My desktop vs a Macbook?

I'm wondering how my desktop would compare against a new Macbook that I'm thinking of getting.

My current computer is a 2.4GHz Core 2 Quad, 3GB RAM @ 667MHz, and a 8500 GT with 512 DDR2 RAM.

I'm thinking of getting the 2.4 GHz Macbook with 4GB of RAM. How will these two systems compare, and since most likely the desktop is more powerful, what % performance do you think the Macbook would compare against the desktop? I'm curious as to how the 8500GT would do against the 9400, as I know that the 8500GT is not a very good card, but it is dedicated after all, as opposed to the integrated 9400.

 

The only thing a new macbook would have over you is memory. the graphics might be a bit worse, maybe just as good.

 

The CPU won't make a noticeable difference in day-to-day computing but you'll feel it when say converting a video. I have a 2.4 GHz Q6600 as well on my desktop, and a 2.0 GHz MacBook, and day-to-day its not really that different but stuff like Photoshop and video editing the quad core is much more comfortable at working.

I'd say the 8500GT is better, as it is a dedicated desktop card. The MacBook will have faster and more RAM though!

 

Will the faster RAM compensate for the lower graphics and slower processor?

I'm mainly going to use the laptop for light work, surfing, and maybe sometimes image and graphic design.

Also, quick unrelated question - does the Macbook have an ambient light sensor?

 

The backlit keyboard one does, the non-backlit one doesn't. Its not a huge deal, I think a lot of the MBP owners turn it off anyway.

No, the faster RAM won't compensate for it, when the graphics and processing power is needed. But the processor in the MacBooks are already quite good, yeah. Its just when you're comparing video converting on the MacBook and desktop, then the quad core is faster for sure.

 

I own the base macbook without the backlit keyboard and it does have a light sensor.

 

Oh, it does? I didn't know the new ones did. I assumed it was only the ones with the backlit keyboard that did.

 

Hardware-wise, the most noticeable difference (in general use) will be the hard drive speed, which is generally quite a bit slower for laptop hard drives.

 

Oh, my current one is 7200 RPM like typical desktop HDDs. I may go the route of SSDs once prices drop a bit and considerable sizes are added (like 256 or 512.. I wish ;D)