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Can this laptop run a show?
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Author:  oicclouds [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 2:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Can this laptop run a show?
We have had a Sony Vaio laptop since forever and I am wondering if it can be used to run a karaoke show........... probably running the show with either Hoster or Compuhost. I am sure I will have to increase the memory, but other than that, just wondering if this laptop will work.

Just thinking about donating it to our local VFW Post for them to run karaoke on Saturday nights. Specs from Sony are below--

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!



Sony Vaio, VGN-FS630 W

Processor : Intel® Pentium® M Processor 740 (1.73GHz1, 2MB L2 Cache)

Front Side Bus Speed : 533MHz

Chipset : Intel® 915GM

Integrated Wireless LAN : Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection (802.11b/g)3

LCD : 15.4” WXGA display (1280x800) with XBRITE-ECO™ technology

Hard Drive : 80GB2 4200rpm Ultra ATA

Memory : 512MB PC-2700 333MHz DDR (256MB x 2) (Expandable up to 1GB)

Graphics : Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900 128MB Dynamically Shared Video Memory

Graphics Interface : VGA out w/ Smart Display Sensor

Optical Drive : CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive CD-R Write (24x MAX); CD-RW Write (10x MAX) DVD Read (8x MAX); CD Read (24x MAX)

Modem : Integrated V.90 Modem with RJ-11 interface

Ethernet : 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)

Audio : Windows® sound system compatible with Built-in stereo speakers

Audio Interface : Mini microphone jack, mini headphone jack

Optional Port Replicator : 2 USB 2.0 ports, Monitor (VGA) port, Printer port, DC in, RJ-45 Ethernet

Memory Stick® Media Slot : Supports optional Memory Stick®, Memory Stick PRO™ and Memory Stick DUO™ media5

PC Card Slots : One PCMCIA - Type II/Type I card slot with CardBus support
Other Interfaces : 4pin i.LINK®6 connector(IEEE 13943), 3 USB 2.0 ports, port replicator connector, VGA out

Pointing Device : Electro-Static touch pad

Keyboard : QWERTY, 86 keys with 2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch

Action Buttons : S1, S2 (programmable), Wireless LAN on/off

Power Requirements : 110W+10%

Battery : Lithium-ion Battery (VGP-BPS2A)

Estimated Battery Life : 2.5 - 5.5 hours7 (Standard Battery)
Author:  jeffsw6 [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 2:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
It should work fine. You might want to install more RAM to make it faster. The specs you posted do not indicate if the video in the laptop supports two displays (internal and external showing different things) or if the video port is just for showing a duplicate of the built-in screen. That might affect your choice of TV converters.
Author:  oicclouds [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 4:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
jeffsw6 @ Sun Jan 17, 2010 4:20 pm wrote:
It should work fine. You might want to install more RAM to make it faster. The specs you posted do not indicate if the video in the laptop supports two displays (internal and external showing different things) or if the video port is just for showing a duplicate of the built-in screen. That might affect your choice of TV converters.


I have looked around a bit and can't find anything about dual display. What would I have to purchase to make it work as one?

Thanks!
Author:  spotlightjr [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
I have the identical laptop and it does not have dual display. You would probably need to upgrade your graphics/video card.
Author:  jeffsw6 [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 8:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
Use this or something similar, which can zoom in on a certain area of the screen (lyrics display.)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6815117102
Author:  oicclouds [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 6:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
Thank you!
Author:  jamkaraoke [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 6:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
The best advice is to look at the minimum requirements of the HOSTING SOFTWARE you plan t use. AND THEN LOOK AT THE RECOMENDED requirements and then ..Get something better than that LOL
Author:  jdmeister [ Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
More memory if you do use the Viao..

(May not be possible, I have a 1.6 MHz Viao and 512 is the maximum allowed.)
Author:  hamsamich [ Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
I've been using 512 and have not had any problems. But I have a good video card. 128mb I think (good for 5 years ago). I'd upgrade the RAM and buy a decent video card, shouldn't cost that much. I bet old video cards that would go with that computer are cheap....not sure though.
Author:  jdmeister [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
hamsamich @ Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:31 pm wrote:
I've been using 512 and have not had any problems. But I have a good video card. 128mb I think (good for 5 years ago). I'd upgrade the RAM and buy a decent video card, shouldn't cost that much. I bet old video cards that would go with that computer are cheap....not sure though.


The more you ask the laptop to do, the more memory you need..

I have a buddy that tried to run a show on 512kb..

Not so hot.. Low memory errors all night..
Author:  ctohelpsu [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
hey there...

It might work but by the looks of the specs its pretty old..i.e Pentium m....I would not risk my business of old ! :)
Author:  jdmeister [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
I can buy laptops every day for less than $200 (USD) and it makes no sense to scrimp..

Every month we have a computer swap here in L.A. and stuff is very reasonable..

Desktops, from under $100 up tp $200 max. (Dell, HP, Gateway etc)

The Dell I'm on now, Latitude Pentium 4, Writable DVD, 80 gig HD, 2 gig Ram, $205.

Stuff has been real cheap lately..
Author:  hamsamich [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 1:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
yeah overall I think it is a good idea to upgrade to atleast 1GB and have a 128mb vid card. I did try to upgrade my RAM to 1GB but the memory sticks didn't work and crashed everything. they were the exact specs called for for my laptop, but HP said some of the sticks just will not work, right specs or not. so I said screw it. maybe I'll try again. I hate to try to fix what aint broke again and have it break though! leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

that being said, if you are trying to make it work on a budget, give it a shot. it is borderline.
Author:  oicclouds [ Fri Jan 22, 2010 2:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
Well guys, I think I crashed it! Can you recommend an inexpensive laptop? I will be converting their discs over to files and putting those on an external hard drive so I don't need a lot of bells and whistles....I hope! LOL! Anyway, just something new that is cheap, but not junk.

Thanks! Vicki
Author:  jdmeister [ Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
Here in L.A. I keep eyes on the sale papers.. Friday and Sunday are the big compuer ad days..

Choose one with RCA out, (Or svideo) for the second screen.

One gig ram minimum, two or more is better..

Google used laptops in your area.

I would ship you one, but the price to ship is high if properly packaged. :mrgreen:
Author:  oicclouds [ Sat Jan 23, 2010 5:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
jdmeister @ Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:04 am wrote:
Here in L.A. I keep eyes on the sale papers.. Friday and Sunday are the big compuer ad days..

Choose one with RCA out, (Or svideo) for the second screen.

One gig ram minimum, two or more is better..

Google used laptops in your area.

I would ship you one, but the price to ship is high if properly packaged. :mrgreen:


Thanks! I am checking around for something cheap!

Vicki
Author:  hamsamich [ Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
I think the best way to go is something a little bit older (since you have a budget in mind), used, with a decent (dedicated) video card in it. Many computers share the Main Memory to run video. This causes problems. Even a newer computer with great specs (like lots of RAM and better cpu) suffers without a video card. I would shoot for at least 256m, but 128m would be better than none at all.... I would think you could find something with a dual core cpu and a decent video card for under 500 bucks if you look around....
Author:  DannyG2006 [ Sat Jan 23, 2010 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
Both my laptops run 512mb without any issues.
Author:  mrgadget01 [ Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
I think if you download the MTU Hoster demo, then you run it, it will tell you what you have and if it's enough to run their program successfully. I have been toying with different programs and have gotten Compuhost and Karma to work with a 1.3 Celeron and 512mg of ram without issues, but I haven't tried to run video on it yet.
Author:  mckyj57 [ Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Can this laptop run a show?
mrgadget01 @ Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:01 am wrote:
I think if you download the MTU Hoster demo, then you run it, it will tell you what you have and if it's enough to run their program successfully. I have been toying with different programs and have gotten Compuhost and Karma to work with a 1.3 Celeron and 512mg of ram without issues, but I haven't tried to run video on it yet.

I run Compuhost on such a machine without trouble (Toshiba A105-S1710). I also run MTU Hoster at an earlier version (3.321).
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