Are the current generation of Windows laptops suitable for pro audio use? (none available at Scan)

[BennyG]

Scan have got back to me and said the problems are due to a latency issue on the CPU. They haven’t specified which CPUs and were only aware of it being an issue on W11 but couldn’t offer any models with W10 (kind of contradictory to the XMG message regarding W11). They also said they couldn’t suggest any alternatives having tested many laptops.

That reminds me, I did ask Scan about the possibility of buying a machine from one of their other ranges (gaming or video) but with a W10 setup tweaked for audio, and they basically confirmed what FranklyFlawless said earlier in the thread about being unable to sell an old OS. They also mentioned that windows 10 doesn't queue the correct cores (E and P) in the right order with the new 13th generation CPU's and as a result there's a latency/performance drop. So that was a non-starter from the off.

Sounds like PC Specialist makes much more financial sense to try out than ADK Pro Audio, since you save more money either way whether you keep or return it. If you do end up returning it, you already have another option lined up.

I wouldn’t bother ordering from ADK, I’m pretty sure you could spec the same machine from PC Specialist minus any audio specific OS tweaks. Plus if they haven’t been very thorough with their testing and you have to return that’s a big expense.

Agreed!

I’m still debating on waiting it out or biting the bullet with PC Specialist Let me know what the sales team say regarding the audio tweaks/issues.

I just got a reply back from them this evening, and they said a few things of note. Firstly, they also echoed the opinion of Scan and XMG, saying they absolutely recommend not using a Clevo laptop, and they're still awaiting updates on the ongoing issues from Clevo and Microsoft. The ADK model I looked at was based on a Clevo (X370SNW-G), so that's another reason not to go that way, despite their assurances. If three UK companies are now recommending against it, that's just way too much of a risk.

The 17" Recoil machine that I'm looking at on PC Specialist is a Tongfang (GM7PX8N), and they've said they believe it should run OK without latency issues for audio. They won't do a specific audio setup with their laptops (since they generally recommend desktop solutions for audio), but they will run their standard set of tests and then it's up to the buyer to do whatever tweaks they feel are necessary for audio use. I believe there's other posts on this forum with some good advice in that area. They also confirmed they have a 14-day return policy where you can send the unit back for a refund, for any reason.

It's increasingly looking like this may be the way to go. I'll let you know how things pan out if I pull the trigger on this one...

[FranklyFlawless]

It seems clear cut to me. PC Specialist offers a Tongfang-based laptop with a 14-day no-questions-asked return policy, whereas the other options are Clevo-based laptops with prohibitive shipping costs and/or potential audio issues. It only makes sense to test out PC Specialist since you are only going to wait for the other manufacturers otherwise.

[RobGee]

I just got a reply back from them this evening, and they said a few things of note. Firstly, they also echoed the opinion of Scan and XMG, saying they absolutely recommend not using a Clevo laptop, and they're still awaiting updates on the ongoing issues from Clevo and Microsoft. The ADK model I looked at was based on a Clevo (X370SNW-G), so that's another reason not to go that way, despite their assurances. If three UK companies are now recommending against it, that's just way too much of a risk.

The 17" Recoil machine that I'm looking at on PC Specialist is a Tongfang (GM7PX8N), and they've said they believe it should run OK without latency issues for audio. They won't do a specific audio setup with their laptops (since they generally recommend desktop solutions for audio), but they will run their standard set of tests and then it's up to the buyer to do whatever tweaks they feel are necessary for audio use. I believe there's other posts on this forum with some good advice in that area. They also confirmed they have a 14-day return policy where you can send the unit back for a refund, for any reason.

It's increasingly looking like this may be the way to go. I'll let you know how things pan out if I pull the trigger on this one...

That's sounding much more promising, I've just edited my previous quote from them and switched the chassis to a TongFang GM7PG3M. Likewise, I'll post here if I purchase