netbooks might be really awesome

[kensuguro]

I just got a MSI Wind U123, and did a clean install of XP, and am just amazed how snappy the thing is. I'm sure it doesn't have a lot of process or juice, but I think it might be a cool "light" gigging setup. You know, like run a bounced stereo backing track + a couple of vsti sort of thing. It might be snappier to use than my core2duo 2.5ghz Vista notebook. (blame vista haha)

[valis]

There was a really nice set of benchmarks that lists all Intel & AMD cpu's from the p3/Athlon (1) era on up and I was hoping to find that really quickly and paste it in here, but sadly I can't find it atm.

Basically it seemed that there are enough features cut off that even at 533mhz fsb (133x4) the single core cpu's perform somewhere between the end of the P3 line and the middle of the early p4 pack in typical 'cpu intensive' applications. The dual core 200 series (230?) and newer 330 improves on this in a relative way (benchmarked against the earlier Atoms & current Via offerings) but it barely rises in the overall listing compared to other 'modern' cpu's, even with the extra core (this includes benchmarks that can actually utilize it well.)

Integer performance (you know "moving bits around" word processor/web browsing style) is still fine, and if you've got an SSD in there it can certainly make it feel snappy (especially when new) but all of the reviews I've seen (including the above benchmark) tend to use a combination of 'application tests' like SiSandra and the various office/multimedia productivity suites (like AAC & h.264 encoding) as well as Cinebench (floating point cache intensive 3d rendering.) I've yet to see any audio specific results though...

So run some benchmarks for us!

[cortone]

I'd be really surprised if a netbook could handle a couple of tracks of audio plus a couple of VSTis, although it would depend on which VSTis. Plus I'd think you would have to rely on USB interfacing. The next generation will probably come closer, but the design concept is basically an internet machine, cut down on processing power so as not to impact the more-powerful notebooks. The new ultra-thins will probably prove to be a better option, plus with a larger screen. Looks like they are trying to keep the price-point low on those.

[netguyjoel]

USB tmk, can only handle 4 tracks of audio, max anyway. And yes...especially which VSTs you are considering..Arturia would be pretty much out of the question...but for a light, ultra portable gig rig w/ stereo audio & an SSDD....can't see why not. A nice USB audio interface...lock & load! Or...here's a thought....XITE via HDMI?????

[Neutron]

I have one, (dell mini9 with 32 GB runcore SSD) i wanted to try doing some melodies and stuff while commuting, well its fine if you just use built in sounds (in fruityloops ) but 1 decent VSTi will totally kill it, the atom is really weak. besides that there is never a long enough time for me to actually do anything before i have to change trains or something, so i just play ipod sudoku

[valis]

Or goof off with a DS-10, one of the many iPhone apps, a GBA tracker, etc.

I really wish the DS-10 had support for external tempo & midi input, I'd snap up a DSi & the DS-10 so fast if I could bring results back into the overall studio environment (instead of just tracking bits out.)

[siriusbliss]

I'm running Magix Music Maker Producer edition and Music Studio 15 on a Dell 'MINI' with Atom processor.

I'm able to play/mix 14 tracks with Crystal and some other native plugins with no real issues.

the Dell is great when traveling.

Greg