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Question

Need laptop for Adobe CC and Reaper(DAW) audio production

by Nov 20, 2015 10:15AM PST

I'm new to computers and need a laptop for running Adobe Suite CC(mostly graphics, and heavy video editing), and Reaper(DAW) for music production. I'm overwhelmed with forums on specs to keep an eye out for and dont know whats good when it comes down to specific models/specs.

I think i'd like:

-at least 128gb SSD(windows,adobe,reaper), 1TB HDD, ability to pull from external usb3.0 drive
-16GB gddr5 RAM expandable to 32GB
-dedicated GPU, unsure best compatible model for heavy processing with Adobe
-IPS screen, 17"+
-Windows 10
-webcam
-good cooling system

PORTS:
-PCI OR PCIe for breakout cable to run Audio cables
-firewire 400 & 800 for interfaces
-USB 3.0
-Thunderbolt if possible
-HDMI for running external monitors
-DVI
-NO optical port
-Ethernet
-WLAN
-Headphone Jack

Any advice on specific models/brands to keep an eye out for or avoid whn it comes to GPU, Screen type,WLAN, cooling?

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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Answer
There are some workstation models
by Forum moderator Nov 20, 2015 10:24AM PST

But my son does audio and video production on 16GB so who's selling you on 32? That's going to really push you into the 1 percent models. And high prices.

Also I haven't seen DVI on a laptop in over a decade. So this means there is not one laptop that will meet your specs.

Any chance of leaving that off the list? Maybe 16GB isn't so bad?

As to cooling, only those new to this insist on all cooling be in the machine. I've changed my advice on this over the years and always advise the cooling pad, even if it's a passive one.

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DVI, Ram, Cooling
by Gabriel Anderson Nov 20, 2015 10:42AM PST

Thanks R.

I hope to only need the 16gb ram. The expandability is just in case i get deeper into heavy FX editing and 3D rendering type work down the road.

As for the DVI, I don't need that( was referred by a desktop friend).

Good advice on cooling, do you have a preferred cooling pad yourself?

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Someone is selling you a ____?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Nov 20, 2015 11:05AM PST

Sorry but I have seen the RAM overstuffing for years. For workhorses today we fit 16GB and 8 for the office. The REAL speed I'm seeing is in the quad core i7 models and SSD. Forget HDD if you are wanting speed.

-> Cooling stand/pad. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WRDS8H0

That's passive and there's a reason it's up at #1. There are units with fans but for quiet and best payback, I think this one is hard to beat.

AFAIK there are only one or two 18 inch laptops today. So that is something you can look at if you want. Your list is mostly what we see on gaming or such laptops. If the budget allows, configure a XPS and see where that gets you.

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GPUs
by Gabriel Anderson Nov 20, 2015 11:11AM PST

Thanks for the help. Im on XoticPc and NewEgg gearing up information for a possible BlackFriday steal.

Any advice on GPUs for my work type? Whats the scale like? Is the integrated GPU on i7s enough or should i get a dedicated one?

Thanks

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Not a fan of Xotic.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Nov 20, 2015 11:15AM PST

There are priors where folk discover the factory warranty can't be used and they end up with some machine they can't get fixed. No sale for me.

Newegg? Never had a problem there. Some folk flame on about slow shipping or when something runs out. (Reality?)

As to GPU? The budget decides. For the high end today nod to the 980m.

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Answer
PS. I posted too fast.
by Forum moderator Nov 20, 2015 10:26AM PST

Given the specs, you need to call Dell, HP and others to see if anything has all that. Your list looks like what I see in a desktop.

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