Re: Looping with a PC laptop... which one?

["Doug Cox" <dougcox@pdq.net>]

Mark,

*SOME* Dell's have a known issue with the grounding of the power supply
jack, which causes hummmm in the USB audio output.  I know for a fact that
Latitudes have this problem, but I can't speak for other models.  Dell is
very tight lipped about the issue, but when pressed, a good tech support
person will tell you that it's a documented problem.  The fix?  Either use
the battery, or put a 3-prong -> 2-prong adapter on the power supply cord.
Someone can probably explain how that might be dangerous...  I'm an
electro-peasant, so I don't know.

Personally, if I was starting from scratch, I wouldn't buy a Dell for 
audio.

Doug
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Sottilaro" <sine@zerocrossing.net>
To: <Loopers-Delight@loopers-delight.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2003 3:08 AM
Subject: Looping with a PC laptop... which one?


> Hey,
>
> Well, I knew as soon as I got comfy with a laptop I was using, the
> owner would want it back (long story, don't ask) so now I'm looking for
> the replacement.  I like Macs, but let's face it, they're pricey.  I
> have a nice desktop Mac, and I'm not married to Apple's product line
> especially when they're twice as expensive for the base machine.
>
> SO, I've heard that Jon El-Bizri had issues with a Dell and noise via
> USB.  I'm using a USB interface that has it's own power supply, so I
> honestly don't know how noise could transfer unless the D/A was screwed
> up in some way.  The USB (M-audio Audiofile) on the TiBook was fine.
> Quiet.  My only complaint was it didn't have gain controls.  I say Dell
> because our IT dept swears by them and our people are on the road using
> them for shows all the time so they get banged up.  I guess they have
> great service.
>
> any advise would be appreciated.
>
> Mark Sottilaro
>