Please be aware that if your computer is using a WiFi adapter, as laptops do and some desktops, the WiFi adapters are NOTORIOUS for causing massive DPC Latency spikes that wreak havoc on the computer's ability to handle the audio streaming that applications like Sonar use - and THAT could well be a cause for audio glitches.
So - to get around that, lots of folks will temporarily turn off or disable their WiFi adapters (either with a switch or function key on the laptop, OR they will go into Windows Device Manager and double click on the WiFi adapter and then click on Disable), THEN they will launch Sonar and after finishing working in Sonar and Sonar closed - they then will turn the WiFi back on or Enable it in Device Manager to make accessing the Internet possible again.
I hope that helps you,
And as far as choosing a laptop - I would suggest you strive for one with a minimum of an i3 or i5 CPU or a decent AMD CPU, then look for one with at least 8 GB of memory - or 16 GB, (or more), but try for at least 8 GB, and then IF possible, try to get one that supports having 2 internal hard drives. Even if the drives aren't spectacular, having room in the case for 2 drives will GREATLY help performance for Sonar, by allowing you to split things across both drives, which will make it all run faster.
You would have Windows and your applications on the C: drive, and then make it so that your sample libraries, Cakewalk Projects, and Cakewalk Content live on the 2nd drive (along with your User Folders).
You can eventually pick up a solid state drive to become your C:, and can even buy a better 2nd drive that is either larger or faster, or both. MOST folks with a multiple drive setup these days seem to use a solid-state drive for the C:, and then a 7,200 RPM SATA III HDD for their 2nd drive, because you can get a 1 TB or even 2 TB HDD for a LOT less money than what such a drive would cost to be a giant solid state drive.
But if possible - the combination of a decent CPU, 8 GB or more of memory, and 2 drive support in the laptop, is a great combination to look for in a laptop, for running Sonar - in MY opinion. You can get such a laptop for a pretty reasonable price - with eventual upgrades to one or both hard drives.
Bob Bone