João Pais jmmmpais@gmail.com writes:
I would be looking for a similar setup:
- a robust laptop where to run w10. The less weight the better, even
if it sacrifices some performance.
I'm a Linux user, but I've been using a Dell XPS 15 9550. The form factor is nice, it's relatively thin and light. I'd say my biggest complaint about it is that it's not the quietest laptop, particularly in terms of coil whine. Mine isn't so bad, but in a quiet room I can hear electronic whinings and chattering which are normally sounds I like but only when I make them haha. I'm okay with my laptop, but I'd definitely consider other brands in the future, those Lenovo Thinkpads look appealing, although a bit pricier. My model has an NVidia card but I think you can get them with just the integrated graphics as well, particularly the 13 inch 9350 (now 9360) models. I think the Thinkpad X series is comparable in form factor to mine? And I was looking at the T series as well when I bought this about a year and a half ago by now.
- which audio interfaces are used nowadays, compared with the
multiface? E.g. with at least 8 analog outlets (I don't need that many inlets), and also a digital outlet. Also the less weight and size the better - a half-case size such as the multiface is quite convenient.
- the computer will be used for day-to-day activities: office,
notation (sibelius/finale), and Pd audio programming. No games or too taxing environments, so some features such as a high-power graphics card or the latest ssd disk should be necessary.
I have an RME Fireface UCX. Half-rack size like you want. It does KINDA have 8 analog outs, 7/8 are combined as a stereo out. 8 ins, 2 of which are XLR combo jacks. It's been really solid for me. No TotalMix on Linux and there are issues with all of that but you're on Windows so that should be of no worry to you =). Sturdy as heck and reliable. I think it has firewire but nowadays computers don't seem to come with those and I've just been using the USB (2.0 I think) and even then you can get pretty low latencies (and it's class compliant too!). I think there's a new model of the Motu Ultralite these days that is also worth considering (I vaguely remember Alex Porres posting something about it on Fb awhile ago so he might want to chime in haha).
Derek