Which 15" MBP Configuration??

[ODog4523]

I'm stuck between the 2 options at apple.com a couple points. Can anyone offer some advice? I've been ipadding and smartphoning for long enough that I'm totally totally rusty when it comes to pc specs 🙂

Is 256mb enough video memory these days? That's a big step down from the 1gb offered in the higher end AMD gpu. There will be a decent amount of photo and iMovie type stuff going on with this system.

Also, with those uses in mind, is the high res display a worthy upgrade?

Thanks!

 

[loungecorps]

if your only comparison is to an ipad or iphone. You will likely be blown away with what ever machine you get even a macbook air.

 

[Barnzee]

Yes the high res display is definitely worth it. I have the High Res Anti-Glare myself and it is beautiful. More pixels equates to more awesomeness.

 

[ODog4523]

if your only comparison is to an ipad or iphone. You will likely be blown away with what ever machine you get even a macbook air.

No, I'm not comparing it against anything. Just haven't been keeping up with the PC industry over the past couple years, so I don't know as much about those specs and how they fit with users' needs.

 

[grawk]

The high res display is amazing, and beyond that, don't worry about specs. I would get an SSD, but it's cheaper to buy those from a 3rd party and install it yourself.

 

[dusk007]

If you want to play games in bootcamp the base MBP is a big step down. Not so much because of the 256mb but more because the 6490 is a much slower GPU than the 6750.
160 vs 480 shader cores.
64bit vs 128 bit memory interface.

If it wasn't for the 256mb GDDR5 it would be even a big step back from the 330M of the old models.

It is still more than fast enough for everything other than gaming. All animations, HD Video stuff the Intel HD is even more than capable at handling.

PS: The high res AG is a must have IMO.

 

[mgartner0622]

Only if you do advanced professional work or gaming do you need the higher end model.
The base model is perfect for almost everything.