Laptops

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pablo

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I posted this on the computer recording forum with no answer, so I'm reposting it here:

I have a budget of $1000 and maybe a little more to buy a laptop, I know it's not as comfortable for recording as a PC but I'm gonna be moving a lot and I don't wanna get one, I want to portability.
I'm not looking for the ultimate recording tool, but I want something to record sketches and maybe a few decent quality demos. I'm starting to get into MIDI, but then again, I'm new to it. I'm planning to record electronic music, as a personal proyect, which means, only me or one musician at a time recording.
I've been working with Fruity Loops and Cool Edit Pro 1.2 and I having out of this place for a while, I don't know if there's already that new version of cool edit with MIDI capabilities I head about some time ago, if there is, I'm probably gonna stick to it, I might be getting Reason too eventhough I have zero experience with it, I've heard good comments. I would considere changing to Sonar if a system works really good with it.
I own 1 microphone, a cheap casi keyboard that I'll use as a MIDI controler (probably gonna change to something decent later with a pitch wheel and few knobs), I have my giutar and a multiFX board for the guitar. I'm probably gonna get one of the electribes series production station (the black one, with 2 synths and a drum machine just to stay away from the fruity loops samples).
So, my question is, what is a good laptop for under $1000 that will do the job?? and yes, I know I need a preamp, and I've been thinking about getting a cheap 4 channel mixer from behringer (I know how bad reputation behringer has, but I'm on a budget, it is $70 and it's gonna be temporary).
Talking about monitors, I'm planning on getting headphones, Sony MDR-V700, because I'm planning to be able to use this setup live on a stage and the loud volume from DJ headphones is appreciated, and I know they are not the most accurate monitors, but oh well, I've been using really crappy PC speakers for monitors all my life and I've had decent results...

Well, what do you think?
 
So long as you understand that the corners you're cutting will most definitely affect the quality of your projects, I think you'll end up okay (especially if you're recording mostly electronic music). I used a small Behringer Eurorack mixer for a while and it wasn't that bad (at least for keyboards and drum machines - not a great idea for mics)

So what laptop? I'd go with a reputible company (Dell or Gateway) because support always seems to be more of an issue with laptops - not to mention upgrades (the parts are much less interchangeable than with desktops). Stay away from used laptops unless you're really familiar with the product and the company.

If you're not going to need more than 2 ins, I'd go with a USB audio interface. This would allow you to plug it into a desktop (or another laptop) later if needed. The only other reasonable alternative would be a firewire setup (which is probably out of your budget range).

I'm not too familiar with USB audio, but others here are - do a few searches and see what you come up with.
 
I'm working with Compaq laptop which for most actions I really like --- BUT, there are limitations which you should consider carefully. For example, my sound card does not have a Line In jack -- only Mic In and Earphones Out. That immediately means that using the computer for mixing will require an adapter. I am in this exact mode now -- considering whether I will obtain one so I can use my laptop for mixing.
 
pablo..............

You could build a portable desktop PC. There are companies that make FLIGHT CASES, and portable RACK MOUNT UNITS.

I'll find a link to one of those websites.
 
Ok, sounds like a good idea.
Let me check those out!
it's just that it's such a pain in the ass to take PCs to venues and stuff, not to mention all the HDs you break in the process and the information you lose... ugh...
 
Pablo,

I'm using a sony vaio laptop with a Tascam US-428 (USB) and it work like a dream. I love it. $1000 will buy you a *nice* used laptop.

The biggest problems with laptop recording are:
1) lack of upgradeability
2) lackof upgradeability
and most importantly
3) lack of upgradeability.

Need more than 1 channel of recording? Whoops! Almost all laptops have no stereo ins so you have to by a USB or firewire device ($). Running out of room on that harddrive? Time to get an external one ($).

Most laptops also come with a 5400rpm harddrive. Bad news for audio. My track count went from 16 or so to 24 when I upgraded to a 7200rpm drive. Make sure whatever laptop you get has the fast drive, if you can.

I love the mobility of it, but I also need the laptop for work. I'd prefer a PC that I could throw a Pro Tools card in, or a couple SCSI drives, or any number of other cool things- but I'm *stuck* with the cool laptop with all of its advatages and limitations. :)

Have fun! Be daring! Be a road warrior home recordist! The first time you record a scratch track for a new inspiritaion in a hotel you'll laugh your ass off at how cool it is. :)

Take care,
Chris
 
i have a toshiba laptop, and it has both a mic input and line. the mic input is stereo, but the line is mono. that really isn't a problem. i record using cakewalk home studio 9, and am pleased with the results. despite the mono line input i can still export to stereo. i think all toshiba's come with yahama sound cards, and it actually sounds pretty damn good to me, granted i'm a newbie and have not much experience.
 
hard drive upgrade

Chris Shaeffer said:
Most laptops also come with a 5400rpm harddrive. Bad news for audio. My track count went from 16 or so to 24 when I upgraded to a 7200rpm drive. Make sure whatever laptop you get has the fast drive, if you can.
Click to expand...

Pardon the amature question, but how did you go about upgrading the hard drive? And how do you know what the speed is to begin with? I don't see any mention of it in the manual. BTW, as you yourself noticed before, I have pretty much the same laptop that you have.
Thanks in advance, Chris!

Bruce in Korea
 
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