Musicians have been using laptops for portable music-making for years, but there's been the understanding that laptops just can't quite do what a powerful desktop can do. With the constant evolution of portable and mobile technology, that's becoming less true every day. Check out some handy tips and insights that our friends at Musician's Friend have provided about recording on the road. To read the full article and all the tips, click here.
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Mac vs PC. Many applications are cross-platform, and for those that aren't, roughly equivalent programs exist on both platforms. Mac laptops are great for audio and video; Intel-based MacBooks not only run Mac programs but can boot up in Windows as well. While Apple laptops used to be much more expensive than Windows equivalents, the price differential continues to narrow. Windows laptops are now available in more media-savvy versions, and some companies (such as PC Audio Labs, ADK, Rain Recording, and others) make laptops designed specifically for audio.
Just remember a few important tips: When using an external interface, disable the internal sound card; and also disable any functionality you don't need (e.g., internal wireless card, webcam,etc.)
The Software Blues. Copy-protected software can be a thorny issue when you're on the road. There are a few tips. Most companies don't have a problem with installing a program on both a desktop and laptop, because if you're using only one machine at a time, it doesn't violate the spirit of an "only one machine" license. For USB dongles, buy a USB extension cable so the dongle doesn't plug directly into your machine. It's way too easy for a dongle to break off when you're on the road.
The Hardware. If you're into serious multitracking, make sure there are at least USB 2.0 or Firewire ports so you can add a fast external drive if necessary. To boost drive performance, create separate partitions for program files and audio, and defragment often. Also note that USB 2.0 memory stickscan look like disk drives to the computer, so with many programs, you can use them as a temporary drive for audio files.
Accessories. Buy a really rugged case for your computer, USB memory sticks, and if you need to carry distribution discs and data CD or DVD-ROMs, invest in a quality CD wallet with heavy outside padding. Throw an extension cord and a 3-2 AC adapter in your luggage, as outlets may not always be where you want them. And don't forget cool software accessories like QWERTY-to-keyboard applets so you can use the typewriter keys to trigger notes, programs that assign joystick motion to controllers, and so on.
So go ahead and rock that laptop—they're not just for business people who want to run PowerPoint presentations and spreadsheets!
