VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

melissa eX

My recording computer is on its last legs and I was wondering if I should get another desktop or go for a laptop. I HATE working on the laptop I have now, because I hate trackpads and it's not a great machine etcetc etc. But I know I can hook up a keyboard and mouse to make life easier.
Was just wondering if laptops are as functional as desktops.

heyguido · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:45 pm Post subject:

Ditched my desktop a few years back. Don't miss it. These days, you can get a "desktop replacment" laptop that is every bit as powerful, if not more so.....

For Win, go i7 quad-core, max out the ram, solid state drive or ssd/hd hybrid.... Sony and Samsung are pretty good about fan noise, and Sony will let you build to order online.

One caveat..... Ok, two.... Win7, not Win8.... and get a bluetooth laser mouse for editing.
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Monk · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:56 pm Post subject:

I use a MacBook Pro when on the road. That combined with an external mouse, I use two hands to edit. (ProTools)

The one drawback with the laptop for me, is the small keyboard. I have to make sure I'm centered to avoid cranking my wrists all funny to type.
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melissa eX · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 3:15 pm Post subject:

I was going to go with a configuration of this: http://raincomputers.com/store/event-a2

but while talking to the guy I deal with there (they've saved my hide a couple of times with my current computer) he suggested I may want to go with a laptop. I discounted that idea immediately but then checked out the specs and I see this desktop has an amd processor and the laptops the intel - and I'm iffy on the amd. So I'm not sure now.

Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 4:11 pm Post subject:

Laptops are definitely as functional as desktops, but with all of that stuff squished into a tidy little box, heat becomes an issue, and thus, fan noise becomes a greater issue. You could always put a dock outside your space with an external monitor and bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

Do you record in a booth or in a room?

I guess the question really is...do you plan to record on the road? It might be good to have a laptop. If not, there probably isn't a reason. The same specs will cost more, and you'll have to develop a configuration to make your daily work comfortable.

melissa eX · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 4:21 pm Post subject:

No, in fact when I travel I take my 14" laptop and I'm sick of lugging it around. I tried the ipad and apogee MiC and don't like the sound, so I'm looking for a small netbook just to use for recording on the road with my x2u - which I like better than the mic port pro, which is too unreliable.

So to answer your question, no, portability isn't a factor.

melissa eX · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 5:00 pm Post subject:

Bish · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 5:28 pm Post subject:

Mel, don't get too bogged-down in the specs. There is an argument that says you should get the best you can at the time without going for the hyper-new, hyper-expensive (leave that to the gamers)... but look at the usage. If there's a choice between a comfortable keyboard that you like, and a faster processor... go with the keyboard. Unless you're working with Final Cut Pro, then the uber-fast processors with oodles of RAM are nice, but not exactly needed. RAM is cheap at the moment, so maxing out to at least 8GB is sensible, and I'd personally get one with a 250GB SSD.

Any applications you're running won't really care if you're using an i5, i7, Core 2 Duo or whatever... speed specs are not as important as they were a decade ago... all premium laptops (i.e. not cheapo netbooks or executive fashion statements) are "fast enough"now ... go with 8GB RAM, a fast SSD and find one that's quiet... oh, and avoid Win8 at all costs.

I looked at the Rain specs... I know you like these guys, but $450 more to swap out a 500GB SATA for a 240GB SSD is ridiculous... I just slapped one in as a boot drive for a couple of hundred. I also configured their machine and a Mac Mini in a similar way... the Rain PC was $150 more than the equivalent Mini... and they say Macs are overpriced ! Smile

I know their business model was for bespoke, built-like-a-tank studio PCs... but those days are gone and they seem to be riding on their reputation, trying to maintain their margins on slightly tweaked consumer-grade equipment.

My hand is poised over the phone... Smile

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todd ellis · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2013 5:48 pm Post subject:

i'm on my 3rd HP pavilion in 10 years (the other two are still running fine, btw) and am a super-big fan. the dm3 small, light & powerful enough for anything i do other than video editing. less than $400

jmho
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

Hey Melissa
you might think about an extra monitor along with the keyboard and mouse. Put that laptop in the closet so the noise is no factor. Also carry your micport pro or other interface when travelling so you know you'll get the sound you want.

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:29 am Post subject:

i have no idea yet as to its true quality as i haven't tried it, but i got the zoom h2n recorder for my reporter husband. while at performance audio, my local shop, the clerk showed me the various features, including a usb connection and high quality recording settings, so you could essentially record to that then upload via usb, if it has the quality you seek.
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captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

the Mac mini Rocks...!

if you do the Ebay thing, even a second gen intel core machine will do the g job for VO, and they can be had for pennies... quietest machine I've ever had

I don't find the iPad all that much the be all end all for road recording.. My Dell Inspiron Mini is again, super quiet and 2GB RAM, with Sound Forge Studio is a kick ass road recorder.. I got the BlueTooth mouse, and with customizable key commands, don't touch the track pad all that much... I think I picked this bad boy up last year for $150 beans.. well worth it..

melissa eX · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 1:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys,
I wasn't looking for a good mobile system. I was wondering the pros and cons of using a laptop as my main system. I have my mobile system - a Dell Latitude - x2u and mic Hobo Tounge

- I like the x2u better, btw. On my main I do have 2 monitors and 2 keyboards. It's just the computer that's on its last legs.

Decided not to go laptop. Got a good deal on a system they have there, already built. They'll put an extra 4G ram in for a total of 8g and I"m good to go.

Yeah I'm sure you guys can do better putting it all together yourselves but for the money for me the value is in them configuring it all for audio use for my needs and with my software - and their customer service and tech support which is phenomenal. They've gotten me out of a jam a couple of times with my old Carillon (they took over repair of those) and haven't held me up to do it and they're really focused on customer service. There's a lot I like about the company, their culture and their systems.

heyguido · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:17 pm Post subject:

So.... You got a RAIN?
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georgethetech · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:56 pm Post subject:

What sets ANY PC builder apart from another? SERVICE, PERIOD.
If you get great service from Rain, stick with Rain. I guess this is rhetorical at this point, since you bought it already. If it came with an SSD at that price it's a steal.
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