CrunchBang Linux

kowloonboy

#! Junkie

Registered: 2011-10-13

Posts: 443

[Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

I am really tempted to get a HP Netbook or Notebook with the Beats Audio Technology by Dre™. Can anyone tell me, if they own one, and what happened after they installed Linux on it? Does the Beats Audio Technology still work?

Thanks in advance,

KB

Last edited by kowloonboy (2011-11-23 21:18:44)

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"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." - Bruce Lee

pvsage

Internal Affairs

From: North Carolina

Registered: 2009-10-18

Posts: 9,009

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

I've considered the quality of any audio hardware designed by a rapper (there's another one by Ludacris now ) to be dubious at best, as it's probably optimized for that particular style of music.  I'd be interested in hearing some reviews on the hardware from fans of low-tech/non-tech music like Classic Rock and music of the Common Practice era.

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gutterslob

#! Resident Bum

Registered: 2009-11-03

Posts: 2,642

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

Beats Audio Technology by Dre™

No, just... NO!!
No comment on the HP's "audio technology", but I have tried those Beats headphones - the ones with the big red B on the side (which kinda look like a rip-off of John Digweed's Bedrock label logo), and they're not really that great. Heck, they don't even sound good with hip-hop.

Build a desktop, add a Asus Xonar and replace ALSA with OSS (and get a decent headphone amp with hardware EQ if you can) if you want something remotely decent coming out of your comp's hardware.

P.S: STAX of GTFO!! =P

Last edited by gutterslob (2011-11-23 15:09:32)

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Point & Squirt

rhowaldt

#!*$%:)

Registered: 2011-03-09

Posts: 4,396

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

i'm with pvsage. also, i am very distrustful when i see lots of people suddenly running around with a particular gadget (in this case, Dr Dre Beats Audio Headphones), especially when 9 out of 10 people you are going to see on the street with these don't know jack shit about audio. for some reason, my mind tells me 'if the general public is excited about this, it must be crap'. i am still not 100% sure if this is true or untrue.

kowloonboy

#! Junkie

Registered: 2011-10-13

Posts: 443

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

Actually, I have tested the Dr Dre Beats Audio Headphones, in the showroom with some very good brand head phone, with similar price tag. And it really stood out from them. This is before everyone on the street now seem to have it like the iphone.

Also for the HP with Beats notebooks, I put it next to the Asus (Bang & Olufsen speaker), and another Toshiba notebooks with Harman Kardon, and also Asus with Altec Lansing.

And I have to say the one with Beats, was the pure winner.

Side note: I am now promoted to #! CrunchBanger.

Last edited by kowloonboy (2011-11-23 15:45:45)

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"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." - Bruce Lee

gutterslob

#! Resident Bum

Registered: 2009-11-03

Posts: 2,642

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

^If that's your opinion, then go ahead and buy them. You seem to have made up your mind even before posting the question, anyway. It's your money so you should get what you wanna get.

In my experience, the Beats headphones pale in comparison to higher end models from Grado, Koss, Denon, AKG, Sennheiser...etc. Even if do a comparo between "DJ headphones" (which the Beats is trying to be), the Pioneer HDJ 2000 whoops the Monster Beats Studio HD ass left, right and center. (Yes, the Pioneer is a bit more expensive, but not by much, and it's better finished). The AIAIAI TMA-1 is another great candidate, and it's cheaper than either the Pioneer or MonsterBeats.

If you're talking about sound from the notebook's speakers compared to other notebook speakers, then I cannot comment. I consider all notebook speakers abysmal, regardless of size/price/wattage.

Congrats on the promotion, btw.

Last edited by gutterslob (2011-11-23 16:07:05)

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Point & Squirt

Unia

#! Die Hard

From: The Netherlands

Registered: 2010-07-17

Posts: 3,104

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

^If that's your opinion, then go ahead and buy them. You seem to have made up your mind even before posting the question, anyway.

His question was this technology would still work when he installed Linux. (or are you a her, kowloonboy? )

On topic: I don't know

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If you can't sit by a cozy fire with your code in hand enjoying its simplicity and clarity, it needs more work. --Carlos Torres
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gutterslob

#! Resident Bum

Registered: 2009-11-03

Posts: 2,642

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

^The actual "Beats" software interface doesn't have a Linux version, as far as I know. Whether ALSA, OSS or Pulse have done enough "reverse-engineering" to take full advantage of whatever the audio chipset (if it's bespoke, that is) is capable of, I do not know.

A friend has an Envy17. When I last tried Linux on it (Ubuntu, since he was a beginner) we got sound from the speakers but not the subwoofer. That's all I know as I didn't bother investigating further. That model uses a standard snd-hda-intel chipset though (the Beats software in just an additional driver + abstraction layer under Windows). Not sure if kowloon's model uses the same chipset or has something custom built by the rapper or not.

Last edited by gutterslob (2011-11-23 16:17:03)

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Point & Squirt

pvsage

Internal Affairs

From: North Carolina

Registered: 2009-10-18

Posts: 9,009

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

In ALSA, it may just be a matter of umixing stereo to the subw channel.

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kowloonboy

#! Junkie

Registered: 2011-10-13

Posts: 443

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

So... It might work in Linux? I am thinking maybe I should take a live-linux-usb and go to the showroom with it, and ask the staff if I can test it in Linux. Because as far as I know from playing with it in the showroom, I need to press ctrl+b or some button+ b (can't remember), Then a red logo will appear on the screen to let you know the Beats function is switch on. I am thinking could it just be a hardware thing. Like my Thinkpad, when I press Fn and another icon, it still work.

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"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." - Bruce Lee

Unia

#! Die Hard

From: The Netherlands

Registered: 2010-07-17

Posts: 3,104

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

I am thinking maybe I should take a live-linux-usb and go to the showroom with it, and ask the staff if I can test it in Linux.

You should do that

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If you can't sit by a cozy fire with your code in hand enjoying its simplicity and clarity, it needs more work. --Carlos Torres
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kernel

#! Member

Registered: 2010-12-29

Posts: 62

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

As for the headphones I've found solid information from accessible sound snobs from here.

http://www.goodcans.com/

I've run the old Sony MDR-v6 back in the late eighties and now use KOSS PortaPros and my Grado 60's have been in this family of teenage girls for nigh on 10 years.  I've resoldered one side and they keep on going.

GuruX

#! Die Hard

Registered: 2009-01-18

Posts: 527

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

I know the question is if it would work, but I'll give my two cents anyway.
Laptop speakers can never give a very good sound. It's just simple physics, you need that volume (as in space) of air to get a good sound. Not saying that bigger is better, but laptops are just too small.

A friend was about to buy an iphone dock, and we tested the Dr Dre dock from Monster. It was actually quite good. So everything isn't bad.

Think about having some kind of external speakers, at least for home use.

kowloonboy

#! Junkie

Registered: 2011-10-13

Posts: 443

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

Thanks for all the replies. Actually I should just get a good netbook and get a good headphone. At home I normally plug my laptop to an Altec Lansing speaker and sub-woofer.  It is cheap, but really good quality to my untrained pair of ears.

@kernel, thanks for the link I will check it out in more details.

Now, I am confused of which replacement portable PC I should get, Let's start with what I am using now. My primary notebook is a Lenovo X61. And it is still pretty fast, as I run #! on it. But what it let me down mostly is the battery life. It can only stay alive for around 1 hour!! When I went on the coach a few weeks ago, for a 8 hours trip. I was in tears, when I discover the coach I am on don't have any power sockets.

So now I want a notebook to either something to replace my X61 altogether, or a netbook so I can use if I need to go on a 12 hours fly or 8 hours coach trip again.

So comrades, please suggest what I should get.
1. It must weight below 2.7kg (As that is how much my X61 is)
2. It must be able to hold more than 4GB RAM. (As that is how much I got on my X61)
3. And the most important, the battery must be able to last over 8 hours.

Can anyone suggest what I should get?

Last edited by kowloonboy (2011-11-23 19:24:52)

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"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." - Bruce Lee

Unia

#! Die Hard

From: The Netherlands

Registered: 2010-07-17

Posts: 3,104

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

^ If your budget allows it, I'd get one of 'em Ultrabooks

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If you can't sit by a cozy fire with your code in hand enjoying its simplicity and clarity, it needs more work. --Carlos Torres
      Github || Deviantart

gutterslob

#! Resident Bum

Registered: 2009-11-03

Posts: 2,642

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

3. And the most important, the battery must be able to last over 8 hours.

Well, that pretty much relegates you to an Atom based netbook. Even the newest Intel Core i3 ULV "Ultrabooks" max out around the 7hr - 8hr mark with regards to battery life. Only Atoms and ARMs are capable of double-digit hours of use. Atoms are quite a bit slower than the Core2 Duo in your ThinkPad, FYI. Also, I don't think there are many netbooks that can hold 4GB or more of RAM (heck, most max out at 2GB)

About your current X61, is the battery really old? Even if you have a standard 6cell battery, you should at least get 2.5 hours of basic usage.

I can't really recommend a Atom netbook if you're expecting similar performance as that of your ThinkPad. Yes, they're still pretty snappy if you install a lightweight OS (Debian netinstall, Arch...etc) with only the stuff you need, combined with a lightweight WM and preferably a SSD, but you'd still get a faster experience if you did the same on your current ThinkPad.

Best option if you want Intel CoreX level performance and more than 8hrs battery life, imho, is to wait for next years IvyBridge "Ultrabook" models. The current ones are first gen, and all have small niggles on em, but most of the manufacturers should have properly sorted IvyBridge (which is more efficient than the current SandyBridge) models by mid 2012, plus 3.2 kernels and beyond should have some of the current ASPM related power-regressions fixed by that time (they're not actually faults of current kernel, rather problems with teh way current BIOS/UEFI interacts with em). Of course, it's all mere speculation on my part based on what I've read. Intel have promised not to drop the ball with regards to graphics performance on Linux with IvyBridge (SandyBridge was a mess when first released), but who knows.....

You could maybe opt to keep your ThinkPad,  buy a 8cell battery for it, read up on undervolting, maybe get a previous gen SSD like the Intel X25 V series (V stands for Value) and you could see your battery life reach or exceed the 6 hour mark (never underestimate undervolting) with proper tuning.

Just my 2 cents.

If you do really need a netbook right now, the Asus Eee series systems seem to be the benchmark. Even there, only selected models offer the battery life you're looking for. Best to do some reading, cross-referencing what's available currently with reviews and testimonials on various Linux distro forums, as not all models provide the same level of compatibility.

Cheers.

Last edited by gutterslob (2011-11-23 20:04:29)

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Point & Squirt

kowloonboy

#! Junkie

Registered: 2011-10-13

Posts: 443

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

Best option if you want Intel CoreX level performance and more than 8hrs battery life, imho, is to wait for next years IvyBridge "Ultrabook" models.

I think I will wait, like you said. But I read the X220 Thinkpad's battery supposed to last for 20 hours. And this does look attractive.

You could maybe opt to keep your ThinkPad,  buy a 8cell battery for it, read up on undervolting, maybe get a previous gen SSD like the Intel X25 V series (V stands for Value) and you could see your battery life reach or exceed the 6 hour mark (never underestimate undervolting) with proper tuning.

I like this idea, I think I will do some research, actually it will be sad for me to abandon my X61 as I really can't complaint about it, when it is plug in the power sockets. Thanks dude.

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"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." - Bruce Lee

gutterslob

#! Resident Bum

Registered: 2009-11-03

Posts: 2,642

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

But I read the X220 Thinkpad's battery supposed to last for 20 hours. And this does look attractive.

Oh yes, I had completely forgotten about that beast. You can get around 7 - 8 hrs with the regular battery (6cell, I think) on the X220. Add the additional slice battery (which adds weight, thickness and cost) and you'll roughly get about 17+hrs under basic load. In all honesty, it's a very good product, and Linux-compatibility should be mostly sorted by now (still best to read up to be sure). ThinkPads are built pretty well (better than any MacBoob Airhole, for sure), and they all have the sexy nipple on the keyboard (which is a must for any serious laptop, imho... f*ck the multitouch swipe pinch bullsh*t).

Problem would be cost. A X220 + battery slice would roughly be around the US$1200 mark (give or take a hundred).

If, after considering all factors, you can justify the price, go for it!! Regardless of how much you pay, it's a ThinkPad afterall, which imho wipes the floor with anything any bling-bling MTV poseur-rapper puts him name on

Last edited by gutterslob (2011-11-23 20:55:02)

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Point & Squirt

kowloonboy

#! Junkie

Registered: 2011-10-13

Posts: 443

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

they all have the sexy nipple on the keyboard

That is what I love about my Thinkpad, the bright red sexy nipple.

Anyway, I had a look at the Intel SSD as you suggested. And I saw that Intel Solid-State Drive 320 Series or Intel 510 ElmCrest seems to be even cheaper per GB. Is that any good? Also I am not really a hardware guy, so I am really happy that so many members here are so helpful. Cheers.

Last edited by kowloonboy (2011-11-23 20:52:10)

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"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." - Bruce Lee

kowloonboy

#! Junkie

Registered: 2011-10-13

Posts: 443

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

Problem solved: I just got ordered

Acer Aspire One D260 for US$93 or £60
Spec:
Processor Intel Atom N450
Memory 1GB DDR2
Storage 160GB
Weight 1.25kg
Display size 10.1” (1024 x 600)
Expansion Multi-card reader
Battery: 8 hours

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"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." - Bruce Lee

gutterslob

#! Resident Bum

Registered: 2009-11-03

Posts: 2,642

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

Depends on what kind of SATA interface you have on your current ThinkPad. I'm guessing it's either SATA or SATAII, but you'll have to check that yourself to be sure. Of the 2 SSD models you mentioned, the 510 seems to be SATA3 or SATA 6GB/s

SATA  = 1.5 GB/s
SATAII = 3 GB/s
SATA3 = 6 GB/s

SATA 6GB/s is backwards compatible, so it'll work with SATA 3GB/s (not quite sure about SATA, though), but it'll be bottlenecked to half it's possible transfer rate, basically (they never reach those levels in real world use, anyway).

The reason I recommended the old X25 V series was because I wasn't sure of your SATA type. Also note that that generation of SSD probably retails for much less on the street than what's quoted on online stores, mainly because everyone wants current gen stuff.

Basically, you should get the one that offers the best price per GB. If you can confirm that current gen SATA3 drives work fine on your SATA interface, it should work without issue, and you can swap them into a newer SATA3 ready laptop/mobo in future if you want. Regardless of SATA interface, the random read rates will definitely be a step up from your HDD, and you should see a slight improvement in battery life.

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Point & Squirt

gutterslob

#! Resident Bum

Registered: 2009-11-03

Posts: 2,642

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

Problem solved: I just got ordered

Acer Aspire One D260 for US$93 or £60
Spec:
Processor Intel Atom N450
Memory 1GB DDR2
Storage 160GB
Weight 1.25kg
Display size 10.1” (1024 x 600)
Expansion Multi-card reader
Battery: 8 hours

Ah, okay then. Congrats.
Kinda sad you didn't get the X220, though , but I doubt those retail for £60

Last edited by gutterslob (2011-11-23 21:22:35)

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Point & Squirt

kowloonboy

#! Junkie

Registered: 2011-10-13

Posts: 443

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

@gutterslob - Thanks for your help, after looking at it in all details, after changing the SATAHD to SSD, plus getting a 8 cell battery. It will cost the same price as a netbook. I think I will save up for the x220 Corei7, and get that in the future,

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"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." - Bruce Lee

kowloonboy

#! Junkie

Registered: 2011-10-13

Posts: 443

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

Ah, okay then. Congrats.
Kinda sad you didn't get the X220, though , but I doubt those retail for £60

It is second hand, but supposed to be good condition. What more can I complain about. That is how much I spend on my protein shake per month.

Na, mate. I will get x220 in the future. Just see when I have the cash.

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"To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is." - Bruce Lee

el_koraco

#!/loony/bun

From: inside Ed

Registered: 2011-07-25

Posts: 4,644

Re: [Solved] HP and Beats by Dr Dre™

Nice, this is like a disposable lighter. Acer makes great machines, and they play very nice with Linux.