15" 2011 Macbook Pro

Hi Guys

I want to purchase the 2011 15" Macbook Pro 2.0Ghz version but I am worried about the lack of video memory (it only comes with 256mb) especially since I want to drive an external 1080 display as well as the internal display. Does anyone know if this will/won't be a problem or have some experience to share?

 

My X220i with the Intel GPU can do 2560x1600 via the displayport. I think you'll be OK.

 

You will be fine. Even my 13" 2011 MBP is just fine when driving my 1080p HDTV and its internal display both at the same time. I have a higher resolution external display at work and my MBP is fine with that as well and it used only the Intel HD 3000 IGP, it doesn't have a dedicated option. In this day and age, the actual GPU is more important than how much RAM it comes with. That has actually been true for a while now. It also doesn't help that many manufacturers will put a ungodly amount of RAM with a certain graphics option that won't benefit from it. Not to single anyone out but I remember HP did that a while back with the ATI 9600. They had a configuration option offering a 9600 with 512MB of dedicated RAM. That card could not use all of that but HP offered it (they aren't the only company doing that).

Driving external and internal displays is something that isn't resource intensive anymore. Even the older Intel 4500HD/4500MHD could handle that without issues while playing back 1080p videos.

 

Thanks alot guys, I think I'm gonna get it. Would you say the 2.2Ghz version is worth the extra $400?

 

Unless you've got a need to push the CPU frequently, I would say it's not worth it. Even if you do, it's marginal at best.