Hawkdjdan
SOS... trying to figure out the least expensive way to replace an aging laptop to run VDJ exclusively. Do not do video, just need a machine to run the software reliably and one that is built to handle mobile dj environment. If you have specific models you can recommend, I would appreciate it. Not sure of what specs are most important. For instance, is an i3 sufficient? Is the processor speed more important than generation of the processor (4th gen vs 7th or 8th)? Intel vs. AMD? Is it a bad idea to go with a refurbed i3 with 8 gb ram? Any help would be appreciated!
Inviato Fri 23 Nov 18 @ 1:45 pm
groovindj
My advice would be to spend as much as possible! Don't ever go for the cheapest or lowest spec option, especially with computers, as it'll be out of date in no time.
Inviato Fri 23 Nov 18 @ 6:12 pm
schmidi_0
I'm on Windows, and I have had excellent results with used HP Elitebooks. The key to this series is that they were HPs high end mobile workstation line, which means good components. These have been the most stable windows computers I've ever used (and I'm been using since DOS 3.1). They are very upgrade-able, no soldered in BS like today's laptops, and often are configured with discrete graphics.
Only downside to these laptops is they are HEAVY and BIG! I actually like that though because it means they can take a beating.
In reality, DJ software uses VERY little resources, but video does increase CPU load immensely in some cases.
I currently run two:
NON VIDEO rig - an 8460p 14" screen. It comes in 2nd gen i5 and i7 CPU, and either discreet or intel video. Can accommodate multiple inter HDs which is nice! You can probably snag one online with Windows for under $150. The screen is the only weak part in that it has poor viewing angles, but not a big deal.
VIDEO rig - an 8770w. F(&%*&^ 17" monster! Comes in 3rd gen i5 and i7. I think its great if you can find one for under $500. WAY better components than a new computer at the price point, and super upgrade-able. This also is my mainDAW/music production rig. I love it!
There is also an 8750 model that has 15" screens.
Whatever route you go, the best practices I've found are:
OS on one HD, music on a second (internal or external)
7200 RPM HDD or SSD, NEVER 5400 RPM
Only downside to these laptops is they are HEAVY and BIG! I actually like that though because it means they can take a beating.
In reality, DJ software uses VERY little resources, but video does increase CPU load immensely in some cases.
I currently run two:
NON VIDEO rig - an 8460p 14" screen. It comes in 2nd gen i5 and i7 CPU, and either discreet or intel video. Can accommodate multiple inter HDs which is nice! You can probably snag one online with Windows for under $150. The screen is the only weak part in that it has poor viewing angles, but not a big deal.
VIDEO rig - an 8770w. F(&%*&^ 17" monster! Comes in 3rd gen i5 and i7. I think its great if you can find one for under $500. WAY better components than a new computer at the price point, and super upgrade-able. This also is my mainDAW/music production rig. I love it!
There is also an 8750 model that has 15" screens.
Whatever route you go, the best practices I've found are:
OS on one HD, music on a second (internal or external)
7200 RPM HDD or SSD, NEVER 5400 RPM
Inviato Fri 23 Nov 18 @ 6:13 pm
kradcliffe
VDJ is so efficient it will run on pretty much anything.
I use a GPD pocket with Intel Atom to run 5 hour gigs with full video and VNC connection and it's flawless.
I use a GPD pocket with Intel Atom to run 5 hour gigs with full video and VNC connection and it's flawless.
Inviato Fri 23 Nov 18 @ 7:25 pm
groovindj
True. I've run VDJ 8 on a Samsung NC10 netbook - but regardless it's always better to get the best computer you can afford, and not the lowest spec.
Inviato Fri 23 Nov 18 @ 8:27 pm
xylume
ASUS Laptop, 15.6” Full HD, Intel Core i5-7200U Processor (3M Cache, Up to 3.1GHz), 8GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB FireCuda SSHD, DVD-RW Drive, Micro SD Card Reader, Windows 10 - X540UA-DB52
You can find them for under $500 sometimes. It's a bit overkill, but it's very reliable over other brands based on my personal experience. I run VDJ2018 on a PC at home and make backups and prefer a PC to avoid overheating and dust problems. I use my ASUS laptop only when being portable's the only way to go.
You can find them for under $500 sometimes. It's a bit overkill, but it's very reliable over other brands based on my personal experience. I run VDJ2018 on a PC at home and make backups and prefer a PC to avoid overheating and dust problems. I use my ASUS laptop only when being portable's the only way to go.
Inviato Sat 24 Nov 18 @ 4:22 am
xylume
An Intel 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8130U, 6GB RAM Memory might be a great option for around $300. For under $500 an i5 Intel Core i5-7200U processor with 8GB RAM would be even better. I've run VDJ2018 on an old i5 2450m which is way slower than the i3-8130U and it ran fine without maxing the CPU. Keep in mind 2 cores will analyze MP3s slower than a 4 core CPU, but I analyze music in small batches regardless so I can keep an eye on fixing BPMs and transition intro edits etc.
I use a Seagate Slimdrive 2TB for around $60 to go with it, but I'm sure it's not necessary. At home I use an 8 core PC and to save my laptop from wear and tear.
I use a Seagate Slimdrive 2TB for around $60 to go with it, but I'm sure it's not necessary. At home I use an 8 core PC and to save my laptop from wear and tear.
Inviato Sat 24 Nov 18 @ 4:32 am
djplay33
Vdj will run on Intel 2 or amd 2 with at least 512gb ram and 105gb space memory. I recommend Ryzen 5 with 8gb ram for midrange and a budget. If you want all out the. Ryzen 7 is the best out there with 12gb ram as 8gb will do fine but top notch with 12gb ram and 1 tb space with a second SSD 256gb for increased speed.
Inviato Sun 31 Mar 19 @ 6:01 pm
xylume
Don't forget to consider going for a higher refresh rate like 120 Hz or 144 Hz in a laptop. It makes VDJ look so amazing and the waveforms fluid.
Inviato Thu 04 Apr 19 @ 12:48 pm
VDJ Ron
A whole thread on laptops and no one has mentioned CPU benchmarks. Just as an example all i7 CPU's are not equal..some are quite slow and are designed for long battery life. A DJ will have his laptop connected to the mains! Onboard graphics is fine..we don't need a gaming machine.
Inviato Thu 04 Apr 19 @ 1:20 pm
groovindj
VDJ Ron wrote :
Onboard graphics is fine..we don't need a gaming machine.
Agreed - if you're not using video.
Inviato Thu 04 Apr 19 @ 5:04 pm
VDJ Ron
I can still run video on a 10 year old 2.4ghz core2duo with 5gb ram and onboard graphics.
If your running VDJ you don't need to spend much on a laptop. Other software's do demand more and they may be a little bloated. Spend what you can afford. A nice laptop is nice.
If your running VDJ you don't need to spend much on a laptop. Other software's do demand more and they may be a little bloated. Spend what you can afford. A nice laptop is nice.
Inviato Thu 04 Apr 19 @ 8:58 pm
paul glossop
I'm after a decent laptop to run vdj 7 with mix lab got a 4tb external and mostly video im still using a sony vaio vgn 2 core but getting tired..ive had an i7 sony thought it may do trick but videos were glitching
Also need it to have vga output..as hdmi output sent it crazy on 3 different size teles
Needs dual display any ideas
People
Also need it to have vga output..as hdmi output sent it crazy on 3 different size teles
Needs dual display any ideas
People
Inviato Mon 29 Jul 19 @ 3:23 pm