Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Macbook or Macbook Pro for AutoCAD?

M

macPuppy

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 18, 2007
13
0
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Hi everybody :)

I'm in a huge dilemma here, please help!
I study architectural engineering at The Technical University of Denmark. I use AutoCAD, Photoshop and InDesign every day (I also use 3DS max occasionally)
I have an iMac at home (and I love it) but since I'm spending most of my time on campus I need a laptop for on-campus work.

I have done a lot of research, and I have narrowed my options down to the following:

Macbook 2.4 GHz (Late 2008)
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
250GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
--US$ 2,210

Macbook Pro 2.4 GHz (Late 2008)
Base model
--US$ 2,411

Yes I know, Mac's are quiet expensive in Denmark!

I can't purchase refurbished products in the Online Apple Store (in Denmark), so that is not an option :(

My question is the following:
Will the onboard graphic chip in the Macbook perform well enough for AutoCAD (including some 3D work), Photoshop etc. or do I have to "go pro"?
 
the graphics would suffice on the MB, what would make my decision would be the LCD though, 15" and better resolution/quality on the MBP is the way to go any day.
 
For what you say you are doing, or will be doing, a decent screen is imperative. The screen on the MBP is far better than that of the MB, in addition you are getting better performance and more power. Go for the MBP.

Cheers and good luck
 
I have an early 2008 MacBook Pro 15" 2.4 gHz with the GeForce 8600M GT graphics card (256 MB) and 2GB of Ram and I use AutoCAD 2009 on my Windows XP partition and everything runs smoothly.

I don't know how my MacBook Pro compares to the new MacBooks but they're probably identical now. However, for $200 difference... why risk it? Just get the MBP.
 
I just got a new MBP to run AutoCAD for school also. I picked it over the MB because of its dedicated graphics capabilities. AutoCAD only runs on windows though, so you'll just need to install it under boot camp.
 
macPuppy said:
Hi everybody :)

I'm in a huge dilemma here, please help!
I study architectural engineering at The Technical University of Denmark. I use AutoCAD, Photoshop and InDesign every day (I also use 3DS max occasionally)
I have an iMac at home (and I love it) but since I'm spending most of my time on campus I need a laptop for on-campus work.

I have done a lot of research, and I have narrowed my options down to the following:

Macbook 2.4 GHz (Late 2008)
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
250GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
--US$ 2,210

Macbook Pro 2.4 GHz (Late 2008)
Base model
--US$ 2,411

Yes I know, Mac's are quiet expensive (also) in Denmark!

I can't purchase refurbished products in the Online Apple Store (in Denmark), so that is not an option :(

My question is the following:
Will the onboard graphic chip in the Macbook perform well enough for AutoCAD (including some 3D work), Photoshop etc. or do I have to "go pro"?
Click to expand...

Well most CAD/3D programs use the processor not GPU so the MacBook would be ok. However, I would recommend the MacBook Pro for screen real estate, also new software like the latest photoshop are now using the GPU for processing. As you have shown the MBP for you would only be another $200 and it will definitely be more future proof.
 
kastenbrust said:
What are you talking about?

The autoCAD Website:

"a Direct3D-capable workstation-class graphics card with 128 MB or greater is required"

So you need the Pro.
Click to expand...

That does not mean it renders with the GPU, it will be the processor. I used to think like that but have learnt otherwise. However, people are understanding the true power of the GPU and are using that to calculate tasks. Look at Snow Leopard for instance. Like I said the MBP is the better choice it future proofs, and i know that there are some programs that uses the GPU, although the majority of software still is solely reliant on CPU. Run activity monitor when using these programs to render etc and you will see.
 
fendol said:
... you'd probably be well served with a matte screen for more accurate colors either way you decide to go :):apple:
smiley2.gif

champagne.gif
cheers.gif
Click to expand...

Although that may be true, Apple doesn't make MBP's in matte anymore... ;) :p
 
It all depends; if you do high-res rendering a lot, or need high quality previews in your editor window, any laptop will be insufficient.

Apart from rendering, 3D work doesn't require lots of computing power, if your iMac works for you, even a MacBook should be ok.

The displays of Apple portables are pretty bad, some of the worst in the business, Pro or not, so don't buy based on that; Photoshop certainly requires an external display.
 
G.T. said:
That does not mean it renders with the GPU, it will be the processor. I used to think like that but have learnt otherwise. However, people are understanding the true power of the GPU and are using that to calculate tasks. Look at Snow Leopard for instance. Like I said the MBP is the better choice it future proofs, and i know that there are some programs that uses the GPU, although the majority of software still is solely reliant on CPU. Run activity monitor when using these programs to render etc and you will see.
Click to expand...

You are right in that final renders are done with the processor, however real time rendering, i.e the viewport, is done with the graphics card. This means that working with the macbook on complicated models may feel slow and clunky compared to using a Macbook Pro.
 
Umbongo said:
...This means that working with the macbook on complicated models may feel slow and clunky compared to using a Macbook Pro.
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I feared!
I know 3DS max don't use GPU for rendering (I think it's all about the CPU and Ram), but if I can't work with the model (previews and stuff) then it doesn't really matter how fast it renders :p
 
Umbongo said:
You are right in that final renders are done with the processor, however real time rendering, i.e the viewport, is done with the graphics card. This means that working with the macbook on complicated models may feel slow and clunky compared to using a Macbook Pro.
Click to expand...

Yeah, sorry I was a bit unclear. I know that the things like your OpenGL preview use graphics. I have experience with this through the likes of Vue and terragen. He should definitely get the MBP.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back