 Apr 07 @ 3:43 pm
jchiar
Not sure where you got that price , the MAC BOOK PRO
* 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 1440 x 900 pixels
* 1GB memory
* 120GB hard drive1
* 6x double-layer SuperDrive
* ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB SDRAM
Ships: Within 24 hours
Free Shipping
$1,999.00
The IMAC
* 1GB memory
* 160GB hard drive1
* 8x DL SuperDrive
* ATI Radeon X1600 graphics
Ships: Within 24 hours
Free Shipping
$1,199.00
Not sure what you price is so high about..
But in anymatter, get the MAC.
* 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 1440 x 900 pixels
* 1GB memory
* 120GB hard drive1
* 6x double-layer SuperDrive
* ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB SDRAM
Ships: Within 24 hours
Free Shipping
$1,999.00
The IMAC
* 1GB memory
* 160GB hard drive1
* 8x DL SuperDrive
* ATI Radeon X1600 graphics
Ships: Within 24 hours
Free Shipping
$1,199.00
Not sure what you price is so high about..
But in anymatter, get the MAC.
Posté Fri 20 Apr 07 @ 10:25 pm
Charlie Five
^ The better model (step up) of 15" mentioned above
2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1440 x 900 pixels
2GB memory
120GB hard drive1
6x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with 256MB SDRAM
$2500 at the apple store...less $200 if you can grab an educational discount $2300!
Better and cheaper than the one you found.
If you cant get the educational discount...check the refurb page. Same warranty! and you can get the computer for $2000 for the better one.
2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1440 x 900 pixels
2GB memory
120GB hard drive1
6x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with 256MB SDRAM
$2500 at the apple store...less $200 if you can grab an educational discount $2300!
Better and cheaper than the one you found.
If you cant get the educational discount...check the refurb page. Same warranty! and you can get the computer for $2000 for the better one.
Posté Fri 20 Apr 07 @ 11:40 pm
andytaylor125
Maybe someone can give a few more details, cos I don't have the mac version, but isn't the range of soundcards currently limited for VDJ on mac? Also some controllers arn't supported yet on mac i think?
Posté Sat 21 Apr 07 @ 6:31 pm
ConQuest
andytaylor125 wrote :
...isn't the range of soundcards currently limited for VDJ on mac? Also some controllers arn't supported yet on mac i think?
Yes.
Currently VDJ Mac can only be used with the Numark's Virtual Vinyl box for TCV use.
As far as the controllers, I would expect that some might not work, but my Hercules MK2 works fine.
Posté Mon 23 Apr 07 @ 10:50 am
Well I got my MAC today and can't do anything :( I have the TCVs with MAYA USB how am I suppose to use this beast of a machine couldn't wait to get to the studio today to and now........:( Well back to my PC When can we expect addition support for other sound output devices ???
Posté Sat 28 Apr 07 @ 1:39 am
Killabee44
Question guys...
Would it be cheaper to buy the 1 GB ram version and to upgrade the ram on my own? What do you think? Thanks.
Killabee44
Would it be cheaper to buy the 1 GB ram version and to upgrade the ram on my own? What do you think? Thanks.
Killabee44
Posté Sun 29 Apr 07 @ 4:40 pm
sbangs
i dont think so. they come as 2 512 if you take the one gb option
ud need to buy two sticks of 1 gb any ways.
ud need to buy two sticks of 1 gb any ways.
Posté Sun 29 Apr 07 @ 5:36 pm
Killabee44
Ok, true. Makes sense...
Posté Mon 30 Apr 07 @ 12:21 am