As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a Mac switcher and have been using a Mac predominately for a couple of years. I have two Mac systems I use for two different purposes.
My main system is a big, beefy Mac Pro (quad-core system, lots of memory, lots of disc) and my secondary system is an older PowerBook (G4 laptop). I use the MacPro for everything including email, news reading, blog posting, web sight updates, some programing, and movie creation and various other things. My PowerBook is my travel machine but I also use it for some beginner music creation.
Regarding movie creation, I’ve been struggling with this. I’m not sure whether this is a motivational issue, a talent issue, or a software usability issue. Regardless, I’ve been playing around with Final Cut Express though I haven’t been inspired to get my increasing amount of tapes processed.
Now that Apple has released a new iMovie with a simple interface, I’m going to try that. I don’t ever expect to produce Hollywood style movies so it may work for me and it does seem easy given their demo’s that I’ve looked at. I’m kind of excited about it. Also it has some really simple interfaces on putting it on the web and iPod’s – very cool!
Regarding music creation, I’m still learning with this. The industry standard is ProTools and I have ProTools LE which came with some recording hardware I bought (Digi). Again, I’m not sure that I’m ever going to go much beyond a hobby-est here so Garageband sounds like it could fit. I’ve also tested and Garageband recognizes my Digi hardware so that is a good first thing. It allows me to burn raw, MP3, AAC – all very cool!
I look forward to testing these software products.