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Buying a i5 or a i7 macbook pro
- Thread starter Metraon
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While I love os x, it is not as good for gaming as windows or linux. So I wouldn't determine what you get based on something os x wasn't made for.
I've bought the i7 an it's really great in games, I can play Modern Warfare 2, Dawn of War 2, Dragon Age in 1440*900 4xAA easily and it's gorgeous.
i7 power comes handy too when making transcoding for video (transforming those d*** .mkv in mpeg2 for tv streaming for example)
i7 power comes handy too when making transcoding for video (transforming those d*** .mkv in mpeg2 for tv streaming for example)
I decided to buy the i5. Thanks to all who took the time to respond.
The OP already bought his machine...yet everyone keeps voicing their opinion.
The OP already bought his machine...yet everyone keeps voicing their opinion.
Well, even though OP started the thread and had already made up his mind, it doesn't mean opinions posted here can't be shared by other people of similar i5 or i7 predicament... especially noobs with ask-first-search-later mentality posting the same question over and over again...
It is interesting, the number of us MBP buyers who have a touch of remorse for not purchasing a different model. I am curious as to how many think of this as highly mobile computer or a desktop replacement. Having been to countless early LAN parties, I think little of moving a compact desktop unit to a place where it will sit for a few hours. Hence, why not consider an iMac? (Indeed, my MBP moves about too much)
As mentioned in a previous posts, it is economics, buy what you can afford.
Funny, when mentioning the savings from buying the lesser model, it is often said that the monies can be put into more hardware (RAM or an SSD), and not software.
)As mentioned in a previous posts, it is economics, buy what you can afford.
Funny, when mentioning the savings from buying the lesser model, it is often said that the monies can be put into more hardware (RAM or an SSD), and not software.
yea...while im well aware that macbook pro is not at all made for gaming, i still would like to have the ability to game on my portable machine because i do have a gaming rig but its not something i can carry around with me or take it to uni. oh! and ive decided im getting the high res screen...it'll be MONEY for movies AND i can always just switch it back to 1440 x 900 when playing games, alot of people have told me that whole thing about it looking poor when its not on its native resolution is a myth
It is interesting, the number of us MBP buyers who have a touch of remorse for not purchasing a different model. I am curious as to how many think of this as highly mobile computer or a desktop replacement. Having been to countless early LAN parties, I think little of moving a compact desktop unit to a place where it will sit for a few hours. Hence, why not consider an iMac? (Indeed, my MBP moves about too much
As mentioned in a previous posts, it is economics, buy what you can afford.
Funny, when mentioning the savings from buying the lesser model, it is often said that the monies can be put into more hardware (RAM or an SSD), and not software.
as pointed out by others, SSD and RAM can always be added in, the processor cant...if you're planning on keeping your machine for like 5 years why not get the best u can
Perhaps you missed my point. It is odd that few ever mention software as part of their budget. Getting the best you can has monetary restraints as well as diminishing returns on investment. Again, if money were no object, the i7 would probably be everyone's selection.
i5 would have been the way to go. I don't know why everyone just sort of assumes that the i7 can magically make games run better (faster) for some reason. the 330m is the real bottleneck here. and the extra vram honestly doesn't help that much unless you are playing on a huge external display. The real problem is the number for shaders/speed, lack of ddr5 and obviously the outdated architecture.
I would personally go with the i5.
There's no "point" in my opinion
to go with the newest/most expensive model of the MBP.
There will always be newer updates
to the point where even the low-end MBP will overpower the old high-end ones.
i5 will more than suffice for your needs.
If you need to further boost the MBP's performance,
upgrade to an SSD and/or RAM.
The money you save from getting an i5 instead of a i7 will pretty much be "enough" to afford these items.
A SSD/RAM upgraded i5 will out-performance a stock i7
That's just my opinion though.
You have to be the judge of it.
Ask yourself,
Do you REALLY need a i7 for your needs?
Make sure that your "wants" will not cause you to make a bad decision
Good Luck@!
There's no "point" in my opinion
to go with the newest/most expensive model of the MBP.
There will always be newer updates
to the point where even the low-end MBP will overpower the old high-end ones.
i5 will more than suffice for your needs.
If you need to further boost the MBP's performance,
upgrade to an SSD and/or RAM.
The money you save from getting an i5 instead of a i7 will pretty much be "enough" to afford these items.
A SSD/RAM upgraded i5 will out-performance a stock i7
That's just my opinion though.
You have to be the judge of it.
Ask yourself,
Do you REALLY need a i7 for your needs?
Make sure that your "wants" will not cause you to make a bad decision
Good Luck@!
dont be, im not. the thing is a beast, and i know i can keep it a while without the processor being completely outdated. im happy with my mac, just enjoy it