
Most computers you can just pick up from your local best buy or computer shop are not capable of running a digital audio workstation. Most common laptops lack a firewire chipset, hard drives, processors, and power saving utilities.
When choosing a firewire chipset you need to make sure it is a Texas instrument 1394 chipset. Most manufactures the produce firewire audio equipment design their hardware to run with this specific chipset. Most of the other chipsets out there will cause a wide range of problems with audio and visuals.
You want to make sure that you have a very fast hard drive. The standard 5200-RPM hard drive will be too slow. Many new computers come with the option of an extra hard drive space. If your computer equipped with a 7200-RPM or better then you should be fine. You need to make sure to place your operating system and programs on one disk and your actual audio files on a completely different disk. This is where having dual hard drives is great. If you do not have the option then a raptor external hard drive is the way to go for you second disk.
The next thing you will need is a fast processor. Laptop processors vary greatly. Some will come with superior processors and some will come with substandard processors. When working with audio workstations you will need a multicore processor. The Intel core duo is a great choice. Do not just look at the number. You need to make sure your processor is top of the line. If you are really not sure then just call your local geek squad or computer shop.
Next, you want to configure your power saving options to maximize performance. This will in turn really kill the time that your computer will be able to run off battery power alone. I would never recommend you trying to run off battery power because the processors will be working overtime which will eat your battery. Most computers are not set to power external hardware. You will need to get external power supply to all of your firewire devices.
If you have any problems then you are probably need to contact a laptop company that specializes in computers made for audio and video recording. They will be able to give you tips on what you are doing wrong and what you could do better. Make sure to do a proper testing on any new equipment you get. Test the equipment to maximum capacity the first few day to make sure it is up to the task. You do not want to get a lemon and find out after warranty runs out.
-Brandon C. ; aka. Darksun22




September 25, 2011
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