Laptop VS Desktop

[DiggerWertz]

I recently purchased Hoster and i'm in the process of ripping all my songs (some 30,000) which will take my quite some time. While I'm in this process, I thought I might collect some opinions on the pros and cons of laptop VS desktop systems, particularly the sound card option. I will be connecting Hoster to a 9600 watt PA system complete with subs, so sound quality is of most importance.

Thanks

[Beavis]

either way, make sure you make a back up copy of all your .kma's and store it in a safe place.

you will thank me a thousand times over if your hard drive ever fails !

[ddouglass]

DiggerWertz,
In my opinion desktop is the only way to go. I have several reasons and I am sure some will disagree with me.

1. Laptops are very limited in upgrades including you are stuck with the sound circuitry installed by the Mfg.
2. Laptops tend to have a much higher failure rate (personal experience and work experience).
3. Desktops don't have to be big and bulky. There are many small size cases that still allow for expansion.
4. Desktop allows you to add any type or quality of sound card you want and even add two for multiple applications.
5. Desktops are sturdier and will protect you equipment better.
6. Desktops will allow you to expand your drive space internally as needed instead of having to add external drives. This is including CD drives.

Currently I am working on setting up a system that will have up to 4 screens instead of the maximum 2 you can get on any laptop. Some others are looking at running two sound card outputs to be able to run two programs with audio,

Hope this helps.

[S. Parks]

Everyone makes good points here. I personally use a laptop. I store my KMA's on an external (x's 2 for backup). Beavis is right, if your hard drive ever fails and you don't have a back up, reinstalling all those songs will be a monumental task and if you have a weekly show, you'd better be prepared to sling cd's around again or your screwed. I personally keep a spare laptop with me at shows too so I have a contingancy for the computer too. (much easier than carrying my cd's around as a contingency). My Sony Viao has been very reliable up to date, and I've never in two and a half years had to break out the second computer. I think another point that will save you heartache is to limit the use of the computer you use to host karaoke with, to doing just that and you'll have many fewer problems in the long run.
Also, never upgrade to another version of Software the day of a show; give yourself some time to get accustom to the changes and deal with unforseen problems. Good luck!

[bryant]

I pretty much have the same set up as Parks. However,
I have resorted to the backup laptop twicw in the first year, and the backup came close once as well.
It IS scary with laptops but lighter moving around.