Assess whether or not your laptop has sufficient CPU power or RAM for audio production. Many applications, such as Pro Tools, Propellerhead Reason 4 and Apple Logic recommend 2 to 4 GB of RAM for optimal functioning and are hardly usable if you have less than 1 GB of RAM. You should have at least a 1.8 GHz processor. You should have plenty of empty hard drive space to use for recording space.
Decide what types of audio production you will be doing on your laptop. Film scores, custom sound effects and electronic dance music, for example, are forms of audio production that require different planning and typically different software and hardware.
Construct a budget for your laptop audio production project. Keep in mind that high-end music software is expensive. For example, as of June 2010, Propellerhead Reason 4 is currently $349.00 for the basic version at their store, Apple Logic is $499.00 from the Apple store and Steinberg Wavelab 6 costs $499.99 from Steinberg. Other software may be more expensive than these packages.
Determine what hardware you will need to purchase to assist with music production on your laptop. If you are purchasing a digital audio workstation (DAW) application, it is recommended that you also purchase a MIDI keyboard for input. Pro Tools requires that one of a set of approved interfaces be purchased, or else it will not function. Traktor Pro and Serato Itch require a virtual DJ controller to function. You may need to purchase a microphone for vocals or for recording acoustic instruments.
Consider three main factors: your budget, your hardware and your artistic goals. It is recommended that you purchase a digital audio workstation (DAW) application if you are going to be doing any type of music production. If you are going to create music that relies heavily on virtual instruments, effects, MIDI hardware and samples, Pro Tools, Propellerhead Reason and Fruity Loops Studio are potential options. If you are going to be producing music that uses a lot of recording of live instruments, you should consider a DAW such as Apple Logic or Ableton Live. Consider freeware applications, such as Audacity for WAV file editing, when available.
Keep spare cables in your car or another space if you use or move your equipment a lot. Cable types that are commonly used in laptop audio production include USB cables, phono cables of various types (i.e. 1/4 inch to 1/4 inch cable, 1/4 inch to 3.5 mm cable, 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable), RCA audio cables, RCA to phono cables and adapters and various other audio cable types.
Connect all of the equipment, install all of the software and begin producing music.