Is this laptop recommended for music production?

[T-CM11]

If you can afford to, think about getting a custom built laptop rather than an "off the shelf" model? I got SCAN computers to build my current laptop. Its a 3XS i7, with 24gb RAM 17" screen and 3 x 1TB SSDs. Have had it for 6 years, and its still fast, quiet and reliable.

Those are great, probably the best laptops for music production (I'm ignoring "the fruit"), but likely WAY above the OP's budget.

17 inch screens aren't very portable though... I mean, they need a big backpack to fit in. Is it heavy? (maybe not excessively heavy, but they used to be)

[Raindog90]

Thanks for sharing to your experience.

I prefer a laptop, cause i still
don't know where i'm gonna be living in the coming year (might move abroad, and want to keep the options open). i'll carry it in my backpack i guess.

I'll check the Lemovo T-series, i hope it's not too pricy.

It seems like there are so many aspects to check when buying a new device... . the question is- can you find a budget laptop that will fulfil all of them?.

for example- if you find one with a good processor, but in the same time makes noise while using- is it still worth buying?.

[chk071]

It's up to you. Here are some points which would hold me off using my DAW on a laptop:

- Too small screen. Most DAW's have a lot going on on the screen, and there isn't much space on a laptop screen for that.
- Bad performance/cost ratio compared to a desktop PC
- Potential overheating issues
- Bad upgrade-ability. You can much more easily upgrade a PC with a new CPU, graphics card, more RAM etc.
- Less USB ports than a desktop. If you have any plugins which rely on a USB dongle copy protection, you're kinda f***ed without a USB hub
- Worse operation than using a desktop keyboard and a mouse

I really don't want to convince you to go in any direction. These are just the points why I'd always prefer a desktop PC (not just) for audio. It's better for gaming as well.

I tried quite a few times to run my DAW's on a laptop, but, it always was a worse experience for me. If you want to go for a laptop, I'd at least buy a proper 24" plus display to accompany it.

[T-CM11]

It seems like there are so many aspects to check when buying a new device... . the question is- can you find a budget laptop that will fulfil all of them?.

Unlikely, choose your compromises well young Padawan

for example- if you find one with a good processor, but in the same time makes noise while using- is it still worth buying?.

Depends on the noise itself... and how soon it starts. (all up to you)

[T-CM11]

- Less USB ports than a desktop. If you have any plugins which rely on a USB dongle copy protection, you're kinda f***ed without a USB hub
- Worse operation than using a desktop keyboard and a mouse

Mine has 4 USB ports, and I still need hubs for an extra... 15. (so I'd need hub(s) for a desktop as well)
My 2 dongles are attached to their own (short) extender cables.

I always use an external mouse. The built-in keyboard is fine though; big keys and it even has a numpad.

[hoxclab]

Thanks for sharing to your experience.

I prefer a laptop, cause i still
don't know where i'm gonna be living in the coming year (might move abroad, and want to keep the options open). i'll carry it in my backpack i guess.

I'll check the Lemovo T-series, i hope it's not too pricy.

It seems like there are so many aspects to check when buying a new device... . the question is- can you find a budget laptop that will fulfil all of them?.

for example- if you find one with a good processor, but in the same time makes noise while using- is it still worth buying?.

Check eBay for T series Lenovo laptops. I got a i7, 16GB, Win Pro laptop for $300. Steal imo.

[legendCNCD]

Check notebookcheck.net if they have reviewed the version you want to buy, they usually have DPC Latency tests there

[chk071]

Notebookcheck is very good and comprehensive. Can recommend them too.

[3ptguitarist]

Thanks for sharing to your experience.

I prefer a laptop, cause i still
don't know where i'm gonna be living in the coming year (might move abroad, and want to keep the options open). i'll carry it in my backpack i guess.

I'll check the Lemovo T-series, i hope it's not too pricy.

It seems like there are so many aspects to check when buying a new device... . the question is- can you find a budget laptop that will fulfil all of them?.

for example- if you find one with a good processor, but in the same time makes noise while using- is it still worth buying?.

Did you eventually get a laptop? If so, how has it been for your music production?

[thecontrolcentre]

17 inch screens aren't very portable though... I mean, they need a big backpack to fit in. Is it heavy? (maybe not excessively heavy, but they used to be)

Mine's not particularly heavy ... I have a hard case for transporting it.