I've finally stepped up and bought a decent PC for the studio. My 1997 era Pentium died after returning from a trip to Vancouver in October. I won't go on about the specs, because I'm sure I'll be wearing a watch with more computing power in a few years.

I've used PC based software on some of my previous tracks, but in a limited capacity. I'm really looking forward to checking out all these plug ins I've accumulated over the years, but was never able to use on the old computer. The dream of having everything available in one place on one piece of gear is finally a reality!

Putting aside the virtual software vs. hardware debate, I've come across a bigger issue with this new PC sitting alongside my gear in the studio. Distractions...

Some of my friends don't even have a phone in their studio, and it's been a constant battle trying not the check my e-mail and surf with the old studio computer. This new PC takes things to a different level. Now I have to contend with not watching DVD's, or editing videos on the desktop. What? Wanna pause the live TV /college radio feed? No problem! Oh, it acts as a TIVO like video recorder too.

I wonder if I'll ever get down to making music with this thing.