Cheap Laptop Recommendation for REW/MiniDSP

[newoski]

I am looking to purchase a laptop for dedicated use with REW/MiniDSP. Can anyone recommend a cheap model from BestBuy that is definitely compatible? I’d love to stay in the $2-300 range and I don’t want to make the mistake of buying something that isn’t compatible.

 

[dcibel]

No Chromebook - “windows PC” all new computers will be “compatible”. But, you don’t get much for $2-$300 these days, I would buy a lightly used, check your local classifieds - FB market, Kijiji, Craigslist, etc.. also refurbished / recertified can be good deals. Without getting too specific on hardware, 8GB ram if you can for any general computer use today.

 

[newoski]

No Chromebook - “windows PC” all new computers will be “compatible”. But, you don’t get much for $2-$300 these days, I would buy a lightly used, check your local classifieds - FB market, Kijiji, Craigslist, etc.. also refurbished / recertified can be good deals. Without getting too specific on hardware, 8GB ram if you can for any general computer use today.

Intel or AMD better for REW?

 

[dcibel]

It doesn't matter. A potato can run REW. Search for best price/performance regardless of brand.

 

[newoski]

It doesn't matter. A potato can run REW. Search for best price/performance regardless of brand.

Sweet. (For context, I have a dual 2080 TI gaming rig I built from scratch. I’m just paranoid about Java / AISO not behaving etc)

 

[sam_adams]

I’m just paranoid about Java / AISO not behaving etc)

If you are concerned about using ASIO and a JRE on Windows, buy a Mac. The window is closing on used 2012 MacBook Pros (A1278) over on ebay. They can be had for $200 or less with enough resources to run REW as soon as you receive it. Don't like Macs? REW runs on a Chromebook just fine. $300 - $400 gets you a Chromebook with a 1920 x 1080, 15 - 17 inch display.

 

[deercreekaudio]

For our miniDSP workshop we use the small student version ASUS laptops. The only catch is you have to convert them to Windows 10/11 which is a free download in the MS store. We just pick them up at Best Buy.

Deer Creek Audio is an authorized miniDSP dealer

 

[rvsixer]

Just googled it quickly...looks like Chromebooks capable of running Linux emulation will work (or dual boot install, etc.). Ready for another learning curve?

I'd just get a cheap new/used pentium/celeron x86 notebook, if its got windows great, if not throw a Linux distro on it with native linux REW.
And may as well make it fanless, so you don't have a fan blasting your measurements. There's several in the $300'ish price range Acer Swift1, Asus Vivobook, HP Laptop 14, etc. (google fanless laptop). Just be aware if it comes with Windows in S mode, you may have to upgrade to full windows at some point.

 

[skid00]

I'm using a Microsoft Surface Go 2. It has a USB 3, and a USB 2 connector, so I can output to my DAC, and plug my Umic in at the same time. I run eqAPO using the REW EQ output.

 

[Privatier]

Get the highest screen resolution you can afford. REW smallest window size is 1024x720. A higher screen resolution allows for seeing something else at the same time, for example for notes or folder contents. Otherwise you need to switch forth and back.

 

[rvsixer]

I'm using a Microsoft Surface Go 2. It has a USB 3, and a USB 2 connector, so I can output to my DAC, and plug my Umic in at the same time. I run eqAPO using the REW EQ output.

Where can we get one for the OP $200-300 price range ? I'd buy one for that price.

 

[BJB]

I would suggest to get one with an HDMI port not displayport so you don't need to convert to hdmi and can run natively. Less variables to debug. I use an older laptop I added memory to for this reason.
BJB