Laptop for live Ableton?

[ThurberMingus]

Well I had it all figured out with my iPad+SP202+4 track rig, but my 4 track only records to one channel, which probably explains how I got it for $20, but alas. That is gonna keep me from using it as a live device. I will probably keep using it for bad lofi songs, but I figure it's time to stop beating around the bush and make it happen. I have a laptop that is currently in GRUB rescue hell, but I know it's not going to cut the mustard spec-wise.

Enter the idea of getting a new computer. Not a groove box, not another sampler, not even an OP-1 (some dayy!). Ableton is my best option I believe.

Basically I want to use Ableton + Push + a MIDI keyboard live, with an interface at home.

I'd like to spend somewhere in the ballpark of $1000, obviously less is ideal. No Mac or PC preference, and I'm fine with it being second hand as long as I don't have to worry about it randomly crashing one day.

What can my internet friends recommend?

[DRodriguez]

Alright, it's likely going to be unpopular, but I absolutely recommend macs if it's in your budget. They are damn reliable when it comes to audio applications. And, especially for live use, you want reliable because a small glitch can throw your entire set off.

That said, there really is not that much of a difference these days with PC reliability, but mac tends to be more reliable software-wise based on the limited differentiation between machines.

At a budget of $1000, I'd recommend going with a windows laptop, you can get more bang for your buck. You really want to go as powerful as possible at the start because a lot of the DAW's will run on a low to mid level machine, but you'll run into many small issues that will ruin your workflow. So I would recommend the horrifying idea of pedging for a little longer, and then going for a bigger purchase. Consider getting a launchpad pro at first before the push. Close enough functionality, travels easier, interfaces with non ableton gear better, and it will save you about $300 that could go to the laptop.

Feel free to ask me any audio questions you got down the line man.

[Faldoe]

I've seen some Apple MBP Retinas around $1000 on craigslist. You can get the older models - 2011/2012ish with i5/i7 processors for around $700 give or take. I'd try and find something with a SSD and upgraded RAM.

I'm not using a Push but I used Ableton and my 13" MBP (late 2011) has an i7, 16GB ram, 256 SSD. Runs well.

You also get the option of getting different kinds of audio interfaces: USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt.

[ThurberMingus]

I'm definitely not going to be making this purchase until the end of summer, so I'll be saving cash all the while!

I figured Mac was a good option because everything just seems to "work" I've fiddled around with my PC enough and delt with ASIO enough times to realize that it "kinda works". Where I've brought random Midi/audio curiosities to Mac-friends houses and was able to make magic happen within moments. Another plan was to get my current laptop set up for Linux and install something like Ardour to use as a DAW for the meantime.

[Ev_O)))]

I use a Toshiba form like 2012 still for my on the go/live applications with Ableton. Still fine, but not without me praying to the tech Gods it will hold together. Runs 64bit Live 9 wit only occaisional issue, like sometimes can't find my interface. Trick is to boot it while connected.

My Mac Mini that I use at home solely for composition is still noticeably better though. Runs like a dream.

[backwardsvoyager]

Yeah even as somebody who hates using Mac I'd say overall a Mac would be more reliable for this application and lots of very respectable current laptop musicians use them for a reason. If you can find something used thats not too old and has been used somewhere tame like an office desk that would be ideal for value and service life. The problem with a lot of laptops in general is that they're too thin with inadequate heat dissipation, and sub-$1k windows laptops are usually the worst offenders (and usually have shit sound capabilities to begin with).

Because the used market is somewhat affordable i will mention that IMO gaming laptops are the best for this though, they're bulky and built with appropriate cooling so that it will last ages even if you totally thrash it. My alienware M17x has always run beautifully for audio. They're also more upgradeable than just about any other laptop. And you get aesthetic stage lighting capabilities like a strobing pink keyboard or whatever

[weebles]

You can pick up older MacBook Pro's from pawn shops these days for about $500. Slap a solid state drive in there, and you've got a machine that rivals almost anything you could buy for under $1200.

[infamousalien]

Mac definitely. I run Ableton on mine and have never had a problem.

[Bartimaeus]

Probably go for a Macbook Air.

Do you definitely need to see what's going on on the computer? If you're controlling Ableton via a Push or APC, or even a simpler MIDI controller, you could even do this on a Mac mini and not even need to bring a monitor. Just have that Live file open every time the computer opens, and trigger everything with the controller. Owen Pallett does this with his looping software.

[ThurberMingus]

I'm finding lots of MBPs with cosmetic issues and decent specs on eBay for <$500. Does sometbing like this seem legit?http://m.ebay.com/itm/Macbook-Pro-15-Mid-2009-2-53-GHz-UPGRADED-8GB-RAM-256GB-SSD-/331802771753?nav=SEARCH
Should I be worried about cosmetic damages like that?

[backwardsvoyager]

it's hard to tell if that dent is from an impact or something else.. if the cosmetic damage indicates it's been dropped before i'd advise against buying generally.
seems legit and with those specs you'd run ableton decently enough (the processor would probably cause problems if you're running heavy sessions though) but at nearly 7 years old you aren't gonna get much more out of something like that. I would look at >2012 models if you can swing it.

[ThurberMingus]

Sounds good. I might wind up buying new, but I saw that, and I saw the price and my mind started racing. I can't buy anything right now anyway, so I'll just keep saving and hold out for something better!

[GardenoftheDead]

I don't have good experience using Windows laptops live personally but in the $1000 range you could get something pretty solid.

MacBooks are always a good choice for this stuff.