Best New Tech 2021: The Hottest Technology for Musicians and Producers
The Best New Tech 2021 for Musicians and Producers · Source: Pixabay
The Mayku Multiplier was one of Teenage Engineering's exciting collaborations this year. · Source: Mayku
Apple puts the Pro back in Macbook Pro, and then some. · Source: Apple
The ASUS Zenbook 13 was one of our best tech releases of 2021. · Source: Amazon
The HP Envy Laptop is an attractive option at the price. · Source: Amazon
Framework's new sustainable laptop was an exciting release this year. · Source: Framework
Framework: A fully user-repairable and customizable laptop · Source: Framework
Intel's Alder Lake Desktop CPU was an exciting development this year. · Source: Intel
This year was an exciting one in tech, with some great new developments for both Mac and Windows users. Let’s recap and see what made our hitlist for the best tech releases in 2021!
Apple MacBook Pro
Apple puts the Pro back in Macbook Pro, and then some. · Source: Apple
Apart from some minor design details like the rather angular shape of the casing and the move away from the touch bar, the Macbook Pro is delivered on its hype tenfold. With the M1 Pro and Pro Max processors, Mac users have a wealth of power for DAW operations, video editing, design, or any CPU-intensive task you can think of. Apple pricing has always been on the premium end of the market so the MacBook Pro starts at $1999 for the base 14-inch spec and goes up to $3499 for the top 16-inch stock configuration.
HP Envy Laptop
The HP Envy Laptop is an attractive option at the price. · Source: Amazon
When it comes to affordability, HP certainly hit a home run with its latest 13-inch Envy laptop. Starting at just $849, Windows users still walk away with an Intel Quad-core i5 equipped machine, which should be capable of doing the basics of audio processing, especially if you aren’t running too many plugins during playback. Although the performance specs might be a little quaint compared to what is available, there is no lack of features or connectivity options.
ASUS ZenBook 13
The ASUS Zenbook 13 was one of our best tech releases of 2021. · Source: Amazon
The ASUS ZenBook 13 offers great all-round performance and features at a competitive price. If correctly managed, the 2.8 GHz Intel Quad-core i7-1165G7 Processor with 16 GB LPDDR4X RAM could provide sufficient power for running most DAW for studio or live setups and will be an even more viable option with external DSP. At just $1099.99, the ZenBook 13 is hard to beat for value for those who already have gear acquisition syndrome from their pedal or synth habit.
Framework Laptop
Framework’s new sustainable laptop was an exciting release this year. · Source: Framework
Sustainability seekers were wowed this year with the Framework Laptop. The customization and DIY-centric nature of this design is a bold move from this new San Francisco-based tech startup. Along with a user empowered mindset, the company also instills values around its user support strategy which is crucial for its long-term success. If building PCs is your thing, this laptop will bring back the fun into upgrades, and with the useful ability to change the configuration of your connectivity ports, you’ll never get bored. The Framework Laptop starts at $749 for the DIY model.
Intel 12th-Gen Alder Lake Processor
Intel’s Alder Lake Desktop CPU was an exciting development this year. · Source: Intel
High-end desktop users will be well au fait by now of Intel’s new Alder Lake CPU range, and as early adopters have found – the performance increase is simply staggering compared to your previous system, or virtually anything on the market for that matter. The Alder Lake is available in six variants, topped by the Core i9-12900K model at $589. There is also a DDR5 compatible model available in each spec to future-proof your system even further.
Mayku Multiplier
The Mayku Multiplier was one of Teenage Engineering’s exciting collaborations this year. · Source: Mayku
From the Nothing Ear (1) wireless earbuds to the Mayku Multiplier, the apocalypse can’t stop the gang at Teenage Engineering. Besides their own product releases this year, the Multiplier is an exciting collaboration with enormous potential for home and small-scale design and fabrication industries. Those who already design or customize their own hardware instruments and eurorack modules have an incredible outlet for their creativity and now a solution for doing it from home. Available now at $2799, this could be an investment worth its weight.
More best tech releases in 2021:
- Intel Alder Lake Mobility CPUs
- 64 Audio Duo in-ear monitors
- Apple Mac Pro GPUs
This might also interest you
