I want to buy a Laptop and am unsure of what spec of machine will be adequate for the job. I also need to know a bit about the DJing software that is available out there. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Most of the laptops out there now are capable of runing DJ software perfectly adequately, obviously the higher the spec the better. I bought one 3 yrs ago with a 700mhz AMD processor and 10 gig hard drive, it does the job no problem whatsoever.

You may like to view other threads on this board though about keeping it exclusively for gigging and no other software whatsoever to avoid problems with Windows crashes. Despite other peoples comments to the contrary I have run it as said for 3 yrs on Win Me and now XP without a crash at all.

Here is a good one, most come with 1 GHZ, pent 4, 30 GB, windows XP, and a good 3d card. But, to get a good sound, you might as well install Sound Blaster Live 4000 (or was it 4400?). Very good for sound usage. (and maybe install windows 98 or linux?)

To tell u the truth u dont need a very high spec machine at all

Im running a Thin Compaq deskpro for my discos which is a P3 500MHZ and does the trick absolutly spot on so the equivalent laptop would be fine without any problems

Make sure though u get on with loads of memory as this is vital for it to be at its best!!

128Meg plus would be better


Cheers

Rick

You don't need loads of memory as such, 128mb is more than adequate for most programs. Depends how much 'work' it's doing at the time, obviously if you're going to be mixing like fatboy then there's going to be a lot going on.

For straight music playing, running it on autoplay and searching for tracks, a 500mhz machine with 128mb ram is adequate - hopefully with USB support.

All you really need then is a monster external USB hard drive together with a surround card such as the Creative Extigy and you'll be on your way.

Alternatively, a small desktop with TFT screen will work just as good at almost the same cost.

Personally, I wouldn't go for a laptop, I break them too easily!

You could go down the 1u or 2u server case route (or more). Cost wise, there wouldn't be a huge difference, but they're easier to upgrade and server cases are generally tougher than laptops, get a nice little flat screen doobrie and off you go..

I got some links of places that supply them, but they're at home and I'm not (*grumble stupid work grumble*), so if yer interested lemme know..

lots of love

Had a P3 850mhz, 30GB HDD, 512 RAM which I DOWNGRADED tp a P3 500 mhz, 12GB HDD 128RAM as I needed another laptop to do the business side of things on and knew the first one was too good so downgraded. Brought an external 120GB HDD and USB it and have more than enough space/memory etc. Don't run anything else and it is only a gig rig and doesn't get used for anything else.

Laptop or PC - I think all would agree that the HD memory should be as large as affordable.
But I think it's worth mentioning about the 'sound quality' of mp3's.

The bigger the mp3 file (say 160, 192 or 320kps) uses more space on the old HD.

Yes, alot of files are available at 128kps, and, can be tweeked with editors or plugins like winamp or cool edit pro2, etc, but you lose in one hand what you gain in the other!!!