Question:
Audio Video laptop
I'm looking for a laptop under $2000 thats fast and capable of handling recording audio (legit studio audio). I've been recording on standalone multitracks and making the jump to a laptop. PC or Mac would probably start a war so I guess we can leave that out. I'd upgrade the ram to 4gb, get a t7200 core 2 duo and a good video card. I priced a dell inspiron with those features for a very good price but the coupon passed.. plus it didnt have a firewire port.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Under $2000
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Audio recording with Pro Tools, photo and video editing, general internet stuff..
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
desk
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Never really into computer games but you never know.. I'd upgrade to a better videocard anyway though for video editing
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
old navy.. yeah..
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
it'll probably be plugged in most of the time
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I'd rather buy it online.. that way when it arrives ill be surprised
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
usa
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
widescreen
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
doesnt really matter.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
again doesnt matter
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
sure glossy's cool i guess
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
not really.. black would be cool though but whatever
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
within the next month and I want to keep it for a few years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
80-100gb.. im buying a 500gb external
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
yeah a fast dvd/cd
Answer:
Re: Audio Video laptop
Since you've got a lot of cash to play with, and you won't be taking it with you very much, I'm going to suggest the lenovo z61m. It's got both a pcmcia and expresscard slot so you can add lots of extra firewire or e-sata ports for hard drives or external interfaces. The only thing it really lacks is a dvi port if you're going to plug in to a large external monitor, but a dock could add that if you need it.
Edit:
And it's a heck of a lot cheaper than the MBP for equal or better features.
Answer:
Re: Audio Video laptop
I think the first one you should look at is the upcoming asus v1jp
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l...00&modelmenu=1
that look like what youre talking about?
Answer:
Re: Audio Video laptop
Sorry mate, but I'd have to say the Macbook Pro. It can now go up to 3 gigs, but that would push you over 2000 if you don't have a student discount.
I mean, OS X is Pro Tools native platform. Plus it has Logic.
The biggest thing you actually need to look for is hard drive speed. You absolutely need a 7200 rpm drive for audio work. Those are expensive :-/
Answer:
Re: Audio Video laptop
Thanks for the replies guys.. i checked out the lenovo and the asus they seem cool i just gotta dig into them a little deeper. i liked the connectivity of them. A macbook was actual my first choice until i found out how ridiculous apple was with their pricing. Native osx isnt worth that much when I can get the same system for much much cheaper with windows and run the same or similiar programs. I've been using cubase on a pc and have access to pro tools for pc. But yeah the 7200 hd is definately happening. 2 weeks ago they had a coupon for Dell for 30% off an inspiron e1505, I probably should've bought it. I put a 7200 core 2 duo with a L4 cache, 2gb of ram, 80gb 7200rpm hd, 256mb videocard, 500gb external drive and an all in one printer for around $1300.. looking back that was some deal compared to the kinda prices i'm looking at now. The only thing about the Inspiron was it had no firewire port but for 1300 it might be worth it to get a usb midi controller. What ya think? Wait for the 30% to come back for the Dell or look into the lenovo, asus or other?
Answer:
Re: Audio Video laptop
I would definently get a unit with FW. In my experience, it's faster. In OS X, it seems a LOT faster than USB.
I'd probably avoid lenovo for that type of work. The dells are okay, build quality on the e1505 is meh. But for the price... you get what you pay for. I don't know much about Asus, but people seem to be fans of them here,
Answer:
Re: Audio Video laptop
Avoid lenovo for that kind of work? You'll really have to qualify that statement.
Depite the lack of firewire on the dell, that would be a great deal considering since you won't move it much, the lack of stellar build quality is not a big concern. Also, with the dell you could just get an expresscard firewire card. With the holidays, you can bet that Dell will run some good deals.
Answer:
Re: Audio Video laptop
Thanks, I'm going to get the Dell. Prices are too good to pass up and I'll have enough money leftover to buy a midi controller. Maybe they'll run a deal on the latitudes.. i think they have firewire.