Much better a basic MacBook.

Just add a lit keyboard, a pleasure to look at, and a big plus in a dark environment such a club. You don't need a MacBook Pro, the base MacBook will cut it.

BTW, OSX's CoreAudio engine is where Windows will be in 10 years from now, thanks to Mr. Langeling, former Emagic CEO, and now Chief for Audio division at Apple. Don't waste ur money on a Windows machine if pro audio is your aim.

Just my 0.02

@djcerla: there are a few designthings that are keeping me away from apple.
no integrated keypad,
only 2 USB busses,
the OS is a bit too closed for me (<= strict personal opinion)
and apple is quite expensive compared with evenly specced Intel Laptops).

I need a third USB bus because I connect Itch, an External HD, and a USB light for the EQ knobs on the VCI 300 (they're quite invisible in dark places with the red on black colored markings)

I've got not a single issue with my laptop, has all the specs i'd love to have, and it only costed 799€ compared with the evenly performing apple macbook pro of 2499€ at the time I bought it...
No offence, Apple is known for it's proffesionalism, so it's great material, no doubt about that, but the vista machine is not performing bad either, on the contrary...

@Guven: It will work, but go for more CPU power. (Intel T7500 and higher...) you will not regret this...

I also use the USB light, however I need no ext hd, using just 40% of the internal hd 320 Gb. The less things running, the more stable the system.

But you could also use a firewire connection, which is also much faster.

BTW a "closed" platform is exactly what makes a secure, enjoyable system ;) look at iPhones vs WinMo systems/applications... Jaw-dropping leap IMHO

I would love to get a apple laptop but with taxes and everything its very high priced in Turkey. Also the screen is too small. I am looking into this machine ASUS M51VR240DV INTEL CORE 2 DUO P8600 2.4GHz 3072MB 250GB. I think this will be good enough to use it with Serato Itch.

Also I read somewhere that 4gb ram is not supported with 32 bit windows. But I see laptops with 4gb and using windows vista home primium. Serato Itch only accepts 32 bit windows. I am confused???

i use a clip on reading light for this

You are 100% correct on this part, you need 64-bit windows to use all 4GB of ram.



It's home premium 64bit edition (yes it exists = www.newegg.com )


Can't answer this yet... try a forum search.

Agree with that - I've converted from Windows and Linux to MAC (BookPro).
If you become a DJ you should think about it. Also later you'll start to produce tracks and maybe you do liveacts.



for what this ?


But Firewire ... one time used, you won't miss that and two USB are enough - Too much USB, too much drivers. Windows does install every driver fresh on each USB-Port if you changed the port. That does fill up your registry. I found over 120 installed USB-Sticks on my Windows-Machine ... But they where not longer in use.


no - even not - you're an old windows-man - not accepting new things.
Well If I need a special application, I look over to linux and compile it for my MAC.


Until you bought everything in two years for your windows-tool, you have reached the price of a MAC. Try to sell a win-machine and a mac. for the MAC you get more money after two years, for the win-machine you have to pay .... howevery

Further:

A Mac can be synced with MIDI-Clock thru Ethernet-Cable to another Mac. Try that with Windows, you need additional software. Hopefully later Itch will send also the Midi-Clock ... very good for DJ-Battles or performances *g*

The other reason is, that f.e. my MacBook-Pro doesn't have a Mircophone-Input, no it has a Line-In. Good for recording or sampling ! Also you can use the Line-In for "Measurement" in combination with Audacity - f.e. Club-Hardware get's a problem ... PC-Emergency-Book -> Microphone In...

To have a Line-In at a Windows-Machine that means you have to buy a ext. sound-card.
(mostly)

Its cheaper and more reliabe to buy a mac, as a windows-machine where the processor is blocked by virus-scans, defragmentation and so on.


Yes - putting your fingers into the depths of your system, make it unstable by yourself, comming to a forum and complain "Its not working anymore, I'm not responsible"

All the Extras you bought for a WIN-Machine (Soft+Hardware) is exactly equal to the price of the MAC.

A Mac is a little bit more expensive, because everything is included what you need.
Also Inclunding a "Magic" Back-Up Software.

But I don't spend anymore time in things like Virus-Scan, Defrag, Temp-Cleanup and search for additional SW. Drivers are installed in seconds. With Windows I could bring you two cups of coffee while I install the Software and Drivers for a Logitech Nano-Mouse - Sorry still true - I use both systems, having same speed and processors, using Windows now since V3.11

The only thing at the beginning of my MAC-Area was : I couln'd use my Sennheiser-Headset for doing Webradio and Skype. So I bought a 5€ Soundcard to use it with USB... that was all

For some things a MAC is better, for others Windows. The same question how you like to put a picture on the wall - and how you use the screw for doing that - with a screwdriver or with a hammer - both works !


Finally : You need to work with a MAC first, give it a chance. I was surprised.

I worked with mac first on my Dell inspiron 6000 Laptop using OSX86, that's how i started to learn the mac environment at first,(dual booting w/xp) it was a learning step, and gradually I started to know the OS. Then later on, something inside of me said, this doesn't really feel like a mac but it works like one....then I had the urge to buy a MBP the next month, then i got it (MBP 2.5ghz non-Unibody for $1215). from then on, it was my main deejay machine.

I'm fixing to dual boot WinVista 64 bit with bootcamp just for kicks and ability to run FL studio on the MAC. I would say it's a worthwhile investment if you choose the MacBook Pro route.

tinyurl.com -- windows ram specs here
I got an ASUS F6V in september and it has been extremely stable. same spec as a MBP at the time and all for about $1300 less.

I got a mac two years ago and never looked back now producing tracks, Dj'ing all with a laptop and a bit of software - once you go mac you never look back!!

www.myspace.com

Yes, sure. And you've seen a flying horse.

Without wanting to get involved in a windows vs mac debate, all I will say is that after 6 years as a mac user I can never remember the thing crashing ( occasional freezes granted) they are rock solid performance wise and are the choice of the industry in many high end areas.

Good luck in what ever you decide to get, but if you did go mac you would not be dissapointed!!

Also when I look at windows xp as an operating system it makes me think how dated it is to both look at and use but thats just personal preference on my part.

Lastly what I will say is that if they are good enough for the likes of James Zabiela to use every set - playing to some of the largest crowds in the business, running both Ableton live and Traktor pro simultaniously then they are good enough for me!!!

Happy choosing

F6V
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor P8600 2.53 GHz
4GB DDR2 800 MHz SDRAM
ATI Mobility™ Radeon® HD 3470
2.5" 9.5mm SATA 320GB,5400rpm
13" monitor
1 year replacement warranty even for accidental damage
~$1500 cdn taxes in

macbook pro (when I was looking)
Core 2 Duo (T8300) Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
PC2-5300 DDR2 Min. RAM Speed: 667 MHz
The NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM
200 GB (5400 RPM)
~$2499 before taxes

horses really do fly!

Let's start with display size, when comparing two computers, as display is the most expensive part.

So, this comparison you made is really not possible.

And comparing Asus to Apple... come on, and try to see what's the reselling value of those 2 computers NOW, to see what's the REAL price of both. You'll be amazed.

Asus has a computer with the same spec and a larger monitor for a lower price. I preferred the smaller screen. You can argue perceived value all you like but when it comes down to the parts involved I think I came out on the right side of that $1300 decision.

Truth is, you have tried to fool us comparing two totally different machines.
Enjoy your very reliable Asus, and good luck when it's time to sell it.

for what it is worth coming from years of design and animation... the equally speced macs performed faster and handled larger files easier

Hey guys, I didn't want to offend anyone here...

I use only a very cheap Toshiba, and I must say it works just great for me. Not a single stability issue for me...
And I don't care about reselling Laptops either, because I use all my machines untill they break! (So I use every machine pretty long) But then the price is something to keep in mind. And I rather want to buy music/songs then PC gear...
But I'm also pretty convinced that Apple is the ultimate step, no doubt.

By the way, I'm really used to use the Keypad. All my Mp3 songs are from my own CD collection, and a I have many Compilation cd's where a year and a volume number on it... And then a keypad is really usefull.

Maybe I'll go apple once... When? I don't know.... ;-)

[quote
I use only a very cheap Toshiba, and I must say it works just great for me. Not a single stability issue for me...

and no matter what we say that is what matters.... but just hope there isn't a 'yet' added to the end of that statement

Well, I'll post my first problem with my laptop here when it happens, Ok?
(Maybe we can bet on it... xD)
That same day, I go to the store and buy an apple...

Happy now? :-)

actually i am happy your cheap lappy is working. thats the best result

Yea, it really does... playing 2-3 gigs a week. No issues.......


YET! ;-)

The issue of getting 13,1 inch apple laptop; isn't the screen too small for serato itch?

nope. 13" is plenty big if you have good eyes

I've used the 13.1" a lot with ITCH, and screen size is enough for a comfortable operation.
Just magnify the font a little bit (CMD +)

i agree since itch is really just a list of sound files and you can maginfy the list size is not an issue

Has anyone tried using those new netbooks with Itch?