Welcome to the forum. Many of us use BIAB on laptops with success, including on gigs. The only machine I just couldn't work with was my 10" netbook (remember them?). No question though, the bigger the screen (and the younger the eyes), the happier you will be. But I have run BIAB for decades on screens of all sizes, and only could not function on that one netbook.
The owner of the company, Peter Gannon, has stated he develops BIAB on a laptop.
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.
Eyesight is the key. A few years ago at a gig one of the young guys was reading some charts using iRealB on his 5" IPhone from 3 or 4 feet away. If you can do that then a small lappie is ok.
There's a lot going on with Biab's GUI so the rule is the bigger the screen, the better.
I am getting ready to purchase a new Ultrabook. Is a 12.5'' or 13.3'' screen size large enough to effectively use BIAB 2014 & Real Band?
While it would probably run BB, I would recommend that since you are purchasing new, that you seriously consider paying a little bit more for a model with a larger screensize.
If for no other reason than my favorite at purchase time, I try to let the idea of "future proof" guide part of the decision.
Never know what new thing is coming down the pike, but in this instance I think its safe to say that the trend has been moving to larger and larger screensize and having that available when needed can solve problems even before they arise.
What I can tell you via empirical observation is that, during the beta testing and afterwards now, I've broken out an older laptop with 14" screen to check out the new BB on, and while it is usable, I've got to say that the more modern widescreen laptop I've got here is MUCH easier to view, easier to see the Chord Sheet or Lead Sheets when playing and practicing, so I wouldn't think that the choice you are looking at here would be the best situation for such.
Click on the link above to see a side by side comparison between new and just prior GUI. If you're used to reading while you play, as opposed to playing from memory with backing tracks, it appears that the viewing space for chords, and associated details, has been reduced approximately 16% vertically (two thirds to a half dedicated to chord space), and the fonts are less bold than before, as well. Not easy to see on a 13.5" screen.
I would buy the largest laptop you can afford. I have an ASUS Q500 series with a 15.5" screen. I have 2/3 of the screen for the chord grid and the tool bars take up 1/3. My resolution is 1920x1080. The size of the fonts, (default setting), depends on how many bars are in your song. The font size in a 32 bar tune will be larger than a 64 bar tune. Later, Ray
Last edited by raymb1; 12/08/1306:51 PM.
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.
My ThinkPad 13.5" screen only goes up to 1366 x 768, and displays only 1/2 vertical space for chord display, as shown in my link, above. As a workaround for the cramped viewing, and the chord font display challenge, you can use a custom font with bold option and a larger font size, though you may need to limit the number of rows you can see at once, as there is a trade off in the # rows and the chord font size. Is there no way to remove the mixer, and re-size the upper left to be fully horizontal, as before and open up some more vertical space to display the chords screen portion?
I got 2/3 before on my 15.5" screen with 1366 x 768 resolution, not needing a full blown gamer laptop to see and read the chord display. The image in my link shows the 15.5" screen on the right at 1366 x 768 resolution. I ask again, for all those who don't possess large screens or ultra high resolution displays - is there a way to reconfigure the subcomponents of the GUI, like removing the mixer and resizing the upper left transport portion towards the right and add vertical space to the chord display portion?
Thanks, Ray. Didn't see your response before sending.. Sorry, and I appreciate the prospect, as well as so many of the other updates, especially the New Orleans styles. Looking forward to using those.
...I ask again, for all those who don't possess large screens or ultra high resolution displays - is there a way to reconfigure the subcomponents of the GUI, like removing the mixer and resizing the upper left transport portion towards the right and add vertical space to the chord display portion?
And I say again (and again if you're reading other threads on here) that we've been promised such in a future Update file.
But none of us can tell you when to expect that to appear.
They've also promised to restore the ctrl-t to working order as well. With that, we should be able to Toggle between just Chord Sheet display of full view as in the past.
Thanks for posting those pics, that's a very dramatic comparison. Seeing the two side by side like that makes you wonder what were they thinking?
I don't see two pics in this thread, but if you are referring to the differences in how XP displays the new GUI as vs any of the newer Windows OS's, this was duly noted and reported by several of us during the beta testing. We've been promised a fix in upcoming Update, apparently "they were thinking" that it would take a bit of time to implement such properly.
Likely a case of the way the newer OS's do things internally as to screen display, after all, even the laptops out today feature plenty of graphics enhancements over poor old XP.
There may be a few other reasons besides OS here, for example, the use of different monitor sizes, differing video and graphics hardware and drivers, etc.
PG music enjoys a rather excellent reputation at going after both backwards-compatibility as regards older OS's and equipments, I'm sure that they will come up with ways to make the new GUI work and look great for as many different cases as they can.
Not fair to denigrate this great hardworking Develooment Team with that, "What were they thinking?" line.
IME they are always thinking about ways to better serve the customers.
Ask that question about other outfits that simply turn last year's expensive hardware or software into nonsupported unusables. PG's never done that and I don't think they ever will if it is in their power to do so.
Look at Edwins "DrDuBose" Google link. He's posted a pic of two laptops side by side, one displaying 2013 and one displaying 2014. XP has nothing to do with it. The 2013 display is exactly what it looks like on my new Win 7 64 bit machine as well and then 2014 is what it looks like here too.
How many times we gotta say that the new GUI is still a work in progress?
Enhancements are still being worked on, Updates will be issued, viewing areas should have solves, etc.
BTW I can tell that the LH screen in that google pic must be running XP because of the amount of screenspace taken up by the upper area.
On the newer OS's, the upper area only takes up about 1/3 instead of about 1/2. I beta tested on three different PC's and also on a Macbook just to see all the differences and such, and duly and instantly reported my findings about that, complete with screenshots to development. And PG did indeed promise an upcoming fix.
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.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean