Hi need help! 2.2 or 2.4? Logic and maybe some video, I like GLOSSY!

Question

First off, I like the glossy and for video, crucial stuff, I could always get a 30" or whatever MATTE display for that down the road, but right now I can not seem to find any BENCHMARKS on 2.2 vs 2.4 for say LOGIC and how many more plug-ins you would get or not get.
Right now on a Mac Pro (work) and was wondering if anyone knew where I could find such an article that compared the two for audio and or video use and how much of a gain would you get with the extra 200 which is really equal in old school to about 350 more megahertz and the extra 128MB of VIDEO.
If someone could please explain as I plan on ordering one sometime next week.
Thanks.
P.S. Is it really a desk top replacement? Can it do the job with or without the added 7200 RPM drive? Is the USB or FIREWIRE 800 HD's fast enough to stream say orchestral samples without choking?
In order of priority:
a) Rock and Roll (Analog, Vocals, guitar (but plug in), bass, then plug ins for drum machines, still not sure on whether to go LOGIC or LE (I know, its a huge rip off (LE from Digi), but I like their Digi Strike - am hoping that Logic 8 and Groove Agent 3 will solve some of this.
Lastly, how many displays can you drive from a MBP? Can you drive two? Do you think that will be a feature to come, or should I just get a Mac Pro and say the heck with it at home!
Thanks!

Answer 1

You will likely not find benchmarks for Logic as the HD and other internal components will play a huge roll in the performance you get from the applications and various plug-ins. Plug-ins put different strains on your processor, depending on the level of processing each plug-in requires.
No, the MacBook Pro isn't a desktop replacement when it's being used for audio recording and mixing, especially when you compare it to a Mac Pro. No way will it beat out a maxed out eight-core Mac Pro. You'll get night and day performance differences in these two machines.
It sounds like you'll be working with 4 tracks of stereo .. or possibly 10 mono tracks? If you state specifics about your method of recording and play-back and what audio interface you intend to use, we'll have a better idea of exactly how many tracks and plug-ins you actually intend/need to use simultaneously. Also, which plug-ins are you intending on using per channel? Are you going to utilize sends for global FX or rather, assigning fx to each and every channel separately?
As to the external displays you intend on using, will one not be enough? You can attach up to a 30" cinema display if you buy the 256mb upgrade option (NVidia 8600m GT) using dual display mode to assign separate windows to each display.
As to the difference you'll see by utilizing that upgrade, check this link out: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/graphics.html
My purchase advice is this if you MUST purchase a MacBook:
2.4 MacBook Pro
2GB of RAM
7200rpm Internal 160GB HD Option
Logic Express 7 (if you haven't used logic, there is a big, not huge learning curve - be warned) It's incredibly powerful.
You said LE is a rip off? Of what? Pro Tools HD - yes, Logic 7? No. These two applications couldn't be more different. Logic is a sequencer/audio recorder and mixer/midi recorder with a fully customizable mixing environment and Pro Tools is the industry standard for audio editing, recording and mixing digital audio. Logic allows you to use stereo tracks and Pro Tools uses mono (split-stereo) tracks like you'll see in every professional recording studio.
Go with Pro Tools LE if you think you'll be using mostly audio recordings versus utilizing midi-styled sequencing of audio units instruments. The MIDI and virtual instrument implementation within Logic is far superior to Pro Tools in my opinion.
If you're looking for a great virtual rock-n-roll drummer plug-in, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by overlooking Quantum Leap Ministry of Rock. This plug-in also features guitar and bass instruments sure to please any rocker. For orchestral samples, try Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra plug-ins.
What's your budget for this recording rig you're planning on putting together? Also, what are you planning on monitoring your output with? ADAM S2.5A studio monitors? Genelec 8050A monitors? Mackie HR824 mk2s?
What are you using for a DAC? The Benchmark DAC-1?
More details please...