[LAU] new laptop configuration

[david]

On 01/10/2015 08:51 AM, daniel gomez wrote:
> Hello
> I am an Ubuntu 12.04 user in an 7yr old laptop.
> At this moment I urge a hardware improvement for my work which is: sound
> synthesis and processing controlled by external data via USB (kinect
> sensor and customa arduino based sensors) and WiFi (osc data).
>
> So i have to make an investment in a powerful laptop with the proper
> configuration for my needs which could be translated into:
>
> * very powerful processor for the dsp algorithms
> * 3+ usb ports (not hubs) so i can connect the external sensors and an
> external soundcard
> * a good wireless card that would not use any resources from the main
> processor
> * a video card that would not interfere with the main processor

I have System76 Gazelle Pro 9 laptop. Uses Intel 2.4GHz i7 Haswell 
processor, has 4 USB ports (2 USB3, 2 USB2, don't know about its hub 
setup inside). I don't use wireless on it (when I'm at home, I use 
wired; when mobile, I'm just recording). It has Intel HD4600 video that 
doesn't seem to interfere with anything.

> Although I think i know the basic needs, I can not name the
> manufacturers or models of the processor, board, video and wireless card
> that would make my system work the best.

Only reason I'd avoid the Gazelle Pro 9 now is that the keyboard is not 
good at all. It seems to be very sensitive to the angle at which you 
strike a key; strike it just a little off center or at a bit of an angle 
and it doesn't pick up the keystroke. Its keyboard is about 2/3 the 
width of my favorite clicky IBM AT keyboard. The spacing of the keys 
seems just a bit off, it's very easy to strike between the keys ... 
There are a lot of complaints about the keyboard on the System76 support 
forum, which I didn't look at before I bought the machine.

> It would be of great help if you could help me choose these elements
> based on your positive experience on any of them and even more it would
> be great if you could recommend a specific commercial laptop that could
> have these features/elements already packed.

When I was looking to replace my previous laptop, folk on the list here 
frequently recommended Lenovo laptops.

> Thanks for your help
>
> Daniel

-- 
David W. Jones
gnome at hawaii.rr.com
authenticity, honesty, community
http://dancingtreefrog.com