My main machine for X3 is a very sufficient PC. Wondering if the new laptop I'm getting for my wife's general use will also be able to serve as a once in a while portable X3 machine for single mic acoustic guitar or vocals. Looking at the Sonar requirements, it cites the minimum of an Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 processor / 2.67 GHz and 2GB RAM. The laptop will have an Intel Core i3 Mobile i3-3110 (Ivy Bridge) 2.40 GHz and 4GB RAM.
 
Here is a comparison of the two: http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/518/Intel_Core_2_Duo_E8200_vs_Intel_Core_i3_Mobile_i3-3110M_%28BGA%29.html
 
Anyone know if this might be sufficient for the purpose described?
Thanks,
Chamlin

System requirements at the bottom of this page... cheers:
http://www.cakewalk.com/products/SONAR/X3-Producer/
 

2 tracks, definitely. 8 audio tracks? Definitely. 8 soft synth tracks? Possibly, probably not with a ton of fx on it, and depending on which synths. 32 audio tracks, or more than 10 synth tracks? Probably not.
See what I'm getting at?

So single mic vocals and acoustic guitar shouldn't really be an issue unless you start layering a ton of tracks or fx.

I've done a lot heavier recording with a much less capable laptop than that. You're good to go as far as I can see

Thanks all. That's good enough for me. Usually, I'll be tracking vox or acoustic guitar to a few stem tracks so there's not much burden on the system. And while I may record 15 too many versions to comp later , the comping will all take place on my "real" system which uses an Intel Core i5-4670K Haswell 3.4GHz Quad-Core with 16GB RAM.
 
Gratefully,
Chamlin

you could always use something like Reaper for mobile recording and import to Sonar for editing if it proves an issue, but i'm sure it won't. the main issue will be getting the audio interface to work probably!

Hmmm...just thinking here...what are the rules around installing X3 onto my 2nd computer? Is that "sanctioned"? Or do I have to install X2 on the laptop?

it's fine. you can only use one machine at a time but can install on multiple machines.

Cham, loving the concept of buying your wife a laptop and plotting to put Sonar on for your music recording. It reminds me of The Simpsons episode where Homer buys Marge a bowling ball for her birthday with his name printed on it... 
 
Garry Kiosk
 
 
 
 

The Kiosk Project
Cham, loving the concept of buying your wife a laptop and plotting to put Sonar on for your music recording. It reminds me of The Simpsons episode where Homer buys Marge a bowling ball for her birthday with his name printed on it... 

Too funny. I resemble that remark!