Need Some Help. Old Comps DOA- HAVE to upgrade

[TOD]

Hi everyone,

Today, as I was about to start a session, my old G4 dual 1.42 died. This has been my MIDI machine synced to my trusty G5 dual 2.7, (also a little long in the tooth). All my VST's and MIDI gear are hooked up to the G4 so I could save resources on the G5 as an audio only / mixdown machine.

I could search for a G4 or 5 to replace my fallen comrade as I'm very tight in funds. This would, most likely, be the best short term fix. But, I'm always looking ahead and I've been patiently passing on all the new drool worthy Intels. I think it just makes sense to upgrade and do "everything" on 1 Mac again.

I have been paying attention to the compatibility issues in a, somewhat, passive way. I have to pull the trigger tomorrow as I have deadlines and projects stacking up. So here's my questions:

1) Which Mac Pro to get?

Looking at the available refurbs on Apple's site,

Refurbished Mac Pro 8-core 3.0GHz Intel Xeon
Two 3.0GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors
2GB (2 x 1GB) of 800MHz DDR2 ECC fully buffered DIMM
320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200-rpm hard drive
16x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB (two dual-link DVI ports)

For 3,099.00?

Or, The New bottom level MacPro:

8 cores standard, up to 2.8 GHz
Two 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Harpertown” processors
2GB memory (800MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics with 256MB memory
320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200-rpm hard drive1
16x double-layer SuperDrive

for: 2,799.00?

Which would do me better? Is the "Harpertown" significant? If anyone has any better suggestions, I would be in your debt.

Question 2: I love DP 5.13 and it's been solid on Tiger. I think I will have no choice but to upgrade to leopard with the intels.

Is 5.13 solid in Leopard?

Question3: I have the old white Apple Cinema 30" Display. Is this compatible with the new Intels?

Thanks for any feedback!

Tod Miner

[Eleventh Hour Sound]

If you have any desire to be portable, I would consider a MacBook Pro. (Either the newly released model, or the "old" ones) I'm stunned at how well it works with DP6. I put a 7200rpm drive in and have an eSata express/34 card hooked to some fast eSata drives and it seems to be keeping up with my G5 Quad!

[TOD]

Thanks RecordingArts!

I actually have a MBP. I might consider using it. After some soul searching, I realized the cost could really put me down right now. I may just try to move all my VI's to the G5 and see if it can keep up for a while.

Anyone know how the student discount program works with new Macs? My girlfriend is a full time student and this may be an option.

Thanks!

Tod

[Eleventh Hour Sound]

Thanks RecordingArts!

I actually have a MBP. I might consider using it. After some soul searching, I realized the cost could really put me down right now. I may just try to move all my VI's to the G5 and see if it can keep up for a while.

Anyone know how the student discount program works with new Macs? My girlfriend is a full time student and this may be an option.

Thanks!

Tod

Your welcome! Yes, I'm really surprised with how well my MacBook Pro is doing... to the point of where I'm considering selling my G5 Quad and getting another one. My MBPro is the 2006 model that only supports 3 Gigs of ram. DP's been doing amazingly well, but it would be nice to have one of the 2007 or 2008 models that support 4 Gigs. Yes, having another machine for VI's would probably really come in handy. Since I'm mostly mixing right now I'm not using a lot of VI's but I know they can be quite taxing, especially at low latencies. I think the student discount program usually applies to all models. It's worth looking into!

[HCMarkus]

Thanks RecordingArts!
Anyone know how the student discount program works with new Macs? My girlfriend is a full time student and this may be an option.Tod

It works great and saves a few bucks. Due to various developments (graduations, dying iBook, etc) I purchased MacBooks for each of my kids this year under this program. Even got a free iPod Touch with one, which I kept as my personal gift from Apple. Of course, always pick up a free printer using the rebate.

I think you can use the Student Program even if you attend only one class at the local JC. Although your girlfriend does not exactly qualify you as a student, my feeling is Apple doesn't pay much attention to the details here.