Apple Logic Pro /LogicExpress Discussion

> I'm looking at the new Macs and wondering if the construction is
> completely controlled by them and if any and/or all variations are also
> distributed by them. By variation, I mean less powerful compared to
> more powerful.

They are, yes. The disadvantage of this is that they are less competitive 
(since there's no dozens of companies trying to do the same as the others for 
a dollar less), the advantage is that Apple is in full control over the 
system's design (where no one is for the PC) so they can easily drop any 
legacy and make jumps in technology to optimize hardware and OS to the latest 
standards.

> All reference to Mac's has been as completely assembled units and my
> curiousity leads me to ask how far into the future the hardware that's
> incorporated with the units will go.

Generally, iMacs, eMacs and Mac Minis are not built to be expanded, upgraded 
or modernized. You get what you buy and don't buy them unless they can do 
everything you want. PowerMacs however would be the equivalent of a PC with a 
top-brand motherboard (which these days also has onboard sound, USB, SATA 
etc) and have the same modularity.

> Also, is the hardware different 
> from that of a PC. Ex.. motherboard, processor, etc..

The main difference between a Mac and a PC is its processor (IBM PPC instead 
of x86-derivatives) and hence also the motherboard. However what you connect 
to that motherboard (memory, IDE/ATA/SATA, PCI etc) is according to the 
applicable standards. Indeed the Macs are completely built and, like other 
fixed-built systems like Suns, SGI's and the likes, with high-class (thus 
expensive) components. This makes them reliable but doesn't give you the 
choice to use cheaper parts where you don't care so much.

This whole approach also gives much less hassle with Bios/OS configuration to 
tell your computer what it's actually made of; it will already know. :)

Maurits.