Computer Specs Recommendations.

[ahoustondj]

I am ready to pull the trigger on ordering a new Laptop. My last Laptop was a Custom Ordered Business Laptop and I was very happy with it. Now it is time to upgrade. My Pioneer MEP 7000 can stand its ground doing DJ duty but I will need a Laptop when doing Karaoke plus DJ work.
I need recommendations on the Following:
Speed: ? (The Highest Possible)
Memory: ? (The most possible)
Hard Drive (Anywhere from 700 Gig upwards) I will have a HD for backup.
Blue Tooth for Mouse:
Ports: 4 USB, VGA, HDMI, S-Video and anything else now available.
Video Card: (Specs needed)
Sound Card: (Best Possible but I wll only use it as backup because my Soundcard will be an External one for 5 stereo Channels)
Screen Size: BIG!
Other Programs: Microsoft Office (Professional Edition)
The Laptop will only be used to go on the Internet if I am out of town and need to go to my Music sites (not for general browsing)

I want this Laptop to be Zippy and fast, able to take anything I throw at it. Most important, I should be able to simultaneously run DJ Program, Karaoke and Video together and maybe a word program.

Once I get this shopping List of Specs, I will have Dell give me a quotation. I am going to buy Dell because my DJ Business has a $5,000. line of credit with them.

 

[steve149]

Last day for the extra 5% off deal I posted a few days ago: http://www.dell.com/us/p/popular-la...1732&acd=63EMVK-X3L87-GZ6M15-W881XE-3O23SM-v1

I bought one of the 17" Inspiron i5s for my wife and they're fine. I prefer the slightly smaller Latitude business series (mine's an E5420), but they're a few bucks more for the same guts.

Get at least an i5, 6+Gb memory. hard drive is up to you, since a 500Mb drive is generally standard and you should run your library from an external drive if possible for redundancy. Graphics is also not an issue unless you plan to run video, then get a dedicated card. Most won't have S-video.

 

[ahoustondj]

Last day for the extra 5% off deal I posted a few days ago: http://www.dell.com/us/p/popular-la...1732&acd=63EMVK-X3L87-GZ6M15-W881XE-3O23SM-v1

I bought one of the 17" Inspiron i5s for my wife and they're fine. I prefer the slightly smaller Latitude business series (mine's an E5420), but they're a few bucks more for the same guts.

Get at least an i5, 6+Gb memory. hard drive is up to you, since a 500Mb drive is generally standard and you should run your library from an external drive if possible for redundancy. Graphics is also not an issue unless you plan to run video, then get a dedicated card. Most won't have S-video.

Not interested in an off the shelf model. Like I stated, I want it to run Audio and Video Simultaneously. I paid $1,500. for my last custom ordered machine in 2006 and it still runs. I consider that a major value. I don't want it to come with all that shyt they put on Consumer Models. I told the guy that if it included anything on it that I did not order that I would send it back. I was not disappointed.

 

[steve149]

Those are all customizable. It's not like they make a specific Canute model ... They all start with one of the basics. If it has the pieces you need, what difference does it matter whether it was a pre-config or not? If you are running video, then get a quad core i7 with a 1Gb video card and 8Gb mem and you should be good to go ..

Still . you're better getting 2 machines and splitting the load (and having an instant backup) than putting all your eggs in one honking machine. 2 i5 boxes at $700 each will give you more utility than 1 $1400 unit.

 

[ahoustondj]

Still . you're better getting 2 machines and splitting the load (and having an instant backup) than putting all your eggs in one honking machine. 2 i5 boxes at $700 each will give you more utility than 1 $1400 unit.

I have done that with the same machine now for six years. I don't want to have to setup two Laptops at a gig. This is why I want something that is specifically custom built.

 

[steve149]

Running video is a cpu intensive application. You may get audio stutter on a second program running on the same laptop (regardless of configuration). Having more of everything only minimizes the risk, doesn't remove it. If you run video and DJ at the same time (or run lighting software and DJ), the recommendation will be 2 separate laptops. Minimizes resource contention and gives you a backup at the same time.

 

[ahoustondj]

Running video is a cpu intensive application. You may get audio stutter on a second program running on the same laptop (regardless of configuration). Having more of everything only minimizes the risk, doesn't remove it. If you run video and DJ at the same time (or run lighting software and DJ), the recommendation will be 2 separate laptops. Minimizes resource contention and gives you a backup at the same time.

Steve, with all due respect, how many times am I going to state that I have been doing that over 6 years with no problem on the same laptop! Now that there are new software (With higher demands) on the market, my present Laptop may not be up to the task. Besides which, it is mechanically old. This is the reason why I want to upgrade. When I go to DMX lighting, that will be the time for me to use two Laptops.

 

[steve149]

You never mentioned video previously (besides above). Video can be more of a drain than the DMX software. Karaoke is not video and doesn't have the same issue that true high-res video does.

 

[simplyAl]

Many of the Gaming Laptops (Alienware) could get you what you are looking for (with mods of course). For about $2500

PROCESSOR 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.1GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
MEMORY 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz
HARD DRIVE 512GB SSD SATA 6Gb/s
VIDEO CARD 2 GB DDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 650M with Optimus™
LCD PANEL 14.0" High Def+ (900p/1600x900) with WLED backlight
WIRELESS CARDS Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230 With Bluetooth 4.0
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW)

 

[ahoustondj]

You never mentioned video previously (besides above). Video can be more of a drain than the DMX software. Karaoke is not video and doesn't have the same issue that true high-res video does.

Yes I did, look at Post #1 again, it states. "I want this Laptop to be Zippy and fast, able to take anything I throw at it. Most important, I should be able to simultaneously run DJ Program, Karaoke and Video together and maybe a word program." The Video I run is Windows Media Player. I have compiled 100s of Funny Video Clips MPEGs and WMV etc that I usually play on the Club's screens while DJing.
In other words, DJ, Karaoke and Video are open and are run this way:
DJ Program and Windows Media Player (Karaoke is open but not active)
Karaoke and DJ Program. (WMP is open but not active)

 

[steve149]

I know .. I said "besides above" .. either way, my recommendation is still 2 laptops, not 1 big one, so I'll let others comment on the single laptop config.

 

[ahoustondj]

Ok tell me what y'all think of this Quote I got from Dell. It is 12 Months Same As Cash (Which is what I love). That is how I buy all my Gear. No Interest. When I place the order I will get an additional 5% Discount plus a $50.00 Gift Card. If there is a Pro Version of Windows 7 I will opt for that instead of the Home version. Is there anything else I need to upgrade such as the Video Card? I am using my own External Sound Card.

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Item Number​

Quantity​

Item Description Unit Price Extended Price


225-0860 1 Inspiron 17R $1,338.45 $1,338.45
317-8289 1 Intel Core i7-2670QM 2.2GHz /1333 MHz DDR3, GT2, 650-1300 MHz Gfx Turbo/ 6M
317-6299 1 8GB,DDR3,2 DIMM
320-2071 1 17.3in HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Display with TrueLife
421-3642 1 Basic Stage
320-2061 1 NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M - N12P-GE 1GB
342-4563 1 1TB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
318-0471 1 Exchangeable Lid (WLAN) - Diamond Black (BLK)
318-0392 1 Windows Live Wave 4
331-0806 1 Windows 7 OS Label,CNB
331-1534 1 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP,N7110
421-5780 1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1, English, No Media
420-6436 1 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
420-6576 1 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
420-9691 1 DataSafe Local BackUp
420-9876 1 Cozi-Calendar
421-0092 1 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
421-0757 1 Skype VOIP Application
421-2086 1 eBay Webslice
421-4047 1 Dell Digital Delivery Client
421-4289 1 Dell Support Center Software 3.0
421-4586 1 TRUSTED-ID,ICON
421-4587 1 JAGEX,WEBSLICE,ICON
463-2282 1 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access
421-4043 1 E-READER, BLIO, STAGE
421-5957 1 E-Magazines
421-5964 1 SyncUP for Windows, powered by Nero, LAT ST
420-9352 1 Dell, Software, Wild Tangent Inc Games
421-4356 1 Software, DataSafe Online 2.0 2GB
430-3605 1 Integrated 10/100 Network Card
410-0548 1 Adobe Acrobat Reader
318-0425 1 8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
313-8545 1 High Definition Audio 2.0 with SRS Premium Sound
430-4154 1 Intel Centrino Wireless-N1030, 1x2 bgn (2.4GHz) + Bluetooth
421-3874 1 Camera Software 2.X, Factory Install
331-2332 1 English Documentation,Inspiron N7110
331-2333 1 Keyboard, US
331-1894 1 Power Cord
331-2321 1 Shipping Material, Direct/Touch/Non-touch
421-6294 1 Thank you for Choosing Dell
410-0626 1 McAfee 11, 24 Month, Fast Track
312-1179 1 48 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
410-0498 1 Microsoft Office 2010 Professional, English
991-5553 1 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Extended Year
991-5563 1 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Initial Year
991-5583 1 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis, 1 Year Extended
991-5573 1 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis, Initial Year
950-3338 1 2 Year Limited Warranty
932-5361 1 Premium Phone Support, 1 Year Extended
954-1810 1 Premium Phone Support, Initial Year
420-8878 1 Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement
412-0358 1 Soft Contracts Consumer Accidental Damage Agreement
421-6197 1 LoJack Theft Recovery Software for Laptops, 2 Years, Digital Delivery
991-1149 1 Bund. LoJack Theft Recovery - 2 Years DHS
467-7772 1 Thanks for choosing Dell!
931-7981 1 Accidental Damage Service, 2 Years
988-0099 1 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online
927-2357 1 DataSafe Online 2.0 2GB
421-4356 1 Software, DataSafe Online 2.0 2GB
421-4046 1 Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio Software Enabled, Digital Delivery
730-1581 1 Thank You for Choosing Dell
421-6585 1 Trusted ID,IDSafe, 12 Month Subscription, Digital Delivery
463-0742 1 Special Pricing Applied
* -DISCOUNT/COUPON APPL
* -DISCOUNT $2.00



225-3121 1 Dell V525w Wireless All In One Inkjet Printer $104.99 $104.99
994-7493 1 Advanced Exchange Limited Warranty 1 Year Extended
994-7563 1 Advanced Exchange Limited Warranty Initial Year
994-7553 1 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Extended Year(s)
939-2697 1 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Initial Year
469-1989 1 Thanks for Choosing Dell!



330-2433 1 Dell Travel mouse with Bluetooth technology, Black Customer Kit $27.99 $27.99




Subtotal: $1,471.43
Shipping & Handling: $6.99
Tax: $121.97
Environmental Disposal Fee: $0.00

Total Price w/Discounts: $1,600.39

 

[Steve LeBlanc]

I'd get the 15" version...that a big heavy beast...If you're looking for zippy, look at the Alienware line from Dell. Our company is all Dell; has been Dell for 15+ years. Out IT head has an Alienware (he's had Inspirons, Lattitudes)....he says the Alienware is the best/fastest he's had.

 

[ahoustondj]

I'd get the 15" version...that a big heavy beast...If you're looking for zippy, look at the Alienware line from Dell. Our company is all Dell; has been Dell for 15+ years. Out IT head has an Alienware (he's had Inspirons, Lattitudes)....he says the Alienware is the best/fastest he's had.

LOL! Kinda pricey but they look great. I know I stated "Zippy" but maybe that is not really necessary. The IT guy where you work probably goes on the Internet a lot and researches a lot of stuff online. Therefore for him speed is needed. Wheras, I just want to run three constant offline programs. The Alienware for me may be a bit overkill, won't you say? I bet that some would say what I am choosing is also overkill.

 

[Hank Davidson]

I recommend that any computer you buy should have specs.


.

 

[Steve LeBlanc]

LOL! Kinda pricey but they look great. I know I stated "Zippy" but maybe that is not really necessary. The IT guy where you work probably goes on the Internet a lot and researches a lot of stuff online. Therefore for him speed is needed. Wheras, I just want to run three constant offline programs. The Alienware for me may be a bit overkill, won't you say? I bet that some would say what I am choosing is also overkill.

In terms of going on line and research, a $400 pc will do it as quick as the Alienware; you're really limited by bandwith. It's all the other stuff you want to do; multitasking

You said "I want this Laptop to be Zippy and fast, able to take anything I throw at it. Most important, I should be able to simultaneously run DJ Program, Karaoke and Video together and maybe a word program."

Here's an Alienware at $1744...It'll smoke the Inspiron




Congratulations! You have finished personalizing!


Software & Services
PROCESSOR 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.1GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Professional, 64bit edit
MEMORY 12GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4DIMMS) edit
HARD DRIVE 750GB 7,200 RPM SATA 3Gb/s edit
VIDEO CARD 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 660M edit
LCD PANEL 17.3-inch WideHD+ 1600 x 900 60Hz WLED edit
WIRELESS CARD Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230 With Bluetooth 4.0 edit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW) edit
My Software & Accessories
COLOR Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish edit
ALIENFX COLOR Quasar Blue edit
My Accessories
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1 Year Basic Plan edit
SECURITY SOFTWARE No Anti-Virus Software Selected edit
ALSO INCLUDED WITH YOUR SYSTEM
Keyboard English Keyboard
Documentation Alienware Documentation
Shipping Material Shipping Material - Black
Additional Software Additional Software
Primary Battery 90WHr 9-Cell Primary Battery
Standard Nameplate Trigger Standard Nameplate
SOUND OPTIONS Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software
SYSTEM COLOR Alienware M17X R4 with Soft Touch
AUTOMATIC UPDATES Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat X Reader






Congratulations! You have finished personalizing!


Software & Services
PROCESSOR 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.1GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Professional, 64bit edit
MEMORY 12GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1600MHz (4DIMMS) edit
HARD DRIVE 750GB 7,200 RPM SATA 3Gb/s edit
VIDEO CARD 2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 660M edit
LCD PANEL 17.3-inch WideHD+ 1600 x 900 60Hz WLED edit
WIRELESS CARD Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230 With Bluetooth 4.0 edit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW) edit
My Software & Accessories
COLOR Stealth Black with Soft Touch Finish edit
ALIENFX COLOR Quasar Blue edit
My Accessories
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1 Year Basic Plan edit
SECURITY SOFTWARE No Anti-Virus Software Selected edit
ALSO INCLUDED WITH YOUR SYSTEM
Keyboard English Keyboard
Documentation Alienware Documentation
Shipping Material Shipping Material - Black
Additional Software Additional Software
Primary Battery 90WHr 9-Cell Primary Battery
Standard Nameplate Trigger Standard Nameplate
SOUND OPTIONS Creative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro Software
SYSTEM COLOR Alienware M17X R4 with Soft Touch
AUTOMATIC UPDATES Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
Adobe Reader Acrobat SW Adobe Acrobat X Reader

 

[steve149]

Still think 2, but here is a better basis than the Inspiron and not as expensive as the Alienware : http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...3hs&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&model_id=xps-l702x&

 

[TwinSpinDJ]

I was surprised that you didn't require 7200 RPM vs. 5400 rpm. Also, a Backlit Keyboard for seeing in dim light conditions.

I'm looking now for similar reason as you, but don't want to spend more than $1000.

I am very appreciative of the thread comments. Much of the content makes perfect sense; thank you Steve and Steve.

 

[ahoustondj]

Still think 2, but here is a better basis than the Inspiron and not as expensive as the Alienware : http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...3hs&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&model_id=xps-l702x&

I am looking at switching over the specs from Inspiron to XPS. I will order a better Video Card with it.

 

[Dan The Man]

I know you have your heart set on 'custom built' which really doesn't mean a whole lot these days. I'm going to make an argument for an off the shelve system though. Now a days very capable/powerful laptops are available at your local Wally world for $5-600, maybe $750-$800 if you're looking for an i7 processor. At that price they're replaceable within in a 2-3 year cycle. 3 years from now you'll have much more powerful computers at your disposal in that same price range. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to plan on a consumer grade system lasting any longer.

For me, I take my budget and buy the most bang for my buck and plan to replace within 3 years.