I've used only Max in XP in the first versions, and at that time, pd was
much more reliable - you just had to make a metro->bang to have instant
rubato in max. But that was 4 years ago, I don't know how it is now. for
sure is better. max also crahed more often than pd at that time. but that
was the first edition of max for windows.
I myself have no problems with midi on xp (general audio + Multiface), and
never understood why that message is there. maybe that depends on your
hardware?
Pd's GUI is very unefficient, but you'll only be affected if you use it
extensively, or in the "wrong" way. that usually doesn't happen much - but
it can happen. better to give concrete examples.
There's been a lot of talk here of late about PD not being terribly well optimised in lots of ways - GUI drawing, and potentially other areas. I'd always assumed (naively) that being less impressive to look at, PD was probably quicker (in equivalent circumstances) than MAX.
As such, (and not having much cash for high powered PCs or software)
when I came to pick between MAX and PD, I picked PD. Was I wrong in assuming that PD runs more efficiently than MAX
(specifically on XP)? I'm not sure I can afford MAX anyway, so the question is pretty
much academic, but I'm interested to know peoples' thoughts on the matter. Especially as I've recently come up against PD's issues with Midi inputs
on XP (screws my shutdown every time I try to use midi inputs). Ta Dan