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Hi,
I’m just starting to play with my new DDJ-RR and I use Rekordbox.I was planning to use my old laptop based on Core i5 2250 (dual core 1.7 ghz), 4gb ram, ssd, Windows 10. But it’s unusable : very slow, drop outs, freezes.
I’d like to know your recommendations before getting a new one. I want to stay on Windows. Mac is out of budget.
Thanks
Well, there isn’t too much difference between a GOOD Windows laptop and a very good used Mac (2-3 years). So that is consideration one. I am no fan of cheap laptops (350-500 euro range) for DJ purposes, they are prone to temperature issues, usually of slightly inferior build quality (again for the job, not saying for general usage) and miss some interesting features like an SSD (a must imho) and back-lit keys (not a must, but boys is it a lifesaver).
I bought my mid 2012 MBP with i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD and 15″ retina screen in near mint condition for 1.000 euro, then 2 1/2 years old/young. That is less than a comparable consumer laptop and way less than a business model (which a bit closer in build quality to a Mac than a consumer one). So, it really should be a consideration, especially with OSX and some Apple specific features in the mix (like metal casing, back-lit keys, magnetic power connector, etx.).
Also when I bought my current MBP I sold my 15″ i5 that I had bought at 3 years old for 700 euro and used for almost 3 years for 425 euro in a day. Losing 275 euro in 3 years, less than 100 a year. I can guarantee you that a 1.000 euro windows laptop that you buy new and use for 3 years will not fetch you a second-hand price of 700 euro.On a general note, I’d say minimum i5 CPU, somewhere in the 2.2-2.5GHz range at least, 8GB or RAM, but more is better. An SSD, where the going “default” size is 256GB. Careful, an SSD is something else than a hybrid drive which pairs a small internal SSD with a regular hard drive.
Hope that helps some. Word online 365.
I hardly ever buy used when it comes to gear. Only exception, (high quality) speakers (if I trust the source) as they can last, starter controllers (for starters I assist) as they usually have very low mileage and almost always in bedrooms and – as said – my DJ MacBook.
I would never buy a used Windows laptop for any price for example.
It’s your wallet and I just wanted to give you something to consider based on personal experience. I am not saying there isn’t a risk factor buying used, there is. It was a chance I was willing to take and it has panned out beautifully so far. And the pay-off of now having this awesome machine was worth the risk imho.
Again, your choice. You now know what to look for by way of general specs so your laptop will last a good while. And to look for business models or gamers models.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
About second hand windows laptops. I see the chance to actually buy a very good consumer/business PC for a very little sum of money. BUT, always a BUT 🙂 . If you don’t know how open and fix things internally, or know someone who can help you, stop reading.
First thing. Check the outside condition. That will tell you how it’s been handled. Lot’s of wear ‘n’ tear, Nope.
Second: Look for one with reinforced frame, like the HP Pro Books. Then it won’t go to pieces for a little bump.
When you find one, then you need to do a couple of things. Open it up and clean out all the dust gathered and get rid of the Hard-drive inside and replace it with a SSD. Preferable a Samsung Pro, or if economy prohibit that, a Samsung EVO (half the price, just as fast). There are other brands that are OK, but not as proven as the Samsungs who give you a 10 year warranty on the PRO and 5 year on the EVO. Also Check the FAN. It should run at full speed with no vibrations or added noise. Finally, do a clean install and only install what you actually need. Don’t forget to turn off all useless start objects and services that could set an unwanted update in progress when you least want it.In Sweden I can get a third gen. i7 M model 2.2-2.4 Ghz (4 cores/8 threads) & 8 Gb Ram, with the upgrades, for about 500-600£ and a few hours of work. Price for a new one would be around 1100-1500£. Parallels desktop for mac. If you’re not going to use video, try to get one without a second graphics card. It will only increase the temp inside. If it’s got extra graphics, make sure the temps stay under 55-60 degrees C under full load, because you want it to run for hours without any problems.
Honestly the only Windows Laptops usable for DJing environment are Pro-Grade Laptops.
Like HP EliteBook Folio, HP zBook, some Dell Latitude or XPS, Higher End Lenovos etc.
Those cost about the same new as a MacBook, simply because they use many of the same components.There is no Vodoo Magic or Apple ripping you off. Yes you might get a HP EliteBook 5-10% cheaper with same specs, but thats it and cheap 300-500 Euro PC Laptops are also only worth that money and will not last a day in a steamy under ventilated club hit by a 1500W lighting can.
That should be plenty OK then. You did the right thing going for Intel though, if you use Windows PCs always use Intel for DJing as DJ software has problems with AMD.
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