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Looking for laptop Windows 10 for music only.

Morning.  Been looking through the PC section here and don't see many recent Windows PC threads.
I would like to get a new laptop PC (only) for my music.  I am currently using a Samsung Series 9 with Windows 10, updated from Windows 7.  JRiver 21 as  listening source.  My wants are specifically: Must be PC, Windows 10, backlit keyboard, HD space not that important as I use a external 2TB hard drive for storage.  It will be used only for music but this does include Tidal, Radio Paradise, etc.  The Samsung works great but I would like to keep the music system separate for convenience.
By doing a little online research it looks like almost anything will do.  I am no computer wiz kid, so simple things for my simple mind would be great.
So my questions are: 
Is there a preference for a laptop?  Or anything OK?
Processor speed;  Is Intel I7 necessary, AMD ok...?
Memory size?
How about Windows versions.  Home Edition, Pro, etc?
If anyone can advise  proper Windows 10 settings or point out a source/thread that would be cool.
Does Windows allow a user to turn off all the fluff running in the back round, or does that matter any more?

System;  USB out to Benchmark DAC2 HGC, Krell KCT Pre, Krell FPB300cx amp.  Using JRiver 21, music ripped using Apple lossless.

I can't thank you all enough for all the great information I've read and received here over the years.
-John





jsd52756

Showing 3 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,407 posts
 
You would probably get more info on the Win10 forum.( www.tenforums.com/)
FWIW, why not build your own machine?
It's pretty easy and you can get all the things you want or need and not spend on unnecessary items.
I built my win10 micro atx pc so I can stream music throughout the house and it works like a charm. I like streaming/digital music so much that I have not played a CD in months
My setup is getting a bit old, so I am sure there are better setups.
As far as turning off superfluous programs, I have found Win10 to be pretty good at managing. For a home system, Win 10 home edition should be more than adequate.
gdnrbob
4,407 posts
 
My earlier post wasn't very detailed as I am not the most current with PC technology- I only do lots of research when I am building my new PC's- so I tend not to look at things for 4-5 years.

As Al said, and thanks for the kind words Al, getting something with the latest chip iteration is my favorite way to build.
The new Intel Skylake processors have been on my radar for a while now.

If you are only using it for music playback, even an I5 should be overkill.
8 gigs of memory should be fine, but 16 gigs is always nice. I think a Win 64 bit is the best way to go for an operating system. And, a SSD for the main drive, say 256 gb, should be more than enough for running the OS and adding programs. An external drive can slow things down, it would be better if it was a separate drive in the PC, but it should not be a problem/bottleneck if it is connected by USB 3, or the newer USBC or Thunderbolt 2.  
The Eluktronics laptops Almarg mentioned look like a very reasonably priced way to get what you need without the bother of assembly- though I assure you, once you have built a PC, you won't buy a pre-assembled one again. It is easily accomplished and rewards you with the knowledge of what makes it work.
HTH 
Bob

gdnrbob
4,407 posts
 
John, I have to say those laptops Almarg recommended can not only be configured to your needs, but are a very good deal, IMHO.
 I spec out one with 16gb memory, a 1TB hybrid drive and 128gb M2 (C drive for under $1K
http://www.eluktronics.com/w650rz1
They also seem like they wouldn't have the usual bloatware that major laptop manufacturers would add, but don't quote me...
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