A cheap x86 computer for a music keyboard

[oDot]

Hey all,

So I am building this Arduino music keyboard using an old busted keyboard keys and Arduino to translate the playing to midi.

I bought and intend to use native instruments vintage organs and clavinet samples, and those need windows or mac to run[1].

I am now looking for a cheap computer to just run the native instruments software. Can something like a J1900 or J2900 be used?[2][3] I heard they're slow but it seems to me good enough. I haven't decided yet how to control the thing, but I think an external touchscreen or remote desktop from cheap android tablet will do.

I would like everything to be < $150, but that's mainly optimism I guess.


Thanks!

[1]: http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/samplers/kontakt-5-player/specifications/
[2]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157494
[3]: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-546-_-Product

 

[alkemyst]

I'd go for a pre-built basic system with a decent processor. The app seems memory intensive with a 6GB requirement.

A older thinkpad laptop with 6-8GB RAM could probably be found for $150 or less with a Core 2 Duo.

 

[oDot]

I searched for those but there are none where I live, and they weight a lot so it's costly shipping it.

I can probably get a J1900 + 8gb ram + 120Gb ssd on newegg's cyber monday for about $150 (which leaves getting some sort of screen), and I think I can even manage running the OS on a thumb drive or sd card, though I've never done it with windows.

The question is - is the J1900 comparable to a core 2 duo?

Thanks again for your help

 

[alkemyst]

The J1900 is a little better, it's got half the cache but twice the cores plus uses like 1/3 the power.

I don't think they are upgradable, which may or may not be an issue for you.

 

[Burpo]

$177 AR with code MBLNCM14YK for the next 5 hrs..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.2011585

 

[alkemyst]

$177 AR with code MBLNCM14YK for the next 5 hrs..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...=Combo.2011585

Link wasn't working directly: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...=Combo.2011585

 

[Burpo]

Actually with the 5% off code, it comes to $166.50.. Pretty close to his budget.