FWIW, I've been successfully running X3 on an older Q9300 2.5 GHz machine w/ 8GB RAM, so I'd imagine a 2.3GHz i7 should be fine.   Although, as mentioned above the demo should give you a good idea how it will perform, not to mention how X3 itself suits your workflow these days.     Oh.... and nice to see you around.  
 

That laptop should be great for handling Sonar.
 
You will want to remove a bunch of the bloat ware and free trial junk they load on those when you buy them, and don't forget to get some sort of antivirus software.  (I use and like Avast's free version - just read up on which features you end up installing, and it likes to ask you to upgrade to its paid versions, but registering with them is good for a year of free - then you register again to keep running the free version).
 
Also, MANY laptop Wi-Fi adapters/drivers spike something called DPC latency, and this badly affects applications that do streaming audio, like Sonar.  Fortunately, this is easily fixed.
 
Just prior to launching a session of Sonar, either turn off the Wi-Fi adapter (if there is a switch or function key), or go into Windows Device Manager and 'Disable' it.  (not delete).  Disabling it, or turning it off, will stop it from messing with Sonar, and after you finish your Sonar session, you simply turn the Wi-Fi adapter back on or go back into Windows Device Manager and enable it - to get the internet back and working.
 
The above looks scarier than it is - it is a simple matter to turn-off/disable and turn-on/enable, and lots and lots of folks with laptops do it all the time with no problems caused by doing so.
 
Lastly, you will want to go in and configure your Power Management options to: never let your laptop sleep or hibernate, set the minimum processor state to 100%, and turn OFF the Windows USB Selective Suspend.  (some of that will be in the Power Management Advanced Options.
 
Post here with any questions on any of the configuration or installation stuff, and lots of folks here will gladly and quickly help with any aspect of it.
 
Sonar X3e Producer Edition is a GREAT release, and quite well liked.
 
Bob Bone
 

Hi All-
 
Thanks for the warm welcomes back ! I went ahead and purchased the X3 upgrade just before the sale ended. 
 
-Susan

Hi, Susan.  Nice to see you back.  Are you going to be using X3 seriously or just keeping up with the times?  How's the other side treating you?  I hope to see you around more often and I do hope you will be eligible for a free copy of SONAR X(4?) went it hits the streets.  We've been anticipating the next release and we are well beyond the annual announcement, so no one knows if or when it will be available.  Hopefully soon!
 
Oh, Happy New Year!
 
Take care,
 
Living Room Rocker

Hi Living Room Rocker-
Probably more just trying to keep semi-current!
I've only been test driving X3 for a couple of hours, but it's already gone "Not Responding" three times:
1- When I tried to save a track template. That auto-generated a problem report. I like that idea.
2- When I tried to change the end loop point in the PRV by dragging it. No idea why that would cause a hang.
3- When I switched to Chrome and browsed this forum. I went back to X3 and it was "Not Responding."
I looked at the Feedback Loop>Problem Reports and there's only one page. Is that still where I should report problems such as these that don't auto-generate a report?
 
I don't want to sound negative, since I like a lot about X3 so far, but I just need to get my bearings again re where to post stuff.
 
Two other things I've noticed so far:
1- The Browser auto preview through the selected synth doesn't work correctly (or at least as expected.) I found this thread about it: http://forum.cakewalk.com...the-clip-m3076963.aspx
2- Using a drum map breaks the synth to track connection in the synth view. I was trying to arrow up and down through synths in the rack and they all worked except for Addictive Drums. If I changed the MIDI output straight to AD instead of using the drum map it worked as expected.
 
The Performance monitor indicates no problems. I'm running X3 x64 on Windows 8.1 x64.
 
Anyway, still very early on and I love the look and feel for the most part.
 
Thanks-
 
-Susan

Make sure to download and run the X3e update http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/Knowledge-Base/2007013361/SONAR-X3e-Update. If this pc has another version of SONAR installed, run a VST reset and rescan http://www.cakewalk.com/S...ommended-for-Upgraders

scook
Make sure to download and run the X3e update http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/Knowledge-Base/2007013361/SONAR-X3e-Update. If this pc has another version of SONAR installed, run a VST reset and rescan http://www.cakewalk.com/S...ommended-for-Upgraders

Hi scook-
 
I did the X3e update pretty much right away (though it might have been after the hang trying to save a track template.)  I'll do the reset/rescan next chance, since I did have the X3 trial version installed on this PC at one point.
 
Thanks-
 
-Susan

I doubt the reset/rescan will make a difference if the only other version was the X3 trial but it can't hurt. VST Inventories made with versions older than X3 are missing variables new to X3, this was the main reason for the recommended reset/rescan.

Well, I have to say this has been a very frustrating experience. There are lots of things I like about X3 and part of me wanted to be able to adopt SONAR as my primary DAW again, but I've just had too many problems in the short time I've been using it to warrant switching back. None of it has to do with the workflow, which I'm sure I could get used to; it's the instability that bothers me. I've had at least five (count 'em, five!) hangs in the short time I've been using it.
 
1- Save track template: SONAR auto-generated a problem report for that one, but none since.
2- PRV: As I mentioned before, SONAR went nonresponsive when I tried to drag the end loop point.
3- Auditioning patterns in Addictive Drums: When I switched patterns, there was a motorboating (rapid clicking) noise and SONAR went nonresponsive.
4- Step Sequencer: I added one note, then clicked on another to add it and SONAR went nonreponsive. If it matters, I already had one SS clip in the same track when I tried to create a new one.
5- Switching to Chrome and back: Bang, hang.
 
I'll keep messing around with it and I'm perfectly willing to say the problem is with my system (although I'm not having problems otherwise <cough>) but it's just not working great for me. I've noted a couple other things above that are annoying (to me) but no big deal.
 
For anyone curious:
2.30 gigahertz Intel Core i7-3610QM, 16 gigs RAM
Windows 8.1 x64; Producer X3e x64
Komplete Audio 6
 
Thanks-
 
-Susan

Hello Susan,
 
Well, this is certainly depressing. I haven't been on the Sonar forums in YEARS, because I don't use Sonar beyond version 8.5. I've kept current with the upgrades all the way up through X3. I just don't use them. It would appear that the instability issues that have kept me from using the X-series are still in existence. Since I run a complex environment - Creamware/SonicCore SCOPE as well as Sonar 8.5 - my two primary DAW requirements are sound and stability. In that order. I have read many instances of people saying X3e is as stable as 8.5. I have also read many instances of people saying there are still too many stability problems. DAMN! I had high hopes for X3e. I am, however, looking for a DAW with native VST support. I guess I'll give Reaper a shot.