just another laptop question

I've been lurking this forum for quite sometime now, and I figured it was time to sign up. i have been using my desktop for djing, and i need to go mobile now. Everyone posts "what laptop should i buy," and its too broad a question. my question is this, what is the minimum system requirements i should look for in a laptop to be able to dj effectively and with no glitches? I'm looking into a pc (i know i know) but I'm not sure what i should start with. I'm not looking for a barebones system, but i need to start someplace. thanks for any help you guys can provide, and thank all of you for the vast wealth of knowledge this site is.

peace.

How much you want to spend?

Basically any Core i-based notebook will be powerful enough. However, some Core i laptops ship with problematic drivers that can cause glitches. Therefore, you'd be better off asking for specific laptop models that are known to work well with your preferred audio software.

In order to provide concrete suggestions, we need to know your budget (as mentioned above), your preferred (screen) size, and the country where you will buy.

I am looking at spending 500-600$ no bigger than 15.6", i live in Canada. is it necessary to have a 2GHz processor? I will be looking at dual core, and i am partial to intel chips, but i am not closed off to AMD.
thanks for the help guys

Get a mac if you can afford one, maybe ebay has something decent. if not just keep your pc clear of porn and you'll be fine!

in terms of traktor s4 - 2 ghz core 2 duo is minimum - i'd go for 2.4 myself. traktor scratch pro 1.66 ghz core 2 duo worked fine for me.

U can get an i3 acer with 4gb of ram for 550 look on ebay

Dell Mini 10v = Mac Book Pro for 400 bucks

search hackintosh dell mini, hopefully you aren't that lazy

Or save up and get the MBP. You're going to need OSX's optimized audio drivers.

Quote:

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I'm not looking for a barebones system, but i need to start someplace...

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That's too bad actually. The Intel Spring Peak based laptops are fantastic for audio production if you go with the Intel based graphics and skip the nVidia 330m version. Super low DPC, very expandable, and amazing performance. You could build a monster laptop for DJ use for around $780.

http://www.avadirect.com/product_det...asp?PRID=16999
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-016-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-019-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-280-_-Product

The resulting build would run rings around most of the computers out there at double the price (Spring Peak is a great platform).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by itskindahot

Basically any Core i-based notebook will be powerful enough. However, some Core i laptops ship with problematic drivers that can cause glitches. Therefore, you'd be better off asking for specific laptop models that are known to work well with your preferred audio software.

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Reinstall OS as soon as you get the laptop and this should solve it...but you could specifically look at the sound hardware

Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate the advice. That makes my decision a little easier

peace

1. Compaq Presario F700
2. AMD Turion 64 Dual Core Processor
3. 3GB RAM
4. Windows Vista Home Premium
5. Traktor Scratch Pro
6. Audio 8 DJ
7. Traktor Kontrol X1
8. Novation Dicer
9. 2 Technics 1200

Runs excellent. Never had an issue while doing a live set. No glitches. Very responsive. Still would recommend Windows 7 and 4GB of RAM. The more Ram, the less stress on the processor. The less stress on the processor, the smoother Traktor runs.

If you are not using time code, I think that running 2GB of RAM should be plenty for any controllers that you may be using...

since you aren't partial to AMD and wanting to save a few bucks. I use an HP DV4 2045X.

2.20 GHz AMD Turion II Dual-Core Mobile Processor M500
320 GB (7200 RPM)
Win 7 Pro, 64 bit
ATI Radeon HD 4200 Graphics
4GB RAM (up to 8GB)
14.1" Diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
3x USB 2.0 (1 shared with E-SATA)
HDMI Output

Im running TSP on 4 decks, full FX, 2 controllers and internal and/or external mixing. Never had any crashes, glitches or driver issues. Actually thats a lie my old M-Audio keyboard wont run (non-class compliant drivers).

The laptop is a year old now and still running smooth. Not bad for $549 CDN. I was very pessimistic about using HP but once all the HP crap was taken off it has been a very reliable little machine. It's also my everyday computer so I do my best to keep the registry and internet crap clean.

Im not advocating for HP but they have come a long way and when your limited with your budget like I was its worth looking at.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BennyJ

U can get an i3 acer with 4gb of ram for 550 look on ebay

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Yeah, with $500-600, OP's budget is relatively tight. So I like the idea of looking at Acer laptops. Acer is cheap and offers good bang for your buck.

When you get your new laptop....

1. create the recovery discs
2. wipe the drive's partitions
3. Install Windows 7 CLEAN (i.e. not the recovery images, but preferably from a retail copy of Win7....otherwise you end up with the same laptop you just wiped)
4. install your apps

There's so much bloat-ware on new computers, it's a wonder they even run!

Dell D830 = no issues