Laptop suggestions?

[randomsummer]

Hey guys. i've been making music for a while now. the only problem is i havn't been able to do any live stuff because i need a laptop for the sounds and sequencing etc. so i was wondering if anyone knows a good laptop computer just for storing some programs and good for music and nothing else. just something for live stuff. i'd reckon i could get something for like $800, but i'm not sure where to look for that because the ones i pass are $2000 and i really don't need to spend the extra money on stuff i don't need.

thanks.
ajay.

[Joe Hannigan]

Honestly, I think the only thing you're going to get for $800 is used (and possibly defective or outdated).

It's a complex combination of chipsets, operating systems, memory and applications. They all go hand in hand. The only real thing you want to run these days is WinXP, and the applications that use them. Everything else will eventually dissappoint you, esp for live use. You can't get tech support for older, outdated programs, drivers, hardware, etc.

For a little more than $800 (say, $1200-1300 range) you can certainly get a good "new" machine with a P4, WinXP and enough power/speed to run the old legacy stuff right along with the new things.

Look for end-of-life products that are just about to be discountinued, or demo models that some stores are looking to unload; PC Warehouse, CompUSA, MicroCenter, Circuit City, etc. There's always good bargains when the product is about to be discontinued.

[randomsummer]

Alright I'll check them out. thanks a lot.

[Joe Hannigan]

If you live near a Circuit City or Best Buy, check out their Sunday ads (July 18th) for computers, esp laptops. Looks like an HP with an Athlon processor selling for about $899 after rebates. Might be worth looking at.