djpoopypants
I'm cross-posting this - if that's a problem, delete.
Can someone who has a laptop (and it works right) point me in the direction of a company/brand/model that works great for them? If someone has a great system, I'd like to copycat what they have. I would be working with MPGs, AVIs, VOBs. No Quicktime video or WMVs. I would REALLY appreciate it because this is a big buy and I don't want to get a machine that might not work 100% properly.
Oh yeah -- and an external sound card (USB or otherwise) would also be nice for some help there too...
One more thing - I don't plan on using timecodes of any kind any time soon, but having that possibility in the future does sound interesting to me.
I would really appreciate it. This is a big purchase. I have read a lot of conflicting reports out there about NVidia cards and XP vs Vista, so I'd like to get a good answer.
Can someone who has a laptop (and it works right) point me in the direction of a company/brand/model that works great for them? If someone has a great system, I'd like to copycat what they have. I would be working with MPGs, AVIs, VOBs. No Quicktime video or WMVs. I would REALLY appreciate it because this is a big buy and I don't want to get a machine that might not work 100% properly.
Oh yeah -- and an external sound card (USB or otherwise) would also be nice for some help there too...
One more thing - I don't plan on using timecodes of any kind any time soon, but having that possibility in the future does sound interesting to me.
I would really appreciate it. This is a big purchase. I have read a lot of conflicting reports out there about NVidia cards and XP vs Vista, so I'd like to get a good answer.
Posted Mon 03 Mar 08 @ 1:49 pm
DJ JAMMI
hi i ise a hp dv6000 with a geforcego 7400 card. has hd output on it and option for svid and composite out its a great laptop and im using a maya44 usb with timecode cd's
great laptop and was pretty cheap. pretty much and 600 range should suffice for ur needs.. if not think bigger
hope this helps
great laptop and was pretty cheap. pretty much and 600 range should suffice for ur needs.. if not think bigger
hope this helps
Posted Thu 20 Mar 08 @ 1:27 pm
info
Have a look at the 00DJ - Naff name but it's a specially designed system for DJ/VJing - System wise it has
* Intel core duo mobile 1.8Ghz Processor
* 1Gb DDR2 RAM (Upgradeable to 2 Gb on request).
* 500Gb shock resistant Seagate SATAII hard drive
* Intel 945GM graphics with SVHS and VGA output.
* Studio quality sound card
* Cool ice blue luminescent keyboard and matching cooling.
* Biometric fingerprint security.
* Drag and drop toughened touch screen display.
* Internal automatic switch mode power supply - use anywhere in the world VGA and SVHS video output for karaoke graphics or video display.
* Fully compatible with PCDJ, VDJ, OTS AV and all other leading DJ/VJ Software
Comes at a cost though.... Mine should be here by the end of the week... Can't wait...
Plus points really have to be the touch screen and it being pretty much bomb proof in it's metal casing... Will let you know how it goes and get some pics when it arrives.
* Intel core duo mobile 1.8Ghz Processor
* 1Gb DDR2 RAM (Upgradeable to 2 Gb on request).
* 500Gb shock resistant Seagate SATAII hard drive
* Intel 945GM graphics with SVHS and VGA output.
* Studio quality sound card
* Cool ice blue luminescent keyboard and matching cooling.
* Biometric fingerprint security.
* Drag and drop toughened touch screen display.
* Internal automatic switch mode power supply - use anywhere in the world VGA and SVHS video output for karaoke graphics or video display.
* Fully compatible with PCDJ, VDJ, OTS AV and all other leading DJ/VJ Software
Comes at a cost though.... Mine should be here by the end of the week... Can't wait...
Plus points really have to be the touch screen and it being pretty much bomb proof in it's metal casing... Will let you know how it goes and get some pics when it arrives.
Posted Tue 25 Mar 08 @ 5:01 pm
GaryBr
jamesh wrote :
Have a look at the 00DJ - Naff name but it's a specially designed system for DJ/VJing - System wise it has
* Intel core duo mobile 1.8Ghz Processor
* Intel 945GM graphics with SVHS and VGA output.
* Intel core duo mobile 1.8Ghz Processor
* Intel 945GM graphics with SVHS and VGA output.
Are those specs good enough for VJing? I think its more of a DJ only machine and an overpriced one too!
The recommended configuration to mix video is:
* Dual Core 2 GhZ CPU
* dual output ATI or nVidia video card with 1Gb of on-board memory (no integrated laptop videocard)
* 2048 MB RAM
I would have thought the 00DJ machine would struggle with video, but i'll leave it for more experienced users to comment.
Gary
Posted Thu 27 Mar 08 @ 7:05 pm
discobrian24
Agree with Gary those integraded graphics cards arent good for vjing
Posted Thu 27 Mar 08 @ 8:11 pm
info
GaryBr wrote :
Are those specs good enough for VJing? I think its more of a DJ only machine and an overpriced one too!
The recommended configuration to mix video is:
* Dual Core 2 GhZ CPU
* dual output ATI or nVidia video card with 1Gb of on-board memory (no integrated laptop videocard)
* 2048 MB RAM
I would have thought the 00DJ machine would struggle with video, but i'll leave it for more experienced users to comment.
Gary
jamesh wrote :
Have a look at the 00DJ - Naff name but it's a specially designed system for DJ/VJing - System wise it has
* Intel core duo mobile 1.8Ghz Processor
* Intel 945GM graphics with SVHS and VGA output.
* Intel core duo mobile 1.8Ghz Processor
* Intel 945GM graphics with SVHS and VGA output.
Are those specs good enough for VJing? I think its more of a DJ only machine and an overpriced one too!
The recommended configuration to mix video is:
* Dual Core 2 GhZ CPU
* dual output ATI or nVidia video card with 1Gb of on-board memory (no integrated laptop videocard)
* 2048 MB RAM
I would have thought the 00DJ machine would struggle with video, but i'll leave it for more experienced users to comment.
Gary
Well for the past year and a half i have run VDJ using video, karaoke and audio mixing on a shuttle machine with quite a bit less of a spec than the OODJ spec without any issues at all so i cant see why the 00DJ wont run it... Plus they ship the 00DJ with PCDJ VJ as an option which is the PCDJ branded version of VDJ which i wouldn't have thought they would do that if it was able to run it.
Ok the graphics card isn't the best on the market and i would have preferred a better spec'd one within the system but it is able to run video and karaoke.
Over the past month I've also been testing the latest version of VDJ on the works laptop which is a toshiba with a intel celeron M 1.6ghz processor and 1gb ram running Vista with integrated graphics and it's been running fine and mixing videos with no glitches at all... I was so impressed i now feel confident enough to use it out on the road and retire the shuttle machines that have been rock solid over the past year and a half.
Who knows perhaps i'm just lucky with the machines i currently have....
And the 00DJ isn't overpriced - well i dont think so anyway. where else can you buy a custom made machine the size of a laptop but it can withstand being dropped, kicked and generally beaten around as is housed within a tough metal casing. Add ontop of that the inbuilt touch screen, fingerprint security, studio quality sound card, specialist cooling system and designer looks... it really is worth every penny. And yes you probably can buy a better rack mounted system with a better spec for less money but i wanted something roadworthy, small and self contained - which didnt leave many of the cheap options open.
Posted Thu 27 Mar 08 @ 11:40 pm
discobrian24
I do agree with ya there, it would be sweet to have one built for vdj that has some of the functions the 00DJ has. Some users have reported success with the integrated graphics runnin Vista, but personally I dont want to recommend this to users as then I look like an ass if they buy one and video doesnt work:)
Posted Thu 27 Mar 08 @ 11:56 pm
info
Very true and can see where you are coming from. It is at your own risk if you go down the integrated graphics route as VDJ give the minimum spec and recommended specs which should guide you. I just feel its wrong to rubbish a machine and state it wont work for it's intended purpose when it is and does work.
Although with most machines and problems that people have I think allot of the success, and downfalls in some cases, are down to how you configure the whole machine and operating system... If it's fined tuned just for DJ/VJing then you are less likely to have problems on a lower spec'd system.
Forgot to put in the last post too. For those that aren't sure about the 00DJ or if it works etc,,, visit http://www.pcdj.co.uk/shop/item.php?id=35 and have a read through some of the reviews on the right hand side... Some were wrote when it was first released a few years ago others are more recent...
Although with most machines and problems that people have I think allot of the success, and downfalls in some cases, are down to how you configure the whole machine and operating system... If it's fined tuned just for DJ/VJing then you are less likely to have problems on a lower spec'd system.
Forgot to put in the last post too. For those that aren't sure about the 00DJ or if it works etc,,, visit http://www.pcdj.co.uk/shop/item.php?id=35 and have a read through some of the reviews on the right hand side... Some were wrote when it was first released a few years ago others are more recent...
Posted Fri 28 Mar 08 @ 12:11 am
GargantulaKon
GaryBr wrote :
The recommended configuration to mix video is:
* Dual Core 2 GhZ CPU
* dual output ATI or nVidia video card with 1Gb of on-board memory (no integrated laptop videocard)
* 2048 MB RAM
I would have thought the 00DJ machine would struggle with video, but i'll leave it for more experienced users to comment.
Gary
* Dual Core 2 GhZ CPU
* dual output ATI or nVidia video card with 1Gb of on-board memory (no integrated laptop videocard)
* 2048 MB RAM
I would have thought the 00DJ machine would struggle with video, but i'll leave it for more experienced users to comment.
Gary
What sound card and video card company and model are you running?
Posted Fri 28 Mar 08 @ 10:12 am
GaryBr
Who me? Who is that question for?
Gary
Gary
Posted Fri 28 Mar 08 @ 1:20 pm
GargantulaKon
Yes, that is why I quoted you. :-)
Posted Fri 28 Mar 08 @ 3:05 pm
Super-
I am using a
Asus F8Sa
(14" widescreen)
- 2.2GHz core 2 duo
- 3 GB ram
- Ati Radeon HD 2600 (512MB, up to 1024 shared)
- 200GB Seagate 7200RPM HDD (custom added)
- Windows Vista (couldn't get a graphic driver to work on XP, so I had to settle with Vista)
Behringer BCD-2000 (looking to cop a Hercules RMX)
Serato external vinyl control records
I use all this for Video performance-mixing!!
Asus F8Sa
(14" widescreen)
- 2.2GHz core 2 duo
- 3 GB ram
- Ati Radeon HD 2600 (512MB, up to 1024 shared)
- 200GB Seagate 7200RPM HDD (custom added)
- Windows Vista (couldn't get a graphic driver to work on XP, so I had to settle with Vista)
Behringer BCD-2000 (looking to cop a Hercules RMX)
Serato external vinyl control records
I use all this for Video performance-mixing!!
Posted Sat 29 Mar 08 @ 10:49 pm
antileon
Super- wrote :
I am using a Asus F8Sa
[...]
I use all this for Video performance-mixing!!
[...]
I use all this for Video performance-mixing!!
What type of videos do you play? Framerate, compression, quality etc.
Posted Sun 30 Mar 08 @ 9:00 am
alfredodosil
I did a ton of research on this and about a month later came up with this Area-51 9750 from alienware
http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/area-51_m9750/area-51m_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M9750&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT
had it loaded with what i wanted and only what i wanted! about $2000 in the end. I focused on video card and cpu...2gigs of ram and the rest stock. The machine is a beast. it has dvi-d, vga, s-video out has s-video in has 5.1 audio out (headphone, mic, front surround and center channel) (so no need for an external soundcard) audio in, coaxial, and even an optical out for amazing sound quality. The case is magnesium alloy so its light, strong, scratch and finger print resistant. You cant beat it!
http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/area-51_m9750/area-51m_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M9750&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT
had it loaded with what i wanted and only what i wanted! about $2000 in the end. I focused on video card and cpu...2gigs of ram and the rest stock. The machine is a beast. it has dvi-d, vga, s-video out has s-video in has 5.1 audio out (headphone, mic, front surround and center channel) (so no need for an external soundcard) audio in, coaxial, and even an optical out for amazing sound quality. The case is magnesium alloy so its light, strong, scratch and finger print resistant. You cant beat it!
Posted Mon 31 Mar 08 @ 12:40 am
LINEMAN55
Same here...Alienware! Looking to get another for a backup system very soon..
Muscle machine...but worth it
Muscle machine...but worth it
Posted Mon 31 Mar 08 @ 6:38 am
kkorpos
I was really looking into the Alienware notebooks. Can you expand a little more about the surround sound and thus not needing a sound card? Does this give you separate channels so that you can play one signal out to the master/house and then another separate signal to headphones for monitoring purposes?
I am used to using a sound card - so hopefully this questions isn't a stupid one. I am also new to VDJ, and not as familiar with all of the sound card preferences.
I am also looking at the Sager notebooks and getting it customized at powernotebooks.com and the price is a lot better than the alienware. I guess there is a mark-up when it comes to getting the name brand stuff. But, I have only purchased name brand stuff, and even though people speak highly of the sager notebooks, I am a bit hesitant.
I am used to using a sound card - so hopefully this questions isn't a stupid one. I am also new to VDJ, and not as familiar with all of the sound card preferences.
I am also looking at the Sager notebooks and getting it customized at powernotebooks.com and the price is a lot better than the alienware. I guess there is a mark-up when it comes to getting the name brand stuff. But, I have only purchased name brand stuff, and even though people speak highly of the sager notebooks, I am a bit hesitant.
Posted Mon 31 Mar 08 @ 9:54 am
Super-
antileon wrote :
What type of videos do you play? Framerate, compression, quality etc.
Super- wrote :
I am using a Asus F8Sa
[...]
I use all this for Video performance-mixing!!
[...]
I use all this for Video performance-mixing!!
What type of videos do you play? Framerate, compression, quality etc.
All types. VOB's, AVI's, MPG's. Of course a decent quality at least.
Posted Tue 01 Apr 08 @ 6:46 pm
Super-
alfredodosil wrote :
I did a ton of research on this and about a month later came up with this Area-51 9750 from alienware
http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/area-51_m9750/area-51m_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M9750&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT
had it loaded with what i wanted and only what i wanted! about $2000 in the end. I focused on video card and cpu...2gigs of ram and the rest stock. The machine is a beast. it has dvi-d, vga, s-video out has s-video in has 5.1 audio out (headphone, mic, front surround and center channel) (so no need for an external soundcard) audio in, coaxial, and even an optical out for amazing sound quality. The case is magnesium alloy so its light, strong, scratch and finger print resistant. You cant beat it!
http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/area-51_m9750/area-51m_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M9750&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT
had it loaded with what i wanted and only what i wanted! about $2000 in the end. I focused on video card and cpu...2gigs of ram and the rest stock. The machine is a beast. it has dvi-d, vga, s-video out has s-video in has 5.1 audio out (headphone, mic, front surround and center channel) (so no need for an external soundcard) audio in, coaxial, and even an optical out for amazing sound quality. The case is magnesium alloy so its light, strong, scratch and finger print resistant. You cant beat it!
I think 17" laptops for DJ's to play looks gross.
I paid mine with additional 200GB 7200RPM HDD and additional 2GB RAM altogether $1,500
And I can't believe that Alienware still uses 667MHz FSB processors/mother boards, mine is 800
Anywaz, the bottom line is, if it works for u, then that is great!!
Posted Tue 01 Apr 08 @ 6:52 pm
kkorpos
I just took a look at the specs and price of that Asus that you posted. Totally awesome - and it has an ATI Card which has been the big issue in getting a new computer to use with VDJ.
Wow!!!
Wow!!!
Posted Wed 02 Apr 08 @ 10:57 am
GargantulaKon
Super- wrote :
I think 17" laptops for DJ's to play looks gross.
I paid mine with additional 200GB 7200RPM HDD and additional 2GB RAM altogether $1,500
And I can't believe that Alienware still uses 667MHz FSB processors/mother boards, mine is 800
Anywaz, the bottom line is, if it works for u, then that is great!!
alfredodosil wrote :
I did a ton of research on this and about a month later came up with this Area-51 9750 from alienware
http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/area-51_m9750/area-51m_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M9750&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT
had it loaded with what i wanted and only what i wanted! about $2000 in the end. I focused on video card and cpu...2gigs of ram and the rest stock. The machine is a beast. it has dvi-d, vga, s-video out has s-video in has 5.1 audio out (headphone, mic, front surround and center channel) (so no need for an external soundcard) audio in, coaxial, and even an optical out for amazing sound quality. The case is magnesium alloy so its light, strong, scratch and finger print resistant. You cant beat it!
http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/area-51_m9750/area-51m_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M9750&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT
had it loaded with what i wanted and only what i wanted! about $2000 in the end. I focused on video card and cpu...2gigs of ram and the rest stock. The machine is a beast. it has dvi-d, vga, s-video out has s-video in has 5.1 audio out (headphone, mic, front surround and center channel) (so no need for an external soundcard) audio in, coaxial, and even an optical out for amazing sound quality. The case is magnesium alloy so its light, strong, scratch and finger print resistant. You cant beat it!
I think 17" laptops for DJ's to play looks gross.
I paid mine with additional 200GB 7200RPM HDD and additional 2GB RAM altogether $1,500
And I can't believe that Alienware still uses 667MHz FSB processors/mother boards, mine is 800
Anywaz, the bottom line is, if it works for u, then that is great!!
They have a better laptop with a 800 MHz FSB. I was looking into this laptop, but is the integrated Intel sound card good enough or should I go for the optional X-Fi sound card for maximum performance? What minimum CPU speed, graphics card memory and RAM should I aim for?
http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/area-51_m15x/area-51m_overview.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M15X-AI1&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT
Posted Fri 04 Apr 08 @ 7:28 am
