On Mar 1, 2006, at 7:22 PM, "peter_bognar" <peter.bognar@jci.com> wrote: > Check the Apple site for all details, but the $799 model features a > dual core Intel chip and can be expanded to up to 2G. Unfortunately, > the HD's are all still 5400rpm. You forgot to mention one of the coolest new features of the new Mac Mini: G I G A B I T E T H E R N E T In other words, you can pick up a Mac Mini, and use it as a Logic Node. For those who are wondering: YES, Logic 7.2 supports mixed setups of PowerPC Macs and Intel Macs (either can be masters or nodes). > The dual core version is supposed to be 4 times faster than the first > Mac Mini's... This sounds about right. It will be at least 3x faster using Logic, probably faster. > > I'm assuming one could run Logic Pro on this box now, but you'd > probably want a USB or FW400 7200rpm drive for audio... You could DEFINITELY run Logic on it. You could even use the internal drive for audio, as long as you weren't using songs with too many audio tracks (I'm not sure how many audio tracks it could pull off of a 5400 Mac Mini drive; I'm pretty sure at least 16, but 24 might be pushing it). > Am I wrong, or is this the cheapest Mac hardware which would allow you > to run Logic Pro? You are correct. And Logic Pro **SCREAMS** on the Intel Mac--I'm referring to interface speed. Those of us used to using Logic Pro on a OS9 or Windows based machine can finally get back the screenset redraw, etc. speed we're used to. But seriously, Apple really got the Mini right. This machine is truly going to be the musician's best friend. I can think of 3 fantastic ways to use it, depending on the specific level of musician: 1) An entry level MacMini for $599; a cheap $99 USB audio interface; and a new/young/hobby musician gets GarageBand 3.0 and a recording system WAY more advanced and powerful than the $900 4-track I bought 20 years ago when I was starting out! 2) The higher end Mac Mini, more expensive interface, and Logic Express or Pro, and this will make an excellent entry-level DAW. 3) For $799, an existing Logic user who is running out of CPU due to heavy Logic plug-in use can buy a Mac Mini as a Node for their current system. If/When AUs are allowed on Nodes, for less than the cost of a PowerCore Compact or UAD1 Studio Pack, you'll be able to get a Node mac that will work for even more than just Logic plug-ins (fingers crossed! :) ) Anyway, for those who want to get their feet whet in the Intel Mac world, and still be able to use the machine with their current Logic system as a Node, the Mini is a winner. For those who want a fantastic starter Mac, the Mini is a winner. Really, this is a machine with no real down side. Sure, it's not for everyone, it's not a power machine, its not the future pro desktops, etc. But it's not trying to be. It's trying to be a starter or supplementary Mac-- and for what it is, this is a truly excellent machine. :) Orren