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Joined: May 2005
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Joined: May 2005
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folks. i'm seeing continued problems with lots of laptops. and various issues. recording forums are showing many posts with users haveing probs. run this prior to purchase and test the darn thing prior to purchase with audio projects and your choice of sound device. http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtmlin theory lappies sdound nice...but the devils in the details. i personally feel lappie technology needs to mature further.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE ! "what is the black art of audio engineering ?" my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning see my tips in the tips section.
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There are plenty of us who have been using latops as DAWs for over three years now.
One has to research carefully, find out about the sound device you want to use and how it works or doesn't with the laptop you want to purchase. This can usually be found out by lurking targeted forums.
There are also certain brands to avoid entirely IMO. For example, I don't recommend Dell laptops for use as DAWs. But you will find that there is also a lot of trouble reported with the Dell desktops as well. This should red flag the potential buyer. Of course, there are indeed people using Dells for the purpose who report no troubles at all, too. But there certainly seems to be an inordinate number of folks reporting problems that can't be tweaked away easily as well. Caveat Emptor.
The times are changing, matter of fact I think they've already changed.
For example, many people have reported flawless operation of Band in a Box on those 9.something inch Acers and HP mini notebooks with the Atom processor...
Rather than tell people to flat not purchase a laptop, I tell them to take their time when shopping, don't impulse buy the laptop nor the sound device, instead go back home and search the web about that laptop model, that particular sound device, etc. as regards DAW work.
--Mac
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Joined: Jan 2005
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HP EVERY time. Never had a serious problem with any of them that couldn't be put down to software. I can't say the same for USB HDDs.
I have 4 HP lappies - love every one of them. The only HP lappie I ever lost was because of an accidental spillage over the keyboard. Gotta watch that!
I have am OmniBook (2000), a Compaq nx9010 (2005), an HP510 (2007) and an EliteBook (2009). They all do what I need them to do
Now, don't ask me what I am doing with all of those - I'm not sure myself. GAS??
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Joined: May 2000
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My HP "business model" laptop features a moisture-resistant keyboard.
Spills don't phase it.
--Mac
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Apprentice
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 280 |
Quote:
folks. i'm seeing continued problems with lots of laptops. and various issues. recording forums are showing many posts with users haveing probs. run this prior to purchase and test the darn thing prior to purchase with audio projects and your choice of sound device. http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml
in theory lappies sdound nice...but the devils in the details. i personally feel lappie technology needs to mature further.
Thanks. I downloaded that use to test my old HP desktop. I always get about 5 msec lag from one on each additional audio track. But that happens on a new faster machine too. Happens no matter what software I use.
Like the man said, "ain't that a kick in the head!"
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
My HP "business model" laptop features a moisture-resistant keyboard.
Spills don't phase it.
--Mac
That sounds very dour, Mac.
Have you got some kind of keyboard cover? I once nearly bought one on e-Bay but wasn't too sure about it. Any ideas? It would be a great protection for my kit at some of the gigs I do...
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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let me put this bluntly..lol...imho LAPTOPS ARE A PAIN IN THE REAR.
heres the basic problem.
people like mac and i are diggers , we enjoy sorting out problems. we anticipate probs. but most people just blindly go out and buy any old laptop thinking its like buying a lamp you just plug into a wall socket , and it works.
the trouble is its not just like a lamp. there is a learning phase not only in picking the right pc , but also understanding win, the sound device and the daw software.
hell from reading various user forums you can see a lot of people couldnt even be bothered to learn how to copy a file in win. many dont even bother reading the manual that comes with their sound device or daw software.
re the atoms. for roughing out stuff , yes ok. but ask em to handle big projects with lots of real time fx that hog pc resources...ooops.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE ! "what is the black art of audio engineering ?" my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning see my tips in the tips section.
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Joined: May 2000
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Quote:
My HP "business model" laptop features a moisture-resistant keyboard.
Spills don't phase it.
--Mac
That sounds very dour, Mac.
Have you got some kind of keyboard cover? I once nearly bought one on e-Bay but wasn't too sure about it. Any ideas? It would be a great protection for my kit at some of the gigs I do...
No keyboard cover.
The HP nx series business laptops all feature a water-resistant keyboard, scratch resistant screen, titanium or aluminum internal frames and indelible key labels. Heavy Duty.
--Mac
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Well, that's nice to know. My work laptop is an HP Compaq nx9010 and my DAW is the latest EliteBook and their top end model, so I guess that must have it too. Thanks 
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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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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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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.
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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