New Laptop??

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rworkman
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2014/10/27 14:11:23 (permalink)

New Laptop??

I'm thinking about getting a new laptop, but I'm torn between the specs. I'm trying to decide between two Dell's.
An Inspiron 17" 7000 series, with i7/ 4510U cpu, or an XPS 15" 7000 series, w i7/4712HQ . I really wanted a 17", but Dell doesn't offer the XPS in the 17".
 
My main use would be running Sonar X3 (hobby), and doing work with Sketchup. I'm currently running Windows 7 Pro on my desktop, but would be going to Windows 8.1. As much as I like Win 7, I can't see moving backwards.
My question is, would you suggest the 15" with more processing power, or the 17" with the core 2 processor?
There is about a $600 price diff between the two.
 
Thanks for any input.
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    johnnyV
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    Re: New Laptop?? 2014/10/28 00:38:27 (permalink)
    I the last one here who would know anything about new laptops, But one thing I have learned is laptops can have DPCLAT issues because of all the built in background services in the BIOS etc. My son bought a Dell ( $1,500) laptop and could not use it for audio and Dell would not take it back because it was not broken. My son is way up there with understanding computers and has built me a couple of rock solid DAW machines ( since that time) but he quickly learned about off the self laptops, bloatware and a zillion reasons why 50% of laptops can suck at audio. 
    The horsepower specs are not as important as how the laptop is configured. 
    Anyhow I'll shut up because I'm not a computer tech at all... They are all being quiet here because they are probably super tired of laptop threads by now... 
     
    PS If you have no real need for portability... buy a desktop for your DAW. Your money will get you more. And you can have any size monitor your heart desires. Laptops are pointless now. Desktop and a Tablet. Ok I'll really shut up now... 

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    lawajava
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    Re: New Laptop?? 2014/10/28 00:56:31 (permalink)
    I've been using a laptop for the last two years.  Your specs look fine.  I would inquire/research whether it's possible to have 2 hard drives in the model you select.  I did that and it's huge.  Also, I would make extra effort to get a laptop with a 1 TB SSD drive as one of the main laptop drives.  As I say, I have a second 1 TB SSD and life is very good.

    Two internal 2TB SSDs laptop stuffed with Larry's deals and awesome tools. Studio One is the cat's meow as a DAW now that I've migrated off of Sonar. Using BandLab Cakewalk just to grab old files when migrating songs.
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    rworkman
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    Re: New Laptop?? 2014/10/28 10:23:57 (permalink)
    Well, I've got a desktop, with two 22" monitors that I'm using now, but there are times when I might want to sit in the living room and work, or go over to one of my buddies, and jam a bit. I realize that there are a lot more configuration options on the desktop, but there is no portability.
    As far as bloatware; the first thing I usually do with a new computer, is wipe the HD to get rid of that junk, and reinstall the OS.
    I'm just torn between the 17" dual core i7, or the 15" quad core i7.
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    johnnyV
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    Re: New Laptop?? 2014/10/28 11:33:45 (permalink)
    Ok I see, Well if your still going to have a desktop as a main DAW then that makes it easier. You say you want portability then myself I might think about the smaller footprint of the 15". 
    You can always hook another monitor to it. 
    Don't get stuck on one brand as that limits your options. There all made in the same factory anyhow. Make a list of the features you want first. I'd like what lawajava is saying about the hard drives, money well spent. Processing power is not as important as the hard drives for me. If it was your main DAW then yes, lots of power and RAM, but for casual recording and couch editing not as critical. 
    My wifes Lenovo t420 i5 with 4 Gigs of RAM can take a lot of Sonar tracks and Vst's without a hick up. It's only a 15" and I personally like that size for portable recordings. When you get to 17" I think they call those desktop replacement laptops. 

    Sonar X3e Studio - Waiting for Professional
     Scarlett 6i6
    Yamaha Gear= 01v - NSM 10 - DTX 400 - MG82cx
    Roland Gear= A 49- GR 50 - TR 505 - Boss pedals
    Tascam Gear=  DR 40 - US1641 -
    Mackie Gear= Mix 8 - SRM 350's 
    i5 Z97 3.2GHZ quad 16 Gig RAM W 8.1  home build
    Taylor mini GS - G& L Tribute Tele - 72 Fender Princeton - TC BH 250 - Mooer and Outlaw Pedals  Korg 05/RW
     
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