I'm sure there are a lot of other people faced with the same choice, but I would like to know, specifically, which of these models will perform better running virtual machines, most likely with VMWare Fusion. Is there a significant difference in this area?
I'll mostly be using Fusion to run Tajima Pulse, a vector based embroidery digitizing program that only runs on Windows. It can be temperamental with larger files, even on relatively good PC towers w/ dedicated graphics, but the company I'll be doing work for swears by their newer IMacs w/ Fusion for this application. Right now I use a 2003 model Toshiba Satellite (2ghz/512ram/160gb/no discrete graphics) which is quickly dieing, I could realistically get another couple months out of it, but I plan to be out of the area by then and would like to get a superior machine before the years end.
Im looking at an aluminum MacBook (2.4ghz/4gb ram/250gb hd/256(integrated), about $2150 w/tax & applecare)
or a refurbished MacBook Pro (2.6ghz/2gb ram/200gb hd(7400rpm)/512(discrete), about $2300 w/tax & applecare)
I prefer the size and build of the former for travel, but the resolution and matte screen of the latter (although I'm sure I could live with either considering what I'm currently using). Expandability, Battery life and heat are all big issues as I would want this machine to last a long, long time (ideally longer than my 5+ year old Toshiba).
I know the new MacBooks aren't widely available so experience with those is limited, but I'm sure someone could give me a few good reasons why one or the other would better for my purposes.
Thanks for reading
I'll mostly be using Fusion to run Tajima Pulse, a vector based embroidery digitizing program that only runs on Windows. It can be temperamental with larger files, even on relatively good PC towers w/ dedicated graphics, but the company I'll be doing work for swears by their newer IMacs w/ Fusion for this application. Right now I use a 2003 model Toshiba Satellite (2ghz/512ram/160gb/no discrete graphics) which is quickly dieing, I could realistically get another couple months out of it, but I plan to be out of the area by then and would like to get a superior machine before the years end.
Im looking at an aluminum MacBook (2.4ghz/4gb ram/250gb hd/256(integrated), about $2150 w/tax & applecare)
or a refurbished MacBook Pro (2.6ghz/2gb ram/200gb hd(7400rpm)/512(discrete), about $2300 w/tax & applecare)
I prefer the size and build of the former for travel, but the resolution and matte screen of the latter (although I'm sure I could live with either considering what I'm currently using). Expandability, Battery life and heat are all big issues as I would want this machine to last a long, long time (ideally longer than my 5+ year old Toshiba).
I know the new MacBooks aren't widely available so experience with those is limited, but I'm sure someone could give me a few good reasons why one or the other would better for my purposes.
Thanks for reading