Recommended laptop models

[austinpce]

I think acer 5755G is a good and cheap laptop in core i5 2nd gen and 4 gb ram with 1Gb Nvdia and 640 HD.

[suntower]

1. HP
2. Pavilion
3. Windows 7 64bit Home
4. i5
5. 4Gb --- expanded to 8gb
6. Internal SATA 7200rpm
7. RME BabyFace
8. Cubase 6.05
9. M-Audio Axiom 2 61 keyboard with Direct Control software

Base model was $600 @ local Office Depot. After removing all the crapware, worked fine without alteration for Omnisphere, Komplete, Cubase, 8 tracks of live recording @ 44.1. Lightweight. 4-5hr battery life.

[plectrumboy]

1. Samsung
2. RF711
3. Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
4. Intel Core i7 2670 quad core @ 2.2 Ghz (but with turbo goes up to 3.1Ghz)
5. 8 Gb ram
6. 1Tb HDD
7. Zoom R24 or Zoon H4n
8. Cubase 6.05 64 bit
9. Usually no more than 12 - 16 tracks, combination of audio and vsti.

Purchased February 2012. First few days use appears very good. I will update with more specific info.

Steve.

[filterfreak]

•1. Manufacturer.........toshiba
•2. Model.........satellite l755
•3. Operating System.........win 7 64 bit
•4. CPU and speed i5 second gen 2.30ghz
•5. Amount of RAM......... 8gig
•6. HDD ............external elements 500gig usb 3
•7. Audio Hardware ............c12+ latest drivers
•8. software ..............cubase 6.5 -64 bit
•9. What kind of projects ....mastering and recording live gigs

comment : great second generation laptop can handle 10 audio tracks and 6 vsti's no problem

[harvhemp]

1. Samsung
2. RF711
3. Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
4. Intel Core i7 2670 quad core @ 2.2 Ghz (but with turbo goes up to 3.1Ghz)
5. 8 Gb ram
6. 1Tb HDD
7. Zoom R24 or Zoon H4n
8. Cubase 6.05 64 bit
9. Usually no more than 12 - 16 tracks, combination of audio and vsti.

Purchased February 2012. First few days use appears very good. I will update with more specific info.

Steve.

How is it Steve??

[plectrumboy]

1. Samsung
2. RF711
3. Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
4. Intel Core i7 2670 quad core @ 2.2 Ghz (but with turbo goes up to 3.1Ghz)
5. 8 Gb ram
6. 1Tb HDD
7. Zoom R24 or Zoon H4n
8. Cubase 6.05 64 bit
9. Usually no more than 12 - 16 tracks, combination of audio and vsti.

Purchased February 2012. First few days use appears very good. I will update with more specific info.

Steve.

How is it Steve??

Well, I still haven't had the time to properly stretch it but my impressions over the first four weeks are that it's a really great machine. It works well with Asio4All and the internal soundcard as well as with my two Zooms. With the Zooms I've been trying it with 128 and 256 sample buffer size - latency of about 3.5 to 4.5ms in, 8 ms out. Has occasionally crackled at 128 sample buffer size, but again I've not done any cutting back of services or run a latency check. Cubase feels really nippy. Halion4, Stylus RMX, Padshop, all work without making a massive impact on the asio meter. There are two USB3 ports and the Zooms and my little controller keyboard KX25 can attach to these without any apparent ill-effects and I'm assuming with the benefit of larger current draw.

Just before I bought this, my son splashed out his savings on a quad core Macbook Pro. This is a beautiful machine that screams quality and it looks like a carved piece of art. In comparison the Samsung, while it's absolutely fine in terms of looks and build, is clearly a machine largely housed in plastic. On the other hand the Samsung cost far less than half the price of the similarly specced Macbook and it's got the same processor (at 2.2Ghz rather than 2.4Ghz admittedly, but close) - I think the Samsung is an astonishing bargain.

So far so good still!

Steve.

[jimmyrayjit]

1- LENOVO
2- T510
3- WINDOWS 7 64BIT
4- INTEL i5 CORE 2.66MHZ
5- 4GB DDR3
6- SEAGATE 500GB HDD 7200R.P.M INTERNAL
7- ECHO AUDIO FIREWIRE PRE8
8- CUBASE 5.5.2
9- VOCAL TRANCE, R&B, HIP-HOP

I USE THIS SETUP IN MY PROJECT STUDIO WITH A ROLAND FANTOM X8, AND A FOCUSRITE ISA-ONE, SUMMIT AUDIO TLA-50, AND A SUMMIT AUDIO FEQ-50. FORGET ABOUT A MAC BOOK PRO, LENOVO IS THE WAY TO GO. THIS IS THE BEST LAPTOP --- MAC OR PC, THAT WILL NEVER CRASH ON YOU. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR . AND YOU CAN RUN ANY CUBASE SOFTWARE AND I STAKE MY AUDIO REP. ON IT . LENOVO T51O OR LENOVO W510/w i7 in it. http://www.lenovo.com

Hello friend..here I have your need and i think here Prajnaimmovable have given you a brief explanation about the laptop who will full-fill your need. I also agree with Prajnaimmovable and hope you also.

[Defect]

PC:
1. Manufacturer
- Myself
2. Model
- None
3. Operating System
- Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
4. CPU and speed
- AMD Phenom II X6 @3,2Ghz
5. Amount of RAM
- 16Gb DDR3 @ 1600Mhz
6. HDD (also external HDD and which connection type)
- Internal: 128Gb SSD, 2x 1Tb HDD @7200rpm
7. Used Audio Hardware and driver version
- M-audio Fast Track Ultra
8. Which Steinberg software and version
- Cubase Artist 6.5.2 64-bit
9. What kind of projects
- Drum and Bass, Dubstep, Game soundtracks
Sometimes 10-15 tracks, but mostly around 30 tracks

Laptop:
1. Manufacturer
- Sony
2. Model
- Vaio Z13M9E
3. Operating System
- Windows 7 Pro 64-bit
4. CPU and speed
- Intel i5 M460 @2.53Ghz
5. Amount of RAM
- 4Gb DDR3 @1333Mhz
6. HDD (also external HDD and which connection type)
- 128Gb SSD SATA-600
7. Used Audio Hardware and driver version
- Internal Realtek High Definition Audio
8. Which Steinberg software and version
- Cubase Artist 6.5.2 64-bit
9. What kind of projects
- Drum and Bass, Dubstep, Game soundtracks

[lneil]

What are your thoughts on the new MBP with Retina Display? They seem to have the specs that would match a great machine to work with the software. Only upgrades to full RAM power would be the possible path to take.

[MFX]

I really can not see any justification for the price and spec tbh. TBH I have tried DAW work in Mac and always end up installing and find myself using bootcamp for Windows...overpriced fullstop.

Also do check any vendors/plugins you may be looking at or have do support MAC again another reason for not going MBP.

If iwas around £800-1000 ($1200-1800) less then may have been a contender.

[Jtech1]

1. Manufacturer: Rain Computers
2. Model: Livebook A2
3. Operating System: Windows 7 64 bit
4. CPU and speed: 2.6Ghz Core i7
5. Amount of RAM: 8GB Corsair 1600Mhz
6. HDD (also external HDD and which connection type): Western Digital Scorpio Black 750GB 7200RPM
7. Used Audio Hardware and driver version: Presonus 1818VSL (latest drivers)
8. Which Steinberg software and version: Cubase 6.5
9. What kind of projects: Large Mix sessions, 50+ tracks + VSTi

Really nice system, powerful. Steinberg reps were using this in my local Club Cubase.

[MFX]

1. Manufacturer: Rain Computers
2. Model: Livebook A2
3. Operating System: Windows 7 64 bit
4. CPU and speed: 2.6Ghz Core i7
5. Amount of RAM: 8GB Corsair 1600Mhz
6. HDD (also external HDD and which connection type): Western Digital Scorpio Black 750GB 7200RPM
7. Used Audio Hardware and driver version: Presonus 1818VSL (latest drivers)
8. Which Steinberg software and version: Cubase 6.5
9. What kind of projects: Large Mix sessions, 50+ tracks + VSTi

Really nice system, powerful. Steinberg reps were using this in my local Club Cubase.

Nice are these actually Lenovas rebadged?

Alos reading the specs it states the Firewire port is not suitable for Audio interfaces pretty much a waste of space for an Pro Audio Laptop.

[Norbury Brook]

just bought the basic HP EliteBook 8460p and swapped out the cpu for a sandybridge quad i7 2860 and 16 gigs of ram. I've added a crucial M4 SSD for OS and have a optical drive HD caddy to add a 750 gig 7200 second drive.

It's not the prettiest of notebooks but man it's certainly a great DAW ,even works with my FW MR816's


Everything about this laptop is user serviceable, just remove the cover on the bottom and you can change anything like a desktop.


MC

[beatpete]

just bought the basic HP EliteBook 8460p and swapped out the cpu for a sandybridge quad i7 2860 and 16 gigs of ram. I've added a crucial M4 SSD for OS and have a optical drive HD caddy to add a 750 gig 7200 second drive.

It's not the prettiest of notebooks but man it's certainly a great DAW ,even works with my FW MR816's :)


Everything about this laptop is user serviceable, just remove the cover on the bottom and you can change anything like a desktop.


MC

Marcus:
I've had a HP nc6320 for years and it's been great. Does the HP EliteBook 8460p have a TI firewire chip? How's the latency with the MR816s? Do all the 8460ps come with a swappable bay?

[Norbury Brook]

Pete,

The EliteBook I have has a jmicron controller but on preliminary testing it worked fine with the MR's however it was just a quick playback test project test.

I've mainly been using it live as my keyboard rig and it's been great for that using the on board audio with Reaper and the WASAPI driver gives me 3ms RTL.


Elitebooks are like desktops in that the bottom panel slides off and you've access to everything, like I said I've changed the CPU, ram and added a second HD. You just need to buy an optical drive/Hard disk caddy from eBay for £10 and the drive goes in there instead of the DVD. It's all SATA so it just slides in, I bought an external caddy for the DVD drive so thats gone in a USB case for when I need it.


MC

[beatpete]

Marcus:
Thanks, I think I'll get one and if I have to, use a TI chipset expresscard.

[Norbury Brook]

Pete,

they're not the sexiest of laptops by any stretch of the imagination, but they're military spec, have 3 year on site warranty and they're built like tanks and everything is user serviceable.

Also, you can buy a powered dock and attach monitors, various USB peripheral's to it and just drop the laptop onto it and you've got an almost desktop experience.


I've decided to put 2x 750 gig drives in and forgo the SSD, I'll put a momentus hybrid drive for the OS/Samples and then either a Seagate 750gig or WD black for audio purposes, should make a Killer machine



MC

[beatpete]

I bought a used HP 8460p, 8gig ram, 2720qm. I'll let you know how it works after I get it and put it through some tests.

[Norbury Brook]

excellent,look forward to hearing how it goes:)



MC

[marQs]

Great thread and idea. My concern is Firewire compatibility with RME FF800 and other FF devices. I am noticing theres seem to be a need to get an expansion card? Any FW ibuilt with TIs?

That was always my concern and it's not even easy for a specialist shop to get exact specifications of FW chips, so it's trial-and-error more or less. Here's what works for me for 3 years already:

1. Manufacturer: Toshiba
2. Model: Satellite Pro P300
3. Operating System: Windows 7 64 bit
4. CPU and speed: Intel Core2Duo T6400 2 x 2,0 GHz
5. Amount of RAM: 3 GB
6. HDD (also external HDD and which connection type): 250 GB, 7200 rpm (that came with the laptop)
7. Used Audio Hardware and driver version: RME Fireface 800, latest drivers, FW drivers set to 'Alt' in Windows
8. Which Steinberg software and version: Cubase 6.5, Wavelab 7
9. What kind of projects: Audio recording (up to 28 tracks simultaneously, usually 24 bit/44.1 kHz), sparse use of VSTis, basic edits (mix/mastering on desktop)
10. Date of purchase + price: 2009, € 750

Firewire anomalies: for no obvious reason, firewire became instable recently. Trying different FW drivers, two different FF 800s, fresh install of Windows didn't fix the problem. Simply bought an Express Card/FW 800 that made my interfaces work again: Exsys EX-6701. No troubles anymore.

[beatpete]

I just purchased a HP Elitebook 8460p second hand and it's a monster. The onboard Firewire sucks (JMicron) but I bought an Expresscard TI chipset firewire card and all's well. This thing screams and it's built like a tank. The only thing is, it runs a little hot (I think most laptops do). I'm very happy with it and it rivals my I7 970 desktop.


1. Manufacturer
Hp
2. Model
8460p
3. Operating System
Windows 7 Enterprise 64 bit
4. CPU and speed
I7 2720QM (quad core) 2.2 Ghz Turbo up to 3.0 Ghz
5. Amount of RAM
16 gig 1333
6. HDD (also external HDD and which connection type)
2 internal 320 gig 7200 rpm drives (one in the upgrade bay)
7. Used Audio Hardware and driver version
M-Audio Profire 2626 and Steinberg MR816x (latest drivers)
8. Which Steinberg software and version
Cubase 6.53
9. What kind of projects
Intense mixing and live projects with 26 tracks and more

[Norbury Brook]

well done Pete and welcome to the club

could you let me know what express-card you bought? MY 816 seemed to work fine playing back my test project,however I've got a UR824 for recording purposes which runs great.


Regarding the heat, when I swapped out my cpu for the quad I took the opportunity to remove the old thermal paste from the GFX and Cpu heatsink and reapplied with Arctic silver. It's made a big difference, the fan hardly comes on now and my laptop stays very cool, my old MacBook pro and my last HP envy got too hot to be comfortable on my lap but this machine is very cool by comparison.

It's an easy 5 minute job as the bottom slides off and everything is accessible.

Also be aware of updating your BIOS as there's a few issues with the newer BIOS's not supporting SATA 3 and turbo boost, you can have one not the other. I think they did this to neuter this model against the very latest one as otherwise there was no point in getting the new model. The original BIOS works the best.

MC

[beatpete]

well done Pete and welcome to the club :D

could you let me know what express-card you bought? MY 816 seemed to work fine playing back my test project,however I've got a UR824 for recording purposes which runs great.


Regarding the heat, when I swapped out my cpu for the quad I took the opportunity to remove the old thermal paste from the GFX and Cpu heatsink and reapplied with Arctic silver. It's made a big difference, the fan hardly comes on now and my laptop stays very cool, my old MacBook pro and my last HP envy got too hot to be comfortable on my lap but this machine is very cool by comparison.

It's an easy 5 minute job as the bottom slides off and everything is accessible.

Also be aware of updating your BIOS as there's a few issues with the newer BIOS's not supporting SATA 3 and turbo boost, you can have one not the other. I think they did this to neuter this model against the very latest one as otherwise there was no point in getting the new model. The original BIOS works the best.

MC

Thanks for the tip about the Arctic Silver, I'll definitely try that. Yeah I couldn't find a way to turn Turbo on but i find that the CPU goes up to 3.0 ghz when under load anyway.

[Norbury Brook]

pete, if you haven't updated your bios then it will work automatically as it should.


marcus

[distale_berlin]

1. Digital AudionetworX - www.da-x.de
2. Pro Audio Notebook 15" Ivy Bridge
3. Windows 7 64Bit
4. Intel i7 3610 4x2,3 Ghz
5. 16 GB
6. 2 x 500 GB SDD
7. RME BABYFACE Driver 1.025
8. Cubase 6.0.3 + Cubase 6.5.3
9. Dance Production, 50+ Audio and Tracks. Many VSTi`s like Omnisphere and Reaktor.
10. Price: 2000€ - Buy in November 2012

No Problems with this Setup.