Ableton Forum

Can anyone recommend a good laptop for performing using live??

PC by the way!!!!

Just don't get a generic off brand like <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp ... 20machines" onmouseover="window.status='e-machines'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">e-machines</a> or something and you should be ok.

I use a Dell Inspiron 8600 Pentium M 2.0ghz, 1gig of ram, 60gig 7200rpm hdd. Only complaints I have is a cheap feeling case and keyboard and the version of Win XP Pro is bloated with Dell and other crap. I'll be doing a disk reformat/clean install as soon as I get a clean copy of XP Pro for when I build a new desktop. Still runs like a champ with the bloatware though.

HP, Compaq, Sony, are all good. Just make shure your processor is atleast 1.5 ghz or higher and NOT Celleron or Sempron and no less than 512mb of ram. Its better to get atleast 1gig of ram if your not on a really tight budget.

Have a look at the Live performance test thread.

asus m6n

any HP with AMD Athlon 64 Processor

I second the vote for asus a6n. I have used one for about a year now, and it is by far the best computer I have owned. Rock solid.

AdamJay wrote:any HP with AMD Athlon 64 Processor

Hi Adam, do you know how AMD64M noise emmitions compare with the centrino models??

I bought an AMD desktop with its unbearable (compared to P4 desktop) stock fan and had to swap over for a less noisier fan, and since the centrino's are known to be less noisier then the P4M's that was one aspect I was concerned about wether if AMD64M's do run hotter than centrino models?

Any idea?

MrSleep wrote: Hi Adam, do you know how AMD64M noise emmitions compare with the centrino models??

I bought an AMD desktop with its unbearable (compared to P4 desktop) stock fan and had to swap over for a less noisier fan, and since the centrino's are known to be less noisier then the P4M's that was one aspect I was concerned about wether if AMD64M's do run hotter than centrino models?

Any idea?

well, Noise is dependent on multiple things.
especially in laptops, fans can turn on because of a hot power inverter, an overworked video card, or a highly stressed processor. also as you mentioned, some fans are noisier than others.

the Centrinos as processors themselves will run cooler than AMD64. but if you're running an AMD64 or a Centrino at 75% processor load, the fans in both laptops will kick on. so the difference between the two becomes negligible.

AMD Athlon XP and MP processors certainly ran quite hot, the 64 and 64M run much cooler.

So when you're dealing with Noise and comparisons, you really have to compare individual models because so many things go into noise. I can say from experience that the fan in an HP Pavilion Zv5000z notebook with Athlon 64 3000 up to 3700 (socket 754) and Geforce 460 video card wasn't too loud when the machine was being pushed beyond 75% load. However, my tolerance for noise could certainly be different than your tolerance.

My best advice is buy locally, and from someone with a return policy. its too hard to judge noise in a store. buy from a store that will allow you to take it home and try it out in your own environment for at least a few days and allow you to return/exchange if you aren't happy with the fan noise.

essential stuff!

I thought a centrino would be the safest bet in this regard..

Since it will most likely be used above 75% then better to pass the savings to an AMD64M with higher quality components..

How do I know if Im getting a model that comes with a hot power inverter?

MrSleep wrote: How do I know if Im getting a model that comes with a hot power inverter?

cNet reviews are good for that kinda stuff.

Dell Precision M60, Pentium M 2GHZ - wide screen.

Expensive but very powerful and fast for audio and video and well built.

I also use an Asus M6 ne 1.8 Centrino, 60Gb HD 7200rpm 1 Gb Ram

Very nice, powerful (as powerful as my 3.06 desktop) and trouble free.