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Buying a new Macbook for university

2»

Comments

  • #32
    amymak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 113 ✭✭amymak


    Are you absolutely certain that 15" is necessary?

    It's just that portability is a major issue.

    I'll be lugging it from Sligo to Dublin and back every week. Plus I won't be living on campus so I'll be carrying it around with me everywhere.


  • #33
    Colonel Panic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,062 ✭✭✭Colonel Panic


    Just get the 13" Air! But try to stretch to the 8GB model.


  • #34
    Bpmull
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,031 ✭✭✭Bpmull


    I bought the 13 inch pro for college in September as for the same reason as you portability. It is nice and compact. Sure it may not run cad as fast it should be ok I think even the 13 inch is capable of running cad. In our school we have 20 off the cheapest dell laptops money
    Can buy 1 gb ram and they definately don't have a dedicated graphics card and they all run cad fine I have used them plenty of times. Dont buy a 15 inch for the sake of speed and then regret having to carry it everywhere if 13 inch MacBook pro suits you go for it. I have no regrets with mine.


  • #35
    K.O.Kiki
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,049 ✭✭✭✭K.O.Kiki


    amymak wrote: »
    Are you absolutely certain that 15" is necessary?

    It's just that portability is a major issue.

    I'll be lugging it from Sligo to Dublin and back every week. Plus I won't be living on campus so I'll be carrying it around with me everywhere.
    Good point.

    Might want to go for a MBA then.


  • #36
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    The 13" pro is a compromise of power and portability I used it all throughout 4 years of college and carried it all around college and 1.5-2 hour 2 bus commute with no problems.

    The Air should run cad just fine too though. I do not think the 13" inch air is a good buy unless you find the pro too heavy.


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  • #37
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    conor.hogan.2 wrote: »
    The hardware used in the videos is MBP hardware, obviously, I thought that would go without mentioning but apparently not.

    OP go with the 13" MBP if you can afford it, there is good deals on the refurb store too to check out. They are plenty capable enough to run cad. (just google it to see and not trust one person on a forum)
    Again, forgive me but did you even bother reading what I wrote?

    Pay close attention. I'm not saying what you seem to think i'm saying.

    To repeat myself, the MBP 13 isn't suitable. The MBP 15 is suitable. The 13" is "capable" of running CAD but when you haven't spent a cent yet you shouldn't compromise for something that's just "capable" of running the software you need.
    K.O.Kiki wrote: »
    ArsTechnica: 13" MBP vs 13" MBA (how did no-one link this yet?)
    Neither laptop is suitable. The screen is too small, the screen resolution is too low and most importantly both lack a dedicated GPU.

    An MBP 15 is really the lowest laptop in Apple's range that's actually well-suited to CAD. Any less and you're running in to "just capable" territory.


  • #38
    Dr.Sanchez
    Closed Accounts Posts: 675 ✭✭✭Dr.Sanchez


    partyatmygaff wrote: »
    An MBP 15 is really the lowest laptop in Apple's range that's actually well-suited to CAD. Any less and you're running in to "just capable" territory.

    It either CAN run it or it CAN'T. Simple as!!


  • #39
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    partyatmygaff wrote: »
    Any less and you're running in to "just capable" territory.

    I don't really trust you over other posters and several reviews. You can think the 15" is better but to say the 13" is "just capable" of running CAD is really really disingenuous.

    OP if you think the 13" is too small after trying it in store to see then try to get a 15" on the refurb on Apples site.

    Posters have even mentioned the Air, the MBP is more than capable.


  • #40
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,278 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Dr.Sanchez wrote: »
    It either CAN run it or it CAN'T. Simple as!!

    There is a difference between being able to run it and being able to run it well. With something like CAD it also depends on what you are doing with it. A laptop capable of doing 2D and light 3D work could struggle on more complex 3D stuff. The 13" MacBook Pro can definitely run it but it would struggle when it comes to more complex stuff and this is where the dedicated card would shine.

    @Anymak - I would recommend going with a laptop that has a fairly good dedicated card. At 3D work it will perform much better than the integrated graphics of the 13" MacBook Pro. The last thing you want to do is spend €1200 on a laptop that doesn't cut the mustard for you and start kicking yourself for getting the wrong thing.


  • #41
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    http://store.apple.com/ie/product/FC721B/A

    for 20/90 euro more than the 13" if you want to play it safe OP.


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  • #42
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    Dr.Sanchez wrote: »
    It either CAN run it or it CAN'T. Simple as!!
    There's a big difference between "can run" and "can run it well".


  • #43
    amymak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 113 ✭✭amymak


    How about this laptop?

    http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/cart.workflow:ShowCart

    Would this be adequate? (Expand the configuration details)


  • #44
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    conor.hogan.2 wrote: »
    I don't really trust you over other posters and several reviews. You can think the 15" is better but to say the 13" is "just capable" of running CAD is really really disingenuous.

    OP if you think the 13" is too small after trying it in store to see then try to get a 15" on the refurb on Apples site.

    Posters have even mentioned the Air, the MBP is more than capable.
    Look, it's very simple. When it comes to CAD or gaming, the more powerful your GPU the better. A HD4000 *can* run most games and simple CAD parts/assemblies.

    When you're investing over €1000 in a laptop for college, it makes sense to get a laptop with no compromises in performance.


  • #45
    partyatmygaff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,992 ✭✭✭✭partyatmygaff


    amymak wrote: »
    How about this laptop?

    http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/cart.workflow:ShowCart

    Would this be adequate? (Expand the configuration details)
    We can't see what's stored in your cart, you'll have to copy it in to a post.

    But if you want a Windows laptop, the closest to the MBP 15 in spec and quality is the Samsung Series 7 Chronos (with 6750m). It costs around €1000.


  • #46
    amymak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 113 ✭✭amymak


    ThinkPad T430 - 1 Year Depot Topseller Warranty $1,664.00
    Part number: 2342CTO
    Edit configuration | Remove | Add to wishlist
    Estimated ship date: 6/25/12**
    +/- Configuration details
    • Intel Core i7-3520M Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz)
    • Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
    • 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
    • NVIDIA NVS 5400M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
    • 8 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (2 DIMM)
    • UltraNav without Fingerprint Reader
    • 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
    • DVD Recordable
    • 9 Cell Li-Ion TWL 70++
    • None
    • ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n
    • Mobile Broadband upgradable
    • 1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

    So how is this one?

    (Oh by the way, it's 14" and 4.7 pounds.)


  • #47
    Colonel Panic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,062 ✭✭✭Colonel Panic


    partyatmygaff wrote: »
    Look, it's very simple. When it comes to CAD or gaming, the more powerful your GPU the better. A HD4000 *can* run most games and simple CAD parts/assemblies.

    When you're investing over €1000 in a laptop for college, it makes sense to get a laptop with no compromises in performance.

    At the expense of portability? Dunno about that...


  • #48
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    portability, durability, longevity.

    Plus I do not buy that the 13" would struggle to run CAD, and anyway you can get a refurb 15" for only slightly more money.

    http://store.apple.com/ie/browse/home/specialdeals/mac


  • #49
    K.O.Kiki
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,049 ✭✭✭✭K.O.Kiki


    amymak wrote: »
    [...]

    So how is this one?

    (Oh by the way, it's 14" and 4.7 pounds.)
    Well... it's not a Mac ;)

    Also, you appear to be on the USA site.
    Don't order a laptop from a US site unless you like dealing with the tax-man!


  • #50
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    partyatmygaff wrote: »
    But if you want a Windows laptop, the closest to the MBP 15 in spec and quality is the Samsung Series 7 Chronos (with 6750m). It costs around €1000.

    Where did you buy it for 1000 euro?


  • #51
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,278 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    conor.hogan.2 wrote: »
    partyatmygaff wrote: »
    But if you want a Windows laptop, the closest to the MBP 15 in spec and quality is the Samsung Series 7 Chronos (with 6750m). It costs around €1000.

    Where did you buy it for 1000 euro?

    Well I got my series 7 for 1040 euro from Amazon. The vatback promotion should give me back about 200. So about 850 euro in total which is a bargain.


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  • #52
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    AlmightyCushion wrote: »
    Well I got my series 7 for 1040 euro from Amazon. The vatback promotion should give me back about 200. So about 850 euro in total which is a bargain.

    Cheers. I am looking for an alternative to a MBP (kind of, sort of) and could not get a good answer in the Unix forum.

    How do you find it? Battery life time?


  • #53
    Colonel Panic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,062 ✭✭✭Colonel Panic


    The Series 7 is the closest thing to MBP build quality in a non Apple machine that I've used. No idea how it works with Linux though, I think as a desktop OS, it's garbage! :D Runs a mean Windows 7 though!


  • #54
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    It would run Ubuntu fine…. (and I would be dual booting anyway)

    All hypothetical, would have to read up more on it and actually use it in person.


  • #55
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,278 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    conor.hogan.2 wrote: »
    Cheers. I am looking for an alternative to a MBP (kind of, sort of) and could not get a good answer in the Unix forum.

    How do you find it? Battery life time?

    Despite one of the main buying points being it's battery life, I rarely use it off the mains so I can't really judge that. Before buying it I seen plenty of people complaining about the screen but I find it great. I would be wary about buying it for linux though. The touchpad is very sensitive and very difficult to use under windows without the driver installed, no idea what it would be like under linux but I definitely try it out first. It's a great laptop though. It stays surprisingly cool and quiet when not under heavy load which I was worried about.


  • #56
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I wouldn't be able to test it out with any flavor of linux, I am sure there is reviews online where someone installed Ubuntu or some other distro on it.

    I might end up getting a MBP anyway, just want to see if anything matches up to it in reality (ie not specs, because most laptops beat it in specs easily).


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