Performance-wise my 13" MBP (Sandy Bridge i5, 2.3GHz) is pretty much on par with the new i5 MBA, hence why I'm not too concerned about the performance of either option. Just one of those things where money isn't a concern, and for the rare occasion where I want to run two VMs (which will likely happen), the i7 will fair a tad better (the old MBP was a bit sluggish there at times).
I've read and read about different reports regarding battery life. The i7 has the same/slightly better battery life at lighter loads, while the i5 is better off as the workload increases. Problem here is that my use of a VM wouldn't fall strictly in any particular category: low-medium during normal use (basic coding as described), where I'd pause the VM if I stopped using it; and medium-high usage when pushing a bit more (at which point I'd probably have the machine plugged in). At the same time, it's unlikely that I'd be using the machine under such workloads for long - after that I'd go back to a light workload. It's a case of finding a balance.
My other perspective is that the i7 will have far greater battery life than my old MBP, and that my previous estimates were overblown and the MBP lasted all day for me...that will likely be the case here!
My gut feeling here is that for my usage, the i7 would be more suitable. Similar/slightly worse battery life when using the VM for a light-medium load (pausing the VM will close the gap between the i5 and i7), and slightly better battery life during the normal light load (which will be far more regular). Biggest thing here is that the VM will be a constant load unless paused, which would equate to slightly more battery usage on the i7. However, having actual input for experiences as opposed to guessing is always best.
Thanks for the reply mattferg. I know you're going to recommend the i5...I've read plenty of your debates over the past couple of months with ZBoater over the matter 😉
Nope, not at all. I'd say as long as you've gone at least for the 256GB SSD (preferably 512) and have upgraded the RAM, for you personally the i7 is a good choice (if what you are going to be doing is running two VMs alongside OS X). Since the MBA is core-limited compared to it's siblings the extra MHz would come in handy
🙂
But yeah what you do isn't day-to-day stuff, so my arguments don't really target it
🙂 For you the i7 is a good choice, as long as you've upgraded the SSD and RAM already
🙂 As long as it isn't breaking the bank go for the upgrade, as you'll actually use the performance (unlike some).
Unlike Zboater this isn't personal/I have no stake in this. For me personally, I could afford the i7 but didn't need it, so didn't get it. I don't have to tell everone else to buy an i5 IN EVERY SCENARIO just to make me feel better. If you are going to use it for high intensity CPU stuff I say go for it
🙂 Everyday stuff and gaming, no, it isn't going to be used.
As for battery life, they're on par and pretty much matched until you get to the high end stuff (where the i7 goes faster and uses more power relative to the performance boost).
The trend in the industry seems to be that other factors will be the limiting ones which mean that users replace their MacBooks. It'll probably be SSD size/screen quality/battery life that users want more of, as these seem to be what's improving most atm. Either that or people would've just broken their Airs xD
But yeah, ZBoater likes to paint the picture that I just think the i7 isn't any faster. I know that it's faster IN THE HIGH END, meaning that only users who run high end high intensity CPU tasks will ever see the benefit. He, of course, never argues against or replies to this point...
