64-Bit Conundrum

[pcguru83]

I've got a bit of a conundrum. I have the opportunity to get a very nice price on a MacBook with the Core Duo processor. I've been in the market for a MacBook for a few weeks now, and I'm a bit unsure of something.

Is it really worth my extra money right now to go with the Core 2 Duo processor? As my username suggests, I'm not extremely familiar with the Mac world, as I'm a bit of a Mac n00bie. What's the status of 64-bit in the Mac world? It doesn't seem to be faring too well in the PC world, so I wouldn't think twice about purchasing a 32-bit CPU in the PC world. The Mac world brings me some pause though. Should be I be concerned? FWIW, I'm not really concerned about the speed difference between a Core Duo and a Core 2 Duo, as much as I am the 32-bit vs. 64-bit deal.

I'd appreciate everyone's input. Thanks!

 

[gnasher729]

I've got a bit of a conundrum. I have the opportunity to get a very nice price on a MacBook with the Core Duo processor. I've been in the market for a MacBook for a few weeks now, and I'm a bit unsure of something.

Is it really worth my extra money right now to go with the Core 2 Duo processor? As my username suggests, I'm not extremely familiar with the Mac world, as I'm a bit of a Mac n00bie. What's the status of 64-bit in the Mac world? It doesn't seem to be faring too well in the PC world, so I wouldn't think twice about purchasing a 32-bit CPU in the PC world. The Mac world brings me some pause though. Should be I be concerned? FWIW, I'm not really concerned about the speed difference between a Core Duo and a Core 2 Duo, as much as I am the 32-bit vs. 64-bit deal.

I'd appreciate everyone's input. Thanks!

A Core 2 Duo runs about 10 to 20 percent faster than a Core Duo at the same clock speed, and that has nothing to do with 32 vs. 64 bit at all. At some point in the future you will find applications that are available both in 32 bit and 64 bit versions; the 64 bit versions will run another 10 percent faster; 64 bit versions will be fully supported in MacOS X 10.5, but 32 bit applications continue running with no change.

For most people, 32 vs. 64 bit is not really important at all.

 

[Demon Hunter]

Apple isn't advertisting 64-bit much these days...

 

[bousozoku]

Other than greater memory capacities, there isn't much reason for most people to have 64-bit processors or software on their desktop/laptop machines.

It's going to benefit large databases and 3D environments mostly. Games are probably the only consumer software that would be helped by native 64-bit processing, as it could remove constraints or fix/speed up simulated 64-bit environments.

I'd go with the Core 2 Duo processors for typical reasons: better performance and better battery life.

 

[peschomd]

Greeting

I would stick with the 32 bit for now. As a marketing enthusiast, I know the 64 bit isnt being advert'd as much as the 32 bit, most likely, now the best upgrade for you.