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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Productor Musical
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OP
Productor Musical
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,055 |
I need advice or opinions about a good mini laptop for run Band in a Box with RT and RD, I lost my Dell computer in a armed robbery I was victim some days ago, police told me yesterday there is not chance to recover my laptop, its ok ... I keep my life ! now I feel better of some injuries and need to bought an inexpensive laptop since I can´t afford one like or same my Dell, btw it worked like a champ with BIAB!!  I heard about Aspire One, I know it and many mini laptops don´t have DVD player but I have a external DVD USB and it could work. Any suggest in the matter will be welcome. Thanks. Carlos A reflection after a violent fact and some recovery days : I think life gives to every one an opportunity, the air that now I breathe feels like a gift the same way I can look at to eyes of my wife and sons today.
Gabriel Arellano,
Nucleox Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 301 |
Carlos... Sorry to hear about this dreadful incident, it must have been terrifying.
Your subsequent reflection is what you must hang on to!
Good luck buddy......And hope you find a suitable replacement laptop.
Regards,
Dave.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Expert
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Expert
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My sympathies...... Enjoy life, live to play another day  I like the idea of the acer netbooks, and they mostly have XP.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Very sorry to hear of your loss, Carlos. However, you're future outlook is a true inspiration to all of us. Our national Thanksgiving holiday is next week and your story is a great reminder of how fortunate and blessed my family and I are. I sincerely hope that you find a laptop that meets your needs and finances.
I'm thinking that I would like to have a laptop just dedicated to all of our music software and songs. There's another thread going on a section of this forum about which laptop, notebook, or netbook to get with regard to using Windows 7. You might want to check it out. My wife and I have Toshibas. Mine is older; It's a Satellite 105. It has been very reliable and I have everything on it. I only use it with AC power though so I have never replaced the battery. New Toshibas are not cheap though. I heard that the ASUS got the top rating, but I know nothing about them. I don't use a laptop on gigs like a lot of the pros on here do. I wish I had that kind of talent.
May God bless you and your family, Carlos. We wish you good fortune in your search. Vaya con Dios.
Stan
Just watched your YouTube. You are truly a fantastic musician with a great feeling for the music you play!!!!!
Last edited by Shastastan; 11/20/09 11:52 AM.
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Posts: 8,333
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Best of luck buddy. I have run an Acer Aspire with XP and the external hard drive from PGmusic and it works great.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hola Carlos,
Lo siento mucho Carlos de escucharte algo asi!!! Tengo un buen amigo en Peru, a el lo asaltaron con pistola en mano hace 2 semanas le robaron su sax y su laptop. Aqui en Acapulco tenemos tambien muchas violencia y crimen, mucha gente es asesinada violentamente y claro los medio de comunicacion les agrada mucho publicar ese tipo de informacion con fotos de gente muerta en la primera pagina....como es que venimos de este mundo????
Solamente soy feliz de que tu y tu familia esten muy bien. Deseo tener el dinero suficiente para reparar el dano que te hicieron y lo que has perdidos, tu deberias de ser bien remunerada.
Como siempre amigo, ten cuidado, y si hay algo que yo pueda hacer por ti, tomame en cuente en cualquier momento.
Your buddy,
Edward
Hola Carlos,
I'm so sorry to hear of this my friend! I have a good buddy in Peru, he was robbed and shot 2 weeks ago and his Saxophone and Laptop were taken. We also have much more violent crime here in Acapulco, it seems many people are shot everyday and of course the Newspapers love to print pictures of dead people on page 1.....what have we come to in this world?
I am just happy that you and your family are well. I just wish I had the money to send to you to replace your loss, talent like yours should always be rewarded, not taken away.
As always amigo, please be careful, if there is anything I can do for you, PM me anytime!
Tu Amigo,
Edward
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
Hi Carlos,
Very sorry to hear about that horrible incident that you had. Hope things are OK.
The laptops are all great these days, cheaper and better than last year. I'd avoid the tiny ones (netbooks), mainly because the screen and keys are so small.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Carlos,
I too am sorry to hear about your dreadful experience. However it is good to hear the very positive attitude on life in general it has left with you.
Best of luck to you,
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Productor Musical
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OP
Productor Musical
Joined: Sep 2009
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Thanks friends for nice and sincere words, I am going right and better, a little down sometimes, but guitar, family and BIAB are the best medicine. About laptop choice I have to fit on budget however I will get the suggest of Peter, I agree, notebooks have small everything!. I will wait and save for something better. Still listening advices.
Gabriel Arellano,
Nucleox Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hey, Carlos! My advice? Keep playing, Man - you're great!
As to your loss, very sorry to hear that. What is the world coming to? Sh*t happens. Thank God you're alive.
All the best
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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What a saddening experience.
I thank God you were not hurt physically.
The entire world needs revival.
Meanwhile, you need a new laptop.
I think you will make a good choice.
God bless you, my friend.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Although it's hard to argue the pluses and minuses, even an old guy like me, who's typing this on an Acer Asipire because it sits by my easy chair, has to make decisions. This is the 'wifes' computer. It works great with band in a box. And I can type fine on it, but I seem to adapt to keyboards. I have to zoom the browser to read, but oh well. We've taken it to Cuba in her purse, I've taken it in my camera bag, and it fits easily in a shoulder bag. Nothing screams 'steal me' more than a laptop bag.
I have a camera backpack, and I tied it to the back trailer hitch and drove around dragging it for 45 minutes, dried it out, cleaned the inside, looks like something a bum would own. Who's going to steal it? I have one jacket with big pockets and the netbook fits in the pocket, not comfortable but on the other hand..
Now for levity. I work out at a fitness club. I'm famous for either not taking the lock or forgetting the combination...so I just leave it unlocked and put my keys and wallet under the underwear on the top shelf. Some thief might look in my pants pockets, or coat pocket but under the underwear, NOT. I still think I'm a genius for that one!
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Posts: 493 |
Carlos, I've been a big admirer of your music since you first posted some links here on the forum, and now I am just a big fan of you as well. You have a great outlook on life and you will never let a criminal take that away from you. Glad you are well and keep playing.
Regarding the netbooks, some of the really small ones (like the original Asus Eee) had very small screens and keyboards due to the overall size being so small. Now a netbook can be classified as such with up to a 12 inch screen size. The resulting increase in overall size allows for an almost normal size keyboard (and some may be 100% of a standard size). I cannot type on my wifes Asus Eee with an 8.7 inch screen, but the new Acer, Asus and HP minis have adequately sized keyboards for touch typing. If you are trying to keep the overall size small, don't overlook the newer and larger netbooks - they will work great for you and are still less expensive than most full size laptops.
Good luck in your search and I hope you find one that works for you.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Mr. Conley, I address you as my elder---NOT! Anyway, my Grandfather was born in Windsor Ontario in the 1800's, then joined up with Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, went "camping" in Cuba...and came back with an automatic dual-citizenship...whereby he packed up and moved slightly down south to Chicago, going from hod-carrier in Canada to a successful commercial Plastering Contractor in the Windy City!! Just how big and boomey was Windsor in the late 1800's...not the industrial complex that followed those horse and buggy days. How did you find it in those days?? Did you still have Canadian Indians on the warpath?? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carlos, I swear I looked and looked for this thread, and thought it was pulled, only to find it again today... I still think, after looking at those flimsily-built netbooks, that it might be worthwhile to see if you can "afford" a standard size portable that would better fit into your "advanced" studio setups. But who am I to tell one of the greatest current PG users what to do and where to go. I'll just say Booooooooo, be very aware on Black Friday 'cause those Voodoo Computer people will be out trying to dump $4000 laptops on your lap, for just $2000!! Woooooooooooooooooo and Boooooooooooooooooooooo... Hope you're doing well after "the incident"!!! http://www.thegigbaby.com  
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
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The small size of the netbook is a design tradeoff but not something that cannot be overcome when you weigh some of the other factors involved.
As John has said, the laptop case attracts attention from thieves.
The netbook, being smaller, can be placed out of sight of the thieves.
"Out of sight is out of mind."
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Carlos,
My sympathies on your robbery. Never any fun, and it leaves you wondering for a very long time afterwards.
Been there, done that, once is more than enough.
Some of the netbooks are getting larger. There are now some that have the 11.1" screens, and the resolution is a little better. Since they're wider, they tend to have slightly bigger keys.
They aren't much more expensive.
You can find several nice laptops between $400 and $500US.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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Carlos... Another quick thing about gigging with a "portable"...My Qosmio had the "typical" battery that really didn't last all that long with extended use away from AC. So I put in a huge heavy duty battery and that more than made up for the stresss I developed using just a standard size. It was damn near as big as some of the Netbooks, themselves. And the new netbook battery compartments look like they were made for Toys-R-Us products...so seemingly tiny and fragilely-built, that I fear they would break if knocked against something substantial. Just another errant thought. http://www.thegigbaby.com
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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