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Date: 09-May-08 @ 02:48 AM -
Which DAW Laptop Purchase?
.......So Im off to work overseas guys and therefore Im looking to purchase a DAW lap top to take with me.
Ive seen numerous makes and models on the internet all claiming to be the ultimate device, but marketing BS aside I thought I'd reach out to you guys who tend to be at the 'coal face' for some practical advice.
I want the laptop/notebook for music production. not concerned about gaming etc.. I'll be using Reason 3 at the moment with version 4 to be installed at a later date & also Cubase SX3.
In terms of hardware currently I have an edirol UA 25 soundcard & Korg MicroKontrol i want to hook up & later on would like to add other hardware as I expand my knowledge & capability.
Ideally id like to purchase from a UK stockist so that I can visit the supplier & see a demo of the chosen device.
Budget isnt too restrictive, most expensive Ive seen is around $3K so approx £1500 stirling.
Researching what is available currently, the following is what I have shortlisted,
1 - DAWBOX Phantom QUAD
Phantom Quad Says it is the most powerful laptop on earth, hmmmm yeah maybe but how reliable is it, etc, etc.....
Cant find much info on it regarding independent reports as to how good or how bad it actually might actually be?
Its advertising 3 internal Sata Hard Drives for samples, record playback & OS aswell as Quad core where as the other 2 below are only dual core.
2 -
Alien Area 51 m15x Really like the look of this laptop in terms of the design & customisable lighting features it offers, however I have to remind myself that Im more concerned with the audio quality & funtionality Im concerned with rather than the gimmicks!
Research on this one seems to be questionable. Those that have purchased an Alien laptop either love it or hate it depending on whether they got a good or bad one. It would appear that its a bit of a lottery as to whether the one you recieve will either be totally reliable or on the other hand a total nightmare from day 1.
Also Alien was recently purchased by Dell & from what Ive read the support they offer is almost none existent & not a road you want to go down if it can be avoided.
3 - PC Audiolabs 91X
PC Audiolabs 91X Again, not much research info available on this one but from what I can gather PC Audiolabs seem to have a respected name in the industry.
All of the above are available as standard or customisable so Im happy to listen to suggestions as to what you think would be the right components to add on if necessary.
Any advice regarding the above or any other makes or models would be appreciated so that I purchase a device that is value for money & will serve me well.
Im going to be in Russia so reliability & performance is clearly important as ongoing service issues would be a huge problem if I were to purchase a 'dog' of a lap top!
Thanks guys
Your words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers nme