LAPTOPS
Apple makes iBooks and Powerbooks.
PBooks are more expensive because of a better screen and a bit more horsepower.
You should be able to buy a new Mac laptop & ProTools for $1650.. maybe less if you shop around.
Often you can get printers & RAM tossed in. $ 1500 is possible.

• A) Apple iBook 12" 1.33GHz - Combo Drive (12" is a small laptop) 1.33MHz G4 iBook with 512MB RAM, 40GB Hard Drive, and 12.1" Display. Wireless is built in!
  PRICE: $999.00
• B) Apple PowerBook 12" PowerBook Laptop Computer with 12.1" Display, 1.5GHz Power PC Processor, 80GB Hard Drive,
  SuperDrive DVD burner, 512MB RAM
  PRICE: $1,699.00
• You'll need to buy a 1GB RAM chip for either laptop.
  ProTools needs 1 GB or more.
  PRICE:$ 229
• iLife - Garage Band, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD. GOTTA have iLife.
  PRICE:$ 79
• Digidesign Mbox
  Portable USB-powered 2-in/2-out Pro Tools LE System
  PRICE:$349.97! (sweetwater.com)

There are lots of decisions when you buy a computer. Size of the screen.. how much RAM.. how fast..
It's easy to spend $ 4,000. These are some 'small' choices.
Right now, ProTools runs best on Mac Operating system 10.3.
Be sure to ask about which OS your purchase has.

OPTIONS
I would buy these, money permitting.

• Epson Stylus Photo R200 - Prints directly on ink jet printable CDs/DVDs. A good inexpensive printer.
  PRICE: $99.00
• LaCie 160GB FireWire Hard Drive
  7200 RPM 160GB External FireWire Hard Drive.
  PRICE: $149.00 
• Applecare three year warranty on laptops runs $250-350.
  A good idea for laptops, especially.

iMACS
Need a desktop computer? Buy an iMac. It must have at least 1GHz processor.
It must have at least 1GB RAM. The more RAM, the better the computer runs.
Our Lab computers are 850 mHz & have 512 MB RAM - underpowered.

You can buy refurbished G5 iMacs from Apple for $999.
New iMacs with extra RAM are around $ 1450, or run $ 1650 w/ DVD burner.
You could buy a used iMac desktop, but get a G5 if you do.
I buy music gear from Sweetwater.com often.
The Apple Store is great - there are probably educational discounts and good payment options there.

Don't get me started on condensor mics, keyboards and MIDI.
Too much information there. Send me an email: chris@msbMusicBiz.com

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