Laptop and Luna II/Pulsar - can it work?

endre70 · Post by **endre70** » Fri Nov 15, 2002 9:34 pm

Hello everyone!

I'm new to the forum but have been using Luna II gear for my home recording studio for some time now.

I am thinking about making my self portable but I cant leave my flat for to long. I need my Creamware to hold my hand.

So: Have anybody succesfully managed to integrate a Luna II/Pulsar with a PC-laptop. Either via the docking system or something else ??(I know MAGMA delivers pci expansion options , but it's way too expencive!! $700-$900 for one slot).

The Creamware support crew had no answer, except MAGMA and check out the FAQ's (which didnt list anything of relevance to my problem)

Thnx: EkBA

jupiter8 · Post by **jupiter8** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 3:32 am

The only solution is a Magma chassis if you want a laptop. You have to have a PCI slot.
There are other companies who makes expansion chassis but they are'nt any cheaper.

The other solution would be to build a really small computer, something like this..

http://www.gibtek.co.uk/hardware/ecube.html

but you still need mains power. No batteries on this one i am afraid.

borg · Post by **borg** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 6:00 am

i know dArKr3zIn has the laptop/magma combo and is really happy with it. i'm looking into it too, but don't know yet. it is really expensive, not?

i don't know if this mini cube is suited to run SFP, looking at the specs.

endre70 · Post by **endre70** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 9:57 am

tnx for the reply's. Keep em coming........

(Loved the look on the ecube. Looks like a mutated toaster(:=)>. I'm looking in to it though!)

Talked to one Dell sales person and he sugested that their Latitude series with a C/Dock might work. Is this "sales person jibberish" or would it actually work?

EkBa

spacef · Post by **spacef** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 1:59 pm

what is sure is that the magma works (and without the need to get a dell...)

spacef · Post by **spacef** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 2:00 pm

JUp : you also need a screen ! and I guess for a laptop that would be a flat one.
In any case, that would be cheaper than a cheap laptop (but with the need to find a power supply...)

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: spacef on 2002-11-16 14:06 ]</font>

jupiter8 · Post by **jupiter8** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 4:26 pm

I checked the docking options on the Dell site and the ones that i found had no PCI slot so they don't work. I'm not completley sure about the C/Dock, i did'nt find anything about that.

The E Cube has a VIA chipset which is far from ideal for SFP. However it is a newer chipset so i don't know how well it performs.
There are other similar solutions.

This one is probably better for SFP

http://www.shuttle.com/english/mcs_deta ... number=198

It has a SIS chipset which i have read some good rewiews about but don't take my word for it. I run my Pulsar on a Mac.

spacef · Post by **spacef** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 6:06 pm

there are other that makes those "mici pc" (asus, but it less good looking), MSI (thin, but bigger). (me too i found only VIA or SIS).
look for MINI PC or mini-pc

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: spacef on 2002-11-16 18:09 ]</font>

endre70 · Post by **endre70** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 8:46 pm

Excellent!

Started to look in to the mini pc's. Looks like a reasonble and cool (hope the fan is sufficient) alternative.

Can start to feel my gut's talking to me.....(U all know what I mean - that nice exciting feeling when see new gear that u want and which might work. I'm thinking carrier bag, with room for cables, I/O box, etc etc).

Look at the size of these things (see the pen!): http://www.flashecom.com/armcomputer/sy ... _id=SD-005

Wont fit a Luna card - but hey - who gives a shit?:-) Kiddin!

Well I'm gonna search the web for the best solution, maybe get it custom built. If people wanna join the fun of designing the ultimate small portable power monster (fitting the Luna/pulsar of course) - I wont hold it against you!

Thnx for all your help for now!

EkBa

Spirit · Post by **Spirit** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 10:07 pm

Why not consider a rack-mount PC case and flat-screen monitor ? Cheaper than a laptop, no need for an external PCI slot and you get to spec a perfect DAW. Put the rack-mount in a good flight case with detachable front and back - you could even include a padded slot inside to carry your screen.

Post by **garyb** » Sat Nov 16, 2002 10:19 pm

yeah spirit,that'd make the most sense.a bit bulkier,but more powerful and less likely to give operational probs than the other solutions.