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    Apple Notebook Benchmarks - Anything Exist To Compare Across Generations?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by gizmo22, Mar 29, 2012.

  1. gizmo22

    gizmo22 Notebook Consultant

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    I am typing this from a 2009 C2D 17" Macbook Pro with the 9400/9600 combination. I was using it with an SSD and getting by just fine, but recently put a Caviar Blue back in it.

    I am strongly considering parting with this on Craigslist before the next MBP revision, and then debating between a MBA or MBP in the 13" range. I love having 1920x1200, but need something with better battery life, a smaller footprint, and a heck of a lot lighter as this thing goes everywhere with me.

    Is there any way to numerically see what I would be gaining/losing from looking at different models? I know it is speculation at this point what the next generation will hold, but I think I would be getting a considerable performance boost even going to the current Sandy Bridge MBA i5 or i7, or even a 13" MBP from the current lineup.

    Any opinions?

    Thanks!
     
    gizmo22, Mar 29, 2012
    #1
  2. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Pound for pound, the 1440x900 screen on the MBA 13 will give you a very similar computing experience as 1920x1200 on the MBP 17. The MBP 13, while it will be faster on account of its full-voltage CPU, is limited to 1280x800 resolution.

    It all depends on what you do with your notebook right now. The nice thing about the MBP is that you can upgrade the hard drive and RAM yourself, whereas with the MBA you're limited to what Apple offers. At the same time, if battery life, portability, and screen resolution are higher priorities, you'd be better off with the Air.
     
    saturnotaku, Mar 30, 2012
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  3. kornchild2002

    kornchild2002 Notebook Deity

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    You can upgrade the SSD in the MBA without voiding the warranty but it is expensive.
     
    kornchild2002, Mar 30, 2012
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  4. gizmo22

    gizmo22 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm curious more as to cross generation comparisons...compared to my current 17" Macbook Pro from 2009, will I be losing, gaining, or breaking even on performance compared against a current MBA or 13" MBP.

    Screen resolution is fairly important, and the largest factor in wanting to wait until the next generation units are released.
     
    gizmo22, Mar 30, 2012
    #4
  5. S.SubZero

    S.SubZero Notebook Deity

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    Yes.

    Mac Benchmarks
     
    S.SubZero, Mar 31, 2012
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  6. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    Processing performance significantly up, graphics performance significantly down.
     
    masterchef341, Mar 31, 2012
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  7. gizmo22

    gizmo22 Notebook Consultant

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    Yuck, and no kidding. I realize my baby's pushing 4 years old, but it's being beat by a 3 month younger Macbook!
     
    gizmo22, Mar 31, 2012
    #7