Laptop computer

[Fantom addict]

As well as I am buying a Fantom X, I'll also replace my compuiter for a laptop. But what laptop should be ideal? I mean is there a music-production-dedicated laptop or any normal one can do the job?

[Artemiy]

There are "multimedia" laptops indeed, but mostly they mean a fast CPU, good video card and screen rather than an optical digital I/O or a decent sound card.

Anyway, if you're a Windows user, there are too many to choose from - Toshiba, Dell, Lenovo seem to be among the most reliable, maybe also Sony, HP, Asus.

As for the Macs, now these machines *are* great for audio out of the box, both with hardware (optical I/O) and software (GarageBand, a dozeon of AudioUnit plugins).

[Diametro]

I think one of the biggest things you to think about is the hard drive speed ... 4200, 5400, or 7200 I think are the speeds. The higher the better.

The again, if you get an external drive, you don't really need to worry about it. 'Cause they tend to be more 7200.

It really depends how hardcore you're going to be using the lappy for your music production.

Do you want to run just a sequencer or softsynths and a sequencer, too? The last bit is a bit more demanding I understand.

Personally, I don't use softsynths and I keep my sequencing mostly limited to simple arrangement of audio files, chopped up, panned and with some limited effects applied ... I try to do as much as I can on my synths ...

BTW, I have an HP -- the ones released just before everything went dual core -- and it seves me well. But I use that more as desktop replacement -- my older computer became the dedicated audio/video editing terminal -- and for notetaking/story writing for my "real" job as a reporter/photographer/videographer.

good luck!

[Artemiy]

Oh yes, now that Diametro reminded me, be sure to get a dual-core CPU in your laptop. I have an Intel Core Duo system here and it blows a faster-cloked Athnon up to three times.

[Doctor C]

Don't forget about the RAM. Get at least 1 Gb, the more the better. If you're going to use your laptop as a centerpiece of your DAW I would recommend focusing on three things - fast dual-core CPU, a lot of RAM, fast HD. Since laptop upgradeability is usually somewhat limited and quite expensive I would also recommend getting the best components now rather than planning on later upgrades.

[Fantom addict]

To answer Diametro I need it as I will replace my PC that has external drives. For now I am using softsynth & sequencing in the meanwhile, then I,ll have my fantom X and it'll be easier for the computer to run only the editor. But for now
I considered a Macbook with intel Dual Core 2.0 Ghz
good choice? Is the sound ard ok? I m gonna hve to buy a midi to usb converter

[mike acosta]

get a MAC , and if your gonna go PC , def check out the Rain Books , totally optimized strickly for audio and video production out of the box.

Mike Acosta - Roland U.S
www.rolandus.com
Heres the latest video on the MV-8000 ver 3.5
http://www.rolandus.com/products/produc ... on_3_5.flv

[Artemiy]

Fantom addict:

MacBooks seem to be received by users even better than the MacBook Pro's. There is not that much difference between them and Pro models except for the screen, video card and a few other things.

What I'll suggest is if you get a MacBook, max out the HDD (better at 7200 RPM like all guys suggested here), but *do not* buy the RAM from the store, buy it yourself later. Our moderator Nathan recently bought a MacBook with factory 512 MB and then bought two 1 GB sticks, that was like $150 compared to $300 or even more from an Apple reseller.

Also, you'll really be happy with any Mac, not only because of the hardware, but with the amount of great software there is out of the box, and how fantastically the audio/MIDI stuff works there.

[trix]

I heard the powerbook is also good........


??

[Artemiy]

trix:

PowerBooks were based on PowerPC processors and they are no longer in production since around late fall 2005. They have now been replaced by MacBook Pro laptops with dual-core Intel processors. Likewise the iBooks were replaced by MacBooks.

[trix]

So i guess the macbooks are their flagship models??

[Artemiy]

Yes, MacBooks are flagship "affordable" laptops, and MacBook Pros are higher-end laptops. There are also iMac desktops with larger screens and Mac Mini computers. The most powerful desktops, presumably named Mac Pros, should be released at the end of the summer, these are yet the last Macs that haven't yet switched to Intel.

[The Box Drone]

I find myself drooling over these every so often...

http://www.musicxpc.com/index.cfm

__________________________________________
"Real musicans don't need expensive equipment to create... a true artist will make music with anything that is around them." ~ Mom

Pearls of wisdom, no mistake, but I bought a Fantom-Xa anyways

[Artemiy]

"15.4" WXGA TFT screen, 533MHz FSB, 1GB DDR2 533 RAM, Intel Pentium M 1.73GHz, 100GB 5,400RPM HD, DVD+/-RW, FireWire, USB 2.0, Gigabit LAN and our amazing Recovery system. Retail: US $1,899.00"

Hey, but a 15" MacBook Pro with 667 MHz 1 GB RAM would cost just $150 more or so, and it's got a *dual-core* 2.0 GHz CPU... not to mention it runs OS X

[trix]

Artemio,
I see..I have always been a Windows guy..thinking of switching to Mac in the near future.

What did you mean by it hasn't yet switched to intel..I presume u are saying that in the future they will be intel..