I'm considering purchasing a new, non-Apple, laptop

[estevan carlos benson]

Back Story

I have a Macbook right now which has been an amazing device. This isn't intended to be a mac vs. pc confrontation but I've worked with PCs all my life and the Mac was a breath of fresh air. Previously my laptop was a Dell. I intended to use it for live performance. I purchased a new Akai MPD24 that theoretically should work through plug-n-play. It didn't. With some tedious research I hit a dead end. It didn't seem that it was Live's problem but instead was Windows. Windows couldn't quite recognize the device. I read tips suggesting that I plug it into a different USB port, or reinstall the OS, or that my Dell has problems with it's USB ports. None of it helped me. Shortly after I purchased a MacBook. I've never encountered USB issues since.

Now, I still own a PC -- an AMD quad-core, custom built, desktop. Despite this I still encounter major USB port issues due to Windows (or maybe the hardware)? Vista doesn't easily or consistently recognize some of my USB devices such as hard drives. You get the picture. I've generally been against using PCs for music since all of this. I have three major USB devices I need to use for live performance and I want something dependable. I'm wondering if things have changed for the PCs.

Is there a brand, specific laptop or definitive solution to these insidious USB issues? I need to replace my failing Macbook but I'm hesitant to spend that much money on another Apple device.

[H20nly]

if you take your Mac book budget and apply it to a high end Lenovo or an Alienware you'll probably get something pretty smoking. There are also companies that configure laptop PCs with Audio in mind so they come pre configured for our goals.

there are lots of brands that don't have what you might call USB issues. i will go so far as to say probably most if not all brands... at least not on all their models.

on the other hand, the one thing that i really like about Macs is their ability to have a USB cable unplugged, then plugged back in and pick up where they left off. depending on the program and/or hardware on a PC that isn't always the case. you would have to re-launch the app a lot of times.. not always, but not... never... like with a Mac. still, i have an MPD24 and i don't recall having issues with the USB ports on my PC with it. maybe it was the driver version. the driver is loaded from firmware on the device if i recall correctly.

[estevan carlos benson]

if you take your Mac book budget and apply it to a high end Lenovo or an Alienware you'll probably get something pretty smoking. There are also companies that configure laptop PCs with Audio in mind so they come pre configured for our goals.

there are lots of brands that don't have what you might call USB issues. i will go so far as to say probably most if not all brands... at least not on all their models.

on the other hand, the one thing that i really like about Macs is their ability to have a USB cable unplugged, then plugged back in and pick up where they left off. depending on the program and/or hardware on a PC that isn't always the case. you would have to re-launch the app a lot of times.. not always, but not... never... like with a Mac. still, i have an MPD24 and i don't recall having issues with the USB ports on my PC with it. maybe it was the driver version. the driver is loaded from firmware on the device if i recall correctly.

I did the whole firmware and driver thing with the MPD24. What was so disheartening about the issue is all the technical commentary I read blamed each other. It was Windows' fault. Dell's fault. Akai's fault. This is more or less the bane of the PC world -- trying to be everything to everyone to the point where no one is clearly responsible when something goes wrong. I'm dreading going through this again.

However, if you or anyone can recommend companies that can do custom jobs for music machines, this would be a godsend.

[yur2die4]

Okay, sorry for the completely off topic reply right now, but I'm just curious if you've ever seen/used Maschine. If you are considering a new laptop.. Perhaps you would settle for a different device? Maschine rocks my socks off like no other

Only plus side to the mpd24 is that you would have to kick it under a steamroller to break it. So solid haha

[estevan carlos benson]

Okay, sorry for the completely off topic reply right now, but I'm just curious if you've ever seen/used Maschine. If you are considering a new laptop.. Perhaps you would settle for a different device? Maschine rocks my socks off like no other

Only plus side to the mpd24 is that you would have to kick it under a steamroller to break it. So solid haha

Haven't used it but I'm just barely getting my hands on my new APC40 lately. Don't really need new gear like that.

[dentaku]

That's just weird. I've never had any problems with any modern USB devices. Since Windows 7 (and even Vista) I've really never had to even install drivers for anything USB. You've definitely had some bad luck. My Akai MPK49 and Akai LPD8 just work when I plug them in with no installation of any software. The only thing that might annoy some people is that if you disconnect a USB MIDI controller in Windows while Live is running you can't just reconnect it without restarting Live.

There are manufacturers that build PCs specifically for audio work. Just search for Audio PC in a search engine, but they're always a bit more expensive. Something like these maybe?
http://pcaudiolabs.com/rokbox_mobile.as ... ile_02.jpg#
http://www.adkproaudio.com/laptop2.cfm
http://raincomputers.com/products/livebook/specs
etc...

The most Important thing about a Windows machine for music is that the company that makes your audio interface cares enough to make good stable ASIO drivers that support Win7 64bit.

[trevox]

I know the post says non-Apple, but if you were intended on buying a custom audio laptop similar to the ones in the previous post, you can buy a MBP on e-Bay for the same price!! I got mine for over $600 cheaper and it has the same Apple Warranty and an option to buy 3 year Applecare if I want. Just a thought....

The only reason I am posting is that you actually seemed to like your Macbook!

[estevan carlos benson]

I know the post says non-Apple, but if you were intended on buying a custom audio laptop similar to the ones in the previous post, you can buy a MBP on e-Bay for the same price!! I got mine for over $600 cheaper and it has the same Apple Warranty and an option to buy 3 year Applecare if I want. Just a thought....

The only reason I am posting is that you actually seemed to like your Macbook!

You know, I always forget about ebay. It's service just turns me off. It's like I have to play games to be able to find and purchase the item I want at the price I want. It seems tough. Perhaps I'll look up MacBook Pros on there though.

[estevan carlos benson]

Wow, I just looked on ebay. A 15.4in dual core 4gb ram macbook pro sold for less than $800.