Mike S

I'm thinking of releasing some of my work as donationware and would like it to work on windows and mac. I have previously tried putting windows on my mac but it didn't run particularly well and for some reason I couldn't use my soundcard (focusrite saffire).

Anyway, I'd like to run Max/MSP on the machine and use it for building the applications and perhaps some platform specific tweaking. It might be handy to have a half decent graphics card too, as I envisage delving in to Jitter at some point.

I don't have an exact budget yet but imagine it to be somewhere in the region of £400. I don't really fancy building one as I have enough on my hands at the moment. I've been looking on here for pre built machines 

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=43

Also, do I have to worry about operating systems? How does Max run on the XP/Vista/7? And do I want 32 or 64 bit?

Finally, I think I don't think I need a laptop as I've already got one, but is there any case for one in this instance?

I don't have an exact budget yet but imagine it to be somewhere in the region of £400. I don't really fancy building one as I have enough on my hands at the moment. I've been looking on here for pre built machines http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=43

relatively-cheappowerful-windows-machine-for-maxmsp

If you are using a Mac with an intel pcu most likely your stuff will port to PC without issue.

Max runs fine on XP/Vista/W7 but is much happier on a Mac from what I see, crashes less.

Unless you are planning on using additional software that will utilise a 64bit architecture, there is no advantage to running Max on anything other than 32bit windows.

Surely you know someone with a PC that can run checks for you?

It's really not worth spending £400 to check patches; unless you have money to burn.

don't waste your time and money.
If you are using a Mac with an intel pcu most likely your stuff will port to PC without issue.
Max runs fine on XP/Vista/W7 but is much happier on a Mac from what I see, crashes less.
Unless you are planning on using additional software that will utilise a 64bit architecture, there is no advantage to running Max on anything other than 32bit windows.
Surely you know someone with a PC that can run checks for you?
It's really not worth spending £400 to check patches; unless you have money to burn.


yes but i can't build a bloody windows version on a mac can i?

in any case, i miss windows and would like a machine of my own.

i bought a used IBM ThinkPad T60 with Pen4 for $400 five years ago,

and i still use it as my main machine. it's a laptop.

i don't know the pricing now but probably around $50~100 today i guess.

i don't use Jitter at all so i can't comment on that,

but as far as max and msp are concerned, it works fine with no huge frustration.

i bought a used IBM ThinkPad T60 with Pen4 for $400 five years ago,
and i still use it as my main machine. it's a laptop.
i don't know the pricing now but probably around $50~100 today i guess.

i don't use Jitter at all so i can't comment on that,
but as far as max and msp are concerned, it works fine with no huge frustration.


yes, by used, if you are going to buy at all, look on ebay for a used/refurbished Dell Inspiron/Studio etc., you should be able to pick up something perfectly adequate for no more than £200. Even the cheapest bare bones system at OC's gets pricey once you add on the required extras.

Relatively Cheap/Powerful Windows Machine for Max/MSP