Yeah, I agree. Most modern laptops will work just fine and give great performance.

One thing I would recommend that you do consider..... get a USB external interface that runs ASIO drivers and has all the other features you may need. The laptop's factory sound card chip isn't really very good for running music programs like we use.

This assumes you don't already have an interface. Get M-Audio, Presonus, Focusrite and the performance of Real Band and BB with midi synths will be flawless.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.