New MAC?

[WesM]

Hey,

I wanted to get some advice from fellow lightwavers on a new mac setup.

I am on a budget so I think the G5 is out of the picture for me. What I want to run is Lightwave, Combustion 2.1, Final Cut Pro 4, and After Effects 5.5. I am doing 3d character work, and motion graphics.

Should I get a dual processor? I know that combustion, and FCP work with duals, but how does LW handle the dual processors?

I was looking at the 1.25ghz G4 with the Radeon 9000 pro and 512mb for $1,311.00. (My wife's a teacher, so I can get education discount!) that price is ok with me. What do you guys think about that system? I am also really interested in a dual processor setup. What would work great, but still be modest in price?

Thanks,

Wes

[Zarathustra]

Yes, LW uses both processors - in Layout, up the threads to "8".

You're asking for trouble with the Radeon card, though. Do a search here and you'll see PAGES of grief over the bug with ATI and Modeler.

I suppose if you have to get a G4, at least get one with something better then a 2X AGP. That's what I'm stuck with at the moment. I think I'll wait for the next, or next next G5s. Maybe by then there might actually be a 64bit application.

[mlinde]

Get the dual 1.25 PowerMac G4 (I'm looking at the education store now).
Boost the RAM to one 512 DIMM from Apple. Change the video card to the GeForce 4 Titanium. This puts you at about $1750, give or take. If you have extra $$, go to Crucial.com and buy at least one more 512 stick for about $85 each (ideally, get two, but you should have at least 1 GB of RAM).

Best combination for your price, just over $1800 for the package.

[WesM]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the advice. I am going to look into the ATI problems. I have some good news! I just did a freelance job that may pay for a Dual G5 setup! I think thats what I am going for. I heard that the Duals are on back order though.

Thanks again,

Wes