Hi all,
We have a family band that plays out weekly and we're using Sonar X1 on an old laptop (HP DV9000 http://www.cnet.com/products/hp-pavilion-dv9000/specs/)
We've been running the audio out of the headphone jack to the PA (yes, believe it or not) with a USB MIDI in from a keyboard controller to the laptop to run True Pianos, Dim Pro bass, etc.
The most stress we put on our existing laptop is one instance of a soft synth and a pre-recorded audio track (I make accompanying strings, percussion, etc at home and render to 24/48)
We'd like to get a new no frills laptop capable of running X3 or Platinum and a decent interface solution.
The audio interface doesn't even need a mic pre but maybe a MIDI or USB connection? (or we could just continue connecting the controller with USB to new laptop).
 
Your advice is most appreciated my wise friends!
Randy

http://forum.cakewalk.com/A-cool-Portable-case-design-m3146848.aspx
 
I too am using a netbook and the mini jack output to the PA. Have been for long time. I found the few times I used an audio interface it crapped out on me. But that was in my M audio Fast track pro days. I'm sure my Scarlett wouldn't do that. 
So I'm also looking at a portable upgrade. But I'm going with the above type system. As you'll see in the tread Jim R will say "That's the way to go" 
Laptops are scarry and you cannot build your own. 
 
For the same money you can build a mico pc and the only inconvenience is you'll need a monitor. 
My plan is to put the CPU unit out of the way and put the monitor just like you'd have your music stand. They now make these wireless TV connections so that looks interesting too.. Buy a 16" TV/ monitor and rig up a stand for it.  
 
You won't need midi. 
And you actually don't need the audio interface unless the drivers are needed for stability of Sonar. I just use Win Amp so don't need fancy drivers. But the plan is to also use midi to change programs on my vocal effects. And if I build the box powerful enough it might end up being the effects. 
 
 

I gotta admit Johnny, that is one spiffy idea... especially with the stand-mounted display but I forgot to mention that my solution doesn't even need to be portable as we leave the laptop (and all of our equipment) set up at the venue.
That's more than I would want to pay for a case but the cool thing about your post is it made me think ...why not go with a cheaper, tower solution.
I have a couple of old cases (with PSU and old 7200 rpm hard drives) laying around and I'll soon be buying a 43" display for my "studio" so one of my 25" displays will be available.
I've only built one before but maybe I should rethink this.
Thanks buddy!
Randy

Hey if you have a case and power supply it's not a big deal to build something very nice.
If your not moving about, I go for it.
I'm going to figure out how to make a floor stand for the monitor out of an old mike stand.
 
I fried the Mobo on my office computer with one of those generic USB 3 PCI cards.. it was a poky old AMD from 6 years ago anyhow. So I ordered a Asrock H97 Mobo , an i3 processor and 8 gigs of RAM and it came in under $300. I just bought what was on sale that week from my supplier NCIX. I used the old case and PS and the original 1TB 7200 HD. Amazingly Windows 8 booted up and everything was still there! Try that with windows XP or 7!!. All I had to do was update the mobo drivers and re-activate Windows on the phone.  Anyhow a pretty nice machine for under $300 and 2 hours work. 
 
 I also just built a whole new DAW ( my first build in 10 years!) I did it for around $800 That's everything new, case, PS, z97 haswell mobo, i5, 16 gigs RAM and SSD plus  W 8.1.  It's pretty fast and powerful I must say. But my $300 machine is not to far behind in specs. I will say the SSD drive and Windows 8.1 is a super fast boot up and opening software. The office build seems way slower and I think it's the old school HD vs SSD, not the processors.  

I've always used B&H Photo or Newegg but will definitely check out NCIX and your recommendations.
 
Thanks Jimmy and good luck with your new set-up!
BTW, if you have issues with making a mic stand adapt to a display maybe you should consider just removing the stand on the display and use one of the old style heavy duty music stands (with the solid metal music holder and 10 pound solid base)?

NCIX is Canadian by the way, not sure if they ship across the border. But they have always has the best prices for me, and mostly free shipping deals. Things change when the border gets in the way.
I was going to use an older mike stand I have that has this cast iron folding tripod base.
No money ontil the next gigs come along or my recording client pays me .
I use all my gig/ recording money for new toys and the wife is happy with this.  :)  

NCIX is Canadian by the way, not sure if they ship across the border.
 
Oh... well that probably explains why I hadn't heard about them...I checked and Newegg has everything you listed...are you using integrated graphics with the Asrock H97 Mobo? If so which i3 processor did you get?
Thanks,
Randy
 

Yes on board video on all 3 of my computers right now. Our office computer ( my old DAW)  is running a 32" TV we watch movies on. My new DAW has 2 monitors.  
There's a thread running right now where I just asked about on board vs card, so see if someone smarter answers this. 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Best-single-graphics-card-for-triple-monitor-display-m3161440.aspx
 
I'm no expert for sure, I'm probably equal to you or less in computer Savvy. I just ordered based on the lowest price points and gut instinct for brands. A little more money and I probably could have bought way better stuff, But it's working 100% better than the AMD DDR2 mobo. 
And I see my processor is not even an i3  ? Shows how dumb I am. Anyway it is running Sonar just fine. 
Intel Pentium G3220 Dual Core 3.0GHZ Processor LGA1150 Haswell 3MB Cache Retail $64. 
 
 I see what happened, the i3 was going to be $138 which was double for a little more power, so I cheaped out for this build. I know diddly squat about the different processors and speeds and what I saw was - i3  = 3.6 dual core, and the Pentium = 3.0 dual core. To me the .6 Hz seems like it's not critical for what this machine is for. I guess I'll find out soon enough. 
This build is an extra computer that I will use as a back up DAW and for studio internet and office duties. I'll use it for burning CD's and printing labels and cheat sheets. It will be ready to go in case the main DAW dies while a client is here. 
 
I've also just joined a 5 piece band and they are excited about bringing me on board not just to play guitar and sing, but to record a demo too. They have a permanent practice space so I will be using this box and my Tascam us1641. I will just set it up and leave it there for the duration of the project.  
 
  

I just replied to your post in the thread you mentioned along with a question of my own...hope I don't get accused of hijacking.
Anyway, I also want to tell you how much I appreciate your replies here...I've gone from what laptop should I get to instead, using a desktop, cannibalizing old PCs and using a soon to be available display and then buy whatever else I need ...to now considering upgrading my studio DAW and donating the (3 year old) DAW parts to the desktop to be used at the venue!
Hopefully that all makes sense but just want to say thanks bud!
Randy
 

Your welcome, there's so few of us who go forth and play gigs left,  we need to support each other best we can :)  
I'm just recording vocals all day to my backing tracks  so the band can have a copy of how my arrangements go. I'm not going to fuss to much. But I've never actually made a CD of my gig songs. So it's fun. I'll go read the other thread. See ya.