|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
Does anybody refurbish ThinkPad computers?
I'm thinking about retiring my 2002 ThinkPad. It's used on stage to display words or music notation and as a backup to play mp3 backing tracks in case my other stage ThinkPad dies on the gig. Since 2002 I've gone to the backup computer twice, that's not a bad track record.
I have a few others that through the years have been retired from my desktop/studio as they got too old to run modern software. A couple of newer than 2002 laptops on stage might be nice as screen displays have been improved since the early 2000s.
I know I can buy refurbished computers at places like NewEgg, but that seems foolish if I have my own. If it's economical to refurbish my own it sounds like a better deal, after all, I know how they have been treated.
If it costs too much, I don't want to do it, but if not, it seems like a good way to recycle old gear.
Thanks,
Notes
PS, I guess this shouldn't have gone into the SOS forum, sorry about that, it should have gone in plain Off Topic. I wasn't paying enough attention when I got this 'great idea'.
Last edited by Notes Norton; 12/30/20 12:10 PM.
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,106
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,106 |
Just thinking out aloud here, and not intending to be negative, but wishing to be pragmatic, and I'm not sure if the underlying intention is to 'refurbish' or possibly to 'upgrade'.
About the only things that can be reasonably refurbished are the disk drive and cooling fans. Maybe memory could be replaced if the form factor is still available, but it won't be faster than the on-board clock rate set by the computer itself. It's unlikely the processor can be replaced as it is unlikely that it would still be available. Even so, it would probably be the same speed processor. Everything else will be integrated into the motherboard, so not replaceable.
So ultimately, even if you can refurbish, it's likely that you will wind up with the exact same performance and specs as you have now. It will still be an 18+ year old computer.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
Thanks.
I'm obviously not a tech guy. Just a musician who can do some programming.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,880
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,880 |
I had similar thoughts to Trevor's. Rather than refurbish, may repurposed? A single purposed computer can last for decades. There's likely many years of use for that old laptop.
Think of things you may not be inclined to purchase but would be very handy if you had it for low cost or free...
Security system
Finance
Word Processor to write your memoirs
home automation
very high end phone system
amateur radio interface - don't laugh at this one, amazzzzzzzzing hobby - especially where you're located on the coast, NASA, Military, Merchant Marine, Air travel, Commerce, Wefax receiver, weather and communications satellites, hurricane hunters, etc
Dedicated SDR receiver - another amazing hobby - similar to amateur radio - but very cheap.
Data storage
Dedicated home recording studio
Photo or video editing with what's now antiquated but still high end software.
Gigapan super high resolution photo editing (gigapan.com) you have to see this to believe it... expensive to buy the gear - but like BIAB, there's nothing like it...
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
Thanks. That's also on my list.
I've got a couple of old XP models that I've set aside. Haven't been turned on in years. I've got some ancient ones on stage that do nothing but run my mp3 backing tracks or display words and/or music notation.
The problem with ThinkPads is they are built so well, they are outdated before they wear out. That's a good problem IMO.
I might pass them down to the stage, and as the ones I'm using on stage are early 2000 models, perhaps I'll try to play with Linux or something.
One of them needs a CMOS battery, which shouldn't be a problem. It seems to have died in storage.
I just don't want to waste them by throwing them out.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,052 |
A few other ideas I've thought of.
The Goodwill program in this area teaches computer hardware and software training. They accept and sell refurbished computers and used components.
Contact your local school system or homeless shelter to see if they accept used computers to be distributed to students in need.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
It depends on your definition of "refurbish" - usually this means to replace any broken parts and bring it back to "like new" condition.
If you mean "upgrade", then the story changes, as you'll be limited to what's upgradable in the laptop - CPU is usually not replaceable without changing the whole motherboard, though sometimes they are. RAM usually is upgradable, but you're stuck to whatever type of RAM it came with originally (DDR2/DDR3/1866mhz etc). Hard drive can often be upgraded or swapped to SSD, but if the laptop is old enough to still use PATA that'll likely exclude any available SSD's. And even after upgrading, you're still stuck with old technology.
Re-purposing as mentioned above is probably the best course. Use it as a workshop computer, or something like that.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
Thanks.
I meant Refurbish to be 'as new'.
I have a couple of old XP computers that I outgrew, and I am reluctant to use them as spares for my on-stage computer not knowing how reliable they will be.
I suppose taking them to the computer shop I sometimes deal with and have him thoroughly check them out might be a better idea. It costs $85 to get in the door, and I have seen refurbished computers on NewEgg for not much more than that.
I guess it's the hippie in me that just hates to waste the Earth's resources. I've never been enthusiastic about participating in the disposable society.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734 |
Thanks.
I meant Refurbish to be 'as new'.
I have a couple of old XP computers that I outgrew, and I am reluctant to use them as spares for my on-stage computer not knowing how reliable they will be.
I suppose taking them to the computer shop I sometimes deal with and have him thoroughly check them out might be a better idea. It costs $85 to get in the door, and I have seen refurbished computers on NewEgg for not much more than that.
I guess it's the hippie in me that just hates to waste the Earth's resources. I've never been enthusiastic about participating in the disposable society.
Insights and incites by Notes Repurposing is probably the way to go, prevents waste. Then shop for refurbished if you are looking for like new it is probably the best way to go. It is unfortunate that laptops are not built for upgrades, at least not very many are.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
Thanks. You are confirming the conclusion I'm getting from all these helpful responses.
Thanks to you all for your help.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 476
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 476 |
I finally gave up and threw my IBM ThinkPad T41p in the trash. It wouldn't even run Win7. Unless you're able to replace the motherboard with something more recent (super unlikely), there's no refurb that'll allow it to run today's OS and apps. I tried. And tried. And tried. I hauled that ThinkPad all over the world, and it still looked new. Loved it. That's why I bought a 2021 P17 to replace my desktop. $4900 list. Lenovo Christmas price? $2800! 4K display. 32 GB RAM. Thunderbolt 3. USB 3.2. 2 video drivers (can run internal and external displays at the same time). Built like a Sherman tank. I added one 2 TB TB3 SSD and two 2 TB USB 3.2 SSDs. BiaB and all of my sample libraries are on the TB3 SSD (40x faster than a 7,500 RPM HD). Having a blast, so far!
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra
Studio Pro 8; Tonalic Studio 1; Reaper v7; Bitwig Studio 6; Melodyne Studio 5
Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
That's the problem. The ThinkPads are built so well they still work even though modern software requirements has surpassed their ancient hardware.
I think I'm going to take one and play with linux on it.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
That's what I had done on an old PC years ago when I was taking Red Hat Linux Administrator training. Installing Red Hat was perfect and I had just used it as a web browsing machine.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
It is unfortunate that laptops are not built for upgrades, at least not very many are. Not many, if you're talking PC laptops, and approximately 0% if you're talking Mac or tablets. Which is quite sad, as it generates a large amount of e-waste that fills up our oceans.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
It is unfortunate that laptops are not built for upgrades, at least not very many are. Not many, if you're talking PC laptops, and approximately 0% if you're talking Mac or tablets. Which is quite sad, as it generates a large amount of e-waste that fills up our oceans. Unfortunately the corporate business model makes disposal more profitable for the corporation than repair. It's easier to make a disposable product, and when it wears out, you have to buy an entire new one. That keeps the current corporate quarter bottom line up and the stockholders happy. Capitalism does have many great features, but it also has a few flaws. I don't know how to fix those flaws. Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 476
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 476 |
Anyone else remember the Seagate hard drive ad that showed a garbage barge with a mountain of IBM 10 MB hard drives from the original PC XT being taken out to N.Y.'s Atlantic garbage dump?
Brilliant on one hand, and a horrifying sign of things to come on the other.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra
Studio Pro 8; Tonalic Studio 1; Reaper v7; Bitwig Studio 6; Melodyne Studio 5
Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,761 |
....................
Brilliant on one hand, and a horrifying sign of things to come on the other. I worked for a large company. They updated all of their computers, numbers in the thousands, a number of years ago. According to our government rules in order to declare them as a tax right off they had to destroy all of them, including the monitors. Such as waste! Many schools systems as well as employees could have used them and all they would have to purchase were hard drives, i.e they were destroyed in house.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734 |
Speaking of school systems. Local university's usually have surplus computers they sell, usually very very reasonably. Desktop models that can be refurbished and brought up to current standards, some that work right out of the gate without much add on. Anybody looking for a desktop can usually find this information on the university web site. When they replace their PC's they sell the old stuff. This is where the people building mac clones or Hackintosh computers usually get the bones to start.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
I worked at a university and by the time we took out the parts that were usable there was almost nothing left.
Full time faculty computers were given to part time faculty for work use only.
Administration computers were given to support staff for work use only.
And, some were sold very cheaply to students in need.
Pieces and parts were used to keep the above computers working.
Wasn't much left after that.
...Deb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,298
Posts802,908
Members40,085
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean