DeeJay SiBoogie

The main advantage of CDJ’s over midi controllers is the CDJ’s multi format playability. I know that if I’m playing out with my CDJ’s and the laptop goes down I can use a USB stick, if that fails I can go to CD’s. However, controllers can give you the ability to be very creative with your mixing. I’d check YouTube’s 10minmix series for various mixing styles on different setups.
Portability is a two edged sword chances are you’ll need to take your controller, soundcard, and laptop where ever you play but if you use CDJ’s you can sometimes only need to a USB stick. The downside of CDJ’s is the burning of CD’s and of course if you need to take your own set up. Most of the bars in my area use CDJ800s with a few with 1000s’. As I use 900’s with the RekordBox application I take my own CDJ’s most of the time.
The basics like beatmatching can be learned on either but with controllers and DVS you can be tempted to use the sync, or you may find find the sync allows you to apply a more creative style. Take a look at Ean Golden on YouTube for truly creative controllerism.
So you need to ask yourself what style of mixing you want to do. Do you want 2 decks or 4 and then look at what set up best suits you style and budget.
if you go with CDJ’s you’ll need a mixer and if you want to use them with a DVS you may also need a soundcard so you’ll be limited to used gear with your budget. Used gear is not a bad thing as I built over time starting with a used Vestax VCI100 controller which I updated with a custom firmware from Dj Tech Tools that made it in to an awesome controller. When I sold it I got my money back because it is such a good controller that holds it’s used price. I then bought some used Radius 3000’s to use as controller with a DDM4000 mixer and to give me a multi format platform. For me I found CDJ’s more comfortable to work with so once I had done enough gigs to pay for them I upgraded to a Pioneer set up.
Go to you local DJ shop and try the gear to get some idea of the feel. You’ll be surprised how the small things like the feel of a knob or slider can effect your choice. If you like the small jog wheels and the idea of very creative mixes look at a controller. If you like CDJ’s and what they offer look at a used CDJ 400’s with a mixer which may be just in your budget with a cheap mixer. Larger jog wheels like on the CDJ1000’s will be more than you’re current budget but there are the motorised platters of the Denon CDJ’s DN S5000 or DN S3500 that have 7″ platters which you could possibly pick up with a mixer on budget.

Dual boot is like having 2 laptops in 1 you can Win/Win, Win/Mac, Win/Linux

http://www.djtechtools.com/2011/10/09/optimizing-windows-for-djing-part-ii-dual-booting/

You can set up a Laptop to dual boot so you one login for general use and one the is configured for DJing

Playing in a bar or lounge can be so varied from place to place. The club type bar and the chillout bars. Places you have to please the people and places you have to soothe the people.

The Club type Bar
The club type will have loud music and a quickly changing crowd as they move from place to place getting drunk before they head home or head for the clubs. Here you’ll need to play by the numbers to a crowd who won’t remember the last track you played or that you beautifully merged two tracks on the fly to create an awsome mashup. I try to get away from places where I become a request DJ, request are for my mobile gigs. Yes it helps to pay the bills but I’m not lucking fame or fortune.

The Chillout Bar/Lounge
I personal love the chillout bars and lounges as the crowd tend to be more static regulars that aren’t just out for a good night they’ve come out to be at that particular venue because of the atmosphere, an atmophere that you the DJ help to create. For me these type of gigs are the best, it’s like being a painter; you don’t paint by request you deliver your art and people will appreciate it, hopefully. In these places you can get a good relationship going to the point where it’s like playing to family. It very much about creating an ambience where they can relax, no loud music, no pumping bass, no Zabiela mixing.

The truth is the Club bars are more common with the ethos of pack em in get and get the money. Very little dancing but plenty of staggering as they down the cheap drink offers.