Do you need a MacBook to DJ with?

We have just bought an Acer Spin 5 windows laptop with very comparable specs to a MacBook Pro. Do you really need to spend 3x as much on a MacBook to DJ in 2019?
Holland shares his experience with the laptop and what you need to know compared to a MacBook from Apple.
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[@djtecthreat]

Spoiler Alert: Windows laptops work just fine for DJing, they just don't have an Apple logo on the back of the case.

[@goodlandschugs2471]

True

[@roderickastley4249]

True

[@georgedavis4453]

Any idea for a bang for buck laptop I should get

[@djtecthreat]

@@georgedavis4453 decent quality i5 or i7 quad core with 16gb of ram. Harddrive space is on you, how ever much you need.

[@alanprado1049]

@@georgedavis4453 would these specs work? 11ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i7-11390H Windows 10 Pro (Dell Technologies recommends Windows 11 Pro for business) Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics 16 GB Memory 512 GB SSD 15.6-in. display (1920X1080)

[@twistandturn02]

I have a 2011 MacBook Pro, upgraded the HD to SSD and doubled the RAM. Absolutely perfect, rock solid and have never had any issues with my DDJ1000 in the house but use pen drives and CDJ’s when playing out. It’s not about the laptop!

[@JMD535]

I can respect this review! Ty

[@slok1997]

I wish you would do a second part to this video because I was extremely curious to see how it would hold up when playing on turntables and DVS setups

[@seanvandermerwe3409]

I have traktor pro 2 which is a dj program I also made music on it using music production software and it was slowing down because it had a HDD hard drive not a ssd was about 9 years old when I stopped using it because I did not take off the NV ram lock I did buy this laptop second hand but I suspect the laptop was stolen from the owner I bought it from. because he did not tell me what to do if the firmware locked screen happened so unfortunately I did lock the Mac but did not have a password to unlock it but overall a very good laptop I will not buy any other brand

[@velanche]

Windows (and DOS) was my first OS. I didn’t get a Mac til years later, and have and still am deep in the Apple ecosystem. But a couple of months ago I bought a secondhand Dell laptop with Windows 10 installed. It has 16GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, and an i7 processor. I have a MacBook Pro from 2013, which is my primary laptop at home. I was tired of moving it around to access my DDJ-SX3 home setup, hence the second laptop. I have both Serato and Traktor on them, and I use it for practice and preparation, but I can totally see myself using it at gigs when the need calls for it, and surely no reason that it can’t make a capable backup laptop at a gig. Just my two cents. Thanks for the timely video!

[@karatejoejr]

I use a Lenovo for 4 year and never had a problem. I have Serato, Vlrtual DJ, Djuced and pro tools installed and they all work great on my Lenovo running window 10. I did have to change the battery last year but aside from that I am very happy with it. Also I have a 16inch display compared to my wife's 13inch MacBook pro. If you are starting out anyone will do but if you want to save money go with a windows laptop.

[@Koopakid917543]

I use a 4 or 5 year old mac, but in the last few years I feel like it really doesnt matter what you use. I think the trackpad on macs are a lot nicer, but other then that you can get a lot more with a windows laptop for a better price. When I do upgrade, it'll be a windows laptop.

[@LLoyoc]

I have only used windows laptops for DJ software. Never any problems at all.

[@djx-factor992]

I did forget to mention that both of my mac computers are older models... my 15" is a A1286, and my 13" is a A1278. The both play nice with Serato. I cannot attest to the newer ones, but I have heard that they don't always play nice with dj software.

[@realafriq]

You know what I was gonna upgrade to mac. But I'm gonna just gonna by a dedicated DJ PC it will work fine. Because the one I'm using now is over 10 yrs and doing a good job .

[@THEJSB360]

Having owned windows and android desktops/laptops/tablets i have now just bought a MacBook Pro 15” 2015 i7 for the first time EVER and i have to say after hating Apple for years they know how to make software and hardware that just works! This laptop is AMAZING and just feels nice to use for DJing and now I know why DJ’s and professionals use them because they GREAT!! So if your a die hard windows fan like I am I suggest trying them but only the older ones because of the ports..

[@LoganT547]

Agreed, I hate Apple. Currently using a Lenovo IdeaPad 3 running Linux and I never looked back.

[@deltahomicide9300]

@@LoganT547 Don't hate either. Just go with what suits your needs. No one is denying that Apple products have luxury price tags for the same specs but then again some ppl can spend 2K like it's nothing

[@WuRealhero]

Can we get a vid , on djing with the new MacBooks , and ur set up i.e where do u keep ur music , what wires u use, how the laptop handles traktor.

[@kudamah]

I use both but recently got a cheap 14' Dell inspiron from 2019 with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8gb ram, 256 ssd with a backlit keyboard. It looks like a mbp knock off in a lot of ways... silver plastic body and it even has room for a 2nd hard drive (2.5 sata)- which I hv a mechanical drive with my 800gb library. No issues.

[@ren7sp25]

Sony vgn-FW21E. Managed to install Win10 on it. This is a 10y old machine that runs rekordbox without issues. Not for video mixing though.

[@nurikidy]

in office/bedroom condition the Acer is well perform. have you bring it to the real gig with its various environment? specially to handle the heat both from env (lamp etc) and the processing of the software dj itself? (including other windows brand in the comment eg Surface Pro)

[@aripjeetsidhu3819]

Never had any problem with my surface pro 6 been using it for more than an year now it's affordable, damn light descent specs(8gb ram, 128gb ssd) never faced problem with updates as I consider manual over automatic updates plus great sharp screen to look at

[@LudovicCarceles]

aripjeetsidhu869 same for me! I’m so happy with my surface pro 6!

[@VictorGonzalez-cw2uy]

Just bought the Samsung book flex2 , has an I7 chip with 16gb memory and a 512gb ssd and a QLED display because it has more specs than the 2 lesser MacBook Pro and was $100 U.S dollars cheaper than the 8GB, 256 Gb MacBook Pro.. Been using Serato all day and haven’t had any issues .

[@omarw007]

my standard laptop for work and personal use is a windows pc however I use a mac for djing because I was told when starting out that the mac was much more stable

[@stevebaumberger6828]

It is!

[@Jimbob_Offical]

Considering that a lot of DJs who watch this are beginner and might not have the best laptop I was wondering if you could do a review of a cheaper laptop and how much lag you would get on them

[@rcrhino2148]

You can build an ITX PC for more performance and most likely cheaper than both laptops and is just as portable.

[@leoprozczinski]

Yes. Easy backups with Time Machine, especially when you need to migrate.

[@hoskoau]

Or you can just store everything in the cloud, my music is stored on OneDrive

[@tektronix461]

Can you use songs from your iTunes in Serato on a Mac ? I’ve tried on windows and it can’t load them because they are AAC files. Please help

[@nukeymusic619]

I've got a macbook pro 13 inch late 2011 model, and only in 2017 did it start slowing down and since then I've upgraded the parts on it with a new battery and SSD hard drive and its back up to full speed, abslutely perfect for DJing now. My only argument for using macs over windows (aside from personal preference) is the longevity of the machines. I had 3 windows laptops in 3 years prior to this macbook and all 3 saw a noticeable fall in performance far too quickly

[@VirenRabago]

That is true that’s why for me I personally go for MacBook because yes it’s pricey but it does last a very long time.

[@DeejayLucianBoy]

How long did you hv the 2011 MacBook for because I bought mine on Friday n it already got green lines n etc 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@johnparker8270]

I use an i7 imac for my radio shows, but have ab Asus i7 Windows machine for gigs. Tbh I've had no issues with my windows machine and it's been every bit as reliable as my mac. Connectivity is decent with 2 USB a ports a mini hdmi a card reader etc. So long as you don't go with amd chipsets all should be fine.

[@solomonbickersteth9358]

I heard you talk about decluttering the laptop so in the next vid can you talk about what you don’t need on your windows laptop?

[@djholland4235]

We have some amazing windows based videos coming up in the near future! Make sure your subscribed to make sure you don't miss them!

[@miguelmercedez7771]

you can always remove software or reinstall an operating system but paying more for the same and the only diffrence is the operating system sound is silly

[@ffernandez16]

a video for trouble shooting add on would be great

[@djgavinyarker2186]

I have a MacBook Air 2017 and thinking on upgrading to the MacBook Pro what’s you recommendation so much to think on

[@Ireful]

I have both. Like you said, Windows laptops takes time to set up properly dealing with bloat ware and updates. With a MacBook, you can practically start Djing right out of the box. The only reason one would need a MacBook for DJing is if they're using DJay pro 2. Combined with Spotify, it's a lot of fun to use in the bedroom or House parties, but would never use it at a payed gig. I still use my windows laptop to prep and practice with Rekordbox my professional software off choices, but my MacBook being small and portable (2019 MacBook Air), it is my preferred laptop when I'm on the go.

[@andreamarie5758]

Can i use a MacBook Air 2015??

[@Ireful]

Maybe. Can always check the specs or test it out with a trial version.

[@bigmoist2112]

they've removed Spotify integration now right? so that reason is out of the window. even I just need a machine for small house parties/gatherings, so was wondering which windows machine will be good for that purpose

[@jcastromr.connection3118]

I got a razer pro 17 windows home 10 32gb ram 1tb ssd using reckordbox and no issues at all. This laptop if use for gamer but my come with fl studio and can tell you is a beast...no regrets..

[@DavidSantiago1958]

I use a windows laptop on the road and a 4 year old mac Mini at home. I just make sure that the laptop is not connected to wifi when I am working.

[@jazznofobia]

Hi crossfader! I have crackles in the sound with my Windows Hp laptop and with my MacBook not, what could be the issue? I'm using serato with the Numark scratch with timecode vinyl... Do you know? Greetz

[@hedgehog0209]

Nice video. For DJing and karaoke hosting I'm using a Razer Blade Stealth 13" ultrabook. 10th gen i7, 16GB RAM, 8TB M.2 SSD, 4K touchscreen and NVIDIA 1650 Ti Geforce dedicated graphics. It out-specs any Mac. The only thing with Macs is they are pretty. I love the design of the 2021 iMac, for example, but it's not upgradeable. I couldn't fit my 8TB SSD into it. I do like Apple stuff though - I have an Apple Watch, an iPhone 12 and iPad Pro, but I can't ditch the PC.

[@tmckid23]

Nice video! I have a question. Basically I have rekordbox on my macbook and on my window PC , the USB sticks are formatted on FAT32. Can I use it on both devices without having to format them differently or MS-DOS will do ? (The case is I travel a lot, the main database is in my window PC but i need to update my library on the go - with the Macbook ) Please help me, thanks a lot!!!

[@MakingMadBeats]

Did you do the Windows optimization tweaks recommended by Serato? THX

[@hot4futureyears2come]

I paid 699 for my lenvo laptop for 3 years, no issues and just in the last two months the battery is starting to go. only about 2 - 1/2 hours left on a full charger. I used it with all the DJ software's . The Mac to be a DJ is a common mistake. Thanks for the Video. This is very needed.

[@jenson9392]

What laptop is it mate

[@jackedkerouac4414]

Seriously what is that about? Even android phone batteries are junk a couple years down the line compared to iphone

[@antykek7275]

I agree mate i have a lenovo bought in 2014 for £600. Its had a new hard drive about 2 years ago and a second ssd start up which i installed my self..the battery only lasts a couple of hours..but i always have it plugged in anyway.in 7 years it has never let me down..never crashed during a set.

[@fausto412]

@@antykek7275 having it always pligged in is what kills batteries. Happens with cell phones too. I try now to charge overnight for his reason.

[@winstonsalmon4981]

how do you change from using djing pro too your mac book air even do you brought it on windows laptop

[@RDNAXproSystem]

hey Mate ,i have a request. I have to buy a laptop for DJ. I am using serato dj, virtual dj and recordbox on Denon mcx 8000 acontrollers and pionner xz. is Acer spine 5 enough for me? before, I had a big problem with every laptop.

[@neel4real]

Windows 10 Lenovo TP3...Budget and familiarity. Went with Traktor because the majority of my friend group was/is using TP3.

[@tjdj8973]

I use windows for DJing and I love it I have just upgraded to Intel core i5 I used to use Intel pentium but it was too slow for what I wanted to do .

[@roxyhot7233]

Awesome! but I am sad. New Thinkpad P15s , core i7 10th generation type U, and unable to stop the drop light to show. Stems on load wont work with windows! every step followed, still wont work.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Ive been using Windows for 2yrs with Serato and its perfect. I did initially find that Windows 10 was useless for DJing. Since the huge monthly updates often broke Serato. Plus Win10 is also very resource hungry. So i wiped and re-built my DJ laptop with Win 7. Its perfect and super stable.

[@tek00732882]

Very good video! You covered almost all the thing I had in mind about using Windows with these kind of software. You (or even I) should do a video on how to setup Windows for DJ use because there are a lot more to do than with a Macbook.

[@djholland4235]

tek00732882 we have one coming shortly, make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss it!

[@neah2k11]

Can't remember the number of times I've had this conversation. My opinion is that Apple products guarantee reliability, stability and build quality. I would still recommend them for high performance tasks. My advice though is if you intend to by a PC for any heavy lifting, burn a little extra money and either get a specialized (e.g. gaming or workstation) system. I use an Acer Predator 300 with an HP Elitebook Pro as a back up.

[@Raw_naq]

Rekordbox lags for a couple of seconds on my Acer windows laptop at every freaking gig. Can you please recommend the best settings for latency, etc?

[@philipfraser1187]

Hi iv got a ddj800 with Windows 10 but rekordbox keeps crashing and my music cuts off I'm not very good with laptops it says it needs 4gbram but iv only got 344 usable my laptop is really slow I don't have money for a mac if I buy a refurbished one do you think I'll b OK

[@PhatDimes]

I have a Windows laptop - its an i7 Quad core with 16gb of memory and 2.93ghz chip and Serato will NOT run because apparently my processor doesnt support the AVX intsruction set. My windows Desktop however is where I (bedroom) DJ on an even older quad core machine (Asus Maximus 3 board) that works flawlessly with Serato. (Also doesn't show AVX support)

[@GH-td7ng]

IV got a lenovo i5 £399 brand new set up and using on rekordbox in 30 mins never had any ishue runs smooth as 😎

[@solomonbickersteth9358]

I’m a windows guy lol I have an HP Zbook and got it for about 700 bucks (Grade A refurb.) on groupon. Love the specs on it and I’m not switching to mac to pay an extra 1000 for an apple logo on the back 😂

[@andredeketeleastutecomplex]

Depends I guess, I've been using a smartphone lately. Cutting costs...

[@worldtruth2038]

Mac will always technically come out slightly ahead because of core audio framework giving applications more direct access to the inner workings of the operating system and hardware. Praise unix. I've had two windows and two macs, the macs always stay running smooth longer and don't require any tricks for max performance. My daily compute machine is still a windows though, mac is strictly for the rig.

[@Victor-it6bv]

Which MacBook should i get if i want to do Video Djing?

[@chipbradford4500]

I have both (15" Macbook Pro and a 17" ASUS Republic of Gamers gaming laptop) and that gaming laptop easily outperforms my Macbook Pro in everyday use, but when it comes to DJ'ing, it's the only one I use. The NVME hard drive is insanely fast, the graphics card TROUNCES the Mac's, it has 2x the RAM, a built-in optical drive (because hot-spot performers and dancers sometimes hand me a CD with their music on it!!), and a bigger, very bright, display. Capable gaming laptops are excellent amazing workhorses for DJs and content creators. Mine definitely outperforms my Macbook Pro!!

[@djgenius626]

Really? I love asus am thinking of getting one,, 17 in for gaming, how much space does it have?

[@chipbradford4500]

@@djgenius626 Mine came stock with a speedy 500gb m.2 NVME SSD and a 1 TB 7200 RPM HD.

[@SnugglesPrime]

I know this video is old, but aren't some DJ programs on Windows behind in terms of features from their Mac counterparts? I know that Djay Pro AI doesn't exist on Windows, for example.

[@jamieoteri]

no need for Macs anymore.. I started Djing on my i5 Dell and never had issues. Starting out you use what you have..

[@lepaul26]

I heard you have to watch out with some versions of Dell laptops! I thinks it's mentioned on the Serato and Rekordbox site

[@post22unboxing22]

Can you use a old Mac for DJing

[@Parox]

could you make a video with 10 or 5 windows laptops under 800 euro?

[@neva2black]

Which Mac labtop is best or any labtop is good enough? Looking for device to use to record and DJing purposes. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@muhi3758]

Lenovo Thinkpad.

[@adityaharsh]

I've been on Window since day 1 of my computing, haven't own any mac ever. Purchased an iPad last year and now I think I should buy the new 16" MacBook Pro but then again Dell XPS 15 2019 is really dope. Do you own any of them, anything to know before buying? I'm also interested in the Asus ROG series. Help me.

[@DjViceroy]

Don't go with Dell. They have a back end security issue that leaks customer info arstechnica.com/information-technology/2018/07/ongoing-scam-is-still-stoking-concerns-dell-customer-data-was-breached/%3famp=1

[@simonmatsuyama]

Can you DJ with Serato Video with a windows 13" computer? If yes, what is the base model that works?

[@recklessk76]

The short answer is no. The codec seems to be written for Mac OS and Windows has a hard time keeping up. I have a Macbook 15 from late 2013 vs an Asus i7-8550U 13" Win 10 Pro and the older macbook mixed the videos without any issues but the Windows was buggy and the videos didn't play right away all the time. Hope that helps someone. Just mixing music wise both performs solidly in DJ Serato Pro 2.3.

[@Iamdjdcop1]

@Dj Holland thank you for your videos. I always appreciate them . Help me please. I need to buy a brand new laptop for djing under $600. What the cheapest laptop can I buy to use for beginners dj.i just bought a DDJ 400 with Rekordbox license. Please I would appreciate if you respond.

[@Crossfader]

There's so many to pick from but make sure you're getting a i5 processor and if you can afford it, a SSD!

[@MrInternationalSound]

I've been using windows laptops since scratchlive!!! They've outlasted every mac!

Whatever tool fits.. use it .. !!!!

[@ytgbass172]

True

[@djantonymous]

my Q is what about video Djing is there any diffrence

[@lilart13ab]

I use windows my ho laptop but am also going 2 get surface go 10 inch.

[@raymondsanchez3231]

I’m thinking about getting a Mac any advice

[@Naktsmeita]

Can I find out who is the reputable dealer of refurbished laptops here in UK, please ? :)

[@TheCoreyd77]

I use the Surface Pro 1 to run rekordbox

[@mlrd6622]

The answer is yes. @Rahmell Brown, same.

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

Windows works fine for me for DJing

[@WASPdaddy]

I gave my mac away and got myself Ailienware i7 awesome

[@OfficialDJWolve]

I just bought a new Windows laptop, and it works a charm, has top specs like a MacBook, with 2 storage units, SSD & HDD, just over £1k, where as you would be spending £3k on a MacBook with the same/similar specs.

[@OfficialDJWolve]

*Full Specs:* - Intel I7 8th Gen Quad Core Processor - 16GB DDR4 RAM - 256GB SSD - 1TB HDD

[@michaelangelocastillo8528]

What is your window laptop bro? Thanks

[@OfficialDJWolve]

Michael Angelo Castillo HP Envy 17”

[@michaelangelocastillo8528]

@@OfficialDJWolve thank you so much for your reply i was hoping for this thanks🙏❤️😊

[@djsimplesoundsmusic8959]

Do the serato 2.3.3 given trouble

[@MyCuriousMind]

Any decent spec laptop would work to be fair. As long as it is i5 or more, I tried serato dj pro on a celleron and my laptop hated it. Currently I’m using an i5 with 8gb of ram and it works perfectly 👌

[@karatejoejr]

I agree with you that's why I went with the i7 Lenovo laptop.

[@Tech1Tv]

I tried macOS last year and sold it back, i always prefer Windows but Algoriddim need to make Djay Pro better on Windows. I just don't like the way macOS work

[@mengsanderz6097]

bro , macbook pro i5 can support rekordbox ?

[@dannymars]

I ran Traktor Scratch Pro on Mac for 10 years, which almost no issues. Just got a new macbook pro (last one was 2010) and while I love the machine generally. My first performance (outdoors at a festival) and the machine overheated causing massive glitching in the audio, which resulted in a restart and NO MUSIC for a good minute or two. Embarrassing :(

[@dannymars]

TBH, I think any laptop would have struggled in almost direct sun for over an hour. Terrible stage setup really, not enough shade for the DJs.

[@kenkenski9505]

I have windows. But macs are generally great with minimum lag or crashes.

[@brenocostabueno7949]

I’m undecided weather to buy a macbook 13 pro and a macbook air for djing. Which would you recommend?

[@muhi3758]

Lenovo Thinkpad

[@deejayworlhed738]

I need to buy a good laptop for djing but my budget is 600usd I need a brand new laptop not renew........... Can I get choice to Pick from

[@josephstalin188]

Second hand Macbook

[@deejayworlhed738]

@@Flparce01 ok give me some suggestions

[@post-mastersodium3136]

PC user, always have been, likely always will be. Nothing against apple, but I have always preferred to choose how I use my computer, instead of being told what the best way is by the manufacturer. I know it's too niche of a market, but would love for dj software to break into linux, and let me get away from windows altogether

[@bangurowned]

Surface Pro DJ. Blows my Mac out of the water for DJing. Such a common misconception that Macs should be used. Dollar for dollar it's 100 percent a no brainer.

[@djseismic]

I feel like it's a sad state of affairs when this needs to all be said. Apple really has brainwashed so many folks.

[@hoskoau]

Surface pro is great

[@bookofbrah]

Which Surface Pro Version do you have? Or especially asked: I got a list of 14" Notebooks which are a good choice for me. But I'm getting not so sure about the graphics adapter. A lot have the UHD Graphics 620, also the Mac Books. But some people write the DJing Notebook should have a dedicated/extra graphics adapter with 1-2Gigs of Memory. So I'm asking: do you got the UHD Graphics 620 in your Surface Pro? Otherwise I need to pay about 200€ more fore the dedicated graphics adapter inside.

[@bangurowned]

@@bookofbrah Surface Pro 1796 5th gen been working great with Rekordbox for 2 years. Even surfing the web in the background while DJing. I even accidentally had Sony Vegas launched one time also and it ran smooth.

[@nurikidy]

@@bookofbrah you dont need dedicated graphics card for djing, its is overkill and over price. bigger and better screen is more useful

[@Axelfre1988]

I Dj with and 2015 i3 Acer, no porblem what so ever

[@zjdifrerabz614]

windows for life

[@CarlosMunoz1980]

The operating system is very intrusive. Which hinder the dvs software

[@Alex121sm1]

Laptop doesn’t really matter. I’d much rather prefer to use a Mac because I’ve always been a Mac user. Never really liked windows. But if I had to use a windows computer, I know for a fact it will work exactly as my MacBook Air. Especially, my friend uses that same laptop and we do b2b’s on my ddj 1000, MacBook Air b2b windows and we have never experienced any issues . One thing to mention though, is that sometimes the windows computer layout on rekordbox, glitches and you have to press the space bar. This blue line across the screen appears every few minutes but it doesn’t mess with the sound. An issue I have never experienced on my 4gb of RAM MacBook Air .

[@miguelmercedez7771]

a bigger question is what could you get with the same price that you paid for that mac?

[@EyeBDaMD]

🤔🤯

[@clickbaitpro]

A lot

[@alanprado1049]

Would this Dell work? 11ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i7-11390H Windows 10 Pro (Dell Technologies recommends Windows 11 Pro for business) Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics 16 GB Memory 512 GB SSD 15.6-in. display (1920X1080)

[@Dj_Jwoo]

I’m a pc user. Have no problems either. Tons of bloatware but for the price, loyalty to a brand is a joke. Also, it seems that Serato always has problems with Apple os updates.

[@BryantFC]

I really prefer the workflow on a Mac over a windows. I can't ever see myself going back to a Windows based computer after switching over back in 2014.

[@beatslucas]

Many people just compare cheap windows laptop vs macbook pro, that's not fair. You should try windows 10 now in a premium laptop and then let me know what you think.

[@louis_okay]

Just out of curiosity, is this a sponsored video or just something you guys decided to film? Either way, thanks for the great content, love the videos, keep it up!

[@djholland4235]

louisisprettycooltoo we never do sponsored videos, the whole channel is just our thoughts and impressions on topics that matter to our audience!

[@EddyGraphic]

I have been djing with a hackintosh (A PC running MacOS) for years, so yeah you do not need a mac for djing, the reason macs are perceived as being better for djing is because there are no cheap Macs, when you buy a Mac you are already getting high end specs, while windows laptops come in a sea of different prices, so if you spend the same amount of money on a Windows laptop that you spend on a Mac you will get the same experience if not better.

[@TheFunkymonkeyUK]

Windows is great for djing only thing I find is that you need to use it as a dedicated dj laptop. Run Windows update until its fully upto date. run a program called pc decrapifyer and Windows 10 app remover it gets rid of candy crush etc and all other windows crap and then use serato optimiser no matter what dj software you use. and your good to go this is what I do, do this at your own risk www.pcdecrapifier.com/download www.thewindowsclub.com/10appsmanager-windows-10 support.serato.com/hc/en-us/articles/203057850-PC-Optimization-Guide-for-Windows

[@michaelprendergast4068]

Window PC’s lag with the Serato waveform when DJing.

[@clickbaitpro]

No, not in high performance mode at least. Maybe in battery saver mode

[@dj-peterofficial2753]

To save time, AND get better performance in Windows 10, download the latest version and do a clean install. Use a free driver updater, like the one from IoBit, and the only install what software you need. Turn off background programs and use ''WinAero Tweaker'' to optimize windows. Like turning off the build in Ad services and cortana. End with using Crossfaders 5 tips for better performance in windows.

[@Crossfader]

Top Tip!

[@ositaokaro]

hi there,must say that i've never used a macbook for dj-ing)) many will be surprised, i use a PC that's about 10 years old, asus m50v (4 gb ram,ssd 128 gb for the OS,a hybrid SSHD 1 TB storage,windows 10 pro and the processor is an intel core 2 duo CPU t9600- 2.8 GHZ )))i'm on traktor pro 3,you're all probably thinking this guy must be crazy ,using such specs))))i really must say that i'm surprised myself that everything works perfectly,i use a traktor controller s4 mk3.i must say that the controller does most of the job(the soundcard in the controller and of course with proper settings i get the most out of everything))no drop outs!!!! one important aspect is that i can browse in the internet and download songs,even at 99% cpu usage, everything works fine,on rare occasions when i drag and drop a downloaded track to traktor ,there seems to be some glitch(during analysis of a track)but overall it's unnoticeable,in any case settings are the most important issue) i'll stick to windows,but with a newer notebook))))

[@Sergej_hmn]

Neither Win nor Mac. I am using Intel machine runing by Debian Linux for mixing. My DJ software is Mixxx. And I own 2 controllers from Hercules. Since 2006 I am working with Debian and since 2015 I have nothing else in my house but Debian (3 computers). Well, I really like this system. It is made for (IT) professionals and runs safe and smooth. There are no need to restart it after an update process for example. On the other hand, you need good technical understanding to use Debian. I am an engineer and have no problems with that. But this is not everyone's thing.

[@indegruv]

I have mixxx installed on a laptop but never ran a controller with it.

[@AvengeTheTECH]

I upgraded from surface book 1 to the SB2 and its amazing for DJ and running my business absolute dream. I also purchased a SP3 as an alternative and its slimline, touchscreen and I prefer the surface pro now. I love using the touchscreen for track loading, creates checks, etc and using the pen and surface dial for scrolling my library is pure pleasure. What's a track pad again? Lots of other option I use for music syncing over the network with offline file sync but that's a video itself. Windows is to versatile for me to ever use a mac but each to there own. But now the SB2 is just for business and occasionally I use it for DJ because theres no USB in the tablet portion so cannot connect my mixer which is damm shame. If your a windows DJ get a surface pro from 3 upward and get a surface pen and dial, it will change your live you never touch the track pad again.

[@rahplayszeke07]

I've played on Windows for 4+ years now no issues. Serato is stable on Windows. My main laptop and DJ laptop are windows so it makes sense to not go from Mac to windows

[@stevengarza7634]

I'm a windows and it was a cost factor.

[@brendanunez5397]

What if i use a 1.4 Ghz? What type of issues will i have?

[@THEJSB360]

Brenda Nunez tons of issues stay clear ghz make or break

[@tubedude1973]

My main concern is being randomly interrupted during a gig with an update. Is it possible to switch off ALL updates, so this doesn't happen?

[@suri-man]

Yes its possible. Also you you can configure when it should Update.

[@tubedude1973]

Great. Definitely seems viable. Also, they are selling out the creative pros. They don't deserve my investment.

[@suri-man]

@@tubedude1973 Since I use my laptop only for dj, I switch off my wifi and only switch it on when I need to download something.

[@julianmackenzie6378]

Put the laptop into flight mode when DJing. You won't get interrupted with notifications, and it will also free up the CPU because wifi surprisingly uses quite abit of processing power.

[@earthsign99]

Yeah there’s a new feature in Windows 10 (home edition) to postpone updates for 7 days which I do before every gig

[@kenfuciusfpv2800]

Does the windows pop up and start doing updates in the middle of a performance?

[@Crossfader]

We always recommend disabling automatic updates on any laptop. We haven't seen any issues on either of our Windows machines

[@kenfuciusfpv2800]

@@Crossfader thanks for the response. I was of the understanding that the newer operating systems don't allow you to disable the automatic updates like in the past.