Ok, Im not trying to rehash the Mac Vs PC, but ive narrowed down 2 units, one of which Ill be buying. Just need some feedback on which would be the more practical solution. Ill be using the laptop strictly for music work and djing; no internets. I plan to use it with a pr of scs3ds, Ecler Nuo 4 (w/ midid strip), audio interface (tbd) usb hub, an external hd, or maybe a drobo for the future; internal drive will be just for music editing software, traktor, and maybe MIXX software.
Apple 17" Macbook Pro Notebook
2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile
4GB DDR2 (dont know if this is the max)
Mac OS X v10.5
1-FireWire 400
1-FireWire 800
3-USB 2.0 ports
1-ExpressCard/34 slot
HP 15" EliteBook Notebook
Intel Centrino 2 vPro Core 2 Duo T9400 2.53GHz
4GB DDR2 SDRAM; max 8GB
Windows Vista Business w/ downgrade media kit to XP Professional
4- 4-pin Type A USB 2.0 ports
1- FireWire 400
1- eSATA port
1- ExpressCard/54 slot
Removing operating system issues from the comparo, just based on the specs, which would you reccomend?
If you’ve got the money to burn, I would say go with a MacBook pro, unless you’re willing to make vista work correctly (which is a pain) or just upgrade to windows 7. I’ve also heard nothing but bad things about HP’s laptops, lately, so that could be something to consider. ThinkPads, though, are helluh sturdy and give you great customer service if you have problems. I would strongly recommend one with Windows 7 installed on it.
tl;dr: if you’re rich, get the mac. otherwise, look at a thinkpad with windows 7 because LOL HP SUX, AMIRITE?
If it’s the unibody you can go up to 8Gb. But if you say it’s ddr2 I suspect you’re buying a refurbished machine, or second hand.
IMO 17’’ for a laptop is too big… I had a 17’’ and was a pain. Bags are bigger and more expensive, plus it’s heavier. 15’’ is perfect. For the price difference buy an external monitor for working at home…
I’ve never seen someone who had a solidly good experience with an HP laptop.
But 4 USB ports and an eSATA can go a long way toward happiness.
I have a 17" laptop and it can be a pain in the ass, but at the same time it is SO nice to be able to see everything I am doing, instead of having to flip windows.
An HP laptop can be great… if you get the right model. Honestly, out of those two choices, I’d go with the macbook. (and I’m our resident PC laptop whore.)
Don’t get a 17". I have a love hate relationship with mine. If there is the space in the booth and I can get it set up just right, I love the extra monitor space. But sometimes its a little big for the booth. Also its hard to find bags for and when you do its always going to be a pain in your back. I’m actually hoping to at some point next year move down to a 13 or 14 inch laptop.
I have one of the older 13" Macbooks (first gen I think)
Had not a single problem with it, other then some drunk tart dropping a beer on it, which knocked out the battery. It still runs fine as long as its plugged in.
17" is too big though for a Laptop. My roommate last year had one and always complained that he should have just gotten a desktop, since it was more portable then that huge clunker. 15" should be good, and if you really need it, get a monitor for working at home. I gave up on trying to produce with my 13" Laptop and simply got a 23" HP monitor.
Yeah I had the same experience… It’s great to have such a big screen… but that’s the only good thing about it. It’s more expensive, it’s bigger, it’s heavier…
It felt more like an easy moveable desktop than a laptop… that was my experience at least. Now I’m happy with 15’'. Two extra inches don’t really make that big difference.
At home I have an extra monitor for working seriously (design, photo, code, etc). But for djing 15’’ is enough to me.
My roommate has an HP Elitebook. So far that machine has been nothing but problems all over the place. If you have the money, spring for a mac. It’ll save you so much hassle…especially if you’re working with audio.
I like the 17" MBP very much. Moved from the 15" MBP to exactly the model you described and never want to part with it. I currently have hooked up mine with a X-Session, a NanoPAD, a Oxygen8, an Audio8 and a trackball and it works like a charm. I use the FW800 with an external drive and it’s sweet speedwise.
If you can, go for the 1080p display. Traktor is really nice, even though I currently have all 4 FX enabled.
BTW: 17" is not too big. I am carrying mine around almost every day. Not much difference between the 15" and the 17".
Plus the 17" HD-Display is a monster DPI-Wise.
