Hi there. I currently run Logic 8 on my pre-Intel single processor 1.6 kHz IMac (OS 10.4.11; 2 MB RAM), but I'm in the market for an upgrade. I often run into problems when I use many tracks (8-14), especially when using a variety of sounds and plug-ins; it simply bogs down and stops running. I am on my way to becoming a pro, but I'm not there yet, so I don't think I'll be working at a huge scale quite yet, though I have done orchestral pieces with 40+ total tracks of virtual instruments. I would love to be able to do so without being forced to bounce down every few hours. I'd like some opinions on the two choices I'm considering: 24" IMac or an entry-level Mac Pro tower. The price of the tower is likely about a thousand more than the IMac, but if I use higher quality orchestral sample banks, will I encounter the same problem on the newer IMac?

Hi Sammy, This is a tough question to answer... A year or so ago I would have advised the Mac Pro hands down, but the recent iMacs are very powerful. It's likely you'll be able to do 40 tracks - depends on the virtual instruments. Of course, the Mac Pro's are expandable and you can add and use a variety of hardware that will keep it as a viable option for your studio for longer than an iMac. If money & space were of no concern I would suggest the MacPro... However, there are rumors that the iMac will be getting a quad core processor sometime soon... and the MacPro is also due for a new model release: [url]http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#iMac[/url] Hope this helps, Rounik