| OK. I need a laptop for running usual email & internet, but I specifically
| need it to run a program called Sibelius 5. The website for this software
| says minimum requirements are:
| Windows XP SP2 or Vista, 1GB RAM, 3.5GB hard disc space, DVD ROM,
| ASIO-compatible sound card.
|
| I'm having trouble finding a laptop that has these things.
| Geoff.
|
_____
Now you are giving sufficient information to get possible useful answers.
A good starting point for choosing any computer is the MAJOR programs you
will run. I take it that Sibelius 5 is a music composition program that can
produce sound files and use sound banks for musical voices. Almost ANY
notebook computer bought new today will meet all the minimum technical
specifications you list, EXCEPT that notebook computers are not notable for
audio out and audio in quality (signal to noise ratio, linearity, channels
more than two.)
To extend the useful life of your new notebook, and to be prepared for
updates to your composition program, it would be wise to select a notebook
computer that has considerable higher than the minimum requirements.
The best advice would be from someone who is already using the composition
program with a new notebook. However, my suggestion would be to 'roll your
own' at Dell.
Suggested notebook with added features that are above the minimum
requirements:
Dell Inspiron 1520 (15.4" screen)
* DVD +/- R/W (can record ten times the music per disk as DVD - a DVD ROM
device is probably not available on any notebooks today, and doesn't have
record capability
* 2 GBytes of RAM (for larger sound banks in memory, larger and more
audio loops for editing, future expansion) + $125 UUS
* Intel Core 2 Duo dual core processor (ability of doing more functions a
the same time, handles more complex audio tasks, 2 GHz CPU speed
recommended) + $125 US
* Possibly a high resolution screen to give you more display space for
larger scores and plug-in units like mixers, previews, loop editing
[Standard resolution for the Inspiron 1520 is 1280 X 800 pixels, 1680 X 1050
is the highest resolution available, and can easily display two typewritten
pages side by side
* High capacity battery if operation away from the mains is important +
$50 US
* 160 GByte hard drive (just so you won't run out of storage space (I
have 30 GBytes of .wma files on my Dell Inspiron 1520)
* CD/DVD +/- RW drive (so you can record LOTS of music) + $40 US
* Wireless LAN
* Bluetooth built-in (cheap [$20 US], enables wireless earphones, mouse,
and keyboards, doesn't take up the Express Card slot)
* Express Card SoundBlaster X-FI Audio + $75 US
# You may want to consider a 8400M GS internal display card to leave more
CPU power for audio tasks and to give a better experience with Vista
# It might be a good idea for you to select the extended warranty (3years
in home service) + $190
# Theft and accident insurance floater ~ $60 US per year when added to
other property coverage
The selections marked with a * bring the Inspiron 1520 up to US $1450, the
minimum configuration Inspiron is US $799 and still surpasses the list you
gave
What you spend depends whether the system helps produce and income, your
pocket book, and enthusiasm.
Even if you don't go with a Dell, use the website to get an idea of what is
available and what the costs are, then compare with the offerings from other
manufacturers.
I am pleased with the Dell Inspiron 1520 I received two weeks ago. It has
much the same options as I described above, except I chose the most powerful
graphics option, and did not get the Express Card audio option, something I
will probably add. Evidently the newly offered Inspiron 1520 system is a
success - when I ordered my system six weeks ago, the price was under US
$1500, since then a similarly option Inspiron notebook has risen to US
$1900.
Finally, depending on your audio requirements, you could choose a completely
outboard audio I/O device that removes all the limitations of notebook
sound, connects to the notebook via USB, and that provides MIDI IN/OUT.
Good luck.
Phil Weldon
| OK. I need a laptop for running usual email & internet, but I specifically
| need it to run a program called Sibelius 5. The website for this software
| says minimum requirements are:
| Windows XP SP2 or Vista, 1GB RAM, 3.5GB hard disc space, DVD ROM,
| ASIO-compatible sound card.
|
| I'm having trouble finding a laptop that has these things.
| Geoff.
|
|
| | > Hi Geoff,
| >
| > Your question is way too vague to give a response to.
| >
| > What specs. are you particularly interested in? Probably more
important,
| > tell us what you want to use this new computer for. Gaming? Mostly web
| > surfing and e-mail? Manipulating audio or video files? You get the
| > picture.
| >
| > --
| > HTH,
| > Curt
| >
| > Windows Support Center
| >
www.aumha.org
| > Practically Nerded,...
| >
http://dundats.mvps.org/Index.htm
| >
| > | > | Hi,
| > | Could anyone explain to me what the average laptop spec that you would
| > find
| > | in PC World actually means, so that I can make a better decision as to
| > what
| > | I should buy?
| > | Thanks.
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|
