Hello Cakewalkers!  This is my first post and I am very pleased to be part of the Cakewalk family (again).
 
I last used Cakewalk eons ago as a MIDI editor for my backing tracks.  I used to earn my living doing a fulltime high-tech (for the time) solo act playing guitar, keyboards and singing. At the end of my fulltime musical endeavours, I was using a Casio PG380, Korg M1, Yamaha QX1, Alesis HR16, AKG headset, Rockman XPR, three Sampson wirelesses, QSC power, EV mains, playing the nicer pubs, restaurants and the like.  I started the high-tech aspect of my solo career with a brand new (for the time) Roland TR-606 & TB-303.
 
I'm 58 now and feel like building a hobby studio given there are no consequential venues in the Vancouver British Columbia area, and thus I would hardly even have my transportation costs covered at many of the venues that would hire me.  I have no plans for recording live bands, just myself (singer / guitarist / keyboard player) and lots of toys. I have no aspirations about becoming rich and famous (and in fact never have had any).  I am pleased that there was a period of time in my life that music was my source of income, and I am satisfied with my fulltime teaching position in an unrelated field (I would like my wife to stop being so crabby, but we can dialogue on spousal dynamics another day).
 
Yep, to the point of the matter at hand.
 
I recently bought Sonar X2 Producer (might upgrade to X3) and I am trying to decide how best to go about using a computer with it. As discussed, I am setting up a hobby studio and have no plans for recording live bands, just myself (singer / guitarist / keyboard player) and lots of toys.
 
I have a laptop I could use. I am not committed to using it, but it would be nice for portability and cost reasons, however:
a) it does not have a 7200 RPM HD (it's 5400 RPM), so I assume disk access times may be compromised.
b) it does not have a second HD for audio files, so I assume disk access times may be compromised.
c) it does not have an SSD, so I assume disk access times may be compromised.
d) it does not have a dual head video card, so I assume I can't run dual 24 inch LCD monitors.
e) it does not have a dedicated video card (not 100% sure how can I tell?), so I assume processor cycles would be compromised.
f) it does not have an 1920x1080 LCD, so I assume viewing would be compromised.
g) it does not have a 17.3" LCD, so I assume viewing would be compromised.
 
ASUS Laptop Model R500A
15.6" LCD
Intel Core i7-3630QM
1TB HDD 5400
8GB RAM
Windows 8
USB 2 & 3
Video 1377x768
 
Questions:
 
1) Am I correct in my assumptions a) through to g) above?
 
2) How well suited is Sonar X2 Producer for mixing, editing, controlling with no external hardware-based control surfaces and no external hardware-based mixers (expect of course for an 88 key MIDI keyboard controller)?
 
3) I'm torn between the Roland Octa-Capture and the newer Focusrite 18i20.  It would be nice to have the Roland's reverb and compression for zero latency monitoring, four monitor sends, digitally controlled preamps and auto-levelling, however it would be also be nice to have two separate headphone outputs, (the presumably nicer) Focusite preamps plus newer gear (as is the case with the 18i20) usually means better gear in the fast moving world of digital audio plus the Focusite is $100 less than the Roland. I would be using this for my hobby studio and I like the idea of flexible routing and numerous I/O's, but I have no plans for recording live bands, just myself (singer / guitarist/ keyboard player) and lots of toys which I would rather leave plugged in at all times. Comments on the Roland Octa-Capture versus the newer Focusrite 18i20?
 
4) I have run LatencyMon Home Edition Version 5 a number of times and by shutting down of a number of Windows Services etc, LatencyMon informs me that my laptop will do the job.  Is this a reasonably reliable starting point for my ASUS laptop?
 
5) Most of what I've read suggests that Sonar X2 Producer really comes alive with 1920x1080 dual 24" LCD's.  Now I am sure Sonar X2 Producer can function with less resolution and less video real-estate, but does what I've read have merit in the light of the fact that I have no intention of mixing, editing, controlling Sonar X2 Producer on external hardware-based control surfaces or external hardware-based mixers (expect of course for an 88 key MIDI keyboard controller)?
 
6) If I was to get a higher-end laptop such as the Cakewalk recommended HP EliteBook units, would the LCD on a 17.3" HP EliteBook basically negate the benefits of having dual 24 inch LCD monitors (assuming I cannot run dual 24 inch LCD monitors on a 17.3" HP EliteBook)?  Or would having dual 24 inch LCD monitors still be substantially easier than having the single LCD on a 17.3" HP EliteBook (assuming I can run dual 24 inch LCD monitors on a 17.3" HP EliteBook) given I have no intention of mixing, editing, controlling Sonar X2 Producer on external hardware-based control surfaces or external hardware-based mixers (expect of course for an 88 key MIDI keyboard controller)?
 
7) I am somewhat reluctant to buy a desktop for the following two reasons, one I enjoy the mobility that a laptop allows such as working on Sonar X2 Producer with headphones in the living room, and two, once a desktop has outlived it's usefulness as a DAW, it can't be easily used for casual use and becomes a boat anchor to me (I have too many old desktops in the basement as it is). Thus my question is, would it be the case that the desktop plus the dual 24 inch LCD monitors' total cost would be about the same as a similarly spec'd 17.3" HP EliteBook?  If so, and if I cannot use dual 24" monitors with a similarly spec'd 17.3" HP EliteBook, I understandably might opt for the desktop. Comments?
 
Very much thanks for you kindness!

I think some people do use notebooks successfully.  I tried a little of that with Sonar 7 on a pretty weak notebook and never got satisfactory results.  Personally I like a lot of monitor space.  You can get some pretty decent notebooks with large monitors and then attack a second monitor, so I wouldn't categorically rule out notebook computers.
 
However, you asked about the viability of doing everything "in the box" -- i.e. no outboard synths, effects or control surfaces.  That very definitely is becoming practical.  I have no interest in connecting to external hardware, and I have been able to do everything I want to do with a pure software solution.  But you won't get very far down that path without really a really strong PC.  You aren't in bad shape for a starting point.  I'd definitely start with your current hardware and gain some experience before deciding your next step.  I think the only investment I'd make at this point is a second monitor, assuming your computer has an extra video port that can support an extended desktop on the second monitor (not just a copy of your current desktop.)

Hello cparmerlee, thank you kindly for your input and I'm sure you mean well but I would very much like this thread to stay focused on the seven questions presented.  However to respond in kind to your text:
 
Yes, I know people use laptops with music software, I have been doing so for many years.  Yes, I know I can get a fast enough notebook with a 17.3" monitor, I've already said so as per the Cakewalk recommended HP EliteBooks.  As to a second monitor, I was addressing a dual head video card (which is rare on a laptop) versus a laptop VGA output via Win 8 extended desktop, perhaps I should have been clearer in that regard.  Yes I know that doing everything in the box has merit from a computer hardware perspective, however I was asking in the context of the software Sonar X2 Producer.  Lastly, I was not asking if I should start with using my ASUS laptop, I was asking if I was correct in my assumptions a) through to g); as mentioned in my first post, I started many years ago.
 
All the best,
Chum

1) yes, your pretty much on mark with your assumptions.
2) very much so.  X2 Producer is very well suited to in the box production.
3) Focusrite.  DSP version is better if you can afford it.
4) yeah it will - but I don't think your going to be happy.
5) X2 Pro has everything you need in the box.  no external is required.  bigger monitors and more monitors makes it easier but it is not required.
6) Bigger monitor is ALWAYS better.  X2 Pro has many windows and flipping between them on a bigger monitor or two monitors makes work easier, it's not a requirement - just better.
7) you are limited in upgrade options on any laptop.  can't put in a different vid card, limited on ram, limited on hard drives etc. a Desktop DAW affords you upgrade options as you have the money and options. for cheaper or fully rigged at about the price of a mediocre laptop.
 
I would like to point out that your laptop as spec'd probably is not rated for continual use and as such doing audio which heats up the CPU, HD and video your laptop will get hot fast, the fans aren't really great on laptops and so laptops tend to die pretty fast when your doing audio stuff on them.  a laptop that is a general use laptop just isn't rated and made for audio production use.
 
with the laptop you have can you use it.  yes. I think however you will be frustrated rather soon using it.  the hard drive is not that fast and you will experience dropouts and latency as you build more and more tracks - adding a USB3 external 6gb sata drive might help and they are pretty cheap now.  the small screen will frustrate you as you will constantly be spending time moving windows around and finding things rather than being creative.
 
I burned out 2 laptops due to overheating.  I never really took my laptop out it actually became more of a desktop rig so now I just went with a desktop rig and maxed my desktop out.  dual 24" monitors 3 hard drives SSD etc tons of ram etc.  the result is more physical desk space, bigger monitors to see everything I'm working on and low latency so no pops cracks or waiting - the system is just there, waiting for me to be creative not me fighting desk space, cables, small monitor where I can't see everything and dealing and fighting the system to get resources killing popping cracking and latency.
 
You didn''t ask for all the extra but I think you might really like to consider it.  Also consider X3 Pro instead of X2 Pro.  X2 Pro worked for many people and didn't work for just as many people.  X3 has been a really good nice release of Sonar.

Thank you so much MachineClaw, I appreciate your succinctness!
 
1) Question, is there good reason to have a dual head video card (which is rare on a laptop) versus using the VGA output via Win 8 extended desktop?
 
2) Question, can you list your hardware for your desktop PC running Sonar Producer X2/X3?
 
3) Win 7 or Win 8?
 
My responses:
1. Well it's not the end of the world as did not buy the ASUS lappy for music purposes primarily.
2. Wonderful to hear you say that, it confirms my understanding as well.
3. Interesting, and worthy of further consideration.
4. Yep, that confirms my expectations.
5. OK.
6) I'll go big.
7) Since I can get a desktop that specs better than a lappy and is more easily upgradeable for similar cash that's a worthy point.
 
As to your view that my ASUS lappy will overheat, it has something called "Ice Cool".  I have worked it hard with all power saving features off and all systems maxed, and the damn thing hardly gets warm.  Very unlike any other laptop I've ever owned.
 
Your point that the ASUS lappy will become an annoying / limiting factor is likely quite true, and I appreciate you confirming that for me.
 
I'm considering X3 Producer mostly because of the integration of Melodyne Essential and Addictive Drums so your further views are welcome.
 
Very much thanks for your kindness!

If you want a list of compatible parts I'd recommend contacting Jim Roseberry at studiocat. Jim's a member here and makes PCs for a living. He offers a consultation service for a modest fee where he will supply you a parts list with links where to get them. Theses are parts that he haas tested and can confirm their compatability.

Hi Mudgel,
 
Sounds interesting and I may do that.  There is the downside in that shipping from the US to Canada is exorbitantly expensive. There is a first class computer chain here called NCIX so a parts list alone might do the trick and then let NCIX do the build.

Yeh that's what I was suggesting. I live in Australia and while I know my way around computers and have built quite a few, I used Jim's services on one occasion to get the benefit of his experience in selecting compatible components. The build was flawless and the machine is still running to day while no longer my primary daw.

I have just contacted Jim.  I live near Vancouver B.C. Canada and I am considering the Platinum Studio DAW because on further investigation the only charge I would incur is FedEx ground and I can broker the unit myself thus saving that fee plus now with NAFTA there is no more duty on computers.  The question that remains is what support, BIOS tweaks, install services, etc. does Jim provide with the Platinum Studio DAW that would make any cost deferential in NCIX's favor become inconsequential?
 
Stay tuned and very much obliged for your recommendation, it looks promising and to be honest I sometimes get tired of fiddling with computers simply to get them to run optimally for any given purpose.

Jim is a regular contributor here, a musician and Sonar user himself. His company works both sides of the fence with Mac and PC with everyone from big studios to hobbyists who are serious about their gear. He has a great reputation for ongoing support.