just another laptop question

[dripstep]

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

peace

[DJ SKILLZ]

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...

[tekkon]

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.

[itskindahot]

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

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.

[Nosferatu]

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