HELP.. Music Studio Laptop

[JonCordova]

X220, but I say that as a fanboy. At the $1,200 price point, you're not going to be disappointed by either option. The X220 offers practical advantages like an ExpressCard slot, easy-access hard drive slot, anti-glare IPS screen option, TrackPoint, tapered keyboard, and USB 3.0 in the i7 version. The MacBook on the other hand offers the slick brushed aluminum styling, taller 1280x800 (16x10) resolution, legendary multitouch touchpad, and Thunderbolt.

[KCETech1]

X220, but I say that as a fanboy. At the $1,200 price point, you're not going to be disappointed by either option. The X220 offers practical advantages like an ExpressCard slot, easy-access hard drive slot, anti-glare IPS screen option, TrackPoint, tapered keyboard, and USB 3.0 in the i7 version. The MacBook on the other hand offers the slick brushed aluminum styling, taller 1280x800 (16x10) resolution, legendary multitouch touchpad, and Thunderbolt.

trust me until we actually get usable and affordable TB peripherals its not exactly much but good on paper.

the lenovo also has a much better lifespan, warranty options and cooling ( tends to not sound like a jet taking off when rendering video or processing audio )

[alynch75]

trust me until we actually get usable and affordable TB peripherals its not exactly much but good on paper.

the lenovo also has a much better lifespan, warranty options and cooling ( tends to not sound like a jet taking off when rendering video or processing audio )

Yes I have seen similar information. However..... I know that the Macbook Pro 13 and all the MacBooks are very well grounded against varations within the chasis that would produce pops and distorion in mixing audio. Do you know if hte x220 is properly grounded.. Also can you explain to me what is meant when you guys say the Lenovo has a longer lifespan

If I get the Macbook Pro I will be getting the I5 note the I7 due to heating issues. rather cooling issues.

[KCETech1]

lets just say this, our entire audio editing lab at work is Lenovo's , HP Elitebooks and not a single MBP. ( broadcast tv station and radio stations )

but do avoid any laptop with nvidia GPU's at they tend to be the issue with DPC latency and nithing to do with the power or grounding ( nvidia driver issues. we have hundreds of threads on it )

[alynch75]

lets just say this, our entire audio editing lab at work is Lenovo's , HP Elitebooks and not a single MBP. ( broadcast tv station and radio stations )

but do avoid any laptop with nvidia GPU's at they tend to be the issue with DPC latency and nithing to do with the power or grounding ( nvidia driver issues. we have hundreds of threads on it )

Thanks. I know about the NVIDIA issue. When you say audio editing are you using ProTools type software. Digital Music Sequencers.........FL Studio ....etc.. can you tell me what Digital Audio Worksation Software you are currently using with them. My other question has to do with the latency...... will there be a consierable about of latency due to the onboard graphics. I plan on putting in 8GB or 16GB of ram. I may need to work on compositions that contain 32 to 48 tracks. Will the x220 work for me. (On another note I will be putting an SSD as my primary drive) Please let me know what your suggestions are. (I already have 2 SSD hard drives)

[KCETech1]

Thanks. I know about the NVIDIA issue. When you say audio editing are you using ProTools type software. Digital Music Sequencers.........FL Studio ....etc.. can you tell me what Digital Audio Worksation Software you are currently using with

Ableton suite, avid protools including HDX and fast track's, Cubase and FL studio. it all depends on what projects the audio people are using and which user is more comfortable with what.

Ableton and Pro Tools are our primary platforms

My other question has to do with the latency...... will there be a consierable about of latency due to the onboard graphics. I plan on putting in 8GB or 16GB of ram. I may need to work on compositions that contain 32 to 48 tracks. Will the x220 work for me. (On another note I will be putting an SSD as my primary drive) Please let me know what your suggestions are. (I already have 2 SSD hard drives)

ive done 64 tracks with avid and FL, on the x220, but do note im a video gal and not pro audio ... I just mess around. when it comes to latency its simple. if you have optimus, turn off the nvidia discreet card. if you have nvidia only, uninstall the drivers and suffer. Intel IGP and AMD are free and easy. pops, clicks and microstutters are annoying

[CochleaDoc]

@KCETech1 +1 rep. While this is not my current area I require info on, you've been really helpful and insightful re OP's questions. NBR rocks for this exact reason.

[KCETech1]

Thank you. its nice to know people appreciate my ramblings on occasion

[alynch75]

Ableton suite, avid protools including HDX and fast track's, Cubase and FL studio. it all depends on what projects the audio people are using and which user is more comfortable with what.

Ableton and Pro Tools are our primary platforms

ive done 64 tracks with avid and FL, on the x220, but do note im a video gal and not pro audio ... I just mess around. when it comes to latency its simple. if you have optimus, turn off the nvidia discreet card. if you have nvidia only, uninstall the drivers and suffer. Intel IGP and AMD are free and easy. pops, clicks and microstutters are annoying

Now I am a bit confused. I didn't think the x220 had a discret grapics card onboard. Please clarfiy. ..... right now I have narrowed it down to the new MacBook Pro when it hits stores in June or the x220 (Hopefull they will come out with the ivy bridge versions by then)

[niffcreature]

Yes umm... Hows the DPC latency and actual audio quality of the sound card on the x220?

I have a Toshiba r835, its 13" and weighs 3.2 lbs and its a lot cheaper than 900$.