BCnSTL


I dunno guys. I think time and tech has progressed to where a well-spec'ed laptop is just fine.

A quad core i7 with 8gb of RAM and an SSD will perform every bit as good as a similarly spec'ed desktop from 2ish years ago.  

I have an 8-core, 12GB, SSD desktop and a 4-core, 8GB, SSD laptop and the laptop can run every project just fine, but the screen is cramped. I'm considering migrating to a slightly beefier laptop with a 1080p screen. 

I certainly agree with you that laptops would run it just fine.  I am not sure what the original poster's plans are for mobility and such.


There are certainly laptops that would fit the bill.  My own thoughts are that you get more bang for the buck with a desktop, but that's just me.


Bob Bone

Desktop the most flexible, Laptop for portability.

Laptop experience has been good: Sager NP9170 (it has FirewWire)
The biggest problem with laptops is circuit board noise.
There are probably noise suppressors you can insert before the main outs that can help with that. (if anyone knows, please post a link)

1) +1 on Laptop with X2 ... for MIXING ... except for using UAD plugins (you'll have to suffer without them :):):) )

The lappy must have similar specs as a desktop replacement.

2) Unfortunately, the lappy is no substitute for a desktop ... for RECORDING.
For recording, you'll need a desktop or lappy that can handle cumbersome pre-s, racks, MIDIs, UAD, and/or sensitive condensor mics.

The sound-interface for outboard equipment is just 'not-so-portable' for the lappy ... no fun to plug in everything to a lappy-interface, IMHO.

3) Ideally, a lappy with a GREAT docking station, or a desktop + lappy ... the lappy to take with you 'on-the-road' (as I do) ... with more modest gear.

Thanks to everyone for the insights ! Looks like the majority is for desktops unless I need mobility. I am currently keen on just getting my studio upgraded so I would park the lanks to everyone for the insights ! Looks like the majority is for desktops unless I need mobility. I am currently keen on just getting my studio upgraded so I would park the laptop option for the time being and also go for Windows 7, given the mixed reviews on Windows 8.  I missed out to mention that I use an Echo Gina audio interface.  

You get far more bang for the buck with a fast desktop than a laptop.
To get a laptop that's truly on-par with the fastest available desktops, you're looking at $3000+.

If you travel a lot via plane, go with a laptop.
Otherwise, desktop all the way...

I've got an old laptop I decided to load a few old DAWs on to "play around" with the portability. I was thinking with LiveLite, I could use it like a hardware workstation..... like my Fantom-S, or my MV-8800. 

However, it's a pain in the ass. 

It's an old Dell630 core 2 duo if that tells you anything. 

But without my audio interface, I'm left with ASIO4all with the built in soundcard. Playback is fine, I don't load it up with many instruments or audio tracks, less than 10 total. But recording audio through the mic input is a no go. 

Then if I recorded a few audio tracks whilst at my normal work area, with the interface, monitors, & my other gear, then try to add midi without all that, I have to go in & change the audio interface settings & all that every time... major PITA. 

I know a lot of people do it, just don't know how. 

Depends on where and when you want to work on music, and budget I suppose.

In my case, I've wanted to work on music as often as possible in whatever place I happen to be sitting.

I moved from a desktop to a laptop, a good laptop, and I've found I've been able to put in a lot more time on the music and I've made a lot more progress. 

I have been laptop based for quite a few years now, wouldn't go back. Windows 8 is great. - Shawn

I've known people who choose a laptop over a desktop for the misguided reason that it's smaller and therefore less intrusive.  But on a desk surface connected to peripherals, this factor becomes irrelevant.  The only positive feature of a laptop is its portability.  Everything else about it a negative.

Laptop if you need portability & a nice USB audio interface box