laptop for music/vocals mbox + pro tools

Rosered on 03/04/2011 - 22:09

Looking for a laptop for my son to create music and vocals. His mates all have Macs and say they are the best for sound. But they are very expensive and I don't know if they really justify the extra cost.

I have been looking at the Lenovo Thinkpad Edge deals around $700 and they look pretty good to me. Not being very computer savvy, I'd appreciate some advice. How does the Lenovo Thinkpad 15" i5 compare to a Macbook for sound?

Is the Lenovo thinkpad edge 15 i5 a viable alternative to a Macbook or are there better choices available with good sound?

Situated in Adelaide. I'd consider second hand. What is the best computer for the job for about $700?

Thanks.

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • issh on 03/04/2011 - 22:15

    So you want good sound?

    Invest in 7.1 speakers, that'll blow the macs away

    back to topic

    How does the Lenovo Thinkpad 15" i5 compare to a Macbook for sound?

    buy good speakers and it'll be better than the mac

    What is the best computer for the job for about $700?

    wait around for dell/lenovo specials(scotty will post them up) and it'll pay off

    Looking for a laptop for my son to create music and vocals. His mates all have Macs and say they are the best for sound. But they are very expensive and I don't know if they really justify the extra cost.

    out of curiosity, how old is your son
    reason i'm asking is because if he is teenage and creating/layerin music and vocals, he is talented and you should invest in it

    EDIT:
    if you are considering a MAC, you can go check out MAc refurbs

    / Jbhifi ended their 10% off apple today

    • Rosered on 03/04/2011 - 23:27

      Thanks iss, what's a good speaker to look out for?

      He's a bit older than teenage, and wants to develop his music. Yes, I want to invest in him. He is very talented in comedy, I want to encourage him to follow his dreams.

  • Davo1111 on 03/04/2011 - 22:20

    whats his inputs? does he have a mixer?

    I'd be inclined to suggest external sound cards. Laptop sound cards arent really that amazing.

    Also, software will be the major issue. I gather his friends use garage band, which is bundled with a mac is kinda a "hobby" music software. According to a friend FL Studio aka fruityloops is better and runs on PC.

    Might want to get some more opinions though.

    EDIT: i'd be inclined to invest in some good headphones. Laptop speakers are basically crap. these have great reviews all over the net, but they are stereo. I have some sennheiser hd somethings, but they're discontinued.

    • Rosered on 04/04/2011 - 00:08

      He's just getting started - needs everything. Some mates recommended the mbox and pro tools. Will he need an additional soundcard?

      fruityloops sounds like fun, will check it out. He will be gathering info from muso friends. I just offered to check out the bargains and ebay to help him gradually put it together if we can get a list of what he needs.

      I want to get him a laptop but wanted to check with the knowledgable guys here to make sure I don't stuff up and buy something unsuitable for the job.

      Headphones look good. Is stereo a problem? Thanks.

      • Davo1111 on 04/04/2011 - 00:37

        well it just depends what hes doing.

        If he only wants to record 2 channel sound (stereo) he will only need a normal laptop, with the standard stereo inputs and outputs. And output would be stereo, hence stereo headphones.

        If he wants to record/output on surround sound (5.1) he will need a soundcard that can input and output 5.1 audio. Alot more expensive and doesnt come on laptops with lower - medium price point.

        Will he need an additional soundcard?

        It looks like the lower powered mbox records in stereo but the expensive one does 5.1.

        http://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId…

        According to this you need to run windows 7 and it recommends 4GB ram.

        This topic seems to be out of my scope (as i dont use mixers myself).

        I think you might need to sit down with him, and work out exactly whats required. i.e. what he currently has, what mbox he wants, and then work out what the minimum system specs he needs.

        • Rosered on 04/04/2011 - 18:33

          Agreed. There's a lot to consider. Will need to sort out with him what's required.

  • alebox on 03/04/2011 - 22:20

    xps 14 has amazing speakers. i was blown away by volume and quality. sure its not 5.2 surround sound, but for laptops, quality is pretty damn good

    edit: sorry didnt see the 700 price req. will keep this up anyway tho

    • Rosered on 04/04/2011 - 00:11

      Thanks.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2011 - 23:15

    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1227251

    check there. its desktop but you could use that for the lappy. i was looking at one before and ran into possible compatibilty issues. apparently there is a program you can run on a pc/laptop and it will provide you info on if everything will run smooth. then again idk if these ppl were being anal and mbox/pro tools will work anyway.

    i think mbox is an external component with soundcard and various inputs.

  • Rosered on 04/04/2011 - 00:18

    Hmmm. Thanks dark.enerjohn. Interesting thread. I have a lot to learn.

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