What's the best notebook for working with audio and midi (using Digital Performer and Pro tools if I buy a MAC, or maybe Cubase SX if I buy a PC)?

Should I buy a PC P4 2,2gHz notebook or a MAC G4 powerbook?

I'll use the computer sometimes to live audio recording with 8 inputs, using a Motu 828 or something like that and of course I'll connect it with MIDI to my keyboards.

(It will also be very used with Photoshop and even with video applications, and the general stuff like microsoft office...)

Luis Santos

http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/taylor/tips/macorpc.htm


http://www.marrathon.com/whymac.html

http://www.lowendmac.com/meta/2k0525.html

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www.donnypesce.com



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 04-02-2003).]

I could almost write a book on the pitfalls of audio production on a laptop, but suffice to say that one of the single most important factors other than computing power is the availability of low latency audio drivers and hardware for whatever laptop you decide upon. And then you enter the jungle of interfaces. Many options exist that work off of USB 1.0 but this is a slow protocol with great limitations specifically in how many audio inputs you can have running at once (usually two) and the stability fo the midi clock. We are on the edge of the coming summer release of much faster USB 2.0 and Firewire interfaces and control surfaces that work with laptops so if you can wait a few more months before making your decision about a laptop/interface and software combo then it may be better. For more info there are discussion topics specific to this subject in the groups at http://www.harmony-central.com.

I would not recommend Dell (it has a grounded plug, which creates a ground loop with external audio equipment. I have an inspiron 5000)

I would probably get a Toshiba Satellite 5205
www.toshiba.com

Thanks a lot for the help and for the links!

Luis Santos

Luis,
I'm using a Sony VAIO laptop (when I use computer)and it seems to work very well for me.

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jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html

That's interesting... I have a Dell laptop... and noise problems when using it with external audio. Wonder if that's why. Don't most computers have a grounded plug?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BuleriaChk:
[B]I would not recommend Dell (it has a grounded plug, which creates a ground loop with external audio equipment.