You can’t imagine music without technology today. A computer has become an irreplaceable tool to compose and produce music.
But the choice available in terms of specifications, brands, styles, makes, and models are mind-boggling.
How do you make a right balance between specifications and prices to shortlist the laptop best suited for your needs?
Here are some criteria you can start looking at:
- Processor:For music production, you need a laptop with tremendous processing power. While a dual-core processor meets the requirements of most music production software, we recommend a Quad Pro processor for the ‘brain’ of the computer.
- Memory: The RAM and processor together ensure the smooth running of multiple applications. The more the RAMthe faster you can run tasks run multiple applications. A minimum of 8GB is recommended.
- Storage: Storage and the type of storage is a very critical factor. While external hard drives are possible these are mainly used for back-up. We still need to ensure that the hard disk data is sufficient. 500Gb is a minimum recommended so that you don’t run out of space.
- Type of Storage:There are two types of inbuilt storage available – Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid-State Drives (SSD). SSD essentially retrieves files quicker than the HDD. We recommend that at least a portion of your hard disk drive be SSD.
- Budgets: Last, but absolutely not the least. This defines your buy. Because apart from the laptop, you will invest in an audio interface, mixing gear, speakers and microphones and much more gear.
- OS:This depends on your comfort. While some prefer windows, others prefer a MAC or Linux.
So, let get started. The 10 best budget laptops for music production & podcasting.
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1. Acer Aspire VX 15 – Best Laptop for Music Production Under 700$ – 800$
This is a mid-range laptop good for music production.It has a 15.6-inch screen, 16GB RAM,256 GB SSD built-in, and an Intel Core i7 processor.
It is affordable and good for beginners and a decent battery life.
Another pro is that it has a number of ports which is useful for music producers.
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2. Lenovo Legion Y520
With the features of a 15.6-inch screen, 16 GB RAM, and a decent battery life, this model is apt for budget-conscious producers.
One has a choice from a 256 GB SSD to a 2 TB HDD. However, the performance is faster with the SSD model. On the flip side, the build isn’t good looking.
If you are not finicky about that then do consider the Lenovo Legion.
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3. Dell XPS 15
This is a large and powerful laptop for running music production software.
It has a strong build and borderless display. A 15.6-inch screen, Intel Core i7 processor, and 16 GB RAM. The RAM on all models is upgradable to 32 GB.
When it comes to the hard disk choose the one with the SSD though it may be more expensive.
The Dell XPS 15 is hands-down the best laptop for music production in terms of versatility.
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4. ASUS ZenBook Pro
This laptop can handle all apps necessary for music production. It is fast and lightweight (just weighs 5 pounds).
It has a 15.6-inch screen, Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD Hard drive.
It also has a touchscreen and backlit keyboard which makes it easy to work in dim lights.
The cons for the model are that it isn’t customizable and the screen is glossy.
5. Dell Inspiron 15 7000
The Dell model is good for an intermediate music producer. While it is available in various price brackets depending on the features, the basic one which we recommend comes with a 15.6-inch screen, Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.
It also has a long battery life.
The cons for the model are that it is heavy making portability an issue, the bottom heats up fast, and it has a dull and inaccurate display.
6. HP Spectre x360
One of slimmest in the list, this has a touchscreen that flips into a tablet, RAM upgradable to 16 GB, 512 GB SSD and an Intel Core i7 processor.
It has a great battery life and a powerful processor despite a thin build.
The HP Spectre X360 lets you handle music production with ease especially if you are on the go.
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7. Samsung Notebook 9
If you are searching for something thin and light and great on performance too then this is your answer.
It is thinner than a MacBook Air.
It has a 15-inch screen, 16 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. This may seem small but can be upgraded to 1 TB.
It has decent battery life and has been designed keeping a traveller in mind.
The Samsung Notebook also has a number of ports which is advantageous. The only con is that the RAM is not upgradable.
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Final Words
A laptop is a music producer’s mobile studio where you can record, mix, compose and publish while on the move.
There are many that you can choose from, but don’t end up as a geek just exploring your wonderful gadget, do produce some great music for our ears too!
