milkdrop on laptops [Archive]

papaw00dy

26th October 2004, 05:47

I'm curious to to know what kind of experiences people have had running milkdrop on laptops.

It runs pretty well on mine, but seems to stutter when changing presets and especially if I'm using sprites. I have a Toshiba m35 (1.4 Ghz Pentium M, nvidia 5200 Go w/ 32MB, 768 RAM. I can't seem to get rid of the stutter even running it at low resolutions. It runs much smoother on my desktop of course, but who wants to cart that around to a show.

I may be purchasing a new laptop soon, and would definately like to know if anybody has any recomendations.

germ17

15th November 2004, 09:17

Yeah I get the problem of milkdrop pausing for a bit as well, its annoying as I run it for visual effects for live music.

Krash

15th November 2004, 11:43

Any laptop with a small amount of shared memory is likely to have problems with milkdrop. There are a couple ways you could go:

1. 'Desktop replacement' laptop. These things run hot and chew up alot of juice, but they basically use desktop components, so you get all your usual desktop performance. The downside is that you really need to have them plugged into a wall, and they only count as a laptop if you're interested in sporting 2nd degree burns on your thighs.

2. A more mobile laptop with a proper graphics subsystem. They do exist, though I can't think of any in particular off the top of my head. They're usually a top-of-the-range model anyway. Be on the lookout for dedicated video ram. The downside is that it's likely to be pretty pricey.

3. A small for factor desktop. A shuttle, or similar, can take standard components (even components you already own), and crams them into something the size of a shoebox. Couple this with an LCD panel and a backpack (SFF case makers usually sell backpacks made to suit), and you can carry your entire rig on your back. Simple, easy to move, and looks good at home or in a club. No real downsides, unless you have your heart set on a laptop.

- Krash

germ17

16th November 2004, 04:37

Thanks for that information.

Ill talk to the guy who owns the lappy and I will see what I can do.

Thanks again