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Micro Center is a regional computer retailer with a store close to me. I'm typically in there every week or two looking at toys.  They have competitive pricing, but I do business with them because of their good service. I've had my eye on this eMachines® eMD620-5102 at $359.99 for some time. Today I got a mailer saying it's on sale at $299.99. Yeah, it has a low-end CPU, benchmarked at midway between my five-year old AMD Athlon XP 2200 and a Pentium IV 2.8 GHz. But it's a full-size machine with 2 Gb RAM, a 14" screen and a DVD writer. They also have this Refurbished Presario CQ50-215NR with a 1.9 GHz AMD® Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor QL-60 and 2 Gb RAM, a DVD writer and 15" screen for $399.99. I'm not big on Compaq after the power-connector issue turned my R3230US desktop replacement into $1500 worth of junk, but presumably this one was built after that was resolved. It has a 90-day warranty. (I'm interested in comments on issues with 64-bit processing.) Neither is ideal for full-tilt music production, but if you need mobile computing that would also serve as a music 'sketchpad', these are definitely worth considering. R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Hi Rys, I just bought an HP G60-249WM laptop, which looks to be nearly the same as the Compaq. My HP probably is a step up, but not by much. The other thing is that I can't find any current information on the 2650e processor for the eMachines, which leads me to believe that it's a discontinued product. The QL60 is current 64 bit processor and will run just fine. I have the QL-62 running in mine. I have 3 gigs of RAM, versus 2 I have a 250GB hard drive, versus 160 I have a 15.4" or slightly bigger, running at 1366x768 resolution. I have the same 8200M graphics set, although I haven't tried any real graphics intensive apps or games with it yet. As to the power connector, on my HP, it's on the side, which is probably where it is on that Compaq. CNet TV did a review on that computer, and I'd like to put my two cents in. At this price point, the Compaq and HP are the same computers. That looks nearly identical to mine. I *do* have a web cam in mine, but I don't have a CardSlot. The only thing that I would use a card slot for is for audio, and I've already decided that I'm going to go with a Roland/Edirol USB interface, which will give me better performance than my old Creative Audigy 2NX laptop card, as well as better connections and more options for less money. http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-compaq-cq50-215nr/4505-3121_7-33309966.htmlHere's the review. My computer is a 2GHz versus the 1.9GHz of the Compaq. The biggest thing is that I paid $499 for my laptop at WalMart. For you to get a REFURBISHED Compaq for $400, I think it's a great deal. I haven't started using mine for music yet, but I will eventually. I don't think it's going to be that much of an issue. Finally, I recommend two things when you get the computer. First, immediately, before anything else, get 3 DVDs and perform a system back up and then put those DVDs somewhere safe. The included OS is a 32 bit version of Vista Basic. That's ridiculous for a 64 bit processor, but it's what they did. You CAN NOT upgrade to a 64 bit version of Vista or Windows 7 without wiping the hard drive. If you don't care about anything that's on the hard drive, i.e., Works, or the Trial edition of Office (download a new trial) or anything else that they've installed, download the .iso of Windows 7 64 bit and install that. EVERYTHING gets wiped out, but you'll find the computer is faster, and runs much nicer. If you wish to keep the software you have, download the .iso of Windows 7 32 bit, and install that. That will be a simple upgrade of Vista Basic to Windows 7 Ultimate. With an .iso, you'll need to burn an .iso DVD to install, look for a free program called Deep Burner. Secondly, Windows 7 is a Release Candidate, and is for testing. It may be buggy (but I'm running it perfectly well on my HP Laptop). Come March of next year, the computer will start shutting down every two hours, but by then the real version of Windows 7 will be out. Reinstall the original Vista Basic, by the upgrade to Windows 7 version of your choice, and reload it. You will, in any case, have to reload from scratch, a new version of WIndows 7 when it comes out if you have the Release Candidate on the computer. If you put Vista Basic back on, and you want to go to 64 bit, I do not think you can 'upgrade', you'll need to check. Get the Compaq, you should be okay with that. Gary Oh, I wanted to add this. I bought my Toshiba laptop from MicroCenter before I moved west, and I had also bought the extended warranty plan. My Toshiba was in the shop three times for bad power connector, fried motherboard, and such, all of which was handled here on the west coast by an authorized Toshiba dealer. That was four years ago, and I haven't had a problem since. The ONLY reason I've replaced the Toshiba was that the graphics subsystem in it was not compatible with Vista or Windows 7, there being no support for the graphics drivers. Other than that, I've been pleaseed with it, even though it's a brute for power consumption, being a Desktop Replacement. Micro Center has always treated me well, and I wish they were in the Seattle area.
Last edited by Gary Curran; 05/25/09 01:46 PM.
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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Cheap laptops launched a new direction for anyone looking to lead a move to modern technology, I am currently a student, I bought myself a laptop to support learning, I have hesitated in the choice of brands, but all does not matter because the machine quality is very good and prices are also suitable. ___________________ Laptop gia reLaptop acer | Lapop dell | Laptop asus
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Citaat:
I'm not big on Compaq after the power-connector issue turned my R3230US desktop replacement into $1500 worth of junk, but presumably this one was built after that was resolved. It has a 90-day warranty. (I'm interested in comments on issues with 64-bit processing.)
Just recently the power-connector on my Acer Aspire 3000 finally gave up and decided to stop functioning. Fortunately I found a store that sells computer and laptop spare-parts. For a couple of Euros I got a new connector. OK, I had to take the laptop apart beyond all recognition to be able to solder in the new part, but hey, my old laptop was saved (and so was a lot of money  )
Last year my wife managed to break (literally) the display of her (brand new) laptop. I found a replacement display for about 100 Euro. Spent less than 10 minutes replacing the thing.
Just to say: if your laptop is total-loss as it is, it might be worth your while to try and find replacement parts and repair the thing yourself. Be careful not to overheat the mainboard of your laptop: use a low wattage soldering iron (15W-60W). Also get an ESD wristband to prevent ESD while working on the laptop. If you ask the store about it, you might even get a disposable ESD wristband for free. (Some parts come with a disposable wristband, so they may have a couple laying around.)
Last edited by Mike sings; 05/19/10 11:14 AM.
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Thanks for the thought.
I tried that, was not able to get the old connector off the motherboard, and broke an internal connector while I was at it. I'm an experienced PC tech, but I should have known better than to fool with a lappie. It's a basket case. A service center could fix it, but I've kind of lost motivation.
I found out about the class-action settlement the week it closed and was unable to take advantage of it. Had I known, I would have sent it to them and they would have fixed it at their expense. I am seriously unhappy with HP/CPQ.
R.
P.S. A couple of weeks later I bought a refurbished Toshiba Satellite L305-S5937 for medical transcription school. Intel T3400, 4GB/320GB/15.4", 802.11n, $450.
Last edited by Ryszard; 05/19/10 08:39 AM.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Staples just had a Compaq on sale, $349 after rebates. Has an Athlon II 64 bit CPU, 3GB of RAM, 250GB hard drive, 15"+ display, and looks and feels exactly like my HP (which is should, they're probably made side by side). I'm very happy with the HP, and I think the Compaq is going to be just fine at work, too.
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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run dpc latency checker before buying any lappie. checking for red spikes. my wife just lucked out on a used one for work.. no red spikes, and 40 us reported by dplt. that is very good. http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml(read my tips in the tips n triks section if you have time. )
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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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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User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!
Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!
Paket | Was ist Neu
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
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