Suggested PC laptop models for computer audio


I am looking for advice directing me towards an inexpensive, simple Windows based laptop - used or new - to which I will add an external solid state hard drive to use as a server for a computer audio front end at home.

I currently use a one year old Dell Latitude at work with a WD external hard drive running iTunes and JRiver Media Center 21, and it sounds remarkably good (although music software programs not ideal companions within enterprise networked office environment:\). Given my current budget and space constraints, the advantage of having the screen, keyboard processor and I/Os all in one chassis, combined with my familiarity with PC systems and software, I would probably not consider a Mac Mini at this time.

Music file procurement, storage, handling and reproduction would be the sole purpose of the laptop. Currently running FLAC, AIFF and mp4 files at resolutions up to 24/96, with capacity to handle higher res files in future. Lots of ripped redbook files. DAC will be Arcam irdac for the time being. No DSD files for now.

Your PC laptop suggestions very much appreciated.

kn
Ag insider logo xs@2xknownothing
Knownothing, Placing different peripherals on the same USB bus affect timinig. Since timing is removed in asynchronous USB scheme it should not make any difference.
Steakster, thanks for the info on Empirical Audio's suggestions. They do look a little dated, though, referring to XP and Vista and recommending computers with at least 4GB RAM (that's virtually EVERY laptop available now).

If USB has problems with both streaming audio and external hard drive connections simultaneously, that makes my suggestion of a Macbook Air even more appropriate, as you could use the Thunderbolt connector for the hard drive and one of the USB 3.0 ports for the DAC.

Michael