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#426505 08/17/17 10:37 AM
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I need to get a PC where I work because everything there is PC based. It doesn't need to be super powerful, but something I can use to run work software, and maybe sneak in Band-In-a-Box. I'm thinking about going with a surface book. Thoughts?


Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
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A PC, as in Windows? Nice! Welcome.

Pure Surface devices are great but sometimes limited with the number of available USB ports etc.

There are notebook devices that perform a similar function with 'swivel / detachable screens'.
Decide on what features you want in terms of screen size, keyboard, touch screen, touch pad, USB ports, required battery life etc and then go shopping.

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BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
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Regarding a Surface Book or Pro see this:

Consumer Reports

Two year failure rate 25%. This came as a surprise to me, I'd not read much negative about these but there it is.

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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My advice would be get something with plenty of USB 3 ports and a big hard drive. I bought a tablet about 3 or 4 years back. Original ACER Surface (I think). It runs BIAB 2017 fine but is basically a real drag for live shows unless I run with Wavefiles as I have the USB hard drive, midi interface, mouse etc coming out of one USB 3 port. How else will you have all the RealTracks working. If I had to add an audio interface it would be a nightmare. If I'm running wave files, I might as well use the phone...


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I bought a Dell with Windows 10 at Staples for around $400.00 and it works great with Biab. Mine came with dedicated video card for games and they had others that were a little cheaper. It also came with an extended warranty where if anything happens to it, they will replace it for free.

Biab works great with it and the Realtracks generate in about 3-4 seconds.

Trax

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If budget drives the decision, and it does for a lot of people, you are fortunate to be buying at a time when what used to be $2000 you can find for $400 or so. I personally went ahead and splurged and spent a lot more to get extra stuff like the i7 processor, 32gb of RAM, etc.... But that was mainly because the studio computer also has to run Pro Tools as well as RB. Like Trax said, he spent $400 and it runs his stuff just fine.

I'd focus on processor speed first, then RAM. If you can find an i7 for not much money, great. Trax, at $400 did you get an i5?


I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.

1. How much did you make in 2023?
2. Send it to us.
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Islansoul,

Do you have a form-factor preference? Windows computers are available in many forms including all-in-one, desktop (tower), laptop, tablet and convertible (combination laptop/tablet). Everything else being equal a tower should be least expensive but is the easiest to upgrade.

Visiting sites like +++ Dell +++, +++ BestBuy +++ and +++ Tiger Direct +++ will give you some idea of what's available and cost.

Both Dell and Tiger Direct sell refurbished computers. These are computers that came off lease or were received on trade.


Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
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Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle

Both Dell and Tiger Direct sell refurbished computers. These are computers that came off lease or were received on trade.


If you go to dell.com/outlet you can find good deals. If they get a return for any reason, something as minor as a power supply, they can no longer sell it as new.


I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.

1. How much did you make in 2023?
2. Send it to us.
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Yes, I have the i5-6400 @2.70 GHZ with 8Gig of Ram.

It works fantastic with Biab.

Trax

Also, Best Buy has an unofficial "Black Friday" sale THIS weekend only.

Last edited by Muzic Trax; 08/20/17 03:39 AM.
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