need recommendation on laptop or tower

[yukonaddie]

in my life's grand tradition of doing things backwards, i have a new tascam us-122 interface. the laptop i've been using doesn't have the processing power to run this thing and still function faster than a box turtle. so, i need a new system. i'd like it be portable, but it's not necessary. budget is more of a factor for me at this point($500~ ?).

can anyone recommend a system or setup that will get the job done? mac or pc, new or used, i could go either way...

thanks

-mike t

[richiebee]

What software do you want to run on it? What kind of material will you work with? How many tracks (roughly)? MIDI?

$500 isn't a lot of money for an off the shelf computer. You can probably forget a decent laptop and Mac's in this budget.

[brandondrury]

i'd like it be portable, but it's not necessary.

If it's not necessary, don't bother. The "what if" thing ends up being VERY expensive in the long run.

You can probably forget a decent laptop and Mac's in this budget.

My dad snagged a laptop for $400 with 2GB of RAM and an Intel Duo. I was surprised to see such a bargain. This computer is surely faster than my last recording computer which I did about a zillion records on. (Mostly wav files, no synths or samples at the time). I'd guess it is faster than my current recording rig.

I guess it depends on how we define "decent".

I saw a Compaq at Walmart for $400 that shocked me at how inexpensive it was. I'm sure I'd still hate it if i bought it but that doesn't mean anyone else would hate it.

[the.blode]

To be honest, I think you're best off using the internet's vast resources to learn yourself how computers are put together and then buying parts separately (or starting with a barebones) .. MAC are pricey and unjustifiable, particularly with a budget. I"d recommend getting a tower, they are always going to be more versatile and more stable (generally.)

Remember to prioritise what parts are more necessary.. it's not worth spending extra money on a recording computer just because it has an nVidia graphics card, or because it comes with a 22" widescreen monitor.

With that budget I'd recommend an AMD processor - dual core would be preferable - (intel are almost always more expensive), with whatever motherboard will support it. Minimum 1G of RAM, Xp rather than Vista, with plenty of options to install additional hardware down the line.

My (two week old) current computer cost me around $2200AUD ($1980 USD) and was something I've put together myself. If I'd bought a similar computer at a prepackaged retail price it probably would have been twice that.. This computer is necessary NOW, though I got away with a much much less powerful computer for several years of recording - it's probably worth about $50 now.

[brandondrury]

My (two week old) current computer cost me around $2200AUD ($1980 USD) and was something I've put together myself. If I'd bought a similar computer at a prepackaged retail price it probably would have been twice that.. This computer is necessary NOW, though I got away with a much much less powerful computer for several years of recording - it's probably worth about $50 now.

Also keep in mind that it won't be too long before tha $2000 computer is also worth $50.

Brandon

[the.blode]

Originally Posted by brandondrury

Also keep in mind that it won't be too long before tha $2000 computer is also worth $50.

Brandon

The rate at which computer technologies are advancing now, it probably already is!

[rockamont]

all i got to say is portable vs power

for 500 quid youll get a shit hot comp or an average to shit laptop!!

but that other dude was right build it yourself it really is easy or go to a small indapendant shop (not f**king dell or pc world) they will usually put it together if you buy all the parts from them!

the problem is the change between 32 and 64 bit thats up to you but as far as im awair most of the softweir will only run at 32bit anyways? someone else might be able to advise both of us on that one?

[mikromort]

PcMus, Quiet Music Pc's Australia. Computer Tips


Here's a great website regarding things you should look for when buying or building a computer. I found it real usefull. Things I never knew a about like front side busses, hard drive speeds and many other things are listed here. You really want to chose a system for it's stability over it's speed when recording.

I'd say get a tower if you want something cheaper. I also thought about the laptop idea, but if you're going somewhere you're probably going to be carrying amps, drums, pa, mics, mic stands and 5 million other things so what's the dif to carrying a keyboard, screen and mouse? A tower is still portable, it's not like it's screwed to the wall.

I have another question though, has anyone ever tried using an external usb hard drive and how well did it work if you have.

[Jones]

Get suggestions from here to buy laptop, Laptop reviews, advice on how to buy laptops (buying guide)

[brakeonthroo]

I think Mac Mini might get the job done, but you can't do heavy duty mixes with it.