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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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What should the minimum specs for a Netbook be to use with a BIAB 2010.5 HD? Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Ray:
I see that nobody has answered your question yet and I'm by far not the most knowledgeable on the subject.
However, here's a couple of thoughts.
Can you be a bit more specific on what you plan to do with BIAB on your Netbook?
Are you just going to run BIAB only or do you plan on using any Real Tracks?
Will you be taking it "on the road" to use for gigs, with or without Real Tracks?
If you already have BIAB 2010.5 on the HDD, you could try just taking that to your computer dealer
and see if they'll let you try running it from there. I don't think BIAB installs anything to the system directory.
Provide some more info and perhaps someone will be able to help.
I have a Netbook but I've never tried BIAB on it.
LLOYD S>
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I would bet that BB would run on any of 'em, if I were a betting man.
Rule of thumb, the slower the processor, the longer it takes to load RealTracks. Once loaded, all is equal.
Other than that, if you have enough RAM in the thing, you should be good to go.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Apprentice
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I own a 3 year old Acer Extensa 5620, with Pg Music HD,works great. A few years back I had a Dell it was a nightmare. Ed
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thanks for the replies. I just wanted something smaller to take on the gig and wasn't sure if a netbook could handle the BIAB HD. I will take the HD to a PC store and check it out. I'm a pianist, so I just use Real Drums and Real Bass on the gig. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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I'm typing now on a Toshiba NB205 netbook. BIAB runs on it, but I would not consider it for a gig because more than one Real Track slows it down too much. However, that's with the Real Tracks and Real Drums running on the netbook's hard drive.
Sorry, I'm on the road, or I would try the experiment using it just to run BIAB from an external drive.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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The problem I had with a Netbook was overheating. That's a 3 year old one. And the boot time on XP was about 4 minutes. We live in a time where that is close to eternity. Now I use Ubuntu on an old Sony laptop with 4 seconds from login to surfing the net. But I don't run Band in a Box on it. To be honest, I now prefer making mp3's.
I have seen a bunch of Acer's which attach to the back of a monitor. They are about 4 inches square, and you can choose the monitor, even touchscreen. To me, if I was to start from scratch, with the years invested in the Band and the box and the system, I'd look at that before the netbook. the screen is what size you want, and the power will be equal to the netbook. The speed of the netbook was not a factor, after all, once done tweaking your files, the tracks can be frozen and played OR made to mp3's. But I admit, having the conductor and the live screen seems better to me. Then you make sure to stay with 32 bit NOT 64, (as described by the Chicago Prof after evaluation) and maybe add a midi pedal for the piano to program start and stop, (check there is one I have with volume pedal, expression, ability to change patches etc.) and bob's yer proverbial paternal sibling, or uncle if you want.
Part of the equation is midi vrs real, and I have the Ketron and suggest if you are doing any midi, it's not only the answer, but the Holy Grail.
I should post, get Acer, get Ketron, Later, John
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I've played with my daughter's ASUS netbook, and for BIAB, I am sure that the biggest bottleneck will be the processor -- these are single core (generally, there are some dual core) machines with 0.6GHz processors (the slow speed keeps them cool). The memory is solid state, so disc transfer will be fast -- but BIAB doesn't seem to be at all disk intensive, so this really doesn't mean anything. Generally the design emphasizes exactly the opposite of what you would want from a BIAB computer. I was actually surprised in my tests (click here), but on Win7, all of your cores are used almost equally in BIAB processing (I suspect due to Win7) and this makes a big difference when you use Realtracks (it takes <3 seconds for these to 'compile' on my setup, discussed elsewhere on this forum). I'm running 4 cores at 3.5GH -- 1 core seems to be about 1/3 the performance of 4 with BIAB. And at 0.6GHz, you should be operating the netbook core at ~1/6th the speed ... so figure at best it will take 12 times as long to process BIAB tasks on the netbook ... and you are going to run that processer at 100% (which is why they get hot). Also, from my daughter's experience, you will go through a couple of netbooks a year if you really use them. BTW, these are called 'Net'-books, because you are supposed to do all of the computing on the server side of the Internet, instead of on the netbook. These were an offshoot of Nicholas Negroponte's "One child, one notebook' initiative (now the XO notbook) that was designed to provide worldwide client Internet services. Asus and Intel couldn't reach Negroponte's $100 price point, so backed out, and repackaged it as the Netbook-Atom laptops. Chris
Last edited by westland; 11/06/10 12:15 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Jeez, I remember selling Wyse 75's for $500.00...and running 8 of them on a 68010...
I laugh at people talking about clouds. We called that a Unix server with terminals.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Wyse ... it sounds vaguely familar ... I think I remember those from my college days ... We're dating ourselves John
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
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I remember the first computer I had. You slide one part and line the two of the rulers with the other part. Very cool. Never overheated. I could draw lines with it too. The printer was very poor though, almost illegible.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 92
Enthusiast
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Wyse, I remember those. That's all the army was using when they started to automate everything. The first network I saw was when I was in the army band in Japan. They a a server in the admin office and at least a dozen Wyse terminals all around the building in different offices runnning Unix. I wish I would have gotten involved learning that stuff instead of chasing the local woman...that's another story. Getting back to netbooks. My question is, is it really worth the trade off net vs. notebook? The prices of notebooks are pretty good for the computing power and you get a lot more screen size.
Dell Studio 16 Laptop i7 with 256 gig SSD
BIAB, Reaper, Encore, Sibelius
Roland SD-50
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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We have 4 computers here. A netbook and 2 laptops. I'd go for a laptop after my experience with the netbook. It overheats too much. Not comfortable on your lap. And the small screen makes it hard to read. It did work fine with Band in a Box though....
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Not every Netbook is saddled with solid state drive, you can also get them with the standard hard drive inside as well...
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Not every Netbook is saddled. Giddy up. Trigger and Buttermilk were saddled. Bullet ran along for the ride. Never heard of a hoss named Netbook. 
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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You guys are too much. LOL!! All I would need to see on the netbook is the title. My Toshiba laptop is just a little too large sitting on a piano. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
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Howsabout a Netbook named, "Secretariat," then?
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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