Microsoft Surface Has anybody thought of replacing their laptop with a Surface to run both Traktor and their DAW (running FLStudio btw)? I'm not at home much and lugging around a laptop gets old. The biggest problem I can believe of is using the Surface at home due to the 10" screen. I suppose you could always run the port to a bigger monitor, use a mouse and a USB port for your soundcard and MIDI keyboard.
If Traktor or FLStudio would just release a full version for Android, it wouldn't even matter. |
Sonja Roybal
20.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by sdrthedj
I would love to run a Surface Pro (or a fully spec'd windows tablet) as my primary DJ machine. I need a new primary laptop and the thought of purchasing one device instead of two, I don't own a tablet, is really exciting to me.
The Yoga seems like the best choice now, but they're really expensive. It's probably still cheaper than buying both a laptop and tablet though. |
Doreen Schurle
19.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by Nikefutbolero
Why anybody would ever consider DJing in front of any crowd with anything running something as unstable as windows is beyond me.
I've had far more issues with OSX, so don't gimme that. |
Sonja Roybal
19.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by Nikefutbolero
Why anybody would ever consider DJing in front of any crowd with anything running something as unstable as windows is beyond me.
Maybe I'm lucky, but I have yet to have any problem running FLStudio or Traktor on a Windows machine. My laptop is probably underpowered too. The only tweak I have to make is disabling the wifi when I record. *crosses fingers* |
Sonja Roybal
19.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by Kaek
I am trying to get my hands on a Surface Pro.
I believe it will be absolutely perfect for use with traktor. The key here is that your workflow needs to be of the sort where you are using tactile controls like having an X1.
It is basically a windows 8 laptop in a tablet size. With displayport out sending the video to a larger screen when required isn't a problem. There aren't enough USB ports though so that might be an issue.
Haven't worked out a suitable storage option though. 128GB SSD drive is pretty small. I'd need a new music management plan.
Can't you just keep the majority of tunes on an external and only keep the tunes you're playing at the moment on the SSD? |
Sonja Roybal
15.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by loop
I've played with a windows 8 tablets. It's sort of usable, but the iPad/iOS beats it for me. I've recently upgraded to iPad4 / 64 / Cellular and loving it. Thought about a windows tablet, but not yet for me.
Firstly, the iPad software is optimized for touch. There will be years until the Windows apps are made touch friendly at the same level.9m
Next, the Surface is heavier. It's not really usable as a tablet for stand-up use in the hands and I tend to use it a lot on the move - both for work and for pleasure.
So because of the iPad, I sold the S4 and got a VCI-400. It's fully class complaint and is usable for both audio & midi. For now, it can only be used with the DJPlayer app, but the app is decent enough and it's a great fun. Already did a few events with this kit. Other DJing apps will provide MIDI support in the near future, I believe, so I won't be limited in the Apps choice. Both DJay & MixVibes for iPad are very usable for on-screen DJing and I did many small parties with them - they just don't support the VCI-400 yet, but as is do a great job.
For DAW & music production, there are very good apps for iOS already. Again, they are made for the iPad and are really optimal. You'll definitely have tools on the go.
Media & Entertainment wise - the iPad is the best. I no longer own a personal laptop for a while now - will probably get one in a some months, but for now, the iPad is enough for mobile needs and still have a desktop Mac.
Nonetheless, I'm also looking closely at the PC tablets evolution. Will just wait to see when Windows will be enough touch friendly as the iOS is.
For now, I believe the best spec'd windows Tablet PC is not the Surface but the Razer Edge: http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-systems/razer-edge-pro
Compared to the Surface, it has option for i7 (vs i5), 8GB (vs 4) ram & 256 SSD (vs 128). Ram & disk are very important in my opinion and not enough on the Surface.
Both Surface and the Razer lack Cellular, though. For me, 3G modul in the tablet is a must. Main reason to sell my former iPad3 was that I chose not to get a cell model and that limited me a lot - i thought that I can use the Hotspot of the iPhone, but that wasn't a good experience. Now with the 3G iPad4, I feel great.
I have some issues with iPad: 1. Lack of expandable storage, HDMI, USB 2. iOS. I don't want to run a tablet OS. I want to run the real deal. This machine is going to replace my laptop. 3. iTunes. I hate it so much, they might as well call it iAids. I don't anything to do with that app.
I'm looking for versatility. I'm looking for one machine to rule them all. Portability and power. |
Doreen Schurle
15.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by loop
Both Surface and the Razer lack Cellular, though. For me, 3G modul in the tablet is a must. Main reason to sell my former iPad3 was that I chose not to get a cell model and that limited me a lot - i thought that I can use the Hotspot of the iPhone, but that wasn't a good experience. Now with the 3G iPad4, I feel great.
http://www.techtoys2go.com/winpad-p200
3G |
Iraida Linihan
20.02.2013 | Personally, I don't like the folding option of the yoga. I thought having the surface on a table mount floating above the mixer on a flexible neck would be a great option. |
Sonja Roybal
20.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by sdrthedj
I would love to run a Surface Pro (or a fully spec'd windows tablet) as my primary DJ machine. I need a new primary laptop and the thought of purchasing one device instead of two, I don't own a tablet, is really exciting to me.
The Yoga seems like the best choice now, but they're really expensive. It's probably still cheaper than buying both a laptop and tablet though. |
Iraida Linihan
20.02.2013 | I would love to run a Surface Pro (or a fully spec'd windows tablet) as my primary DJ machine. I need a new primary laptop and the thought of purchasing one device instead of two, I don't own a tablet, is really exciting to me. |
Doreen Schurle
19.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by Nikefutbolero
Why anybody would ever consider DJing in front of any crowd with anything running something as unstable as windows is beyond me.
I've had far more issues with OSX, so don't gimme that. |
Sonja Roybal
19.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by Nikefutbolero
Why anybody would ever consider DJing in front of any crowd with anything running something as unstable as windows is beyond me.
Maybe I'm lucky, but I have yet to have any problem running FLStudio or Traktor on a Windows machine. My laptop is probably underpowered too. The only tweak I have to make is disabling the wifi when I record. *crosses fingers* |
Johnetta Olewine
19.02.2013 | The fact that windows 8 takes up the majority of the SSD space of the Surface pro and the battery life is substandard is a bit of let down TBH.
And LOL at the retard trying to make this an IOS v Windows thing. |
Alena Horten
19.02.2013 | Why anybody would ever consider DJing in front of any crowd with anything running something as unstable as windows is beyond me. |
Sonja Roybal
19.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by Kaek
I am trying to get my hands on a Surface Pro.
I believe it will be absolutely perfect for use with traktor. The key here is that your workflow needs to be of the sort where you are using tactile controls like having an X1.
It is basically a windows 8 laptop in a tablet size. With displayport out sending the video to a larger screen when required isn't a problem. There aren't enough USB ports though so that might be an issue.
Haven't worked out a suitable storage option though. 128GB SSD drive is pretty small. I'd need a new music management plan.
Can't you just keep the majority of tunes on an external and only keep the tunes you're playing at the moment on the SSD? |
Monroe Vandeslunt
19.02.2013 | I am trying to get my hands on a Surface Pro.
I believe it will be absolutely perfect for use with traktor. The key here is that your workflow needs to be of the sort where you are using tactile controls like having an X1.
It is basically a windows 8 laptop in a tablet size. With displayport out sending the video to a larger screen when required isn't a problem. There aren't enough USB ports though so that might be an issue.
Haven't worked out a suitable storage option though. 128GB SSD drive is pretty small. I'd need a new music management plan. |
Sonja Roybal
15.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by loop
I've played with a windows 8 tablets. It's sort of usable, but the iPad/iOS beats it for me. I've recently upgraded to iPad4 / 64 / Cellular and loving it. Thought about a windows tablet, but not yet for me.
Firstly, the iPad software is optimized for touch. There will be years until the Windows apps are made touch friendly at the same level.9m
Next, the Surface is heavier. It's not really usable as a tablet for stand-up use in the hands and I tend to use it a lot on the move - both for work and for pleasure.
So because of the iPad, I sold the S4 and got a VCI-400. It's fully class complaint and is usable for both audio & midi. For now, it can only be used with the DJPlayer app, but the app is decent enough and it's a great fun. Already did a few events with this kit. Other DJing apps will provide MIDI support in the near future, I believe, so I won't be limited in the Apps choice. Both DJay & MixVibes for iPad are very usable for on-screen DJing and I did many small parties with them - they just don't support the VCI-400 yet, but as is do a great job.
For DAW & music production, there are very good apps for iOS already. Again, they are made for the iPad and are really optimal. You'll definitely have tools on the go.
Media & Entertainment wise - the iPad is the best. I no longer own a personal laptop for a while now - will probably get one in a some months, but for now, the iPad is enough for mobile needs and still have a desktop Mac.
Nonetheless, I'm also looking closely at the PC tablets evolution. Will just wait to see when Windows will be enough touch friendly as the iOS is.
For now, I believe the best spec'd windows Tablet PC is not the Surface but the Razer Edge: http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-systems/razer-edge-pro
Compared to the Surface, it has option for i7 (vs i5), 8GB (vs 4) ram & 256 SSD (vs 128). Ram & disk are very important in my opinion and not enough on the Surface.
Both Surface and the Razer lack Cellular, though. For me, 3G modul in the tablet is a must. Main reason to sell my former iPad3 was that I chose not to get a cell model and that limited me a lot - i thought that I can use the Hotspot of the iPhone, but that wasn't a good experience. Now with the 3G iPad4, I feel great.
I have some issues with iPad: 1. Lack of expandable storage, HDMI, USB 2. iOS. I don't want to run a tablet OS. I want to run the real deal. This machine is going to replace my laptop. 3. iTunes. I hate it so much, they might as well call it iAids. I don't anything to do with that app.
I'm looking for versatility. I'm looking for one machine to rule them all. Portability and power. |
Doreen Schurle
15.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by loop
Both Surface and the Razer lack Cellular, though. For me, 3G modul in the tablet is a must. Main reason to sell my former iPad3 was that I chose not to get a cell model and that limited me a lot - i thought that I can use the Hotspot of the iPhone, but that wasn't a good experience. Now with the 3G iPad4, I feel great.
http://www.techtoys2go.com/winpad-p200
3G |
Francina Decosse
15.02.2013 | I've played with a windows 8 tablets. It's sort of usable, but the iPad/iOS beats it for me. I've recently upgraded to iPad4 / 64 / Cellular and loving it. Thought about a windows tablet, but not yet for me.
Firstly, the iPad software is optimized for touch. There will be years until the Windows apps are made touch friendly at the same level.
Next, the Surface is heavier. It's not really usable as a tablet for stand-up use in the hands and I tend to use it a lot on the move - both for work and for pleasure.
So because of the iPad, I sold the S4 and got a VCI-400. It's fully class complaint and is usable for both audio & midi. For now, it can only be used with the DJPlayer app, but the app is decent enough and it's a great fun. Already did a few events with this kit. Other DJing apps will provide MIDI support in the near future, I believe, so I won't be limited in the Apps choice. Both DJay & MixVibes for iPad are very usable for on-screen DJing and I did many small parties with them - they just don't support the VCI-400 yet, but as is do a great job.
For DAW & music production, there are very good apps for iOS already. Again, they are made for the iPad and are really optimal. You'll definitely have tools on the go.
Media & Entertainment wise - the iPad is the best. I no longer own a personal laptop for a while now - will probably get one in a some months, but for now, the iPad is enough for mobile needs and still have a desktop Mac.
Nonetheless, I'm also looking closely at the PC tablets evolution. Will just wait to see when Windows will be enough touch friendly as the iOS is.
For now, I believe the best spec'd windows Tablet PC is not the Surface but the Razer Edge: http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-systems/razer-edge-pro
Compared to the Surface, it has option for i7 (vs i5), 8GB (vs 4) ram & 256 SSD (vs 128). Ram & disk are very important in my opinion and not enough on the Surface.
Both Surface and the Razer lack Cellular, though. For me, 3G modul in the tablet is a must. Main reason to sell my former iPad3 was that I chose not to get a cell model and that limited me a lot - i thought that I can use the Hotspot of the iPhone, but that wasn't a good experience. Now with the 3G iPad4, I feel great. |
Gaynell Rydberg
15.02.2013 |
Here's what I want:
I'm at the coffee shop. I get an idea. I bust out the tablet. Lay something down. Open Traktor and see how it mixes with other tunes. Get bored. Watch a movie. Go home and listen to it on monitors. Slide it over, usb to S4 and have a mix. Sit on the couch and watch another movie. Get bored. Pay a bill and surf the net. Get a new idea and lay it down. All this on 1 machine.
These tasks are going to kill the battery life if he's not plugged in. |
Doreen Schurle
15.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50
Once they come down in price but at the moment, the Surface Pro is far too expensive. The battery life is also pretty awful.
Have you handled the Lenovo Yoga? It's hardly what I would consider bulky...
It's not like most DJs run on battery power; plus, 4-5 hours is hardly awful. I'm considering one of the "cheap" chinese Atom tablets like the Hedy Winpad P200 as a DJing platform, presuming I can get one for around |
Gaynell Rydberg
15.02.2013 | Once they come down in price but at the moment, the Surface Pro is far too expensive. The battery life is also pretty awful.
Have you handled the Lenovo Yoga? It's hardly what I would consider bulky... |
Doreen Schurle
15.02.2013 | Yep, Surface Pro will pretty much be the go-to machine for most digital DJs once they come down in price a bit. The only possible downside is the screen size/resolution, at 1366x768 it's not much better than a 13" MacBook at 1280x800. I'm hoping that someone will bring out a cheap 1080p x86 tablet some time soon, so I can finally toss my MBP in the bin. |
Halley Wurzer
15.02.2013 | macbook air |
Sonja Roybal
15.02.2013 | Here's what I want:
I'm at the coffee shop. I get an idea. I bust out the tablet. Lay something down. Open Traktor and see how it mixes with other tunes. Get bored. Watch a movie. Go home and listen to it on monitors. Slide it over, usb to S4 and have a mix. Sit on the couch and watch another movie. Get bored. Pay a bill and surf the net. Get a new idea and lay it down. All this on 1 machine. |
Sonja Roybal
15.02.2013 |
Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50
Not sure why you would want to do that?
You can get a Lenovo Yoga which will be way better than the Surface if you really want tablet-like features.
If you just want portability, get an ultrabook.
Portability is the biggest issue. Also, I want to move into touch screens, especially with a DAW like FLstudio. IMO, workflow would be easier with the touch screen, especially in the step sequencer. I'd like the best of both worlds, mouse and touch screen. I also want an all around machine, that can run Traktor, be a media center, connect a Smart TV, and be portable as well as versatile.
The Yoga's are great, but just a little too bulky IMO. Also, they're a little more expensive from what I've seen.
The specs in the Surface Pro are pretty impressive, outside of storage. However, unlike an iPad, they're expandable. |
Gaynell Rydberg
14.02.2013 | Not sure why you would want to do that?
You can get a Lenovo Yoga which will be way better than the Surface if you really want tablet-like features.
If you just want portability, get an ultrabook. |
