Help me build a new computer!

[woody777]

I think I've finally convinced my wife that we need a new computer

We're going to get a laptop (we're PC people). It will be mostly for fun, (email, web, graphics, games, etc) and a little work (word, excel, etc.).

I just want to get a machine that is powerful enought to do a little recording with. Nothing major... two channels max. Most likely I will just be recording guitar over some drum loops... probably record several tracks of guitar (one at a time though)... and add some bass, vocals... all seperately.

I don't have any recording gear other than an SM57... so there is nothing I need to fit to an existing setup. Any suggestions? I'm mostly looking at computer suggestions right now... but I'll take anything you've got - preamps, interfaces, software, etc.

Budget... I don't know... let's try to keep it all under $2000 (computer and recording gear)!

Thanks!

 

[Mindset]

I just got myself last weekend a Toshiba A105 I think it is... Mainly for the same purpose too. It ran me $1499 with $200 rebate. pretty decent system too. With $2000 you should be looking at Core 2 Duo 2.0ghz (mine's 1.66ghz), 2GB DDR2, 200GB SATA HD, 15-17" screens.

Mine had 1.66ghz, 2gb 200gb SATA also, running a sh!t Win MCE, with a finger print reader, 15" widescreen, DVDRW, firewire (1 port), 4 USB2.0 ports, wireless network, 10/100/1000 network, bluetooth. It ain't a bad system really. You should be able to get a well configured system.

The only brands I would go for are Toshiba, HP/Compaq & Dell. Sony ones are nice, but the outter face of them scratch easily, and the overall build quality on them are not that top notch on half their models.

If you gotten something like mine, and ended up after rebates at $1299, the extra $700 you can get a pretty decent set of gear for on the go recording.

 

[woody777]

Thanks for the input Mindset! I'm leaning toward Dell just because I've bought from them before.

I guess I'm not entirely opposed to a Mac. I suppose they are a little pricier... but my buddy has one with Garage Band and the loops sound really good! Is Garage Band a viable program for pumping out your own music? I know there are a lot of great programs out there... but Garage band seemed really user friendly!

 

[apl]

Check your local Sams.

I've got an Averatec that I've been very happy with.

Lots of small USB and Firewire interfaces out there.

 

[Bulls Hit]

Just make sure it's got a firewire ieee1394 connection.

Then you can get something like a Presonus Inspire ($200) or Firebox ($300).

They both come with preamps, Hi-Z inputs and Cubase LE so you can start recording immediately