Found a computer that has good audio for a great price

[Janiece Young]

Hey, everyone,

I just bought a new computer that has really good audio.  It is a Samsung Model Code:  NP300V5A-AOKUS.  Here is a link to the model I bought.  
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0387855

I got it at Microcenter.  It was only $529.  It has 3 USB ports.  It has a separate jack for a microphone and a separate jack for headphones.  It is very lightweight.  

I have tested the audio at home.  Another reporter turned me on to it.  He had gone through several computers trying to find one that worked.  

I was going to use this as my backup computer but I may use it as my main computer.  I'm trying it out on a depo tomorrow.

Microcenter has 12 months financing with no interest.  

Just thought I would pass it along.

Janiece

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I set up my writer and tried out a realtime job.   The audio sounds great.  I am thrilled with this computer.  Thanks again, Janiece, for the recommendation.  Great price and great computer!!

[Janiece Young]

Hey, Kelli,

I'm so glad to hear you like the computer.  You know how when you tell people about something you like, you hope they have a positive experience too.  Yea!!!  Glad it worked out for you.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Well, I haven't taken it on a job or anything.  Sure sounded good here at home.  Of course, you're in the same boat as me; you haven't taken your computer out in the field either.  I just need to make sure the wireless realtime works next.  Haven't checked that out yet.  

I may take it out one day this week.  The job I'm on now is pretty intense.  Don't know that I want to risk it with a new computer.  May wait till I have an easy job just for the first one.  It has something like 400 Gb too.  That's pretty big.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Hey, Janiece -

I'm taking your computer out for the first time today on my job.  It's not realtime or anything and should only go about an hour, so I thought it would be a great time to give it a spin.  I'll let you know how it goes.  I'm always nervous the first time I take out a new computer.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Chris, this is the computer I bought on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056EY7JA/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00

Also, I'm having trouble getting used to the keyboard because it has all these extra numbers, like a calculator, over to the right side that I'm not used to; my fingers keep going to the wrong place because it moves everything over.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Chris, I will say that I set this computer up, including wireless realtime, in about 30 minutes.  It worked great the first time I took it out and used it.  Today will be my fourth day using it.  I just need to get used to the keyboard, that's all.  Just a lot different and I didn't notice that part when I bought it.

With my Toshiba that I bought over a year ago, it actually took me seven months to get all the bugs out of that computer to where it's working the way I want it to right now.

[Janiece Young]

Here is the post, Kerry.

[Kerry F]

Janiece, what kind of high gain mic are you using?  I just tried out the Samson Go-Mic and it's really tiny.  USB mic.  Has a really nice audio quality.  But when I tested it against the Martel,
the Martel is just as good quality and comes out louder.  There is a limit to the volume of the Go-Mic.  It's not bad, definitely useable, but not as loud.  And it's not my Windows settings that's making the difference. 

That mic Kelli got on Amazon for $75, a USB omni mic, is still available, but not through the company that made it.  So I wonder why they are not making it anymore?  I'm still on a search for a mic as good or better than the Martel.  And I know some of it depends on your sound card and laptop quality.  I have heard mixed reviews about how much external sound cards really help.

Anyone found anything great recently?

[Martha R]

I wish there was something better out there.   I haven't found anything better than the Martel.  I would like a setup in case I ever get in the hearing from hell.   I just had a colleague who has gone through three days of a very technical hearing where she could not hear well and her recording was terrible.   It would be nice to have a setup for a big room.   And even have an amplifier that works well.

[Janiece Young]

Hi, Kerry,

I use the Marte hi-gain mic that costs around $150.  I find it has excellent recording ability.  I personally have never found a better quality mic.  I do make a separate backup with a Marantz digital recorder.  If the room is huge or there is a very soft talker, sometimes I have to spot check the digital recording in one or two spots.

[Kerry F]

Janiece,

I know the Martel is the best so far, but I hate being tied to just them.  Just curious, does the

Marantz recorder pick up better than the Martel?  Wonder if there's a way to connect that to the

laptop.

[Janiece Young]

Yes, the Marantz recorder has the best audio I have ever heard.  It is excellent.