Desktop vs. Laptop

[Lonman]

I prefer a desktop only because it's more readily upgradable. I use a M-Audio pro audio sound card with balanced 1/4" connetors (although have a great USB audio interface for my laptop now that also uses 1/4" balanced jacks as well), video cards can be swapped out easily, memory, etc. Laptops are a little more inconvenient in upgrading and servicing on site - aside from just simply having a complete 2nd laptop for backup, a HECK of a lot more convenient as far as setup though!

[computex13]

Don't do many shows anymore, but my laptop has always worked like a charm. If something every happened to it, I would go rack mount.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by computex13

Don't do many shows anymore, but my laptop has always worked like a charm. If something every happened to it, I would go rack mount.

I use a laptop on nights when my wife has the shuttle, although both of us carry a back-up laptop too.

Once I lost a video card at a show, and another time the adapter cord failed, and both times I went to the backup.

I actually got a call from another DJ a few years ago who asked me to take over his shows as he had lost his laptop functionality during a show with NO back-up there in place. I think he was too embarrassed to return
as a DJ/KJ.

IT IS REALLLLLYYY RISKY relying on solely a laptop at a show. I recommened having at least two there, or a desktop with a karaoke machine up and ready to go. Although carrying MORE stuff around defeats the purpose,I understand.

I may be a little luckier than most as all my gigs, and the new ones I mentioned in a different post are ALL within a mile of each other and within a mile of my house, several of them I use the "house" equipment, the others are secure enough to keep my stuff on stage there. The most I would ever have to walk in a storm with would be two laptops and a mixer.

[lmcmains]

I like to use desktop best. I have two shuttle computers I've been using for about four years. I also have two small factor Dell desktops that I have for backup and one Dell laptop.

[billyo]

i've been using my Dell laptops ( E1505 and E1405 for back-up ) and never had a problem running a show with it, i also have an asus mini laptop and i only use it strictly for djing, and i also have 4 Dell optiplex (8"x9" )workstation with microstudio installed in one of them ( basically my main pc's ) with all the dj music installed in it.( have to have a back-up )

[mindonstrike]

I prefer a desktop for all the reasons already posted

I have 2 shuttles, 1 for the show and one for backup. I've also got a laptop for singers to preview songs but it can be hooked up in a pinch, but would probably only use it if my monitor stopped working. Between those three things I'm covered.

Like computex13, I'd like to install a couple of rackmounted units at some point.

Sam

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by mindonstrike

Like computex13, I'd like to install a couple of rackmounted units at some point.

I use a rackmount I purchased from MTU in a four space portable case. It a little heavy but very impressive when I carry it in and set it on a table. It's just a desktop (my vote was for a desktop ) that runs sideways (like the old desktops) but the cards are secured and the drives are installed in a shock resistant mount. Works great for me!

My back up is a Raid hard drive setup. In my 10 years of working with computers (I maintain four, one for audio and video production), I've only had one hard drive failure (Dell). I've found if I keep my fans working and my mother boards as dust free as possible, they never go down. I blew one motherboard up when I didn't understand how to install DDR RAM and Cutiual didn't add a sufficient warning but that was a technician error, not a motherboard failure. Of course I'm very careful to not get a virus.

Jim