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More DJ's than ever are turning to their laptops for gigs, due to the immediate access to vastly more music than can be carried in CD format. There are so many products on the market now, that it can become a little confusing to someone new to this element of the DJ world, so rather than try and cover all bases with this review, we've decided to focus on portability. As with any kind of software, personal taste matters, so try the demo's before committing to buy.
Here, we review the different options available, along with examples of products;
 Serato Scratch Live
The household name amongst the digital DJ fraternity, Serato Scratch live comprises not only the software, but 'Control CD' and hardware.
The Serato setup is slightly more complicated than the other options, but allows a much greater degree of control for the DJ. The hardware interface sits between the hardware mixer and hardware Decks, connected to the computer by USB, with a combination of the 'Control CD's', hardware, and software controlling things. The only issue i've experienced with this setup is when a DJ wants to connect the system mid-way through a party, as it essentially requires a brief disconnection the CD Players audio connection to the Mixer, which can be an issue depending on the setup and ergonomics. This,  however, is a minor issue and the endorsement of this system by a multitude of international DJ's says enough!
Cost: Around £450
Available From: http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR183103
Demo: Not available
Website: http://www.serato.com/scratchlive
Alternative: Native Instruments Traktor Scratch Pro (£520)
 Traktor Pro & Traktor Duo
Traktor has been around for a number of years, with new improved versions being introduced every couple of years or so. There are a multitude of versions at different price bands. Mac and Windows versions are available, and the layout is very intuitive and customisable with all the features you'd expect from a high-end offering. Graphics are clean and easy on the eye, and the system is very easy to get to grips with.
This can be used as a standalone software solution, but for ease of use and control you may want to consider getting a hardware interface (see below)
Cost: Around £160 (Pro) and £80 (Duo)
Available From: http://www.decks.co.uk/products/native_instruments/Traktor_Pro
Demo: http://www.native-instruments.com/newreleases/#/en/products/dj/traktor-duo/?page=613
Manufacturers Website: http://www.native-instruments.com
Alternatives: Numark Cue 5 (£229) - 20 Day Demo at: http://www.numark.com/content1417.html
Futuredecks Lite
No frills DJ software, there's a free demo available at http://www.xylio.com/index/page/en-fdl-home-menu-none-0.html
Cost: £19.50
 Hardware Interfaces
These interfaces act as a combination of sound card and hardware controller, and bridge the gap between your laptop/pc and the mixer/amp, offering more hands-on control and better monitoring ability than a straight-through connection. Usually connected by USB from the PC, the interface then splits the signal into the correct channel as per the software, and routes into your mixer channels. You also get a headphone connection for monitoring/cueing.
Recommendations;
Vestax VCM-100 (£300) - plenty of mappable controls and the build quality you expect from vestax. USB Bus-powered, plug & play, as well as being Windows and Mac compatible.
Website: http://www.vestax.com/v/products/players/vci100.html
Behringer BCD3000 (£170)
 Hard Drive Controllers
These controllers connect to a USB Hard Drive, USB Memory Stick, or any other storage device with USB connectivity. Just connect the controllers audio output to the mixer and attach your memory device and you're ready to go.
Recommendations;
Cortex HDC-1000 (£245) - No hot cue points or seamless loops for the more creative DJ's, but enough control for the majority of Salsa DJ's.
http://www.djstore.com/item/mp3controllers/corhdc1000.htm
Cortex HDC-3000 (£369) - Big brother to the 1000 above, loaded with functionality and effects.
http://www.djstore.com/item/mp3controllers/corhdc3000.htm
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