Understanding Processor Speeds...

[mountbike]

My wife is about to purchase a new laptop. I'd love for her to switch from PC to Mac.

Her new laptop must be able to run the Chirotouch Software she uses at work. The software recommends "Pentium IV or Dual Core 2.4 GHz processor or above".

I know that "Dual Core" is not the same as "Core 2 Duo", but I don't know enough about processor speeds to make an educated comparison. We're considering a MacBook with a 2.13 Core 2 Duo processor. I'm hoping the community can help me determine whether or not this 2.13 would meet the software requirements.

Thanks!

 

[MrCheeto]

Don't pay too much mind to the brand "Core 2 Duo", that is a line of processors made by Intel, much like Pintos made by Ford.

Dual core simply means there are 2 processor cores on one chip. (called a die) The Core Duo means the intel chip has 2 cores (meaning it's of course, dual core). Core "2" Duo means it is the second line of the core series. Remember the Ford Mustang II?

So Core Solo/Duo/Quad tells you how many cores the intel chip has, the presence or absence of a "2" denotes whether it is the original or second design.

The Core series of intel chips will beat the pants off intel's Pentium line in most measures, as a note. Also remember that Pentiums were named in the same manner, Pentium, then Pentium II then III then 4.

I can't answer the question about performance, though, I'm sure someone will.

 

[Erasmus]

I'm going to assume that a 2.13 GHz Macbook is not going to meet the recommended system requirements of 2.4 GHz. On the other hand, it's not far off, and if you don't want to go for something faster, I'm sure it will still run, it just might be a bit slow. After all, you said they were "recommended", not "minimum".

 

[MrCheeto]

The site says minimum reqs. It also says you need Windows XP Professional. Isn't this application for touch-pads?

 

[r.j.s]

I'm going to assume that a 2.13 GHz Macbook is not going to meet the recommended system requirements of 2.4 GHz. On the other hand, it's not far off, and if you don't want to go for something faster, I'm sure it will still run, it just might be a bit slow. After all, you said they were "recommended", not "minimum".

While 2.13 does not equal 2.4, the requirements also ask for a P4, and the 2.13 C2D will completely destroy any P4.

 

[MythicFrost]

I assume this applies to you:

This setup should only be used for small practices that are no larger than one provider and one additional staff member.

Are you also aware you will have to run (and buy) Windows XP (if XP is compatible with this software) on your Mac unless there is a Mac version for your software?
I'm not sure if you can install other versions of Windows on a Mac, IE Windows Small Business Server 2003 or whatever else.

Is it possible you could go for a MBP 13" @ 2.53GHz, or even wait until the next generation of MBPs come out, I'd do the latter if possible.

The recommended specs for your computer are:

One or Two Pentium IV 3.0 GHz processor(s), Quad core 2.8 GHz processor(s), or Xeon 2.8 GHz processor(s)
4 GB RAM (ECC preferred)
250 GB (for scanning x-rays and documents as images) hard drives
RAID 5 configuration is recommended for real-time backup

I'm not sure how a little MB will handle this, if the first quote applies (at the top of my post) then it may be OK, but I'm really thinking it won't be enough.
But maybe I'm wrong, I've never used any software like this on any computer before.

 

[MrCheeto]

I'm sure those specs ^ are for the server version

 

[MythicFrost]

Ah your right, I didn't read the specs further down the page,
In that case, I'd say it would go just fine, although I don't really know

 

[MrCheeto]

Being MrCheeto, I say a lot of things without ever really knowing... Yeah, I roq

 

[chill.]

2.13 core 2 duo will definitely meet the requirements... however as said before it looks like this program is only compatible with windows xp

 

[mountbike]

@chill. Yes, I was planning on running a virtual xp machine on the macbook.

I'm hearing that the 2.13 core 2 duo is way more powerful than the P4, but not necessarily more powerful than the dual core 2.4. The software requirements are not clear then... Too bad. It would suck to purchase a new laptop only to suffer performance issues with the macbook.

 

[Badger^2]

well, what kind of PC is it running on now?

what are its specs?

I keep seeing Pentium IV in all its specs, so I'm sure any laptop made in the last few years should be more than fine

honestly, the software doesnt look any more complicated than any other contact manager, say something like ACT, which can be run on just about anything...

 

[SOT DOC]

Is this new laptop for work or home with occasionally logging onto her server at work? If you really want to get her to switch to mac, have her look at macpractice DC.

 

[pellets007]

@chill. Yes, I was planning on running a virtual xp machine on the macbook.

I'm hearing that the 2.13 core 2 duo is way more powerful than the P4, but not necessarily more powerful than the dual core 2.4. The software requirements are not clear then... Too bad. It would suck to purchase a new laptop only to suffer performance issues with the macbook.

The Core 2 Duo running at 2.13 is better than a Core Duo running at 2.4. You should be able to run it fine in XP.

 

[Umbongo]

@chill. Yes, I was planning on running a virtual xp machine on the macbook.

I'm hearing that the 2.13 core 2 duo is way more powerful than the P4, but not necessarily more powerful than the dual core 2.4. The software requirements are not clear then... Too bad. It would suck to purchase a new laptop only to suffer performance issues with the macbook.

I think it just phrased wrong. I think the intention is to say 2.4GHz Pentium 4 (or AMD equivalent), or faster or any dual core processor.

 

[Ace134blue]

My wife is about to purchase a new laptop. I'd love for her to switch from PC to Mac.

Her new laptop must be able to run the Chirotouch Software she uses at work. The software recommends "Pentium IV or Dual Core 2.4 GHz processor or above".

I know that "Dual Core" is not the same as "Core 2 Duo", but I don't know enough about processor speeds to make an educated comparison. We're considering a MacBook with a 2.13 Core 2 Duo processor. I'm hoping the community can help me determine whether or not this 2.13 would meet the software requirements.

Thanks!

Its definitely above minimum requirements. Remember, a Core duo at 2.33 is out performed by a core 2 duo at 1.86.

 

[Consultant]

Looks like the software isn't very processor intensive. It should run in virtual machine fine.

There are also Mac OS X based options if you google:
chiropractic software mac