@KEVIN-SHARPING Yes, an external USB audio interface with ASIO drivers is highly recommended, for example a Focusrite Scarlett Solo or 2i2. I would also suggest a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 processor or something equivalent. On a cheap laptop which only comes with an ARM or Pentium processor Music Maker will not run or run badly. Even a Intel Core i3 could be not powerful enough. I would say the laptop should have at least 8 GB RAM. Most laptop allow you to add additional RAM sticks yourself. So you could upgrade to 16 GB RAM at a later time.

You can find the minimum system requirements here:

https://www.magix.com/ca/music-editing/music-maker/specifications/

If you're going to use a laptop, then you will want a 17" screen (FHD at least). A recent i5 (or equivalent) system should work fine. (I use a 17" Dell, with 10th-gen. i5, 8GB ram, and ssd storage) If you have a home base, then optionally a large (23" or more) monitor.

I wrestled with laptops for years. Then I got this:
MSI PRO DP20Z (MFF) Desktop, AMD Ryzen R7-5700G, Radeon Vega 8, 16GB' Memory (Dual-CHL), 250GB SSD, WiFi 6, USB Type-C, Windows 10 PRO, (5M-029US)
Added another 1TB SSD and a 32" monitor... NEVER looking back!

It's tiny, silent, cool, and oh so powerful! Best choice I ever made!

@KEVIN-SHARPING

Hi

. . . . Any suggestions on proper equipment.  . . .

What else are you intending to create on the laptop in connection with music eg are you going to be creating music videos with one of the Magix video editors?

John EB
Forum Moderator