Guest post by Nicky Elkins, staff writer for BBGeeks & AndGeeks
In today’s music industry, having the ability to record and edit your own music has become practically essential. However, having the correct computer or tablet to do so is very important in facilitating the creative process itself. There are several different types of computers and tablets on the market these days, so it can sometimes be difficult to tell what is best for your needs. When picking out your next laptop or tablet, consider what it is you will be primarily using it for and then pick the best one for that use. Here are some of the better tablets and computers you can use to record and edit your music.
The Professional M Series laptop was designed specifically for music production and editing. The computer comes with an Intel Core i7 Mobile Quad-Core Processor, giving you enough power to run your recording and editing software. It comes with a 500 GB hard drive, which can be upgraded to 750 GB, giving you more storage for your songs. The laptop comes with internal memory that varies depending on the model you get; it comes with 4GB, 8GB, or 16B. Of course, if that still isn't enough storage, you can always get an external hard drive. The M Series comes with 5.1 Realtek ALC662 HD sound with Intel's High Definition Audio, and is lightweight and portable. The M Series also runs Windows 7 operating system and has multiple inputs and outputs, such as USB, HDMI, and a Multi-Card reader. This is a great laptop that can be used not only for your music production, but for everyday tasks as well.
The Thinkpad W530 is a powerful machine that can help you create the perfect sound. This laptop has a second generation Intel i7 processor and runs Windows 7 operating system. Depending on the model you get, this laptop can come with up to a 1TB hard drive, or up to a 180GB Intel solid sate drive (SSD). This ultrabook weighs almost 6 lbs, so you can easily travel with it. The W530 is a fast computer with RapidBoot and InstantResume, and comes with Dolby Home Theater v4 audio for a quality sound. It has several different inputs and outputs, as well as a Multi-Burner/DVD CD Multi-Rec optical drive. This is a fast and powerful machine that can handle several types of production software.
The iMac can be a great addition to any sound recording studio. Like the others, it comes with an Intel i7 Core Processor and you can add up to 16GB of DDR3 Memory, or you can opt to get a 256GB SSD. The iMac is an all-in-one desktop computer that has no tower. It comes with many connections on the back of the monitor, like the audio line out, and the optical digital audio line input. Using this desktop keeps your cords to a minimum by using Bluetooth wireless connections for your magic mouse or track pad and keyboard. You can even hook up portable, wireless speakers for a clearer sound. The iMac has enough power for industry standard music production and editing software, as well as video editing and production programs.
Many musicians don't normally think about tablets when it comes to their productions, but the Motorola Xoom is a very powerful contender when it comes to portable music production. The Motorola Xoom uses the Ice Cream Sandwich version of the Android operating system. It has an ARM 1GHZ Dual Core Processor and up to 32GB of internal storage. For a tablet, the Xoom has quality audio and supports most of the popular audio file types. While there is no CD drive, there are many connections that you can use to download or transfer music. There are many apps on the Android market that can be a quick fix to audio production on the go. This tablet is a good option for the traveling musician who can't carry a ton of equipment.
The Eee Slate seems to be the best of both worlds when it comes to portable computing. It has an Intel Dual-Core i5 Processor as well as 4GB of internal memory. The Slate runs Windows 7 which can run software intended for desktops as well as some apps for sound production. Currently though, the Eee Slate doesn't have a lot of touch screen applications it can use. It comes with an HD Audio CODEC and stereo speakers. The tablet has many inputs and outputs for USB, HDMI, and audio connections. It comes with a stylus, Bluetooth keyboard, and the option to use a USB mouse, letting you use it as a laptop if you need to. This is a very useful device for someone who wants the operating power and capabilities of a laptop, but wants something portable like a tablet. The Eee Slate has plenty of RAM and storage options letting you run quality audio software.
