I'm interested in buying a Mac. I would be interested in a desk top rather than a laptop. But I'm not sure what kind of "power" I would need. I will be using it for music, Logic, and other creative applications. (I currently have another computer for other misc uses) I don't want to buy something that I will need to upgrade in the near future. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what I would need to run Logic effectively. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks for the in-depth reply, Rounik. I'm a semi-professional using the computer mostly for orignal music and band applications. I have to admit I'm using a downgraded version of Cubase right now, but have heard a lot of good things about Logic and want to look into upgrading. I use a lot of keyboard sounds (via computer and external modules) but do use live bass, guitar and vocals. I have a couple of plug-ins at the moment but will acquire more as time goes on when I feel I need them. The other uses would be photoshop, video applications, etc. Nothing too extensive, but keeping my options open. I'm thinking the iMac might do what I'm looking for. Regarding the Mac Pro, although looking much more powerful, I don't think I can justify spending the money on that right now. Would you recommend the 21.5" screen, or the 27"? Should I spend the extra $$? If I bought the 21.5", I would use a second monitor as I do now. Is it personal preference, or is the 27" a better computer? Thanks again, 88keez

Thanks again. I will definitely go to an apple store to see which I like better in relation to screen size. I will also check out some of the tutorials on this site. It seems they've got a lot of things covered here. You mentioned that Logic was going through a transition. Should I wait to get Logic 9 or would it matter? Also, is Logic 9 the top of the line from Logic? Thanks.

Thanks for your help again. I've since been shopping for a Mac. I'm very excited about what they have to offer. I do have a couple of questions for anyone who may care to respond. Right now I'm looking at the 27" monitor. But should I spend the extra $$ for the quad core? Also, should I upgrade to 2.8 GHz rather than 2.66 GHz. Should I also go from 4 to 8 GB of RAM? I will be primarily working on the Mac with Logic 9.1 and other creative applications. I don't know what benefits this will give me if I do up grade. Any advice? Thanks, 88keez

Thanks for the responses. I am leaning toward the quad core with the upgraded processing speed now. I had always wanted it of course (why not?) but didn't know if it was just a salesmans way of upping the price needlessly. I can only see an i5 on the Apple website, does anyone know where I can look at an i7 online? Or what is the difference between the 2? I appreciate the time you've taken to answer my questions. It makes it a lot more comfortable to fork out money when I'm confident in what I should be buying. So thanks again. Although now that I want a Mac, I don't know if I can wait until they fix the flickering issues. lol But, I will....just to be on the safe side. 88keez

Thanks again for all the info. I visited the Apple store a couple of days ago, big mistake. lol Now I'm looking at getting an iphone too. Very impressive things in the store though. I think I've settled on the 27" i7. Having the extra speed makes sense to me. Thru your advice I'll probably upgrade the RAM after the purchase. (I'll see if 4GB will work for now). But, have you ever heard of any problems upgrading this way. I've upgraded PC's in the past and haven't been happy. Just wondering if Mac was different. Would you also recommend getting the 3 years of Apple care? With all the online forums dealing with problems, is it worth it to spend the extra $$. Also, when I was in the Apple store, they didn't seem to know anything about the screen flickering that you had talked about before. Do you know if that problem is taken care of yet? Any other advice regarding this would be gtreat. Thanks again, 88keez.

Thanks again. Still thinking about the 8 GB of RAM, but it's looking like it might be a good idea. I do have another question. I'm currently using a Yamaha Audiogram 6 as an interface. I've been looking at the Duet interface. Does anyone have any experience with this one or any others that may do a good job? I've been told the Duet is a step up from the Audiogram, but I don't know if it will make a huge difference. I thought I'd ask here since the response to my other questions and concerns has been great. Thanks, 88keez

Wow...I go away from the forum for a bit and I have a book to read. lol Very interesting reading though. You guys seem to really know your stuff. Jamie, I'm interested in anything you have to say about pros/cons about getting the iMac7, as that is what I am looking at getting. I've read your previous comments and you seem to be happy with what you see so far. Have you had any problems with monitor flickering? Please keep me posted on any problems that may arise. I also checked out some of the software that you are using. The omnisphere intrigues me. I saw a Jordan Rudess demonstration on utube. Wow...this can really come up with some great sounds. How is it with conventional sounds, ie: piano, strings, horns? Do you rely on this one a lot? Also, the Ozone 4, I'd be interested in finding out how you make out with that and if it makes a big difference in production sound. I still have to look into all the things you guys have mentioned in these posts, but I will as time goes on. Thank you again for sharing your experience and expert opinions. 88keez

Thanks Jamie. I appreciate your input. And thank you too Rounik. Both of you have helped in my decision making. I've finally made the decision to buy the iMac 7, never really any doubt in my mind, but I just wanted to make sure that it was for me. I was at a 2 hour seminar on the weekend for Logic, and it pretty well convinced me that this is not only what I wanted, but what I need. It's a pretty powerful piece of software. And from everyone I have talked to, the i7 should last a while. I'm just waiting to put the order in. From what I can tell, once the Mac arrives I may become a "shut-in" for a while until I get get my head around the program. I have a few things I have to clear up before I can undertake a project like that, but soon. I will let you know when I get it and how I'm making out. I will stay close to this site as I'm sure I'll have a few questions. I will hold off on the sound software for now, you're right when you say it could be too much to handle all at once. With the new Mac and software, I may never resurface. :) Not to mention the hit on the pocket book too. But it's always good to keep on top of new and exciting things. Thanks again. 88keez

Thanks for referring me to the tutorials Rounik. I took a quick look thru and will definitely find them useful when I get my iMac/Logic. There are definitely a lot of them. Do you recommend to just start at the beginning and go thru one at a time? I've used Cubase before so I'm familiar with some things (I think). Jamie, have you used any tutorials here that you found useful? I'll be ordering the Mac in early April when my schedule clears up. Too many things on the go right now, so I'm counting the days, but for now I'll just wade thru some tutorials to get my feet wet. Thanks, 88keez