Laptops play a huge role in most digital DJ setups hence the confusion on which is the best laptop to buy. Fortunately, most modern laptops will get the job done. However, this does not mean that every laptop is suitable for DJing.There are considerations that have nothing to do with memory, processor speed, and hard drive size you should consider.
1. Number of USBs
If you happen to have a pad controller, an external sound card, and a DJ controller, you will need three USBs. This is a relatively rare setup. You should be able to tell how much DJ equipment you would want to plug into your laptop and buy one with enough USB sockets from the beginning.
2. Battery Life
First and foremost, it is very freeing to remove your laptop far from any electrical outlet, plug in some battery speakers, and just DJ. All your gear in a backpack allows you to DJ anytime, anywhere, and now and then. Your laptop should allow you to sort, analyze, and cue point your music on a plane; for instance, this will mean you will be prepared for a gig and lower the chances of messing it up. Secondly, it is easy to forget your power lead or say you cannot plug in. However, with good battery life, your gig is fine.
3. Screen Size
As a DJ, the information relayed on the laptop is very important to you. It would be a shame you can’t see it because the screen is too small. Remember that laptops are meant to be sat in front of and not stood back from and glanced at as DJs do. Get you a laptop with a big enough screen to ensure you do not struggle; a 15″ MacBook Pro Screen would be perfect.
4. Solid State Or Normal Hard Drive
Everyone goes on to ensure their laptop has good quality components, so it stays dependable. However, the only thing that is likely to fail in a laptop is the hard drive. As a matter of fact, it is going to fail; it’s just a case of when. If you have a modern solid-state hard drive, you are sure it won’t fail you. They are more costly and only available in lower capacities but are undefeated in terms of reliability. You will be sorted if you can afford one that is big enough for your needs.
5. Screen Resolution
You can have a screen that is big enough, but actually, screen resolution is the most vital, but it’s normally overlooked. Most laptops that are 1280×800 are okay. The best resolutions should give you more space on the screen to play with. Remember that you can always set a bigger screen to display at a lower resolution if you want to.
6. Size And Weight
Normally, a laptop does not way much but add it to its power pack, a DJ controller, cables, headphones and the weight of the bag; now that becomes a challenge. Just keep in mind how much it weighs, especially if you are a regular economy traveler or if you carry your gear by hand to gigs.
