Are most modern laptops useable as a DAW,

  • Thread starter Thread starter Eleanor Fudd
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Eleanor Fudd

Eleanor Fudd

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assuming that the user isn't going to set a world record for VSTs used at one go, and assuming a USB connection, not firewire? Would most name brand laptops with a decent processor be OK, or are there incompatibilities and/or other stuff to watch out for?
Thank you.
 
As long as you accept the constraints of the form factor (can't upgrade the processor, limited on internal HDD, etc.) and you're not loading up on plugins they should be fine.
 
I should point out that they are very easy to steal. We've had several stolen at my campus in the last month.
 
I got an HP, win 7, 4 gig, 2.2 duo core, 7200 rpm drive 325 gigs with esata port refurbished with warranty for $479 and it does fine, way better than any stand alone unit for the same price. I can edit on screen, use great plugs like the Lexi pcm bundle, use other mastering programs. I am very happy I went with a laptop for my mobile needs. I do have a desktop setup of course, but I wanted something to go on vacation with and record and I get to use it for normal computer things as well. You can spend $500 on Ebay and record just fine.
 
The laptop/usb interface world seems to be hit or miss from what I can tell. Some people have no problems and others have issues galore. My strategy was just to pick a good laptop first and cross my fingers that I'd find an interface that worked. From my research, Asus and Toshiba seemed to get good reviews so I wound up getting a Toshiba.

When I went interface shopping, I had committed to the idea that I might have to go through cycles of buying and returning until I found one that was compatible. In the end I got it right on my first try with an M-Audio Fast Track Pro. It's not the best interface in the world but it works decently.

Do research about the potential issues that can come up. It helps to have some knowledge in case you discover that it's not just plug'n'play.

(This is my only recording setup; it replaced my old XP desktop which died a while ago.)
 
Yep. Unfortunately all laptops are not created equal and you need to hunt around forums to find the consistent DPC ( deferred procedure calls ) culprits.

My Toshiba has good results with DPC latency checker test.

DPC Latency Checker
 
I'm using a HP 8440p, 2.4 quad, 4gb RAM, SATA 320gb internal/eSATA 1tb external & 64bit Wins 7. Running Cubase 5 with quite a few plugins without any issues. I've got my laptop on a raiser which I think improves the general air flow slightly.
 
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