From retenat@yahoo.co.uk Tue Jan 14 04:11:51 2003
Subject:Re: laptops and B4

....and I can honestly tell you that laptops are three times as
expensive to maintain than comparable desktops. .... but do keep in
mind that most laptops can't be "upgraded" in the traditional
sense.... you might be better off with just buying a clone.
>

I don't fully agree. Most clones can not be upgraded at all, or only
up to its hardware limits (which are always small compared to the
potential in any modern laptop). By using a laptop you will be able
to survive several software releases. Plus, if a better software
package than NI B4 (is this possible?) comes along you can switch to
it at the cost of only the software. With a hardware clone, you can
only cry, or sell and buy.

Finally, it allows you to use other software packages for different
sounds from the same keyboard. Although I realise this was not the
basis for this discussion, I can not believe a keyboard player would
not appreciate this potential.

That said, I must admit I still have not got my laptop-setup figured
out.
When it comes to this, there are so (too?) many options.
Some laptops don't go well with certain soundcards, I have heard.
Despite many posts here about laptop recommendations, I still can't
find out which laptop would be best for me to buy.

Regarding soundcards, I would like to travel light, so the laptop
powered USB options posted by Deke sound good, yet, the MOTU 828 is
very appealing for multi-track recording and quality, yet it is big.
The M-Audio quattro is a nice in-between, however, it needs an
external power source (choices, choices).

I find it hard to make a decision, as the costs involved are high,
and once a choice is made, there is almost no turning back.

I'll keep reading this wonderful forum a bit longer, before the big
leap.

Perry