Softbox or PLM - Alienbee

I'm going to pick up and AB800 or two, im not sure whether i want to PLM umbrellas or softboxes.

simple studio portraits and some boudoir.

thoughts?

Softboxes will provide softer, more controllable light but cost more and are more bulky. The PLM system is versatile, e z to set up (w/o the covers), and cheaper. Pick your poison. With your subject matter, I'd go softbox and add a beauty dish. I recently purchased all of the above and find myself using the softboxes and BD the most, but everybody is different and all products will give nice results. The BD is very nice and is much easier to maneuver in the studio. If you plan to shoot outside, the BD will be much easier to use than an umbrella or SB because of the smaller surface area.

Softboxes are more controllable but not softer. A lot depends on what you want to do. If you want huge soft light the large PLM is the cheapest way to do it. But the thing is huge. In all likelihood you are going to want both, so maybe start with one or the other or both if its in your budget.

Shut the PLM half-way down to mimic a softbox. Get the PLM first.

I have several different softboxes and strip boxes as well as a couple of PLMs. I find myself using the 86" soft silver PLM indoors the most out of all of my modifiers, but they all have their uses. I also just got the white cover for the big PLM and plan on trying it out tonight to see how it does compared to a large softbox.

PLM with the diffusion cover acts as a cheaper, more efficient, octabox. I had the softboxes and then made the switch to PLMs. Very happy.

Softboxes with grids for maximum control of edge spill.
PLM is more focused light source than a soft box without a grid.
PLM with front panel is about like a soft box without grid, maybe a bit wider edge.

I rarely get out my big soft boxes anymore. PLMs are controllable, easy to setup and deliver very nice light. If you go HERE most of the galleries were shot with PLMs. A couple with soft boxes and Kelsey was done with a single 28" beauty dish some with a diffusion sock.
Most were done in living rooms or hotel suites. Some in studio.