Topic by klaberte

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Topic: New laptop purchase for PianoTeq

So, I'm new to software-based pianos, but looking for a replacement (hopefully upgrade) from my long-in-the-tooth kurzweil micropiano.  I thought I had a laptop to assign to PianoTeq-only duties, but it turns out it is more broken than I realized.  So, planning to buy something new.

I'd love to buy something for under $300.  I am most comfortable with Win7, but have enough experience with Ubuntu that I could move in that direction if needed.  I'd be interested too in the Raspberry Pi/Chromebook/lightweight-computer solutions, but don't want to be alpha-testing bleeding edge solutions.  After all, my kids need to practice piano from time to time.

Also, I plan to use a Behringer UMC204HD I have, so the audio IO will likely be off-board.

So, what sort of laptops should I consider? Celeron?  i5 or better? AMD-based?  SSD?

Many thanks!

Ken

Reply by Groove On

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Re: New laptop purchase for PianoTeq

- This thread gives a good overview of what you might expect from different CPUs.

- Depending on your threshold for "good performance" an upper-end Celeron might work - you can find systems for around US$300. Or a low end Pentium like this Minix Mini PC with a Pentium N4200.

- Realistically US$500+

Last edited by Groove On (07-04-2018 07:29)

Reply by groovy

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Re: New laptop purchase for PianoTeq

Groove On wrote:

Or a low end Pentium like this Minix Mini PC with a Pentium N4200.

- Realistically US$500+

Yes, N4200 seems to be a good entry CPU. Recently tried a fanless notebook Acer Aspire 1, that was available for 199 EUR in a sale. Performance index 43 on Pianoteq v6.0.3:

http://www.forum-pianoteq.com/viewtopic...11#p952111

Reply by music_guy

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Re: New laptop purchase for PianoTeq

Some music producers just buy off-lease, used professional laptops for ~$300. There has been no "barn-busting"' tech in the laptop space for a while so used is a good option. See post #3 for an example (but you don't need to get that specific model HP):

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/music-c...800us.html

Intel uses confusing marketing terms (like i7 which includes some good chips and some garbage) so don't get too hung up on those.

Reply by klaberte

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Re: New laptop purchase for PianoTeq

music_guy wrote:

Some music producers just buy off-lease, used professional laptops for ~$300. There has been no "barn-busting"' tech in the laptop space for a while so used is a good option. See post #3 for an example (but you don't need to get that specific model HP):

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/music-c...800us.html

Intel uses confusing marketing terms (like i7 which includes some good chips and some garbage) so don't get too hung up on those.

Took your advice and ordered a certified refurbished HP with i5-4300U and SSD.  Should arrive this weekend.  I'll keep you posted.