I play several nights each week using a new Dell M1530 laptop. Had nothing but trouble until Dell installed new audio and video drivers. Now, everything seems to be working OK with BIAB 2009. At least the snap, crackle, and pops are gone. One point about laptops, if you use the earphone output into the PA, consider a laptop that has the output on the side or back. Mine's on the front which gets in the way of using the pad. What an inconvenience. I've tried the iPod and CD players as well in live play. Guess I prefer the laptop, since I like to see the chords and lyrics scrolling in BIAB. BIAB sounds great into the Bose Model II setup. However, my preference in sound is my stereo Yamaha head into powered speakers. It's nice to have options.