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fatcat23
Jan 28, 2009, 12:27 AM
Hi, I was thinking about getting the new high end macbook and was wondering what the performance is like in Bootcamp with Solidworks, AutoCAD and ripping/playing Blu ray disc movies? These is the deciding factor for me, about purchasing the new macbook or the macbook pro.

Please help.


Beric
Jan 28, 2009, 12:43 AM
Would you assumably be using an external? And honestly, if you're using Windows so much, you'd be better off with a PC.
speed12
Jan 28, 2009, 07:14 AM
I used to have SolidWorks, Catia and GT Power (engine simulation) running on my iMac (2.16GHz, 2Gb RAm, 256Mb ATi card) absolutely perfectly and GT power ran faster than on the computers at Uni and that uses a LOT of resource when you are modelling a V8! So although I can't comment on the MacBook or MacBook Pro, I can imagine they would be absolutely fine, the Pro probably being best if you are going to use 3D CAD a lot as the discrete graphics will be a big bonus.
children
Jan 28, 2009, 07:39 AM
CAD isn't that resource hungry as one may think, it'll run on the macbook fine. but the problem is the 13in screen...
also, if you're using CAD, i would assume you would be interested in Revit and ArchiCad, both of which will struggle when you run large scale developments..

oh and as speed12 mentioned, i would go for the Pro, better graphics and larger screen.
fatcat23
Jan 28, 2009, 01:21 PM
CAD isn't that resource hungry as one may think, it'll run on the macbook fine. but the problem is the 13in screen...
also, if you're using CAD, i would assume you would be interested in Revit and ArchiCad, both of which will struggle when you run large scale developments..

oh and as speed12 mentioned, i would go for the Pro, better graphics and larger screen.

Ya I think I'm going to get the macbook pro, ill talk to my parents and scrape my loose change together.

But I think I can sleep better knowing that the macbook will have no problem with CAD programs in case I can't find enough funds for the pro. Thanks for the help.
alphaod
Jan 28, 2009, 02:54 PM
Well since a number of CAD programs use OpenGL acceleration, it would be better to have a more powerful GPU, but that's not to say it won't work on a the processor or lesser GPU.
fatcat23
Jan 29, 2009, 12:44 PM
Well since a number of CAD programs use OpenGL acceleration, it would be better to have a more powerful GPU, but that's not to say it won't work on a the processor or lesser GPU.

I asked a couple friends with the new macbook and they have those CAD programs running fine. And my research leads me to believe that it can playback and rip BD's no problem (minus the HDCP issue).

I'm going for the Macbook, thanks for the help.