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Decent Laptop for music production? (pg. 2)
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| DigiNut |
| quote: | Originally posted by Djack
Make sure componets fit together and someone chooses them who has knowledge - dont get one of those, where they mix desktop-components with notebook stuff.
I don't have that knowledge, so can't give you that much good advice. But dont care to much about cpu. 1.6/1.8 Ghz laptop-cpu can be faster than 3,0 desktop. There are Laptops with 3 Ghz cpu, but they actually run at 1,2 Ghz. |
I don't even know where to begin on what's wrong with this post... |
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| btm |
| quote: | Originally posted by DigiNut
I don't even know where to begin on what's wrong with this post... |
lol |
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| echosystm |
| quote: | Originally posted by DigiNut
*sigh*
Could you please stop being such a fanboy?
Macbooks are practically the same hardware as ordinary Wintel laptops anyway. Especially if he's going to run Windows on it, what you're saying just doesn't make any sense. How could it be better for production when it's got the same specs and the same OS?
Oh right, because IT'S A MAC!!!!!!!111one
To the OP: rules are the same when you're buying a laptop or a desktop. Get a dual core. Get at least 1 GB of RAM, preferably 2. Make sure it's got a 7200 RPM hard drive inside, not one of those awful 5400's. Don't rely on the built-in sound, you'll need an external inteface and that means you should look for a laptop with decent built-in Firewire. And do not buy those ridiculous ultra-portables, they skimp on everything in order to reduce the footprint and if you really can't carry an extra pound then you need to start exercising more.
As a brand, Toshiba is alright. So is Asus. So is Apple (Macbooks) for that matter. Alienware is a giant ripoff and they're pretty much tailored toward games anyway. I don't think there's anything wrong with Dell or HP either, the only thing you have to be aware of is that they preinstall a bunch of on it so you'll want to reformat and reinstall the OS as soon as you get it.
Acer, Gateway, eMachines, any of those cheapsie brands - yeah, you'll want to stay away from those, they're . If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. |
Dude, I BUILT PC laptops for 2 years.
I'm a Mac fanboy because I know nothing comes close in terms of build quality. Software doesn't matter because they're pretty much all the same these days (except Sony - they suck). Like I said, it is safe to assume ASUS are similar build quality as Macs since Apples, Sony's and a few other high end brands come out of the ASUS factory. ALTHOUGH Toshiba come from the shame house factories as Dells (usually Compal), the Satellite Pro line are usually of the higher graded components from different suppliers.
You probably didn't know that though.
So there is a reason behind my fanboy-ness ;) |
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| echosystm |
| Also, just in case you didn't know, laptops usually die alot quicker than PCs (PCs don't get dragged around everywhere!). Component quality counts. ALOT. |
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| echosystm |
Also, with Dell and Acer you're pretty much guaranteed to get bottom of the barrel type stuff (compare the motherboards on a Dell to an Apple and you will see what I mean... you will get VIA vs. Texas Instruments). They have the buying power, but they still buy crap. VIA firewire for your sound card? You will probably have problems. Poor quality cardbus? You will still have problems with a Texas Instruments card.
Don't be naieve DigiNut, you can't compare things on paper. |
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| kitphillips |
| quote: | Originally posted by DigiNut
*sigh*
Could you please stop being such a fanboy?
Macbooks are practically the same hardware as ordinary Wintel laptops anyway. Especially if he's going to run Windows on it, what you're saying just doesn't make any sense. How could it be better for production when it's got the same specs and the same OS?
Oh right, because IT'S A MAC!!!!!!!111one
To the OP: rules are the same when you're buying a laptop or a desktop. Get a dual core. Get at least 1 GB of RAM, preferably 2. Make sure it's got a 7200 RPM hard drive inside, not one of those awful 5400's. Don't rely on the built-in sound, you'll need an external inteface and that means you should look for a laptop with decent built-in Firewire. And do not buy those ridiculous ultra-portables, they skimp on everything in order to reduce the footprint and if you really can't carry an extra pound then you need to start exercising more.
As a brand, Toshiba is alright. So is Asus. So is Apple (Macbooks) for that matter. Alienware is a giant ripoff and they're pretty much tailored toward games anyway. I don't think there's anything wrong with Dell or HP either, the only thing you have to be aware of is that they preinstall a bunch of on it so you'll want to reformat and reinstall the OS as soon as you get it.
Acer, Gateway, eMachines, any of those cheapsie brands - yeah, you'll want to stay away from those, they're . If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. |
Yes alienware are overpriced, but they are the only brand i know of where you can have more than 100 gig HD at 7200 RPM. Anything less than 100 gig is really not adequate, and you do need 7200 RPM. Hence my recomendation. Also don't count on the toshiba's neccesarily being good quality, I hear ASUS is much better. My entire family have toshibas adn have had a number of problems, to the point where one of them had to be sent back. The batteries have been an issue as well. |
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| Fledz |
| quote: | Originally posted by echosystm
Get a Mac.
If you run PC, get a Mac and install Windows on it.
DO NOT get a Dell, Acer, LG (MSI), MSI, HP, Compaq, Samsung or any other brand out of the big 3 (or is it 2 these days? I forget) factories.
There aren't really any PC brands that compare to Macs for music production, but if I had to choose one, I would go with a Toshiba Satellite Pro. They *usually* have clean power, despite being from the budget manufacturers. You might want to check that out though... somehow.
ASUS might be a contender, as they're made in the same factory as Apple, depends if they use the same quality AC adapters though. Whilst Sony are also manufactured largely by ASUS, their software support isn't up to scratch, so I would avoid them too. |
Errr....ok...
I've got a Dell XPS M1710.
100gb HDD 7200RPM
2.16ghz Core 2 Duo
2gb SDRAM 667 Mhz
Onboard High-definition audio with subwoofer :wtf: (more than good enough while on the move. You can fine tune everything when you get to a studio and hook up an external audio card).
etc etc
If you don't need an uber GPU like me (Geforce 7950 GTX w00t) then you can save about $400 and it will be in the same price range as a mac, or even cheaper.
The only bad thing is that apparently the firewire isn't TI but a Ricoh ( I know) so there might be some problems. I haven't tested this yet so I can't say too much about it but apparently some people haven't had any troubles. Just don't get an M-Audio external. They don't work, period.
Don't go telling people that they must get a mac. State your opinion but don't be a mac fanboi and preach. Yes mac's are good (apart from the OS which is utter ), but a high end laptop like the Dell XPS can easily match and beat it. Mine sure does, and since I like playig games on it too ocassionaly, it wipes the floor with a mac.
To the OP, if you go for an XPS here's a few things you should know:
* It's about 4kg so can get a bit heavy after a while. Make sure you have a good bag to carry it but for me it's ok.
* When you order it, ask them to not preinstall anything and to send you the original WIN cd, NOT the Dell recovery WIN cd.
* The problems with the firewire that I mentioned. Definitely do some research on that.
* The parts are NOT cheap (apart from the firewire, but yes, I almost killed Dell for not stating that).
* Battery is fine. Even with a 17" screen, I easily get over 2hours on battery. Plus you can always score a free second battery from Dell or a free RAM upgrade.
* Be prepared to spend a hefty amount of money, but then again you will spending roughly the same amount for a mac or any other laptop with the same specs.
That's about it. Sorry I can't give any more info on other brands. Just ask if you have any questions :) |
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| echosystm |
| quote: | Originally posted by Fledz
Errr....ok...
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All you have done is compare specs. That says nothing about build quality. Your point is invalid.
This is like saying a "PC Chips" motherboard with an Intel chipset is as good as a Gigabyte or Abit motherboard with an Intel chipset. It's not... It's a POS.
I'm not being a fan boy, I'm stating fact. I don't even have a Mac. You're just having a cry because I'm saying there is something out there better than what you bought. |
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| Fledz |
Yes, because we all know how trustworthy computer technicians are, and how you're so Godly with your knowledge that your uber experience with PCs makes you the king of what's good and what's not.
Here's some advice, be objective but be fair. Point out the positives aswell as the negatives.
Oh and most of all, get down from your high horse and pull the stick out of your ass. It's jammed too far up. |
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| echosystm |
| quote: | Originally posted by Fledz
Yes, because we all know how trustworthy computer technicians are |
, busted :(
I'm really just doing this all to mislead everyone. I'm paid by Apple to spread conspiracy across the interwebs. :rolleyes:
| quote: | Originally posted by Fledz
and how you're so Godly with your knowledge that your uber experience with PCs makes you the king of what's good and what's not.
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Who would you rather listen to... a plumber?
I'm going to stay out of this thread. Clearly too many people with blurred realities from their own spending habits. :p
Poster - I suggest you listen to people who know what they're talking about. It's up to you to decide who that is. I'll leave it at that. |
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| Fledz |
I have no problems with you expressing your views, save for the fact that you're completely biased to one side.
The guy wants to know about as many options as possible, not just one thing that someone says is the best and completely writes of all others for no real good reason.
Sorry if I'm a bit harsh but someone had to say it. |
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