MOTUnation.com

Also, good idea, HC, about using extra internal space for backup of static external files, when that applies, but not via the Time Machine method.

Between these hints and what some of the photography blog said that got linked to in the main DP forum today, I think I am now convinced that when the option is available (which it is for iMac but not Mac Mini), it is best to go ahead with a larger drive.

I am feeling a lot more relaxed about my next computer purchase now, regardless of whether it is the i7 iMac, a souped-up Mac Mini (Server), or some combination of Mac Mini (Server) as VE PRO farm followed by a Mac Pro (hopefully a long-awaited mid-priced mini-tower) early next year.

At any rate, I am glad to have finally received some useful and well-explained advice about professional (vs. amateur) ways to make use of a large internal drive, when it is the only option provided (or when it is a reasonably priced upgrade option).

You are going to LOVE your new Mac when you get it Mr. Schmieder. I got a lot of music done with a G4, but the day I moved from my dual processor G4 to my Quad G5 is the day when DP really began working for me in an efficient and wonderful way.

Just my humble opinion about the internal drives mshcmieder, if you go with an iMac, get the 2Tb option. It may seem like overkill now but in a year or so you'll be thankful. They are nasty to change on your own so it may save you some grief later, Ram is easy. Partition the drive to your needs but be sure to give your boot drive plenty of space, as somewhere down the road you'll find a sexy app you just can't live without and any maintenance you might need to do ie Disk Warrior, likes some room to maneuver. Partitions can be changed without a re-format but requires a program like iPartition etc. and takes time and careful reading of the manual. I've followed your posts both here and on the DP forum and I think you'd be happy with an iMac, just go the i7 route. Hell, at one time I used an eMac with DP and did a lot of albums with it, wouldn't want to go back however.

Rainman

Rainman, thanks for the info, as I didn't know DiscWarrior and the like use swap space on the system partition vs. simply the internal drive regardless of its partitions. That's good to keep in mind.

I have made a definite decision to get the 2TB option if I go with the i7 iMac. I haven't had time to review the customized Mac Mini options (with two 10,000 rpm drives) more thoroughly yet, but suspect it will not prove an economical solution vs. just getting a tower.

I can always use my old iMac for location work if I get a tower, of course, but at some point, the fact it is PPC-based and stuck at Tiger, will make it useless for any serious recording. This is my dilemma.

At this point, given the i7 back-order situation and other needs, I am going to hold out for the next announcements in JAN/FEB for towers (and if we're lucky, a mid-Mac "Cube"-like product). I'll see if I can keep my current Mac alive long enough to get some early setup work done on the Musical that I need to finish by late March, given that schedule.