Laptop vs. Desktop Advice

[erik_ghoulet]

I'm in the market for a new machine and would like some input from anyone out there recording with their computer. In the past I've used desktops but would prefer a laptop so I can run drum machines/sequencing in a live setting in addition to home recording. But I've heard that with laptop stability can be an issue. I'm not going to be recording a dozen tracks at a time or anything but would like to have some sequencing going and record a few direct lines/mikes at the same time.

In the past I have used a PC w/ Windows and ran Cakewalk w/ some sort of audio/MIDI interface and linked up Reason or external modules for drum/synth sounds. I'm not ruling out Macs but am not familiar with them (and I'd like to spend less $$$ if I can help it.) I'm not commited to any specific software, I'm curious about the new Reason/Record coming out but I don't believe it has MIDI out capability (I could just use Reason's drum/synth sounds and skip external modules, so this might not be an issue.)

I'm not a techie by any stretch (obviously) but I have a fair grasp of audio editing/programming/sequencing etc. Not so knowledgeable about other aspects of computers. So let me know what you think, I'm happy to give more info if requested. Thank you in advance!

[Hellbastard]

Modern Laptops are more than capable of recording multiple tracks without a lot of problems, and without latency issues. I have 2009 Samsung r60 that run very smoothly.

The only inconvenient with Laptops, at least in my case, is that they tend to overheat when you demand them to perform demanding tasks, such as recording multiple channels and reproducing audio at the same time. I don't know if that is an issues with newer models. My laptop was about 500€, probably higher end models don't have that issue.

[ga_edwards]

The main inconvenience I would see with a laptop is screen size. A big screen is essential to keeping an eye on several tracks at once with minimum faff. So either spec up a large screen laptop, or allow for an additional large monitor you can plug into. The latter might be preferable as you can have different views/things on each screen ie mixer on one, plugins on another.

Modern laptops are more than capable of doing what you require. They are far superior to desktops of 10 years ago which have produced a lot bigger tracks than you're intending.

[Rockman]

If you are going to get a laptop with windows I strongly suggest you check out Lenovo Thinkpads. They have some of the best prices for features and are built like tanks. Plus their service is fantastic, even for a home user.

[Electricblue]

A laptop would be a more convenient, quieter option. The downsides being the fact they are pretty much un-modifiable, the lack of spec compared to a desktop, and the fact that most of them are on Vista.

Get a decent laptop with XP. Everything is compatible with XP pretty much, and it doesn't suck up resources. Also, dump a load of extra RAM in there. 2gb is sufficient.

[Stumbo]

I"m in the same mode as the OP. Anyone use a desktop with Win7 for recording? What's in your desktop that a laptop can't do?

[Stumbo]

If you haven't check out the recording setup up sticky, it may help. Post your Studio! <Talkbass Edition! v.01>

[seamonkey]

It's hard to find a PC or Laptop that wouldn't work for a typical recording/hosting DAW.

For music, I use a Windows 7 x64 mini-form desktop that is about the size of book. Memory is cheap for desktops. Big disk drives are cheap in this format. You don't need that much CPU to do recording or live use of VST effects or VSTi's. I do this because I can dedicate this computer to just music. I don't run any firewalls or AV or any extra crap because I don't have to. Windows 7 is a very stable platform.
I strap it to a shelf in a rack.

I have a laptop also, I can remote desktop into the desktop to run everything from the laptop, but it's actually all running on the desktop. I could do the same thing with a Mac mini if I wanted. And I might add one eventually. Most all the software you buy that also has a mac version, you can easily transfer license over to Mac.

The best place to buy a laptop and/or mini-form PC is at Costco. You can try it for 90 days and if it doesn't work out - you can take it back. No hassle. Alas, no Macs though.

[ga_edwards]

Originally Posted by Electricblue

A laptop would be a more convenient, quieter option. The downsides being the fact they are pretty much un-modifiable, the lack of spec compared to a desktop, and the fact that most of them are on Vista.

Get a decent laptop with XP. Everything is compatible with XP pretty much, and it doesn't suck up resources. Also, dump a load of extra RAM in there. 2gb is sufficient.

I don't know where you shop, but almost every new laptop for sale comes with Windows 7 that is far superior to Vista. It has also of Vista's good bits but with the speed of XP.

Whilst you're correct that XP is stable and resource friendly, it's also very old and support will be dropped in favour of Win 7 by third party manufacturers. Better to get the latest system that will have a longer lifespan. All the big guns have support for Win 7 by now.

[Venom of God]

Windows 7 is more than adequate, I was a die hard XP user for nine years or something (never even considered Vista) and love Win 7. Support for it is great now and it runs smooth as silk, with less issues than even XP I find. Plus you have the option of using a LOT more RAM (XP is limited to only 3gig unless you get the 64bit version).

As for laptops, they are great if you need portability but not much else. Cooling is definitely an issue, they are a lot louder despite what someone else said (smaller fans make more noise, plus they are working harder due to laptops heating up more and you don't have the option of huge heat sinks to lessen the load off fans like a desktop does), harder to upgrade, less room for extra hard drives (audio files get BIG), a lot less bang for buck and a lot less screen real estate. You also don't have anywhere near the amount of USB ports that you can get on a PC, nor is it as easy to add Firewire or even Thunderbold when that becomes available for us (not that you'll need it).

A lot are also only dual core (even the i5's), which may or may not be an issue for you and out of the box they are going to have all this power saving rubbish turned on which will lessen performance and take some playing around with.

I would never buy a computer without building it myself these days, so if you have a friend that can help you with that you're in for a much better deal. Something similar to one of these may suit you:
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/rmp_sg_...urpose_configs

[thehess]

At this stage, you should be able to get excellent performance on either a laptop or desktop.

• You will want to consider going 64 bit, since that gives the OS access to more than 3GB RAM. I have seen great deals on 6 and 8GB laptops. The issue here is drivers. I have run into some cheaper gear that either didn't have 64 bit drivers, or whose drivers didn't work.
• The other consideration is ports: Everything I use is USB 2.0 compatible (M-Audio interfaces, Korg Pandora, Akai MPK49, Lodigy USB trigger). My desktop has 8 ports. My laptop? Only 2. You can get USB expansion hubs, but that's another thing to carry around.
• If you are going to use the laptop at home, you will still end up with monitors, etc. and will likely want to pick up a docking station or port replicator. Most laptops only have a VGA output for video, which just isn't up to the quality of the DVI or HDMI connections. I can't live with less than 2 monitors when working at the desk, so a desktop with a dual DVI video card is a must for me. Some laptops are shipping with HDMI, but that also means you need an HDMI compatible monitor.

My setup:
Ableton Live on an HP AMD quad core, 8GB RAM, Win7 64bit Ultimate.
Ableton Live on a Lenovo T61P, Core Duo, 8GB RAM, Win7 64bit Ultimate.

(Disclaimer: I am an independent consultant in software architecture, and most of my work is done designing systems to run on the Windows platform. Hence, I run Win7 on my gear. I do have an iPad, which I use for remote Ableton control.)

[erik_ghoulet]

Thanks so much for the replies so far. I'm leaning towards the laptop, planning on shopping around this weekend.

[Venom of God]

Make sure you get one with a good CPU if you plan on running a lot of plugins, and maybe invest in one of those laptop cooling trays too. I'm a bit of a computer nerd and I would never recommend someone get a laptop unless they were sure they needed the portability (you will also be paying more for lower specs), but if your heart is set on it don't buy it from one of those large chains (equivalent to Harvey Norman here in Aus) because they don't know what they're talking about and they will rip you off. Think of it like being talked into buying a Boss pedal at the same price as some super fancy boutique thing yet without all the features. Do your research and know what you want before you go in! Also consider online stores.

[seamonkey]

Put this on a thumbdrive to test out PC you're interested in
DPC Latency Checker

[Toptube]

Desktops are relatively cheaper, you have more hardware options, and they are easier and cheaper to upgrade. If you don't need/want to mobile and/or don't plan to move the computer around often, go the desktop route.

In general performance, Laptops can match desktops. But you pay more for the same performance, because everything is smaller and made more efficient for power and heat. You'll have less options to add/change hardware and have limited upgrade-ability. In my oppinion its more important to spend the money on what you really want in a Laptop right away, because they typically aren't made to be modular---you may not be able to add what you want later. pay special attention to the storage solution. If its a traditional hardrive with spinning platters, get one that spins at 7200RPM. This will be much more capable of handling multiple streams VS. a slower 5400rpm drive. Or, get one with a nice solid state hardrive that actually is fast (some of them aren't as fast as the hype). That's going to cost you, though.

Additionally, you could look at getting an external hardrive enclosure that supports E-sata (the laptop itself must have an E-sata port of course) and then you could buy a traditional sized desktop hardrive (spinning platters or solid state). Having external storage is really cool and E-sata is just like having the hardrive inside the computer (random seek times go up, but peformance is otherwise the same).

[azureblue]

If you are just driving drum machines, running loops plus maybe two audio tracks end to end, then a iPad will do you great. The track input limitation is the Bus- USB is only two in two out, Firewire is up to 64, I think. I'd dig around and find a Intel Mac book Pro with Firewire 400 and 800, which are on two different buses, if you plan to record more than 8 tracks at once - you can put an ext. FW drive on the 800 bus and your interface on the 400. But about any Mac laptop will work well for you if you're going to be playing back loops and driving midi. Most FW and USB audio interfaces for Mac do not need drivers, they just work - I have had several, just plug them in, and the Mac app "audiomidi", sees them, then you go to your audio app and set the I/O for the interface and you're rolling.

A nice FW interface, like M-Audio, an ext FW drive and a thick briefcase, throw in in your MB Pro, and you can have your portable studio in one hand.

Garage Band will suit your needs well, and it's free, uses VST and au plug ins, so you can expand your palette. It has some nice Bass amp modeling, too. GB will let you dump mixed into iTunes direct, as well as to CD. Go the the Apple website / Garage band and read up - lots of info and a discussion group there:

Apple - GarageBand - Learn about Flex Time and other new features.

I do not have experience with the new OS "lion" but I have not read anything adverse about it, except that the new Mac laptops gave up the FW, but the MacBooks keep USB.

A word of caution for any laptop user: BACK UP! EVERY DAY! Get an ext drive to copy the int. drive to, in case of theft, damage, etc.

[fjadams]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is screen resolution. Here, bigger is better. If you get a laptop get a 17", or a 19" if affordable, screen for max rez and a 22" to 24" monitor to go with it.

[Toptube]

getting a giant screened laptop ruins half the point of a laptop, and they can be pretty dang heavy. If you get a laptop, get something reasonably portable and supplement it with larger monitors for when you are stationary.

[skwee]

Macbook Pro 15" will do everything you need it to.

[jabsys]

I wouldn't get anything bigger than a 15" laptop unless it never leaves your desk, personally I'd go for a 13" laptop & two 22" screens.