Best Windows based laptop to record with Pro Tools

[carsoste]

Hi,
I recently bought a Digidesign MBox 2 Minibundle with Pro Tools. I planned to record with it using my Mac laptop, but now due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm going to have to record on it, using a Windows based laptop or possibly a desktop. I've been looking at various Dell laptops over the past few weeks, but after much searching and consultation with the Pro Tools compatibility website, I've found that none of the Dell's that I was looking at will work with Pro Tools or the MBox2 Minibundle and that the only ones that might are almost obsolete.
I'm looking to record vocals, guitar, keyboard, and bass on it.
My budget's a little tight right now. So, I'm looking for a computer that is approximately$1,000-1,800 and has a great deal of RAM. Unfortunately, I'll also have to use the computer for more than recording.
I need a Windows XP based computer with Service Pack 3. So, can someone out there inform me about a Windows XP based laptop or possibly even a desktop that can work well with Pro Tools and allow me to make good recordings with it at the price that I mentioned? Also, if you've used or currently use the Windows XP based laptop or desktop with Pro Tools and/or the MBox2 Minibundle how have your experiences been? And how satisfied are you with the recordings that you have made with it?
If someone out there could write back to me with some suggestions I would deeply appreciate it.
Thank you.
carsoste

[pezking]

The following are qualified for use with Pro Tools and Windows XP:

Laptops
Dell M2300/4300
HP nw8440/9440

Desktops
HP xw8600/8400
HP xw4600
Dell Precision 690

I would strongly recommend sticking to qualified machines...

[carsoste]

Hi,
Thanks. I'll definitely check those out.
All the best,
carsoste

[jarrydee]

I have a Acer 5735z laptop I have used the mbox on..and it worked great...I did replace vista with xp though...I got the laptop for $300.00 so it worked out well!!!

[carsoste]

Thanks. I'll take a look at that laptop right now.

[pezking]

Originally Posted by jarrydee

I have a Acer 5735z laptop I have used the mbox on..and it worked great...I did replace vista with xp though...I got the laptop for $300.00 so it worked out well!!!

Beware. Acers are known to have had many problems.

There are qualified laptops for a reason...