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    Does OS X run smoothly like in Guided Tour video?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by mk.2, Apr 5, 2008.

  1. mk.2

    mk.2 Notebook Geek

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    Video: OS X Guided Tour

    I've never used Mac before, but with my experience with Windows, that kind of smooth OS operation is seem unreal.

    In video, the guy was using iMac. I wonder whether I can get that kind of performance from Macbook or Macbook Pro?
     
  2. blurb23

    blurb23 Notebook Consultant

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    As long as you've got sufficient RAM, OSX runs very smooth.

    Granted, that video is probably "pampered" a bit like the SteveNotes (everything's cached, TONS of RAM, etc), but all in all, it's smooth.

    Macbooks and MBPs will both offer the same level of performance. MBPs, MB, and iMacs all use the same components, except the iMac has a desktop HDD. However, one difference now is that since the MB and MBP were recently updated, they use Penryn processors as opposed to the older Merom ones currently in the iMac. Which is one of the main reasons everyone thinks there's an impending iMac update.
     
  3. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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    I rather would think so. But you should just use Ubuntu, man. It so outstrips anything MS or Apple can churn out. :yes:
     
  4. Raymond Luxury-Yacht

    Raymond Luxury-Yacht Notebook Consultant

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    Well, on a MacBook (2.16, 2GB), Leopard is pretty snappy, though not exactly as 'instantaneous' as on the video. But still, for virtually all 'daily' tasks, you do get perfectly smooth, snappy performance. A 500-page pdf, of a 4-hour mp4 video won't take more than 2 seconds to open.
     
  5. mk.2

    mk.2 Notebook Geek

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    I'm looking to buy a laptop and Macbook/Pro is a good deal with student discount. However, I'm afraid that I may have high expectation of Mac and OS X.

    How much different between Macbook and Macbook Pro in term of OS Operation? Would those icon/windows animation move slower or more sluggish in Macbook?
     
  6. wobble987

    wobble987 Notebook Virtuoso

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    my 17" MBP runs as smoothly as that on the video :) there is a tiny bit of stuttering when minimizing/maximizing sometimes, but its still smooth and does not impact productivity/performance, just the eye candy.
     
  7. hollownail

    hollownail Individual 11

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    Yeah, its pretty smooth.

    Occasionally you will get the beach ball of doom, but it generally means your running low on ram, or there is a problem with the program.
     
  8. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    My Macbook runs very smoothly. Remember that most operations are CPU and RAM intensive, and the Macbook is pretty much equal to the MBP in those respects.
     
  9. mk.2

    mk.2 Notebook Geek

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    That's what I thought also, but I heard that unlike Windows, OSX uses Graphic Chip to render OS animation. So, I think, with Macbook Pro maybe it works better.

    It there is not much differences, I think I would go with Macbook.
     
  10. mk.2

    mk.2 Notebook Geek

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    Oh, just another quick question;

    Do you think it would have perceptible differences in performance, if I choose 7200rpm hard drive over 5400rpm? Does it worth the money?
     
  11. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    It is true that the desktop is drawn on hardware in OS X, but remember that the desktop is 2D, and is therefore not 3D intensive. So, even a GMA950 can handle the animation featured on the OS X desktop without any issues.

    You will see a noticeable performance increase should you opt for a 7200rpm HD. However, if you are planning on purchasing a Macbook instead of a MBP, try browsing around to see if you can find a better 7200rpm HD at a cheaper price than Apple, since it is very easy to upgrade the RAM and HD in a Macbook.
     
  12. mk.2

    mk.2 Notebook Geek

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    I'm currently watching how to install HDD and Ram on youtube.
    They look really easy.

    Originally I intended to get MBP 15" but MB is $1000 cheaper, so I'm still deciding...

    There is no official Apple store in my town but a few computer shop have macs. I might go and try using MB tomorrow.

    Thanks all of you for your opinions :)

    MK.2
     
  13. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well, for me, using OS X Tiger, Safari takes maybe a second bounce to appear, but yeah, it really is that smooth :).
     
  14. 00fez

    00fez Notebook Deity

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    I can't believe you are still using tiger sam... it's like an itch that I can't make go away, I have to scratch it! I almost (almost ;)) feel compelled to buy you a copy of leopard.
     
  15. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    LOL, Fez :p. What, I don't have the sort of cash to spend $130 on Mac OS X Leopard :p. Not that I don't want it, I just can't get it :D.
     
  16. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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  17. asmallchild

    asmallchild Notebook Consultant

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    I have a bottom of the line MBP. 5400rpm HDD and just 2GB RAM

    The thing is still more than snappy enough. (It should be noted that I'm not running anything high intensity though)

    All in all, I'd go for it. Apple sure makes some very nice machines (esp the new MBP I'm currently toting :p)