Currently considering making the jump to digital (music only). Just curious what the ideal size laptop is for our resident digital DJs. I was thinking of going with a 17". Is that kind of the 'industry standard' for digital DJs, or are you guys finding smaller/lighter units are sufficient? Please share any suggestions on other important PC specs to consider when purchasing a laptop for DJing. Thanks!
Ideal Laptop size?
- Thread starter DJ_MJ
- Start date
I like 14"-15" (I use 14) .. Most skins aren't high enough resolution to use full HD, and without full HD, I don't see a need for 17/18", unless you need a numeric keypad.
Also an i5 processor is sufficient unless you do video (then go to an i7). Get at least 4Gb memory (more is always better). Hard disk size is based on whether you want to use strictly external drives for storage (for portability and redundancy) or use an internal drive as the main drive and an external as backup. My internal drive is 350Mb, though on a new box I would go for 500-750Gb. Internal graphics is generally ok for basic work. A dedicated graphics card is better for video/gaming.
17" or better, requires a lot more space to carry -- sorta defeats the purpose of a lappy...
Run an external monitor of your choice, and get a small computer/lappy. You have to setup either way, and it only takes an additional minute to plug in the big screen.
I used to use a 17" laptop, but switched to 15" machines two years ago. At the time, I just couldn't find a 17" display that also had a backlit keyboard.
I don't miss the extra two inches of real estate, and the 15" machines are lighter and more modern looking than the 17" laptop was.
I don't miss the extra two inches of real estate, and the 15" machines are lighter and more modern looking than the 17" laptop was.
For personal portability 14.1" is the best.
For DJing I've gone from 15" -> 15.4" -> 15.6" -> 16.4" I think 16.4 is the sweet spot if you want a larger size, it fits in my 15" laptop bag as well.
For DJing I've gone from 15" -> 15.4" -> 15.6" -> 16.4" I think 16.4 is the sweet spot if you want a larger size, it fits in my 15" laptop bag as well.
I use a 17" but have experimented with a 26" with my Pioneer Controller MEP 7000 which has a Video Output and Keyboard input. The Lappy will soon be used for backup or when doing Karaoke.
I prefer the 17" screens. I want portability AND real estate! Tiny screens don't agree with my eyes. Of course, you can always go nuts like I did on my fancy wedding rack:
HP 17" I-7 on the right with windows desktop. Remainder divided to 2 screens wit a Matrox "Dual Head to go" adapter. Serato Scratch Live on left monitor, Serato ITCH on right monitor. Not much I can't do with this setup. The 2 monitors on the rack are 20" ASUS. They are mounted on a modified DJRax arm. Easy to break down, and they both fit together in a road case I modified.
Best,
Paul
HP 17" I-7 on the right with windows desktop. Remainder divided to 2 screens wit a Matrox "Dual Head to go" adapter. Serato Scratch Live on left monitor, Serato ITCH on right monitor. Not much I can't do with this setup. The 2 monitors on the rack are 20" ASUS. They are mounted on a modified DJRax arm. Easy to break down, and they both fit together in a road case I modified.
Best,
Paul
Unfortunately, "old eyes" here, too. 17" for me. Will soon be purchasing a new laptop as primary; 17" and backlit keyboard, too. What can you do to help with screen glare (light from external source), like indirect sunlight other than some kind of "hood" for the Laptop?
Primarily, stay away from the glossy screens (words like "clear view", "ultra bright", etc.) and go with a matte screen. Colors aren't as vivid, but they don't reflect as much to start. A privacy filter (polarized) or glare filter could help. There are companies that make hoods (like http://www.compushade.com/), but if you have a low glare screen to begin with, they shouldn't be necessary.
I make sure to have skins for my software which are maximum visibility even when sunlight is can present an issue.
I used a 17" for years. When it was time to replace...I went with a 14" version. That took about 4 pounds off thew weight...the 17" was almost 5 years old!
The 15.6" laptops all had number pads, but that squeezed the keyboard to a smaller than full size key spacing. The 14" still had a normal key spacing, and that was important to me. I do wish I had held out for a little higher screen resolution, but it's a minor nit.
The 15.6" laptops all had number pads, but that squeezed the keyboard to a smaller than full size key spacing. The 14" still had a normal key spacing, and that was important to me. I do wish I had held out for a little higher screen resolution, but it's a minor nit.