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so wife and i got a chromebook to try for 30 days. big reduction in price. no brainer 100 buks...wasnt expecting much. i am amazed/freaked out. boots fast few secs, like a breath of fresh air compared to waiting for win owing to win loading all the anti virus and other programs. its an acer. i MUST say. whenever ive tried an acer computer ive never been disappointed. its only 2 ghz amd processor. but everything one needs for surfing/email/basic stuff etc. in summary i'm impressed. om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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eddie1261
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The fast bootup is due to it being a small OS on a solid state drive (it doesn't have to load tons of drivers like Windows does), not strictly "because" it's a Chromebook. I have one but rarely use it because of the limitations as far as not being able to load full featured programs and such. That being said, you can pop an SD card in there with your music files and listen to them. Or read ebooks, or view pics, stream video, use email if you use a web mail interface like Gmail. They are capable of a lot. But the OS limitations mean they can't really be your main computer. Because programs are not written for Chrome OS you are limited to running things through an emulator. I DO have an add on word processor loaded on to mine and a few other things, but with 4 PCs and 2 laptops I rarely find myself needing to do much on the Chromebook beyond very basic basics. And in fact if I could roll it into any substantial cash I would have sold it already. (I doubt I could get 50 bucks for it.) But for the money, and if it meets a user's specific usage requirements, they are fine. Mine is also an Acer and I have had no issues with it.
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They are good web browser machines if that's all you need. Full install Windows applications are a no-go which is why I don't own one.
I foresee in the future that the line between phone apps and Windows apps will draw closer and closer together. M$FT has been pushing their app stores hard in recent years and we'll probably see a stronger push on that with Win11.
 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
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agree with all said. yep just for web plus wife likes it...lol happy wife happy life. i cant complain cos she wants to buy me biab upgrade at xmas..plus gtr stuff. we trade a lot...lmao i'm useing the cbook to post this. like it so far
best om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Great to hear sir. My wife would probably like one of those too....
 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
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eddie1261
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I am not familiar with either of those things being happy...
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For people who do most of their work via a web browser, it's ideal.
The wife and daughters spend most of their computer time on a Chromebook, and have for years.
My daughters are both attending Community College, and can do most of their work - even MS Access classes - on the Chromebook. They only use my computer when they need to print something, as Google dropped support for cloud printing some time ago.
I typically pay $120-$140 for a used one, and it will last about a year.
A couple of years ago, my wife had left her Chromebook at her sister's house after a vacation visit. She logged onto a one of our spare Chromebooks, and found all her "stuff" had been seamlessly copied to the cloud. When it's time to move to a new Chromebook, it's just a matter of doing a Power Wash, and then logging onto it.
On the other hand, my sons and I can't really use them, as we all depend on Windows-based applications to do music, programming, specialized graphics and so on.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Never owned a Chromebook, but I did have a Chromebox for a while. It made a great living room internet machine. I foresee in the future that the line between phone apps and Windows apps will draw closer and closer together. M$FT has been pushing their app stores hard in recent years and we'll probably see a stronger push on that with Win11. Considering that Windows 11 will natively support Android apps, the line will blur even further.
I work here
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I am not familiar with either of those things being happy... A loving do unto others mind set required for best results. My 38 year experience with a certain redhead has shown me that you pretty much get back what you put in.
Keith 2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
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eddie1261
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A loving do unto others mind set required for best results. I think I see my problem now. I am also not familiar with THAT concept... I'm more of the 200 mph steamroller type.
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...M$FT has been pushing their app stores hard in recent years and we'll probably see a stronger push on that with Win11. Is that what this Windows 10 S-mode is about? I've got one picked out and ready to pick up when we can get out.
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All. well i'm just loving this acer chromebook. it takes a lot to impress me, but i'm impressed just like i am with amazons fire tablet product. why ? cos such budget products put tech power in the hands of us poorer folk.
maybe ill get flak for my next comment, but so be it, and its what i'm thinking ... why the hey cant apple bring out products at this budget under 200 buck level. i reckon apple are missing a huge market...not haveing a budget product like the chromebook. i cant believe this cbook is so lightweight...
the other thing i like is this thing dont seem to get hot at all. obviously due to the solid state storage. gonna see if some programming can be done on it for s's and giggles.
worst case its just a cheap way to web surf safely and research new recording studio products and reviews of same on you tube. its also very "snappy".
btw , so far my new evo audient usb audio interface has given me no hassles. i still like the mic pre's for my vocs, and would suggest anyone in the market for a budget interface, rent one , and try/assess for yourself. also i'm getting very low latency in reaps reporting of 4ms. best to all. oldmuso
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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I am not familiar with either of those things being happy... I thought I did, but I've been divorced for 7 years now, so perhaps I am not familiar with this either. ...M$FT has been pushing their app stores hard in recent years and we'll probably see a stronger push on that with Win11. Is that what this Windows 10 S-mode is about? I've got one picked out and ready to pick up when we can get out. Yeah, S-Mode only allows apps to run if they came from the Microsoft Store. It's considered a "Security" feature, however it can be disabled. Depending on the machine you bought though, disabling it might cost money... why the hey cant apple bring out products at this budget under 200 buck level. i reckon apple are missing a huge market...not haveing a budget product like the chromebook. i cant believe this cbook is so lightweight... That's what their iPads are for - granted, not 200 bucks, but $329 is what I'd consider "budget" for Apple - less if you buy a refurb. They're less limited than Chromebooks I think, or perhaps more limited with no keyboard depending how you look at things. btw , so far my new evo audient usb audio interface has given me no hassles. i still like the mic pre's for my vocs, and would suggest anyone in the market for a budget interface, rent one , and try/assess for yourself. I'm considering one for my own mobile rig, but concerned with durability as I see this more as a desk unit. Think it'd survive multiple drops and being tossed around in a backpack for a few years?
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Simon. i'm not sure i would be slinging evo around. mine is static...i would check with audient as to how much abuse it can take. i feel my steiny ur 22 is prolly sturdier. i would rent a evo first from L & M in bc . they also sometimes have used versions also. save some bucks.
best om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Simon. i'm not sure i would be slinging evo around. mine is static...i would check with audient as to how much abuse it can take. i feel my steiny ur 22 is prolly sturdier. i would rent a evo first from L & M in bc . they also sometimes have used versions also. save some bucks.
best om Yeah, I've been considering a Steiny, they've got a couple used/rental UR44C's at a local shop here, not sure if they have the Evo but if you don't think it'd survive being slung around then they probably don't rent them.
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
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Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. 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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Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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