DJ Laptop Requirements
Now that the era of the MP3 is a decade old, the craft of the DJ has reached a point of evolution where removable media like CDs and cassettes are no longer necessary. Now, a DJ's entire arsenal can be stored on a laptop hard drive. Still, the software needed to replace age-old DJ equipment like a mixer and digital turntable can be demanding of even modern computers. Discover all that's needed and what should be avoided when shopping for the right DJ laptop.
Integrated Hardware
The physical structure of the laptop is not important. Cosmetics and overall appearance should not be a factor in your purchase. Still, the housing should not be fragile. Seeing as it will likely be transported often, it should have a lid that locks shut. The processor need not be cutting edge. Since you will likely only be using this particular laptop for DJ'ing and not for web browsing, disc-burning or gaming, the processor can be a simple single-core unit, but avoid brand-names known for having poor heat-dispersion. Make sure that any vents are on the sides, preferably toward the back, as those models whose vents are underneath will tend to overheat and those placed toward the front will get in the way and make your skin hot when trying to use the touchpad. You will have no need of typically coveted features like a webcam, DVD-burner or even Wi-Fi. Shopping for older-model laptops, therefore, likely stands to save you a lot of money.
Other Hardware
RAM should be a minimum of 1GB. Though most software doesn't require more than 512MB, index and database searches will lag heavily when navigating your music library. And this can cause some software features to not respond when you need them. On-board sound cards will also most likely not be suitable and you will need to buy an external 2-channel sound card in order to mix the way you are accustomed to. As for your hard drive, you will only need one with a capacity to hold your personal music collection and your operating system. A 160-GB hard drive is able to hold in excess of 30,000 songs, encoded at standard CD-quality, as well as all the software you will need to perform with.
Software
Microsoft Windows XP is the ideal operating system for DJs. It requires little RAM compared to recent editions, and contains all the preloaded drivers necessary to run even cutting-edge DJ applications. Any programs for DJs capable of adjusting pitch, producing seamless loops and at least two decks from which to mix songs are suitable. Search engines built within the program make finding songs easy. PCDJ and Virtual DJ are two such platforms, and they excel in every way that today's DJs would need.
