I've been using the same computer for the last 4 years and I don't have a problem with it. I've been known to run up to 12 tracks loaded with synths and plugins. Many of them are not pg softsynths. I run a drum synth called DR005, an old outdated synth. Then I use DX plugins and VST synths. I've recorded using ASIO4ALL since the only card I'm using now is a simple $30 soundblaster card.

This computer has 2 gigs of memory, 2.3 gighz processor, 1 100 gig PCI hard drive, one SATA 500 gig hard drive and 1 1 terrabyte ext drive.

I'm running windows xp sp3. I've got 3 different email accounts running. I have windows menu bars galore, half of which I don't use. The system is a 32 bit single processor type by AMD.

I've found that, when the system gets over loaded and starts stuttering, I just switch it over to ASIO to do my recording with. That also eliminates any sync offset my software produces.

One last thing you have to remember. To run a really great DAW you need to shut down a lot of background software. (TSR's) Also there are a lot of windows apps running that probably never get used. Best thing is to eliminate them altogether. Shut down any screen saver. Those are only good for eyecandy now as the new screens don't burn. There are web sites out there dedicated to setting a PC up as a DAW. Use google or bing and look 'em up.

Last but not least, don't think a MAC is always going to be a fast, smooth, running machine. Sooner or later it's gonna get bloated just like PC's do. Software for the MAC is gonna cost more and will probably do way less.

About BIAB for MAC. My understanding is Pgmusic just came out with the latest version for it with real instruments. But many of the features found on the PC version are not included for the MAC version.

Now one of my grandsons has a MAX and swears by it. He says that it's so fast. But I'll give it another year and he'll be griping about slow downs due to software and internet gloat. It's just part of the problem.

There is one thing to consider. Just because the MAC isn't troubled much with viruses doesn't mean they're not on the way. It's just a matter of time before the hack-heads come up with something to mess 'em up. Life just ain't no fun if these loose cannons can't come up with some kind of problems for MAC users too.

My 2½¢ worth of thought.

Russ
Anyday above ground is a good day

Computer is Hp Pavillion Vision
6 Ghz quad core AMD processor
8 Gig memory
1 TB hard drive
6 GB hard drive
Windows 7 Premium
Loose nut behind the keyboard laugh