Mac versus PC…Need More Info
So I hear that everyone is recommending the Mac over a PC because they are more stable and durable, but can someone tell me would upgrading to a Mac help in my Traktor software freezing problems? I currently have a HP DV laptop with an I3 processor and the last few gigs Traktor has been freezing. Ive always heard Macs are better, but would a Mac prevent this problem??
I own the baseline MacBook Pro 13" from mid-2012 (the last of the non-retina books) and it runs Traktor and my visual software with no issues.
EDIT: inb4 someone calls out the stats in my signature, I HAVE upgraded it since.
Considering that an i3 processer is baseline bottom for intel chips Id say thats your problem right there. How much ram do you have in your laptop the more the better is my motto. Figure if you want to run Tracktor trouble free double the reccomend specs, we all like to multitask 
REQUIREMENTS
Windows 7 or 8 (latest Service Pack, 32/64 Bit), 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
Mac OS X 10.7, 10.8 or 10.9 (latest update), Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
General: Monitor with 1024 x 768 screen resolution, USB 2.0, 1 GB free disc space, high-speed internet required
Do a search for windows optimization before you start (yet another) Mac vs PC flame war 
Your Computer should be well able to handle Traktor assuming its been set up correctly, however thats where the mac is “better”, the software just “works” no tinkering when you take one out of the box and no need for optimization of the OS.
^ And less chance of hardware problems with Audio devices/drivers, at least in my experience. If you want to save cash and don’t mind the chance of having to spend some time troubleshooting go with a PC. If you would rather pay more and get a machine that has a very low chance of having issues with your audio software/hardware go the Mac route. I switched to a Macbook Pro 2 years ago and wouldn’t go back unless I was building a Gaming PC and then I would have both.
Well that’s my point, I’m not sure what PC would handle Traktor (spec wise). From what I’m hearing Mac will handle Traktor straight out the box, and that’s what I need. If I’m going to spend more $$$ for a high end PC, might as well get the Mac if everyone’s reviews are consistent to knowing for sure Mac will handle the job. Right???
If you can afford a Mac, buy a Mac.
If you can’t, buy the most powerful PC that you can, then do something (and this is free!) to make that PC perform as well as it possibly can. Learn how to optimise it for audio!!! It’s a fundamental skill for working with audio. There are tons of step[-by-step guides online. It really is easy to find, and easy to learn.
Those are the options. If you’re not capable of LEARNING how to optimise a PC, then digital DJ’ing is not for you. 'Cos you’re gonna run into all kinds of problems (on Mac and PC) and if you’re not able to handle them, you’re gonna be left with expensive ornaments connected to your computer.
I switched from Mac to PC after years and have to say the PC isn’t much to mange but I do have a technical background.. I have had zero issues with the machine and it’s bloody fast..
So you left behind the Mac and went to PC. That’s rare isn’t it. Lol. Seems like everyone shares by Mac. Lol. What spec do u have on the PC.
I see what you saying Patch. I am very open to learning. I was jus seeking direction on what to do and I think this is very helpful information. I will search on first on how to optimize the PC I currently have to see if that helps my problem. I’ll also research some other sites on how toboptimize. So thanks for at least helping me know where to start.
No sweat. I’ve got some links at home that I’ll put up when I get the chance.
Man that would be great. Again, I appreciate the help.
I have found that the drivers and windows itself are very problematic. It’s nice to have the hardware and the software both in house designs(Mac). Things like midi routing and even ram allocation are better on the Mac OS IMHO. Hardware is hardware really. Mac OS makes the difference.
Be aware that some have reported issues with NI hardware and the new macbook pro’s with the haswell USB3. It has something to do with the USB bus “going to sleep” I believe. I’m in a holding pattern for buying a new Mac until I know it’s been sorted. There’s a thread on the NI website saying that NI and Apple are aware of the issue and are working to resolve it.
Also - Apple are being bastards about repairs in general:
https://illmethodology.com/2014/06/apples-fast-lane-means-slow-repairs-99/
Theres alot of mis-info in that post and basically compares apples to oranges.
Joint Venture is actually an Apple Business to Business service. It operates as an ADD-ON, the same as a maintenance contract between a company and their IT supplier and includes the likes of training and support, software updates etc … for 5 computers/devices and machine loans for repairs that will take more than 24 hours.
The rest of us hand in our machine, and wait until repair is complete before we receive back our OWN machine back, the same as you would with any other computer company.
Apple went above and beyond in my estimation on my last repair (and previous ones) - replacing a faulty 3 year old battery on a non-warratied (and self modifed) Macbook Pro and even left me with my own computer while the new battery was being ordered.
They also never questioned any of the modifications or self-repairs I made e.g. HDD / Replacement LCD, simply noting to me that if those particular repaired parts failed or the repair caused a new issue that it would not be covered under warranty.
I thought that had been rectified a long time ago?
Not as far as I know, still seeing people report issues but I don’t actually have a recent macbook pro so I can’t say I’ve experienced it myself.
The USB 3 issues are slowly being rectified, recent firmware updates to the S4/S2mk2 have helped stop the LED freeze issue. S4/S2mk1 are still having issues and I believe they won’t be able to fix it due to older USB chipsets in these devices. X1mk1, A8DJ and A4DJ are having mixed results, once again older USB chipsets. I believe that whenever they release TP3 they will drop support for these devices.
TA6, TA10(mk1 & 2) and TA2mk2 seem to be working with Traktor fine, TA2mk2 having a few issues without PSU (not actually supplied) on some iPads. X1mk2, F1 & Z1 all seem to be working fine although some people are needing to install Controller Manager.
Back to topic … I use either my MacBook Pro 13" Retina or MacBook Air 11" when playing live (same library, OS and Traktor settings) but also have a gaming PC desktop at home that I use for basic production that has certainly been optimised and I use an RME interface so drivers are spot-on. I’ve found that the MacBooks are very reliable for use live and I’ve done almost nothing to them other than run Onyx every now and then (like every 3 months).
Today where I work I had a kid bring in his PC laptop and DDJ-SX … He said that he’s just had it cleaned due to virus’ and that he couldn’t get Serato working. So it’s a school laptop, ASUS 13" something with i5-4200U, 8GB RAM, Win7 Pro64 and clearly due to the minutes it took to boot up a traditional HDD. Re-install current drivers, swap the USB port and it all works, all-be-it extremely slow to boot and open applications. Checking what’s running and the main culprit seemed to be Intel Rapid Storage running around 20% CPU, stop that and things were better but not flash. Ask him if he’s done any optimisation and I get a blank look.
The laptop is clearly up to the task, although an SSD would have certainly helped the situation. Given that and a bit more time on optimisation I’m sure I could have gotten it to what I would deem “acceptable” … But that would probably only be the same as my 3 year old 2011 MacBook Air 11" that I’ve done virtually nothing to!
In short, if you have the time and want to learn about making your PC run well (actually a good skill to have) then stick with PC, if you need something up and running for gigs sooner than later with little effort other than adapting to a new OS then go a Mac. Either way make sure you get an SSD, it makes the world of difference to both OS’s.
