Laptop for use as an digital audio workstation

M

MrBear

Member
Hi there

I wonder if you can help. I would like to buy a new laptop from you guys to be used for music production. As you may be aware there are quite a number of factors to consider when choosing a laptop for this usage due to the unusually high demands audio streaming and processing tends to put on a system..

The laptop I have spec'd up looks like this

15.6" GenesisII
Intel® Core™i5 Mobile Processor i5-540M (2.53GHz) 3MB Cache (Special Offer)
4GB SAMSUNG 1066MHz SODIMM DDR3 MEMORY (2 x 2GB)
Mobile Intel® 5 Series Integrated Graphics
500GB WD SCORPIO BLACK WD5000BEKT, SATA 3 Gb/s, 16MB CACHE (7200 rpm)
8x SATA DVD±R/RW/Dual Layer (+ 24x CD-RW)
ONBOARD GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS 802.11N CARD (AS STANDARD)USB Options
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 32 Bit - inc DVD & Licence

I would be using an external USB audio interface and using software such as Cubase and Ableton Live. The prices PC specialist offer seem to be excellent value so im keen to order.

My worries are that if the laptop turns out to be unsuitable for the job, will I be able to return it? As its being custom built I would imagine this could be a problem, especially if the laptop does technically 'work', if you see what i mean, but just isnt up to scratch for music work. Could you clarify the situation for me please?

Also, an issue regarding something called DPC latency. This is a very important consideration for audio laptops but this is something that I am unable to check before ordering. The latency of the system needs to be below a certain level for it to operate effectively. There is a free utility that can measure the DPC latency of a system -

www.thesycon.de/eng/latency_check.shtml

I wondered if you would be able to reassure me of the performance of my/a closely spec'd system by running this utility and showing the results? It would put my mind at rest a lot in terms of putting an order in.

Basically, if all looks good then I would be glad to order from you guys within the next week. Ive done the rounds on the internet and put the PC specialist name about quite a lot in my quest for info as well! Any advice would be gratefully received!

Thanks
Ewan
 
Meds

Meds

Moderator
Moderator
Hi Ewan,

I have downloaded the latency check and will test it on a similar system as soon as I can - this will most likely be tomorrow. I will post a screen shot of the results here.

As a customer, you have the right to return the product within 7 working days of receipt. Please note that the product will need to be "as new" and in a fully resalable condition along with all drivers, software and accessories. As stated in our T & C's if there is a £30 + VAT processing fee which would be deducted when the refund is processed. <- Hopefully you won't ever have to go down this route but the option is there if needs be.
 
M

misterdave

Enthusiast
MrBear Hello and welcome to the PC Specialist forums.

With regard to returning it should it be unsuitable I've added an extract from our terms and condiotins page found here or for our full T&Cs click here

6.8. Any orders that are returned within the 7 working day cooling off period will be subject to the costs of recovering the goods. This includes but not limited to the cost of packaging the goods, delivering the goods, collecting the goods and other recovery costs.
Click to expand...

Regarding the latency I'll see if we can check for you and get back to you. << damn it meds 1 click ahead of me as always
 
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M

MrBear

Member
Hey! Thanks for the quick responses from both of you. Thats good to know about the cooling off period.

Looking forwards to seeing the results. Tis really appreciated you looking into this.

E
 
Meds

Meds

Moderator
Moderator
Hey, it's probably going to be Tuesday when there is a similar laptop up and running in the test room due to bank holiday. I'll post results asap.
 
M

MrBear

Member
Hey guys. Just wondering if there was any news re: the laptop test we talked about above... Sorry to chase, just very eager to order a new machine.

Cheers
Ewan
 
Meds

Meds

Moderator
Moderator
The test ran for around 10 - 15 minutes and didn't stop or give a results page - not sure how long it is meant to run for? Here's a screen shot anyway.

screenshot.jpg


This had the next CPU down, i3 450 and an inferior HDD. Not sure if this would make a difference?
 
M

MrBear

Member
Hey Meds.

Thanks so much for posting this. I will have a look into this result today. You've been a great help! Assuming all is well i'll be putting an order in later on.

Thanks again
Ewan
 
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