Help me decide on notebook P4 vs. AMD64 vs. PentM for audio app

[imported_k00k]

I'm looking to get a new notebook which I will mainly use for a digital audio application/device: Rane Serato Scratch Live. It's a DJ application allowing one to spin his mp3/wav/aiff collection via vinyl control records - http://www.rane.com/scratch.html

Anyway, battery life isn't much of a concern as I will be plugged in 99% of the time when in a club or studio. I'm basically looking to get a laptop for around the $1000 mark that will handle the app without any issues. I've targeted the following 3 as potentials. I've also thought about going with a 12" apple powerbook as the software runs like a rock on macs but I'm a long time PC user and I want more bang for my buck. I unfortunately can't find the RPMs of the hard disks in these 3 laptops as that would help me. Audio apps love speedy drives. I'm mainly wondering how these 3 compare to each other in processor power. I also realize the first one has better video and it's making me lean that way. Just looking for opinions. All specs/prices are from Newegg.

$1149.00
AVERATEC Notebook 6130HS Intel Pentium 3.0
Specifications:
Part#: AV6130HS
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 w/ HT Technology 3.0 GHz
Display: 15.4" WXGA 1280 x 800 TFT
OS: Windows XP Home
Memory: 512MB DDR
Graphics: ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600 64M
HD: 60 GB
Optical Drive: DVD Dual Burner (+/-)
Communication: 56K Modem, 10/100 LAN, 802.11g WLAN
Ports: 3x USB 2.0, 1x IEEE1394, VGA, S-video, IRDA, 1 Parallel, Audio ports, 1x Type II PC Card Slot, four in one cardreader
Dimensions: 14.1" x 10.6" x 1.4"
Weight: 7.7 lbs
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year


$1,019.00
ACER Aspire AS1522LMi-XPP Notebook AMD Athlon 3000+
Specifications:
Part#: LX.A3706.002
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 processor 3000+
Display: 15" XGA TFT LCD
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Memory: 512MB DDR SDRAM
Graphics: UniChrome Pro IGP
HD: 80GB
Optical Drive: Integrated DVD-Dual drive (DVD+/-RW)
Ports: Four USB 2.0, S-video/TV-out, headphones/speakers/line out
Communication: 56K Modem, Gigabit LAN, Wireless LAN 802.11b/g
Dimensions: 14.2"x 11.5" x 1.9"(WxDxH)
Weight: 7.9 lbs
Manufacturer Warrant: 1 year

$1119.00
ACER TM4502LMI Notebook Pentium M 725 1.6GHz
Specifications:
Part#: LX.T5106.109
CPU: Intel Pentium M 725 1.6GHz (2MB L2 cache)
Display: 15.0" XGA TFT(1024 x 768)
OS: Windows XP Pro
Memory: 512MB DDR333 SDRAM (256x2)
Graphics: Intel Integrated
HD: 80 GB
Optical Drive: DVD Dual
Communication: V.92 56K Modem, 10/100 LAN, IEEE 802.11b/g
Ports: 3xUSB2.0, VGA, S-Video, IEEE1394, FIR, Audio ports, slot for port replicator
Average Battery Life: 5 hr
Dimensions: 14.2" x 10.7" x 1.3"(WxDxH)
Weight: 6.6 lbs
Manufacturer Warranty: 1year

Thanks,
-k00k

 

[imported_k00k]

41 views and no opinions? Somehow I find that hard to believe.

 

[fbrdphreak]

For your audio apps with not caring about battery life, I would honestly avoid the Pentium M. Yes, it is an awesome CPU and runs VERY cool; but has some performance limitations. Personally, I would go with either the Athlon 64 or the Pentium 4. The P4 would probably run your specific apps the fasted and would definitely rock at gaming compared to the rest of the systems. Downside is you're going to like 2 hours of battery life if you're lucky. It will also run very hot compared to the other two notebooks. On hard drive speed, I would guess they are all 4200RPM. Most laptops that come with 5400RPM drives run more than the prices you're looking at.
Also, the widescreen on the P4 will be nice. I personally despite standard 15" XGA screens, I hate having such a relatively low resolution screen. The WXGA's are better about this due to the wide format, but again that is all my opinion.
Also, Averatec is a pretty decent company; well known for their budget machines. I personally don't think you can go wrong there, as long as you don't suddenly decide you want something mobile. If you think you might want something mobile in the future, wait until AMD releases details on their Turion Mobile Processor. That badboy is supposed to have good battery life and still be 64-bit compatible & quite powerful. But we'll see
Hope this helps