Question:
Help! which $1400 notebook is best for Audio Production work
I'm hoping you guys will help me in making a decision for a notebook. I would like a budget laptop for under $2000 Aus (Around $1500 US) to go traveling overseas with. I hope to also use it for Audio production work on the go and to perform live sets at Night Clubs with.
The audio production work wont be too intensive, I wont be doing any multitrack recording. I mainly want to use a stable program called Abeton Live with a few VST's.
An extended International Warranty is definatly something that can sway my decision. Since I'll be the in UK for up to 2 years I'd like to be able to service the laptop without sending it back to Australia to fix.
I'd prefer a solid rugged laptop rather than light slim and flimsy, although best of both worlds would be ideal. The screen isn't too much of a hassle, widescreen or normal is fine. I'd like a large working space though so I'm looking for 15"
Desired Specs are
-min 1.7 Centrino or AMD Turino processor (they're pretty much as good as each other aren't they?)
-1GB ram
-15" screen
-min 60GB HD at 5400 RPM
-video card isn't an issue since I wont be playing games
-firewire port for extenal audio
-min 3 hour battery with intensive work
-Something is a half decent sound card would be nice but not essential
-Extended 2 ys international warranty
So far the Dell inspiron 6000 looks like my best contender. Unless anyone has anything bad to say about it? Due to the extended warranty options it looks almost perfect. The only bad thing I can see about it atm is the weight at 3.2 KGs, is this too much if I'm carrying it to work every day?
I've noticed Acer and Asus also have good international warranty options, but I haven't been able to find a notebook that fits my description well.
Would you recommend purchasing a cheaper notebook with minimum RAM and instaling 2x 512mb chips separately after purchase?
Thank You in advance, any information is going to be very helpful. I want to make the right decision here so any advice would be great.
Answer:
Re: Help me buy a $1500 notebook for Audio Production work
Hm..I'd take the i6000 off your list, that has not-so-great audio quality. "Brittle" is the word I'd use.
See if you can get an Acer TravelMate 8103 for that amount of money - it has the new 24-bit Hi-Definition audio with the Azalia interface. A definite improvement over AC'97.
Chaz
Answer:
Re: Help me buy a $1500 notebook for Audio Production work
Acer Aspire 1694WLMI:
http://www.acer.ca/acerpanam/page4.d...&crc=331513632
... and add a 2-year extended warranty for USD $110:
http://www.cancomputer.com/index.php?majorcatid=39
You'd even have enough money to spare to get a Creative Extigy. Great for your audio production needs.
Answer:
Re: Help me buy a $1500 notebook for Audio Production work
You'll need to buy a good sound card, something like the Creative Audigy 2 ZS for notebooks. Thats around $70~ or so.
As for the ASUS, I don't think there are many that will fit your budget, but for Acer, you got PLENTY of choices!
Answer:
Re: Help me buy a $1500 notebook for Audio Production work
Yeah I've got a different budget to spend for my external audio device. I'm probbly going to get something from M-Audio. One of the firewire devices with I/O and midi synch. I'd just like a half decent sound card in there for listening to MP3's and DVD's while I'm on the road.
But I'll definatly check out those acer laptops. Overall do you think they're built with quality components like the Dell's?
Answer:
Re: Help me buy a $1500 notebook for Audio Production work
Acer laptops have better build quality than Dells. I'd check out that TravelMate 8103 I suggested earlier - very good audio quality for integrated sound.
For Acers, the TravelMate series is their business line, and is a bit more durable, plus they inlude XP Professional. The Aspire series is the consumer line, and includes more multimedia-orientated features (glossy screen, media contols, etc).
Chaz
EDIT: 3,000 posts!!!!!!! :D :D
Answer:
Re: Help me buy a $1500 notebook for Audio Production work
Thanks for the info Chaz that's a great help. Although looking at the 8103 it's a little out of my price range. I'm hoping to get it under the $1500 US mark with the included 3 year warranty as well.
But the TravelMate 4150 series looks very nice. I'll keep checking them out.
Does anybody happen to know a good cheap online store in Australia that stock Acer notebooks ???
Answer:
Re: Help me buy a $1500 notebook for Audio Production work
You have similar needs to mine (live audio at clubs, etc) and I will be doing a lot of audio production as well on Reason and similar programs. Seeing you don't need a dedicated video card, I strongly suggest you look at the ASUS z63A, which I would buy myself if it weren't for my video needs. It's portable, powerful and upgradeable when your budget increases, also slim and sexy.
The z63A, and an Echo Indigo I/O or the Indigo DJ sound card, would be a superb combination. I'm probably doing the z70v and Indigo I/O combination myself. The advantage with the ASUS z63a is that it's a little smaller and will fit in tighter spaces for you. Look up the sound card, it's top of the line yet affordable.
I'll be in Melbourne in December with the new laptop of my own. Good luck.