If you need a portable DAW, save your money and get what you really want.
You'll kick yourself later.

As for which to get a PC DAW from a reputable and professional builder will run just as good or better than a Mac variant. -Especially with Cubase.

AND will be much cheaper!

I use a 15" MacBook Pro running ProTools via firewire to a Glyph external drive via firewire. I've had had zero Mac issues (a few PT issues on the upgrade to v.8 but... No concern on the size at all, it takes a little getting used to but it all works.

BTW - I had 2 custom built rackmount PCs. When the 2nd one crashed while recording a senior's recital I vowed to never go back in a critical recording situation. I'm actually considering putting up my PC based interface and software on ebay. I know others (Cucco for 1) have had much better luck with PCs and as always YMMV.

silversinner wrote: Does anyone else use Macbooks for DAW editing/mixing.

Regards
SS

Yes, been using Logic Studio 9/8/7 with my 2GHZ /2gb white MacBook since early 2007.

If you've noticed the trend with Apple, be prepared to spend $200 a year by updating Logic and then another $100 every two years or so for the new OSX software as well.

Its a bit pricy with Apple/Logic, I have no regrets however.

What is really nice for some of us is the Apple care support offered with the apple care warranty offered when you buy a new machine.

If you do not mind me asking, why are you leaving the Sonar platform?

I can tell you that what sold me on Logic is all of the MIDI and overall creative energy put into developing the DAW.

I think Apple is trying to get everything worked out with Logic and they are making good progress. They do, of course need our support to continue the platform.

If you want my opinion on your macbook pro idea, I would suggest that you wait for the newest computers due out first quarter 2010, I think the pro machines are going to be way more powerful that what is offered at the present moment.

I have a black macbook that is connected to a 19 inch Samsung monitor, when I'm not on the road.

Logic/ OSX is cheap compared to PTLE, or cubase once you buy the virtual instruments, and effects.

In the olden days the price of the Logic instruments alone was over $2000, plus $1,000 for Logic Platinum.

8)

I have a 15" MacBook Pro and I use Logic Pro 7 with no problems.

BTW You don't need to keep upgrading every year; I say if it isn't broke, don't fix it. When I can afford it, I'll purchase Logic Pro 9 for the new features, but because I can do everything I need to do right now, it's not a priority.

I have a late-2006 13" white MacBook that I've used "on the road" and I would hate to have to do major editing on it. Other than that, the Macs are AWESOME for many reasons, recording is just one of them. If I were in your shoes, to save money, I'd probably go with the cheaper 13.3" MacBook Pro and get an external monitor if it's your sole computer. In fact, my next laptop purchase will be the 13.3" MacBook Pro even if I can afford the 15". I would also agree with Jammster, if you can wait 3-4 months or less, I would. Then you can have the 'latest and greatest' probably for the same amount of money.

whats is the price and availablity shop of white MacBook? i need it on urgent basis.

Look at the apple site for a refurb, and you want the previous model the new whire macbook lacks firewire.

8)

I have a MacBook Pro 15" with Logic 8. It works amazing. The Apple screen and the resolution is really good. I don't really miss a big screen. But yeah, if one can afford it, then it's always nice ;)

I've had no problems with my MacBook Pro, but listen to some of the others! They are using the lesser MacBook and getting through just fine.

Of course you can get PC to work fine as well. Personal experience and personal preference should take precedence here. If you like the Mac and Logic you should probably use Mac and Logic and you will probably have the best success. If you have the most experience with PC and Windows and some other DAW software and tend to favor that platform with little or no real affinity for Mac, go PC and that will probably serve you best. If you don't really like the platform, Mac or PC, you will be quick to criticize and slow to learn and resolve when problems come up.

I would say that only the oldest and slowest computers are likely to give you any real trouble. I can say from experience that the MacBook/MacBook pro will handle the larger display just fine when the time comes. You might consider portable issues like size compatibility for your expected situations and external hard drive connectivity. I strongly prefer firewire drives over USB drives. You might consider used versus new to compensate for price and maybe afford some luxuries like the bigger display at home for editing or an extra internal drive for recording/editing.

As for advice on when to buy a new one, check out http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#MacBook_Pro. This site will help you try to figure out what is going on with new Mac releases. You can guarantee that with any computer, the latest will be the greatest for the least money per performance and features. New product warranty is nice, too, and Apple has had some history as one of the best support providers. Don't let that fool you, everybody has exceptions.

Robert