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Leaving lust out of the equation, I'd say: yes. Buy now. The G5 is really hitting its stride, and even when the MacIntel's hit the street, you wont be able to use one effectively for audio for at least 6-12 months after that to allow developers time to iron out the porting bugs and so forth.
Buy a G5 right now and you know that:
You're getting the fastest and sweetest Macs available
All current software is compatible
You've got a SOLID foundation of compatible accessories and hardware expansions
I LOVE my G5 (Dual 1.8Ghz) to death. I really wont need to consider upgrading for at least another two years. By that time, the MacIntel's will just be starting to really hit their stride.
Buy now.
And make sure you get at least 2GB of RAM, 2 SATA drives (internal), Applecare, and a decent graphics card - even if that means getting a slightly slower processor.
Buy a G5 right now and you know that:
You're getting the fastest and sweetest Macs available
All current software is compatible
You've got a SOLID foundation of compatible accessories and hardware expansions
I LOVE my G5 (Dual 1.8Ghz) to death. I really wont need to consider upgrading for at least another two years. By that time, the MacIntel's will just be starting to really hit their stride.
Buy now.
And make sure you get at least 2GB of RAM, 2 SATA drives (internal), Applecare, and a decent graphics card - even if that means getting a slightly slower processor.
One of the last G4 models, say the Dual 1.25 Mhz G4 MDD, will still be running the same software as a G5 two years from now. The G4 will not be as fast, may not handle as many tracks and plugins and have a lower hard limit to the amount of RAM you can stuff in it. It is still going to run and be a decent machine.
Both kptkarl and Symbiotic both make good points worth considering.
1. Buy a G5 instead of waiting for brand new unproven technology.
2. Buy a G4 and use your surplus cash for other goodies.
I definitely say, do not wait for the iNtel machines. As an early adopter(I am) I can tell you first hand you will be waiting for third party companies to play catch up. I had to wait a few months for M-Audio to update the form factor for my PCI sound interface. The point is, as a professional you cannot afford to wait around for another company when you have your own deadlines. So, buy something that works now rather than something they say will someday change your life.
So, do you get the G4 or the G5? Well, I love my G5 :love: It is a dual 2.0 G5 (first model) with 3GB of RAM. I use Ableton Live and Reason most of the time. Slapping tons of plugins into Live has almost never caused issues for me. The G5(argo) happily does what I want it to all the time. I have a G4 466Mhz that I was using just prior to getting the G5 and, while I was riding the cpu meter it still preformed well. I have two friends, one with a dual 450Mhz G4 and one with a Dual 500Mhz both running audio software. They each are able to get done what they need.
I guess my point here is, talent, skill, creativity and dedication are what make ones home setup strong and flexible (not the computer, but the person). I have made perfectly presentable recordings by overdubbing on karaoke machines with radio shack microphones. Do not overestimate the potential of technology to solve your problems. A computer is certainly a catalyst but not a substitute for ingenuity. The question still remains, G4 or G5? Man, I cannot make that decision for you. The G5 will last longer and give you a little less sass. The G4 will cross the finish line, with honorable mention, but no medals will be awarded.
Good Luck.
Both kptkarl and Symbiotic both make good points worth considering.
1. Buy a G5 instead of waiting for brand new unproven technology.
2. Buy a G4 and use your surplus cash for other goodies.
I definitely say, do not wait for the iNtel machines. As an early adopter(I am) I can tell you first hand you will be waiting for third party companies to play catch up. I had to wait a few months for M-Audio to update the form factor for my PCI sound interface. The point is, as a professional you cannot afford to wait around for another company when you have your own deadlines. So, buy something that works now rather than something they say will someday change your life.
So, do you get the G4 or the G5? Well, I love my G5 :love: It is a dual 2.0 G5 (first model) with 3GB of RAM. I use Ableton Live and Reason most of the time. Slapping tons of plugins into Live has almost never caused issues for me. The G5(argo) happily does what I want it to all the time. I have a G4 466Mhz that I was using just prior to getting the G5 and, while I was riding the cpu meter it still preformed well. I have two friends, one with a dual 450Mhz G4 and one with a Dual 500Mhz both running audio software. They each are able to get done what they need.
I guess my point here is, talent, skill, creativity and dedication are what make ones home setup strong and flexible (not the computer, but the person). I have made perfectly presentable recordings by overdubbing on karaoke machines with radio shack microphones. Do not overestimate the potential of technology to solve your problems. A computer is certainly a catalyst but not a substitute for ingenuity. The question still remains, G4 or G5? Man, I cannot make that decision for you. The G5 will last longer and give you a little less sass. The G4 will cross the finish line, with honorable mention, but no medals will be awarded.
Good Luck.
Originally posted by lipids
Do not overestimate the potential of technology to solve your problems.
Right on. Everyone using a computer for recording,etc. should have this on their studio wall.
Just because you can do a 64 track recording with 6 plugs on every track doesnt mean anyone's gonna want to listen to it.
64 tracks of shit is still shit. You just wasted more time on it.
Damn. Just read Jaron's last post and I don't think it could be said any better (or with more humor).
I finally came to the realization (after some prompting from a great book I was reading at the time) that a studio should MEET your needs, but if you're trying to run a business of any kind, never spend money on gear unless it makes you:
a) more competitive
b) more money
That may sound harsh to some, but in business it is a harsh reality. If you have a personal project studio this may be different, and of course there are always going to be exceptions. I haven't parted with my Machinedrum or my Tablas even though I haven't played either for well over 6 months. But I know I'd regret getting rid of them...
Anyway, my point is, whenever you are looking at something new, figure out what it takes to get the job done well with maybe a bit of room to grow, don't go bleeding edge (unless you're lipids! ), and don't spend money you don't have unless you're guaranteed a return on your investment.
I finally came to the realization (after some prompting from a great book I was reading at the time) that a studio should MEET your needs, but if you're trying to run a business of any kind, never spend money on gear unless it makes you:
a) more competitive
b) more money
That may sound harsh to some, but in business it is a harsh reality. If you have a personal project studio this may be different, and of course there are always going to be exceptions. I haven't parted with my Machinedrum or my Tablas even though I haven't played either for well over 6 months. But I know I'd regret getting rid of them...
Anyway, my point is, whenever you are looking at something new, figure out what it takes to get the job done well with maybe a bit of room to grow, don't go bleeding edge (unless you're lipids!
), and don't spend money you don't have unless you're guaranteed a return on your investment.
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