[PD] Laptop + interface suggestion

[Roman Haefeli]

There's been mentions of a few laptop models suitable for Pd use, but
there hasn't been any discussion about good CPU models. I wonder what
makes a good CPU for Pd-like operations. What I observe is that my over
8 years old Lenovo T61p with a Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 outperforms the
much more recent Lenovo X1 with a Intel Core i5-3427U that I use at
work. By outperforming, I mean that I can load more instruments and
effects in netpd on my older box before the pd process hits 90% of CPU
core usage and I get glitches. One might object the X1 is an ultrabook
and meant to have long lasting battery rather than a lot of CPU power.
However, when you compare benchmarks on http://www.cpubenchmark.net ,
the Core 2 Duo has a single-threaded rating of 939 and the Core i5 a
rating of 1419. So it seems we need again another metric for Pd. 

My gut feeling is that Pd hasn't profited at all from CPU development
for a few years already and I wouldn't know what to buy once my good
old T61p dies.

What would a benchmarking patch look like that could be used to give
CPUs a rating that would reflect their suitability for Pd?

Roman



On Don, 2017-03-23 at 08:51 +0100, João Pais wrote:
> Dear list,
> 
> I'm looking to buy new laptop and a matching audio interface for
> daily use + audio performance/programming (not video). I would be
> interested to know what are the current trends nowadays, and what
> experiences you have.
> 
> My current setup is:
> - windows 10 (won't change)
> - Lenovo X61s (I'm a bit of a fanboy for ibm/lenovo)
> - RME multiface (still with pcmcia card)
> 
> 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.
> - 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.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Joao
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