Cheap Laptop Recommendation for REW/MiniDSP

No Chromebook - “windows PC” all new computers will be “compatible”. But, you don’t get much for $2-$300 these days, I would buy a lightly used, check your local classifieds - FB market, Kijiji, Craigslist, etc.. also refurbished / recertified can be good deals. Without getting too specific on hardware, 8GB ram if you can for any general computer use today.

It doesn't matter. A potato can run REW. Search for best price/performance regardless of brand.

newoski said:

I’m just paranoid about Java / AISO not behaving etc)

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If you are concerned about using ASIO and a JRE on Windows, buy a Mac. The window is closing on used 2012 MacBook Pros (A1278) over on ebay. They can be had for $200 or less with enough resources to run REW as soon as you receive it. Don't like Macs? REW runs on a Chromebook just fine. $300 - $400 gets you a Chromebook with a 1920 x 1080, 15 - 17 inch display.

For our miniDSP workshop we use the small student version ASUS laptops. The only catch is you have to convert them to Windows 10/11 which is a free download in the MS store. We just pick them up at Best Buy.

Deer Creek Audio is an authorized miniDSP dealer

Just googled it quickly...looks like Chromebooks capable of running Linux emulation will work (or dual boot install, etc.). Ready for another learning curve?

I'd just get a cheap new/used pentium/celeron x86 notebook, if its got windows great, if not throw a Linux distro on it with native linux REW.
And may as well make it fanless, so you don't have a fan blasting your measurements. There's several in the $300'ish price range Acer Swift1, Asus Vivobook, HP Laptop 14, etc. (google fanless laptop). Just be aware if it comes with Windows in S mode, you may have to upgrade to full windows at some point.

I'm using a Microsoft Surface Go 2. It has a USB 3, and a USB 2 connector, so I can output to my DAC, and plug my Umic in at the same time. I run eqAPO using the REW EQ output.

Get the highest screen resolution you can afford. REW smallest window size is 1024x720. A higher screen resolution allows for seeing something else at the same time, for example for notes or folder contents. Otherwise you need to switch forth and back.

skid00 said:

I'm using a Microsoft Surface Go 2. It has a USB 3, and a USB 2 connector, so I can output to my DAC, and plug my Umic in at the same time. I run eqAPO using the REW EQ output.

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Where can we get one for the OP $200-300 price range ? I'd buy one for that price.

I would suggest to get one with an HDMI port not displayport so you don't need to convert to hdmi and can run natively. Less variables to debug. I use an older laptop I added memory to for this reason.
BJB