Laptops...Who Uses Them?

[Jim Casey]

In 2006, my goal is to be using a laptiop for my digital Djing exclusively.

I of course being somewhat of a cheapskate m going to ry it my way first.

I am having an IBM computer being rebult and upgraded for around $240 plus the cost of a Gigaport sound card (about $400 total)

I will have a 1.4 Ghz Petium III with 512 mb RAM, 120 GB HD at 5400RPM, and I believe I will use Red VRM although not fully decided on that point.

I will bring the big rig as my backup, but cannot stand to carry it around any longer.

What do you use?

[Cap]

Jim : I use (4) SONY VAIO PCG-GRX560s, all identical. Main, backup, backup to the backup, backup to backup of the backup.

BIG 16.2" screen, PIV Pentium, all upgraded to 512mb RAM, all have 100gb 5400 IBM internal hard drive, and the DJ rig utilizes a port replicator (docking station) so that there's no need to be plugging and unplugging cables, cords, usb devices, mice, etc. 2 USB 1 ports and 1 Firewire port.

The drives are partitioned 8gb C: and 92gb D: . All operating system (WinXPSR1a) and programs are installed on C:. All music files are on D: (nothing else).

Sweet machines with great screens. eBay was my friend, never paying more that $750 per machine worth more than $2,300 if new.

After 27 years, I can say that going digital was the best equipment move in the career closely followed by the four BOSE P.A.S. systems purchases.

[Professor Jam]

Systems look good guys, I would recommend a Pentium M Processor.

[djron1]

I hope to be adding a digital setup this year myself. This will enhance the sweeeet Bose PAS setup I just purchased (through Cap of course).

Does anyone use an external hard drive to store only their music, then plug that into the laptop for gigs?

[Cap]

Ron : Do both! Use your laptop hard drive as primary, use the external for backup and transfer of new files. Have several externals and keep one off-prem "just in case".

[Glen Millar]

I am using a basic Toshiba Satellite with an internal 30 GB HDD joined with a Lacie 250 GB external. Works great!

[DJ Scott]

I currently run a Toshiba 2.4 Ghz machine with 512 and 100gig internal (for MP-3's) and 80Gig USB 2.0 for MP-3+G along with Indigo DJ soundcard.

Diana runs a Compaq 2.4Ghz-512- 100Gig internal with just the built in soundcard

AND...I still have my Original laptop that I started with 6+ years ago.
A Compaq 600 Celeron with 6Gig internal (for OS), 256 Ram, Internal soundcard and USB 1.1 60Gig external for MP-3's. ( i still pull it out and use it just for grins)
It is primarily my backup.

[HeadlineDJ]

Hey Cap,

How much would a Bose PAS system cost me, purchase stateside and bring back to UK?

Would be looking towards two columns and two subs.

[Cap]

Headline DJ : Unfortunately, I could not be your sales consultant knowing that these would be used off-shore therefore no warranty or the 45 satisfaction guarantee can be offered.

Your best bet to get your purchase in-hand and carry out-the-door will be a Guitar Center. Find one near where you'll be staying, make sure they have what you need in stock and buy it there.

The GC price on 2 L1s and 2 B1s should be $3,999.92 plus whatever sales tax is applicable in the state you're visiting. My price would be $3,799.24 + sales tax including free shipping to USA only), just so you have a comparison.

The ideal DJ system is 2 L1s and 4 B1s. $4,599.94 + tax ($4,369.94 + tax including free shipping to USA only, from me).

Hope this helps and good luck to you. If I may be of any further assistance, email me or call anytime.

[Professor Jam]

Phil,

A GC is just down the street from where our frinds lived. If you make it here in October I can help organize such a purchase for you.

I hope your keeping warm I see its very cold over the pond...