Seeking laptop advise

[JP000]

I'm going to purchase a laptop and I'm seeking advise on what to look for, and avoid, relating to music recording on a laptop. I need to stay with Windows OS for the CAD software I use and the machine will need to be good with graphics as well. The ability to record 4 simultaneous inputs/tracks is probably enough for now. If I had to put a budget number on it I'd say around 3k for everything, more or less, but less would be better. Feedback appreciated on putting together a nice system, thanks.

What kind of specs, capacities, etc should I look for/avoid on the laptop?
Brands you've liked?
External HD?
Sound card/Interface?
Software?
Suppliers?

 

[t glyptic]

I can't tell you what to buy, but I'll tell you what I bought.

Emachines: AMD64 3000; w/ ATI 9600 (graphics card with dedicated ram - not allocated ram); Western Digital 80G External HD; Lacie external DVD-R/DVD-RAM drive; Edirol FA-101 (fw soundcard); Sonic Foundry/Sony software; Sweetwater is my music gear supplier, Tiger Direct is better for computers. Total cost: less than $3,000.

Also be sure to tweek your Windows XP. Tips at www.musicxp.net .

 

[minofifa]

yeah i would think 3000 would get you quite a nice set up. The computer suggested is a nice one. I would suggest a firewire sound card as well (maybe m-audio). If you don't need midi, i would suggest adobe audition for recording software, if you do need midi, then go with cakewalk sonar.