laptop

The MLGI is a multi-laser gestural controller built and designed by Meason Wiley at California Institute of the Arts.

The controller uses Dan Overholt’s CUI interface along with an array of photocells and laser modules to send out control data, which can be converted to OSC or MIDI using various programming platforms such as ChucK and Processing.

This video demonstrates the MLGI working with ChucK, which is sending OSC to a custom built live instrument created using Native Instruments Reaktor Software. The controller is still in it’s development stages, but will be featured at the NIME conference at Carnegie Melon in June.

More info here.

IndaMixx has introduced a cheap Linux-based audio production laptop. 

The IndaMixx Laptop features:

• Fast Intel Atom based Netbook (1.6Ghz)
• Transmission 2.1 OS 
• Pre-bundled software with award winning energy XT
• First solution to feature ArdourXchange.
• Over 2900 drum sounds
• More than 350 classic sample and scratches
• Over 260 Plugins and effects
• Complimentary Software Support

For $499, you get:

• Indamixx Laptop
• Carrying case (bonus)
• 1GB SD card (bonus)
• Free Software Support (first 30 days)
• Free T-shirt
• Free Fedex Shipping (USA only)

My first reaction is that your music computer is the wrong place to cheap out. IndaMixx doesn’t list full specs on the laptop, but what they do list is unimpressive.

A more thoughtful take, though, may be to wonder what things a $500 audio workstation makes possible. 

What do you think? Is there a place for a $500 Linux audio laptop?

via CDM

Rain Recording, creator of purpose-built computer systems for audio production, has introduced an new mobile audio workstations – the LiveBook Zephyr mobile songwriter laptop.

While Apple systems have become the first choice of many audio producers, the LiveBook Zephyr looks like a great alternative for those that prefer Windows or have to work on Windows.

LiveBook Zephyr is an ultra-portable songwriter’s notebook. At 4.3 pounds, Zephyr is the lightest and smallest LiveBook ever.

Here are the specs:

• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.66Ghz T2300 2MB L2 667Mhz FSB
• Chipset: Mobile Intel 945GM & ICH7-M
• Video: Embedded Intel 945GM (GMA 950)
• Sound System: Built-in Intel HD, Built-in Stereo Speakers and Microphone
• Memory: 1.5GB DDR2 533MHz
• Display: 13.3″ WXGA (1280×800) TFT LCD Color Shine and Crystal Shine Technology
• Storage: 100GB PATA 8MB Buffer 5400RPM
• Optical: CD-RW / DVD-RW +/- Dual Layer
• Modem: 56k V.90/V.92 Modem RJ-11
• WiFi LAN: Integrated mobile Intel Pro Wireless 3945 a/b/g
• Wired LAN: 10/100/1000 built-in/Realtek Fast Ethernet Controller
• Input Devices: Touch pad with 2 click buttons, Desktop-Like Ergonomic Full-Size 83-key
• Battery: Li-Ion 6 cell: 4800mAh, 53W/Hrs battery pack Battery Charging time, 2hrs quick charge (power off), 4hrs (power on)Run-time: 4.8 Hrs
• I/O Ports
  • 3 x USB 2.0 ports
  • 1 x IEEE 1394 port (1x 4-pin internal + 2x 6-pin w/ TI Chipset on PCIe card)
  • 1 x VGA port/MiniD-sub 15-pin for external monitor
  • 1 x S-Video Composite (TV-Out)
  • 1 x Card Reader (MMC/SD/MS/MS-Pro)
  • 2 x Audio jack: Audio out (SPIDIF)/Mic-in
  • 1 x RJ11 connector for Modem
  • 1 x RJ45 connector for Ethernet
  • 1 x Express Card Slot
• Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.9 x 1.4 inch (WxDxH)
• Weight: 4.3 lbs. w/ 6 cel battery

The Livebook Zephyr is priced starting at $1,500.
Read more…

This is a quick look at the M-Audio Xponent DJ controller.

via eangolden:

Overview of a few features boasted by the M-audio Xponent controller and Torq software. Reviewed by Ean Golden from Remix magazine and www.djtechtools.com

Apple updated its MacBook line today with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 1GB of memory and larger hard drives in every model.

“The MacBook is a huge hit with customers, and is one of the reasons that Mac sales are growing three times faster than PC sales,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The new MacBook is faster, has even more memory and storage, and is an ideal notebook for customers’ growing library of digital music, photos and movies.”

The one-inch thick MacBook comes in three models: white 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz MacBook models, and a black 2.16 GHz MacBook model. The MacBook includes a built-in iSight video camera for video chatting on-the-go with friends or family using iChat AV, recording a video podcast or iMovie using iLife ‘06, or taking fun snapshots with Photo Booth. The MacBook includes Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook and safely disconnects when under strain, and the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.

At prices starting at $1,099 (less for students & teachers), MacBooks are an excellent entry level option for podcasters and musicians. They come with iLife ‘06, featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb. The MacBook also comes with the latest release of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.9 Tiger, including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth.

Pricing & Availability
Read more…