Simviation Forums

Hi guys. I'm considering buying the MacBook Pro. I'm trying to decide whether the 2.4 GHz (256 MB VRAM 8600M GT) would be a considerable performance increase over the 2.2 GHz 128MB VRAM 8600M GT versoin in terms of running Flight Simulator.

They both have everything similar except for the Graphics memory and Processor Speed.

Cheers.

Why are you buying a Mac to run FS? If you are looking for a gaming laptop to run FS for about $2k a ASUS G1 or Dell XPS M1330 or M1710 are much better choices. However if you are planning to dual boot then definitely the 2.4 does make quite a big difference.

Cheers
Cameron

I don't want to have to carry around something big and chunky. Plus I'll be doing some photoshop work so it seems like the obvious choice. What I'm really interested in is the difference in RAM. Would the 256 have a noticable effect on the graphics in FS compared to 128MB? (this doesnt apply to mac, just generally).

The G1S is a GREAT laptop.  It's just a tad bulkier and heavier than the macbook but has better specs and is cheaper.  It runs FS9 perfectly and FSX fairly well (although I haven't messed much with FSX settings, I'm sure it can run it better than I have it now).  For further reference, Battlefield 2 runs like a dream.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220182 Only 1900 dollars

The Macbook pro costs about $200 more here in Australia, but comes with a 2.4 GHz processor and not a 2.2 so they're pretty much on Par with the price.

My original question has kinda been sidetracked. I just want to know whether a 2.4 GHz over a 2.2 GHz be much better with 256 Megs of RAM compared to 128 or is it not worth the extra premium?

Cheers.

I don't want to have to carry around something big and chunky. Plus I'll be doing some photoshop work so it seems like the obvious choice. What I'm really interested in is the difference in RAM. Would the 256 have a noticable effect on the graphics in FS compared to 128MB? (this doesnt apply to mac, just generally).

goddam... why does everyone say that Macs make for better photoshop? can someone please explain that for me.

anyway, you would get quicker graphics with higher memory in the card. it would be noticeable, by quite a bit i think.

i still think you should get a regular laptop running windows, it would be cheaper (meaning higher specs for the same cash) and just generally i see no point in getting a Mac over anything else

thats my view

I say go for the Mac. If you can afford the 2.4ghz then get it. If not then go with the 2.2. Simple really.

I've always heard that for the creative stuff (music, video, desktop-publishing) Macs hold an edge because those fields are dominated by Mac users, and the software available is better (though I've heard that's not the case any longer).

As far as performance for the dollar, Macs aren't even in the same arena as custom built PCs.. and for gaming, it's not even the same planet.

Edit: oops.. this might not apply to laptops..