Which lappy for kJams?

Just talk about kJams stuff with each other, describe things you did that worked, talk about your setup, anything that doesn't fit into the other forums!
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ChurchCat
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Which lappy for kJams?

Post by ChurchCat »

I hope to be getting a laptop soon. I don't currently use kJams for karaoke in the traditional sense. We use it for teaching voice. However I may well want to do the odd karaoke in the future.

So any recommendations as to which laptop to buy? Is it worth going Pro?

Any comments very welcome.

CC
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dave
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Post by dave »

I'll always recommend the fastest computer with the biggest hard drive and the most RAM you can cram into it, of course.

also i am not sure if the low end macbooks have audio input jacks?

Einsteindork
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Laptops

Post by Einsteindork »

I'm using an iBook G4 933mhz 640mb ram and have had no problems at all. I have it running off of a 160mb firewire external HD and a 60mb USB external HD along with running the 2nd monitor (using Screen Spanning Doctor). I have the headphone output going to a PA6FX Crate amplifier with two 15" speakers, and 2 microphones. This has been a tried and true system for me. kJams runs very well with iTunes when I have to DJ also. But if you ask me, kJams will run well on any new laptop you get but I don't do any recording at the moment. For that, I believe, you will need a Pro.

ocheye
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Which laptop

Post by ocheye »

Hi CC
Though I agree that it's best to get the latest fastest bit of kit. I am conscious of the fact that mac laptops are very expensive. My powerbook 12" was bought secondhand and works perfectly with my PA system (as does my ipod via a numark idj (but without autopause) I haven't tried Kjams in anger yet as I'm still experimenting but it seems to tick more boxes than the competition.
However, I tried out a mate's pizmo the other day running Panther os and it seems to be perfect. It cost him £60!!! It is tempting to buy something like that for gigs where your shiny new powerbook could be vulnerable. Incidentally I dropped mine the other day in its Tucano gel cover and it landed on the corner. Being titanium it didn't crac but it has distorted the casing. This may mean that plastic is a better bet although I've heard it can crack. I would love a new widescreen powerbook as an everyday machine (with Leopard!) but would be very tempted to use a secondhand Piizmo or some such for gigs (maybe 14") with my ipod in my pocket in case of disaster.
Cheers
Ocheye

ChurchCat
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Post by ChurchCat »

It is nice to know what people are using. I was planning on a refurb from the Apple store. Depending what they have in. Maybe a white Macbook. As it will only be used occasionally anything else would be overkill.

I have a spare FW external drive. I also have usb and FW audio interfaces so a audio in would not be needed.

CC
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goddylla
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lovin'

Post by goddylla »

First gen 2GHz Macbook with 1Gig RAM here.

Yes, the Macbooks have audio input jacks, same as the audio out.

That Pizmo story gives me alot of hope.....thanks :D

dave
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Post by dave »

wow i love your sig gif!

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panicBoy
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Post by panicBoy »

I'm using kJams on a PB G4, because I have a MBP for DJing. Right now, I'm using the G4 as a dedicated Karaoke machine, plus it's got an S-Vid jack, which I plug straight into a TV, and drag the CDG window over to it. Easy-peasy.

Maxx
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Post by Maxx »

15" MacBook Pro 2 ghz Intel(cough) Core Duo 2GB Ram, 1TB external.

As for those looking for input jacks....just an option that I use, the Griffin iMic which gives a second audio output (that allows me to preview music in another program while running kJams) also has an audio INPUT. Its a great little accessory, and I wouldn't leave home without it.

It also looks like ChurchCat was asking if it is worth it to go Pro...as in kJams Pro. Worth it doesn't even come close...its invaluable, you certainly can't put a price on the value of this program (especially for those of us that use it to make a living)...and of course the expert programming of the "All Knowing kJams Dave". Just that alone is worth the price of admission.

In my modest opinion, buy the best Mac you can afford and pay the extra for the upgrade to Pro and you will not be disappointed!

dave
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Post by dave »

It's you guys that make this all worthwhile :)

-dave

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