MBA vs MBP for engineering use

Hi,
I'm planning to buy either a MacBook air or MacBook pro but am little confused as which way to go. I'm an engineer and so will be using VMware for heavy engineering softwares like Xilinx, modelsim and orcad. So im looking for help from someone with experience in this regard
Thanks

While the Macbook Air & MacBook Pro are offered both with models that have i5 and i7 processors. The Air offers dual core processors 1.6 Ghz i5 or a dual core 1.7Ghz i7. The MBP 13 base offers core i5 at 2.4 Ghz, or a dual core 2.8 Ghz i7. Slightly faster then the MacBook Air. If you go up to a 15-Inch Macbook Pro you get even more power with ether 2.2 Quad Core i7 or a 2.4 Quad Core i7. Those extra cores give you lots more power when plugged in, and it will be a noticable boost in VM. thats twice as many cores as the MacBook Air.
The Macbook Air and the 13-Inch Macbook Pro have the same Advanced Intel HD Graphics 3000. But the 15-inch MacBook Pro also has a AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB GDDR5, or a AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 1GB GDDR5. Having the Radeon graphics card means the computer has lots of 3D rendeirng power! if your using cad this is a great benifit for the 3D models you may be working on. Or even just running Mac OS X and Windows 7 at the same time. (it's also nice for gaming)
The Macbook Pros also offer more storage space. the 13-Inch & 15-Inch base models of the MacBook Pro has twice the space as the top end MacBook Air. Running Dual OS takes up allot of space. So having the additonal space is going to be really handy.
Plus your getting extra ports. A built-in super drive will make it easier to install window 7 or any other disk based software.
if it was me, and I was using the computer for enginering I would be looking at a 15-Inch MacBook Pro because of the quad core, and Radion Graphics.
Also, you would benfit from finding out the exact software you want to run; and exactly what are the requirements to run it. That way you can make sure you get the right graphic cards, and more then enough ram. Also keep in mind if you want to run windows in VM. your going to need extra ram. because mac OS X is going to want ram too.

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Suitability of MBA and MBP for FCPX ...

Hi there,
i am going to purchase either a 13" Macbook Air or Macbook Pro & plan to use FCPX on it.
the problem is I discovered the following:-
a) the anount of RAM is so low as compared to my iMac whic has 32gb RAM.
b) i always read that it is better to get a dedicated video RAM but most of the latest MBA and MBP only comes with on board video RAM.
c) the HDD though is a flashed based but is so small, start from only 128gb. Could it be that Apple wants us to buy an external HDD ?
cheers & thanks

RyanManUtd wrote:
… But for me, what is important is that when I am editing on the timeline, I hate it when it becomes slow. Sometimes even the beach balls appear.
So in my case, better to have a fast processor or a bigger RAM ?
I have never seen a beachball using FCPX (see my specs: I'm on the very low end of hardware).
(I've seen crashes … it's not all pink here )
Aside 'no background rendering' … or manual initiated rendering (to see complex compos in real-time…) :
Imho, it's all about 'delivery': put each stream on its own 'platter' = no beach balling, no stutter
And with stream I don't mean the source(s), but what you see on screen:
in case, you do pic-in-pic, compounds, MultiCam, you see 2/several streams - then, I recommend 2/several drives …
to over-exaggerate:
when you put the sources of a 4x camera MultiCam on 4 different drives ==> no stutter, no beach balling at all, even on antique, underpowered systems… ok, that's over-the-top, my several external, simple usb3 drives deliver each 2-3 fullHD streams flawless ...
best practice is it anyhow to separate Events from app/OS/cache…
I would suggest a min. of 16GB Ram.
The number-crunching (rendering) is mostly done on GPU, not CPU.
Last, silly comment: benchmark tests test benchmarks!
Means: FCPX + MacOS + Apple hardware sums up 'higher' than expected.
Don't be too focussed on GHz and stuff, no -user is interested in …
Shall I link again to my stunt? (some board members: "Nooo, not again!!" <yawn> )
I do link to my stunt ... >> 4x 4k Multicam on MacMini

MBA or MBP for me?

I'm planning to get the MBA. But what do you guys think? I went to Apple store like 7 times already to check both of them out! I'll be using it as my MAIN MACHINE. I'll use it for
-browsing web (a lot) for Facebook, YouTube, email, twitter, sports
-light photo editing (nothing like the pros only as a hobby)
-about 150 music and 250 photos
-maybe Xcode and other apps
-I WANT IT TO LAST FOR ATLEAST 4 years
-I want to be able to bring it to my friends house, school (high), and other places
What do you guys think? Tell me which model of which machine I should get (ex. 128GB, 4GB ram, MBA)
Thanks!

MBA is a secondary computer, not a Main computer.
So get the MBP.

What shall i buy MBA or MBP for 4years

recently the macbook air has been updated and i was wanting a latop that will last me for 4 years (my old intel core 2 duo lasted for 3 years).
the following specs that i am configuring for macbook air 13" is, 1.8Ghz i7, 4GB RAM, 256GB flash storage
the following specs that i am configuring for macbook pro 13" is, 2.7Ghz i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
the only difference i find is the MBA is undervolted, Hi-Resolution 1440x900, faster SSD
the difference i find in the MBP is HD camera and more ports including SuperDrive
please help me choose the correct one because i want a notebook that will last me for 4 years.
money is no issue since i have already got spare 4GB RAM and 256GB SSD

While I love my Air, and believe such a machine could easily last 4 years, I suspect that you probably want the Pro. Why? Well, because you can upgrade it if you need to.
You don't say what you're going to be doing on this computer. I knew, when I got my 11" Air, that even in four years I'd probably wouldn't need a larger hard drive or more RAM. I knew this because over the years I've simplified my life and I'm not putting everything on my computer the way I used to; I delete more stuff, and keep big files on an external drive. Except for upgrades, I don't put on new programs, etc. I also knew that I'd be doing more traveling and needed lighter and slimmer--so, looking to the future, an Air was right for me.
But if you're not doing that, if it looks like in four years you'll need something to handle bigger programs and keep plenty of data at your fingertips, then you want the Pro, for sure. Because even if you don't get enough now, you can upgrade it later, have it meet your growing and changing needs. You can't do that with the Air. What you get now is what you'll have four years later, whether or not you feel it's gotten too slow or too small for you needs. That's perhaps the biggest and most important difference if you're looking at these computer long-term: You cannot upgrade that Air. What you buy now is what you have for its lifetime.
The Pro can grow and change with your needs over its lifetime. So, I'd recommend the Pro...unless, of course, you are totally in love with the Air. I always say to default on what you love, as you know you'll be happiest on that

Newest MBA or MBP for large applications at the same time?

Love the newest MBA and really want it - the reviews are so fantastic - but I am simply afraid of making the same mistake I've made in the past and ordering the less powerful machine. I currently have a Dell and an HP, and neither will allow me to use photoshop CS5 BY ITSELF with any efficiency, let alone while open with other applications such as internet explorer. The quality of webcam conversations with Skype is also very poor, despite a very fast internet connection. I am fed up and converting to Mac, just not sure which one to get - but I need it to be the best for PS and Skype. Advice from those who have used the newest MBA? Thanks!

Ferrell, I have done what you suggested. I clicked onto the Spaces icon in the upper control panel and assigned spaces to six apps: Mail, Safari, iPhoto, iMovie, Pages, and iWeb.
The problem is that if I am one app and I want to put something into that app, then the minute my mouse cursor goes to get that other thing, the original application into which I want the thing put GETS WHOOSHED OFF THE DESKTOP. What I want is for the original app to remain open whilst I go to retrieve a file or folder, and stay open while I put that thing into the original app.
How does one turn off Spaces? I don't mean to delete all the names from the settings.I mean, just turn it off for a while so I can do something which requires for two apps to be open at the same time????
~ Lorna in Southern California

MBA instead of MBP for main computer?

Hi, I'm currently trying to decide between the 13in. MBA and MBP. I'll be a junior in college and have finally decided to update my aging five year old Dell (the screen is coming off, it's gotten so bad). I was considering the 13 MBP two years ago, but they were still using Dual Core 2 processors. I'll be carrying my computer around campus, on flights home, and going abroad with my new computer, so its kind of annoying the 13 in MBP is still using the same chassis from four years ago.
I'm comparing the 13 in MBA with 256 SSD, i7, 8GB RAM (for about $1600) to the 13 in MBP base model for $1099 (assuming 500 GB HD and i5 are fine for my needs). I'll be using it as my main computer for all the usual tasks (word, PP, internet, videos) as well as some Photoshop work. Do you think the MBA can handle my needs? I use my computer pretty much all day, every day. I greatly prefer the MBA form factor, display, and SSD, but when talking to someone at Apple, he said that I would notice a significant performance lack on the MBA compared to the MBP, which is concerns me, especially for the extra $500 or so. I know the battery life estimate is the same, but is that true in actuality?
At this point, with everything moving the direction of the air, does it make sense to still get a Pro for the performance? Also, my budget is relatively flexible after waiting for so long...would it be a decent investment to go for the SSD in a MBP instead?
Thanks!

Limnos,
I think that comparing durability between the two is a near "push", in gambling terms. Yes, the MBP is more "sturdy" in construction, but extra mass is also a detriment. Extra mass can result in greater force when jostled or dropped. I've owned Air's and Pros. I would feel less nervous if something were to be dropped on the Pro, but less so if my Air were to be dropped. Mind you, my machines have always sported aftermarket hard shells, and transported in a reasonably well padded stiff case (I'm using a Level 8 case now).
Overall, I suppose I would have to give the Pro a slight overall edge in overall resistance to damage, but it is entirely manageable. Probably the biggest worry is the lack of any extra glass layer protection on the MBA screen, as the the 13" Pro has.

13" MBA or 15" MBP for a musician, amateur photographer, and college student?

Now, if I had it my way I'd wait for the next MBP release, but alas my mother says I must buy a laptop now.
I've heard that the MBA is great for just about every average user's needs, but I do use my computer for more than the average user does.
Right now I'm using an HP desktop which I'll be bringing with me to college: 6 GB RAM, an i5 2.67GHz processor, and a 512 GB HDD at 7200 rpm.
It has a sucky monitor, but I'm going to replace it very soon.
I'm excited to get my Mac and use Aperture with it, because I tried Lightroom and found that it is not good enough in terms of workflow, so I did not purchase it (pricey) and am just using the Nikon software included with my camera.
I work with RAW files and often import 8 GB of them at a time and edit them, convert them to jpegs. The processes are all just a little slow, with the conversion to jpegs being the worst by far. That could be because I'm using the Nikon software, though. I recall that Lightroom was lightyears faster at that.
My point it, I WANT to use the Macbook I get as my primary photo editing machine. Is this realistic? Can either of the machines I'm looking at really handle that?
The 13" MBA would be too small, wouldn't it?
If I got the 15" MBP, I'd get the hi-res screen as well.
But the MBA is just so beautiful and portable. I'm worried that the MBP will feel like a burden. Then again, 6 pounds isn't that heavy still. And I know that if I buy the MBP, they will release a new one and I will feel remorseful, but, hey, a new model will always be around the corner.
And I couldn't afford a SSD if I got the MBP. :/
If I get the MBA, it will be maxed out.
I will also probably be purchasing an external hard drive for photos in the next 6 months, so I'm not concerned about 256 GB on the MBA being too little.
As far as other uses of the computer, I do some audio recording and editing. How good are the two machines at Garageband?
I'll do a lot of word processing for school. I like to stream video, listen to music.
Also, I love the HD cam on the MBP and hate the one of the MBA. I will be Skyping a lot this year.
Oh my GOSH. Sorry for writing so much and being disorganized. Thanks for reading! Haha.

From what I see on Twitter and blogs, a lot of photography pros are picking up the new MacBook Airs as their road machines because with the new Core iX processors they are quite acceptable for performance. I've mostly read about them using Lightroom, though, and not as a primary machine, so you should take some of your raw photos to an Apple store and run some Aperture tests to see how it feels. Do you think there is enough room to see everything, or does it feel cramped?
The main problem with the MacBook Air is not being able to put more than 4GB RAM in it, but with the SSD you might not notice the lag as much. For most people the Air is a fantastic computer. I use the 15" MacBook Pro, because I use other graphics apps where I need room to display documents, filmstrips, palettes, etc. so I need mor pixels, and also because I need to be able to have more RAM.
I would guess that GarageBand wouldn't be a problem on any new Mac, assuming you're not piling on heaps of effects.

Advice on used mbp for photo/ video tasks.

Good afternoon everyone. I'd just like to pick the brains of some of the experts here regarding purchasing a used mbp for photo/ video. for about $1300 (preferably less) which models would you look at? I'm open to 15 and 17 inch variants. The 13 is just too small. I've been trying to find a 15" with 2.4ghz and 16gb ram but they are very hard to come by in my price range. Is there going to be a huge difference in speed between a 2.2, 2.3, or 2.4 i7 quad core processor? I'm also aware that some models came with superior graphics cards although I can't remember exactly which ones.
one more question, regarding the high res matte screens, are these going to make my guis look weird? I actually had a 2014 13" mbp retina and was hugely disappointed in its performance and took it back. The retina display was not compatible with photoshop And made it look awful. This happened with some web pages as well. Is this going to happen with the high res screens available previous to the retina technology?
Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions.
One last thing. Am I better off waiting/ spending a few hundred more and looking at more recent units such as a 15" retina? I don't like that the ram can't be upgraded and that they can't be repaired by the user as easily but the lighter weight is certainly a nice feature.

I suppose what I'm asking is whether there are particular configurations that were better than others that I should look out for. you illustrated my point when you mentioned your friend's older but faster mbp. I believe sometimes there are configurations that seem to work better than others despite one being newer or having 'faster' or 'superior' hardware. I'm aware of the advantages of ssd's and had one in my last mbp along with maxed out ram.
Regarding the newer mbp 13 retina model my solution was to take it back. I simply was not happy paying more for a computer that was more expensive but didn't perform as well as my older model I had just sold. Also the size was not going to work.
Out of interest can anyone explain these anomolies in speed between newer and older models. Logic suggests that a newer model with faster processor and more ram should be faster but why is this not always the case?
Here's my predicament: 15" mpb with 2.4ghz i7 quad core and 16gb ram and ssd are running around $1400 used. This is more than I would expect to pay for a mid to late 2011 laptop but they seem to hold their value very well. There is a significant price jump between say a 2.2ghz model and a 2.4. Am I going to notice more performance on the 2.4 or is it not a big deal to save a few hundred bucks? Or do I just spend a few hundred more for a newer retina model? I just don't want to end up with a computer I cannot upgrade or work on myself and that is not a significant performance upgrade from my last model And doesn't even have a SuperDrive or additional HDD. I hope that makes sense.
So with all that said and considering that I use my laptop for photography and small amounts of video are there any particular models anyone would recommend Around the $1300 mark? Or other suggestions?

Can I buy a warranty for a used MBP bought from an individual ?

can I buy a warranty for a used MBP bought from an individual ?

You can determine its eligibility for AppleCare by entering the serial number on this page:
Apple - Support - Check Your Service and Support Coverage

Using MBP for Ethernet

Hello Apple Support Communities!
I have a Dell Dimension e520 that REQUIRES ethernet connection for Internet use. It does not have wireless WiFi capabilities. How can i use my MacBook Pro (Early 2011) to connect my desktop to the internet with a Ethernet cable? By simply connecting the cable from my MBP's ethernet port to the Dell's ethernet port, the Desktop shows "Unidentified Network, No Internet Access" Thank you!

Xerxes_Patel wrote:
By simply connecting the cable from my MBP's ethernet port to the Dell's ethernet port, the Desktop shows "Unidentified Network, No Internet Access" Thank you!
You can do this, but you cannot simply plug in the cable. You must also enable Internet Sharing in the Sharing system preference on the Mac. Also, you must share a different connection than the one that the Mac itself uses for Internet access, so if the Dell must use Ethernet, the Mac must use wifi. The Mac will take the wifi signal and share it with the Dell.
If you need more instructions, here are some from Apple:
OS X Mavericks: Share your Internet connection
If for some reason this doesn't work well, I agree with kevin_ that you should just get a USB wifi adapter for the Dell, or alternately a wifi bridge that plugs into the Dell's Ethernet port (the Dell will simply think it's Ethernet).

Using my MBP for DJing.

Good day,
I have a MBP C2D and I'm a part time DJ. Most of the time when I'm watching very high-profile DJs on television they're using their Macbook or Macbook Pro when they're DJing. What I would like to know is what are they using it for and how could I do it if I wanted to. I'm still doing it the old fashion way but if I could figure out how to use my MBP for DJing it would be wonderful.

Ableton Live 6 is good, but I find the user interface to be a bit cumbersome and not too exciting. I personally use Native Instruments Traktor 3 and love it! Combine that with the brand new Vestax VCI-100 Professional DJ MIDI Controller and it is absolutely amazing! Goodbye CDJ's or turntables and mixer...hello the next evolution of digital DJ'ing.
Find out more about the Vestax VCI-100 here: http://www.vestax.com/v/products/players/vci100.html
Find out more about Native Instruments Traktor 3 here: http://www.nativeinstruments.com/index.php?traktor3_us&flash=7
MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo Mac OS X (10.4.9) 2GB RAM, 120GB HD, 256MB Video RAM

[NX6200AX-TD128] Firmware: engineering release not for production use

Hi,
i just got my MSI NX6200AX-TD128 (602-V011-010) card
B0505000867
and it shows this bootup firmware info:
BIOS 5.44.A2.02.00 engineering release not for production use
Why is MSI selling these cards with a firmware like this?
Why there is no updated firmware for download?
(searched here: http://www.msi.com.tw/program/support/download/dld/spt_dld_detail.php?UID=679&kind=2 )
Where can i download a retail fw?
TIA
TIA

Quote from: fabianzd on 07-August-05, 20:58:50
This is a user to user forum and MSI does not read or participate in these forums.
You need to contact MSI directly to get answers about this BIOS...
I see... thank you.
Quote from: fabianzd on 07-August-05, 20:58:50
But... why overclock a 6200 video card??? I really doubt that you get a better performance in games or 3D app's with this video card.
Quote from: Richard on 07-August-05, 22:20:30
Trying to overclock a 6200 is like trying to Supe up a Yugo. What is the point, there is nothing you could do to it, to make it play today's games.
Take Care,
Richard
here are some articles about overclocking the 6200:
6200 (NV43):
http://www.digital-daily.com/video/peredelki/
A6200 (NV44A):
http://www.digital-daily.com/video/nv-gf6200agp-roundup/
too bad that i found these articles after i spent my money.
next time i'll do some research before buying and not after... :P
later.

How do i connect/configure MBA for presentation using wireless/bluetooth microphone

Hi,
am rather desperate.
i am using a Plantronics Voyager PRO+ which is connected to my MBA via bluetooth.
i tested using Skype and it works, sound from the speakers on MBA and input from my wireless microphone.
how do i configure my MBA so that i can speak into the bluetooth microphone and have the sound coming out from the speakers of my MBA or connected to my MBA? Is there a program that i need to run in the background or install?
i configured using Audio MIDI Setup for input from Plantronics and output via speakers on my MBA.
My presentation is due very soon and getting this to work is crucial.
thank you very much!

I've been going at this for days, and have probably exhausted all the proposed solutions on the first 3 pages of various google searches. I'm getting the feeling that Vista users are pretty much SOL for the time being.
For the record, I just tried out a few of the solutions (mRouter & SoftickPPP) on XP and they work perfectly.
Post relates to: Centro (Verizon)
Message Edited by Cogwheel on 02-13-2009 09:45 AM

MBP for intensive photoshop use.

Hi,
I am considering a MBP for all my photoshop work. Currently using Photoshop CS6
From 2007-2010 I had my old MBP (late 2006 model). Then in 2011 I was using the 2011 iMac, 2.5ghz, 4gb ram. I sold the iMac as I felt more comfortble with the laptop in terms of working anywhere and anytime. Also for some reason I just strangly enough found the iMac a bit sluggish compared to the smooth performance I had with my old MBP. I mean the iMac is fast, way faster than my old MBP, but sometimes the mouse is just stuck there and i feel annoyed that I can get moving on as i am waiting for 'something' thats really not there... However I do think that it may have been due to the wireless bluetooth mouse that I was using... but not sure.
I run psd files that have a large number of layers and can reach a size of 3-4gb per file while processing and when saved and closed upto 2gb. I rarely use filters, but when i do, its mainly the blur filters and then sometimes the others.
15"
I am considering the 15" MBP base model but bump up the RAM to 8gb... I wish it were more than 8 though...
and getting a SSD drive of 128gb... too expensive other wise and this is enough for my work files as I have 2 additional backups on external HDs.
and VRam of 512gb
with an anti glare display... as the glossy is just putting me off.
13"
I like the size & portability of the 13", but the lack of a dedicated VRAM is putting me off. I could always get an external display later if the need be, however what about VRAM... its shared right?
So any suggestions regarding my choice of specs. I would like to really bump up the RAM but the only option i have is 8gb. I do not want to buy the retina as I am freaked out about what if i have problems with it after warranty and I know that repair on a retina is a nightmare... so prefer a normal MBP if its going to be a better option that way. Also I hope to use this system for another 3-4 years alteast if it does not have any other issues.

For any sort of high end graphics use, the 13" are out in the non-Retinas. Not only do you have the issue of the VRAM, the 13" only have the integrated Intel GPU, no discrete NVIDIA GPU. As for the RAM, all these non-Retinas can take up to 16GB (2x8GB SODIMM sticks) with NO issues provided you use the right kind, 1600MHz in the 2012 models. And yes, the antiglare option is mandatory for a graphics pro, and you get the bonus of the 1680x1050 widescreen to boot (i.e., you get half a Retina without its closed-system shortcomings and price). Not to mention all the ports + the optical drive.
Do NOT buy RAM or storage from Apple. Third party options will cost about 1/2 to 1/4 for them, and replacement will not void your warranty. Do try to buy the biggest/meanest CPU you can afford, since that can't be upgraded,

Please help me with my electrical engineering homework : temperature control and watering system for greenhouse using labview and arduino

temperature control and watering system for greenhouse using labview and arduino
spesification :
1. max temp : 28 celcius (when temperature is more than 28 celcius, fan ON)
2. min temp : 20 celcius (when temperature is under 20 celcius, heater ON)
3. watering system : aquaponic (grow plant and fish in separate tank but connect each other). Plant roots help filter water for fish. Fish poop for plants fertilizer. So I need a pump to distribute water.
Please help me create VI file simulation.. I'm sorry I'm not fluent in English. May God bless you all
Attachments:
YOOOSHH.vi ‏88 KB

Duplicate thread. Please keep the discussion in that thread where you already have a response. It is also the more appropriate thread for your question.
Lynn

MBA vs MBP for engineering use

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