taping advice?

[teyes]

I know frustratingly little about taping, so I'm sorry if I sound like an idiot...

I don't quite have the cash to get an 'awesome' rig right now, but I am going to be getting a new laptop this summer and would be interested in finding out about laptop taping - does anyone know which models would be ideal? I've been hearing about Apple Powerbooks and the like... I'm pretty sure I could go from there (adding to my setup), if I kept a lookout for a good deal.

It looks like I'll be remaining in Northern California for college (at least for now) and am eager to tape sets around the area. An expensive hobby, perhaps, but music is my passion.

Thanks in advance for any help.

take care,
steph
elephantjuice55@aol.com

[cwfen]

Hey! I think laptop is the way to go...
Check out these websites/message boards for all the info you could ask for, or at least someone to point you to it:
www.oade.com (check the tapers section)
www.taperssection.com (great board, is down until 5/19 or 5/20)

Those should get you started. Both have search features that you should use before you start posting questions, as most of what you want to know has probably been discussed at length. There are many laptop tapers on both boards, as well as DAT and minidisc folks. You can get a ton of info on microphones and other needed equip there, not to mention samples of different setups. Find out what suits your ears and tastes, and build your rig up from there. Everyone says microphones are the most important piece of equipment to invest in, so think about that a lot. I think the laptop part is not such a big deal. Any newer laptop would be suitable, and I have even seen people say an older ~300mHz pentium II or so would be adequate for live 2 track digital recording. For me, I would want versatility. Get what you can afford and think about the future!
Good Luck!
C.Fenton