17" MacBook Pro 2.93ghz 8gb 500gb & Logic Pro Sessions

[JKIEYZ]

I'm considering converting over to a mac setup for my personal production studio from a custom built pc after using logic over the last month at the current studio I work at.I'm exploring mac computer options and I would prefer to have a portable solution but still have the power of a desktop so I'm considering the following 17" Mac Book Pro specs:

-2.93ghz Intel Core 2 duo
-8gb ddr3 ram -500gb HD w/ 500 gb HD external

This setup will be used for pre-production work (16-20 midi tracks) and rough mixing for my production tracks using all virtual instruments like battery, omnisphere, various eastwest instruments and other VI's I know that are cpu hungry.With that said is a mac book pro with those specs capable of running sessions like this effectively without freezing up or slowing down?

I'm considering either the Apogee Duet or the Apogee Symphony Mobile as the interface options.Whats you advise on this?

If you have experience or advise please feel free to post.

 

[Formant024]

That mac sounds like a real beast imo. I would go for the Duet budget wise if you work mainly ITB and dont see yourself using more than the mac and a controller, than its good for 2 mics or a stereo synth and not simultaniously. But if you're thinking about using a whole lot of outboard stuff then go symphony mobile. You can go alround and hook up the ensemble to it but one step further is the ad16x/da16x and above that is the rosetta 800. Also, if you're more of an engineer/producer than i think the ad16x/da16x is the way to go and you could finish that off with a Cranesong hedd and you have a great production kit, class - a guaranteed. If you're more of a producer that works ITB and wanting to have an option open to be able to adapt to do allround projects then the Ensemble should work well for you as 8/8 io with digital io.