Computer options for Nomad

Hello Dennis,

In my opinion, the laptop vs AIO debate comes down to if mobility or screen real-estate is more important to you.

- If you find you are programming in multiple locations with your current computer and want to continue being mobile, I would definitely go for a laptop. I would lean towards a 15" or 17" Windows laptop. Any core i5 or i7 (or Ryzen r5/7 3000 series) equipped laptop with at least 8gb of ram as much SSD storage as you will need(show files are not large, 256gb is plenty if the pc is only used for nomad) should be more than capable of running nomad well. If you plan to do a lot of visualization I would also look for a laptop with a dedicated GPU(graphics processor) such as a GTX 1650. Don't be afraid of gaming laptops.
Another advantage of a laptop is it has a built in battery, so if the power goes out while working you have time to save and keep programming.

- If you would rather have the extra screen real estate to easily see more data, then an AIO or other desktop pc makes sense. A lot of the same spec recommendations still apply, although you can probably get away with a Core i3 or Ryzen r3 because desktop class processors are more powerful than their mobile counterparts. If you decide on an AIO, look for one with a display in port(HDMI or DisplayPort input), so that if/when the hardware inside is no longer capable you can still use it as an external monitor.

Whichever option you go for, a touchscreen is a bonus. Personally I am partial to desktops with their upgrade path (but I'm a computer geek in addition to a lighting geek)

Thanks for that. Great advice from yourself and others. It's all about the screen real estate as far as I'm concerned as I use direct selects and magic sheets, so the remaining space for the cues is limited. I have two screenshots - one for programming and one for showtime, but in practice, I am still editing even when the show is running so I rarely use the showtime one. Most of my shows are on for only 5-7 performances. The idea of the AIO with a HDMI in is a great one.

Denis

Thanks for that. Great advice from yourself and others. It's all about the screen real estate as far as I'm concerned as I use direct selects and magic sheets, so the remaining space for the cues is limited. I have two screenshots - one for programming and one for showtime, but in practice, I am still editing even when the show is running so I rarely use the showtime one. Most of my shows are on for only 5-7 performances. The idea of the AIO with a HDMI in is a great one.

Denis