Laptop vs Desktop , Windows 7 vs 8

Hi ,
  The laptop vs desktop topic is not new to this forum but is worth reconsidering with the passage of time. I am planning on a upgrade from a 5 yr old dual core running X1 to something that can take more load..esp scoring for videos. I need some suggestion on whether to go for a laptop or a desktop and comments on the configuration that is in my mind.

Also is it time to move on to windows 8 or it too early ?

Windows 7 or 8 ?
Intel i5 with 8GB RAM ( what is the limit on windows 7 vs 8)
500GB HDD (with additional external drive)
Already have a dual monitor so will continue using that one.
Sonar X1.

I typically work on medium sized projects with around 10 instrument tracks and 3 to 5 vocal tracks. I have started scoring for short videos ( 30sec to 30min) and my dual core is not able to take the load (3gb RAM).

This forum has always helped me make decisions. Thanks in advance !!

Rishi

Desktop is still the best platform.  As Brian sez load it up - disk drives and memory is cheap (I usually transfer old HDs to the new computer if possible, saving more money).

I haven't moved to windows 8 yet.  No touchscreen, no need.  But from posts here and elsewhere 8 is almost there.  Drivers are still a problem and one usually shouldn't upgrade until the first fix comes out.  On the other hand, if you start w/ 8 you won't suffer any glitches if you put it over 7 and won't have to reload all your software w/ a new install.

@

+1 on upgrades. I have a D/A interface that's well over 10 years old. It's still rock solid. I also have a video card over 6 years old. I can honestly say that being able to upgrade hardware over time is priceless. Plus, I fried my CPU recently (my own stupidity, albeit), and only needed to replace that device, not the whole unit. That's beneficial. RAM upgrades are profound in comparison. You can't get near the RAM in a laptop that you can in a desktop of the same year's build. Add additional hard-drives? No problem. The case and SATA ports I have now allow me to load up to 6 additional hard drives in my case. 

Anyway, there's tons of benefits. The only drawback that I'm aware of is that you can't sit on a bus, plane, or train and do editing in a session. I do that occasionally on a laptop, but rarely do I take a bus or train anywhere, and flying has been reduced for me. Mobile tracking is great, too, but I don't mind packing my desktop and a small monitor to do that. I have road cases.

I have a desktop loaded with memory and a fast processor, running Windows 8 64-bit.  It ROCKS.

You MUST do your homework on drivers for whatever audio interface you plan to use with whatever computer you plan to pick up, as some interfaces definitely do NOT have drivers for Windows 8, and some do not even have them for Windows 7.  You must also check that the drivers cover 64-bit too.

If your interface is using USB 2.0, then you will most likely want to make sure you have one or more USB 2.0 ports on the new computer, as some interfaces freak out when they are plugged into a USB 3.0 port.  

Other than the above considerations, both Windows 7 and Windows 8 are FABULOUS for running Sonar.  Windows 8 has been quite stable for me, and Win 7 was as well.  There IS a bit of a learning curve if you move to Windows 8, but it is really no big deal, although some folks meltdown dealing with the Metro UI.  I actually like Windows 8 a lot now.

Good luck - get lots of memory and a fast processor and pick up at least 2 drives if you can, to split the OS and programs from projects and samples, and if a 3rd drive is available split the projects from the samples as well.  You might want to also pick up a USB 3.0 external drive for backups too.

Bob Bone

I swore of the laptop advantages until I learned the word upgrading ment buying a whole new computer when it comes to laptops.

BCnSTL


I dunno guys. I think time and tech has progressed to where a well-spec'ed laptop is just fine.

A quad core i7 with 8gb of RAM and an SSD will perform every bit as good as a similarly spec'ed desktop from 2ish years ago.  

I have an 8-core, 12GB, SSD desktop and a 4-core, 8GB, SSD laptop and the laptop can run every project just fine, but the screen is cramped. I'm considering migrating to a slightly beefier laptop with a 1080p screen. 

I certainly agree with you that laptops would run it just fine.  I am not sure what the original poster's plans are for mobility and such.


There are certainly laptops that would fit the bill.  My own thoughts are that you get more bang for the buck with a desktop, but that's just me.


Bob Bone

1) +1 on Laptop with X2 ... for MIXING ... except for using UAD plugins (you'll have to suffer without them :):):) )

The lappy must have similar specs as a desktop replacement.

2) Unfortunately, the lappy is no substitute for a desktop ... for RECORDING.
For recording, you'll need a desktop or lappy that can handle cumbersome pre-s, racks, MIDIs, UAD, and/or sensitive condensor mics.

The sound-interface for outboard equipment is just 'not-so-portable' for the lappy ... no fun to plug in everything to a lappy-interface, IMHO.

3) Ideally, a lappy with a GREAT docking station, or a desktop + lappy ... the lappy to take with you 'on-the-road' (as I do) ... with more modest gear.

You get far more bang for the buck with a fast desktop than a laptop.
To get a laptop that's truly on-par with the fastest available desktops, you're looking at $3000+.

If you travel a lot via plane, go with a laptop.
Otherwise, desktop all the way...

Depends on where and when you want to work on music, and budget I suppose.

In my case, I've wanted to work on music as often as possible in whatever place I happen to be sitting.

I moved from a desktop to a laptop, a good laptop, and I've found I've been able to put in a lot more time on the music and I've made a lot more progress. 

I've known people who choose a laptop over a desktop for the misguided reason that it's smaller and therefore less intrusive.  But on a desk surface connected to peripherals, this factor becomes irrelevant.  The only positive feature of a laptop is its portability.  Everything else about it a negative.

I'd recommend a desktop system with Intel 4-6 cores with 8-12 threads. Outfit it with 8GB+ of high speed RAM, and fast drives for audio work: A combination of HDD and SSD.
 
For mobile work, a laptop with a Intel Core i7, 8GB+ of RAM, and internal SSD - 512GB minimum.
 
I'd go with W8Pro x64. No problems to report with Microsoft's new OS.

shawn, I'm with you.  I wouldn't go back to a desktop.  

For pros that live in a studio I can totally see the reasons for a desktop. 
 
For a home studio guy, like myself, the freedom of being able to attach to the gear in my studio setup just like a desktop, or to be able to detach and sit anywhere else to edit and/or record stuff is just too convenient.
 
I wouldn't want to give up the flexibility of a laptop now that I have it since I can do absolutely everything on it.  I get more done with it than a desktop.