'Laptop' examines the ways in which digital music is produced and consumed in live performance. The film looks at technology in music composition and performance, and questions the use of the computer as a 'traditional instrument.' Shot in Philadelphia, the film features interviews with and performances by several of the top laptop musicians and promoters in the world. The film mirrors its narrative structure with the laptop battle, a high-stakes national live music competition between laptop artists, modeled in part of the traditional 'rap battles' seen in films like '8 Mile.' In these high-energy battles, laptop artists go head-to-head with frenzied live performances of their digital tracks, with judging based on performances, audience reactions, and the merits of the compositions.
—Anonymous