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Can the 13" MBA handle Full HD video?

S

solsearchin

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 18, 2012
97
0
Without stuttering ? The 1.3 ghz CPU has me worried since it is a ultra mobile chip, can anyone confirm if it can handle say Netflix Super HD or 1080P video playbook without stuttering or frame drops? What about mirroring the HD content to a tv?

Thanks guys!

I'm looking at the base air 13" , 1.3Ghz, 4GB RAM.

My other option is going with a rMBP 13" but I've heard lots of horror stories from my co workers.
 
robvas

robvas

macrumors 68040
Mar 29, 2009
3,240
629
USA
Streamed tons of HD off my 2012 13" rMBP over the HDMI port to my TV. Worked perfectly, not a whole lot of CPU usage either.
 
T

TheEnthusiast

macrumors regular
Aug 22, 2013
165
23
Don't let the base CPU speed fool you; the CPU has turbo boost up to 2.6 GHz, which gives extra performance when needed. Also, the streaming full HD video does not constantly require 100%, 50%, or even 20% of CPU power. Same goes for mirroring. The machine is very capable.
 
S

solsearchin

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 18, 2012
97
0
Another quick question, when I'm mirroring the macbook, the macbook being 1440 x 900 and my TV being 1080P does the macbook display up convert to 1080P? Does it look decent ( if anyone has tried ) ?
 
H

harrisonw1998

macrumors regular
Jul 18, 2011
107
3
If you mirror and you want it at 1080p for the TV then the MacBook Air will have a letterbox and won't look quite as sharp but it is certainly usable. I wouldn't keep it like that while you're working but its ok for setting up something to stream.
 
M

Mrbobb

macrumors 603
Aug 27, 2012
5,009
209
If it stutters, is not the Air, most likely your WIFI setup or Internet bandwidth.
 
S

solsearchin

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 18, 2012
97
0
Anyway around this letter boxing? What if I use my tv as the monitor, would it output at 1080p? Thanks for the help guys. Just to add, I have a 40/2 connection, it is solid and reliable.
 
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