Hi, Im a small time musician who is thinking about getting some computer recording gear sometime in the near future. I am proficient enough on both Microsoft and Macintosh software, and have ZERO recording experience with either so that does not matter.

My question is; is the Macintosh Garageband software any good? Is it worth the 300-500bucks extra to buy a mac laptop compared to a pc? Or what is good realtively-inexpensive software ($100-$200).

All I need is something with enough tracks, simple recording, simple editing, and good sound quality. I DO NOT NEED any of that fancy pants realtime-warping or midi syncronizing or what not because I will NEVER USE IT.

Tanks

Desktop PCs are better for recording, IMO.

They're easier to upgrade and they're less expensive.

Garageband is a good way to get started.
I got started with ACID, garageband's predecessor

Id take a MAC over a PC for audio Programs any day. Ive had soo many probs with PC's and audio equipment/softwares. I personally dont like Garageband..its really a frooty new version of ACID....but id get a mac. and invest into Logic. thats all youll need. but if you dont want to spend $$ on a new computer..just stick with what you have...grab like a cheap sound blaster audigy 2 ...audigys are pretty good..cheap and work well with PC's. As for audio programs....if you're gonna be multitracking...look into something cheap like ACID, Cool Edit...i personally like stickin to Cubase SX or Sound Forge..but Acid is a Great program..u can also try dling these cheap and free programs...

AUDACITY, GOLDWAVE. these 2 programs do a lot more than some EXPENSIVE programs can do. :p.

Good article about this here:

Mac or PC in a Professional Environment
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Recording Studio Suntans