I have a 15" i5 MBP and I've noticed that on these new machines OSX SL still defaults on 32-bit kernel (I think for third-party drivers compatibility issues)... My question is are there any benchmarks that shows if there are some performance gains forcing SL to boot with a 64-bit kernel? Which of the two kernels do you use?
View 7 RepliesThere's a lot of people wondering if the 13" MBPs would have been a lot better with a Core i3 processor, but everything has been just hangups over perceived old vs. new technology, and really the only thing the Core i3 adds is Hyper-Threading, but it doesn't have Turbo Boost, which helps the Core i5/i7s tremendously. Let's compare using Geekbench since it is cross-platform and one of the few available sources of info...
Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz (~3362)
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vs.
Core i3 330m 2.13GHz (~3472)
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Core 2 Duo P8800 2.66GHz (~3700)
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vs.
Core i3 350m 2.26GHz (~3680)
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As you can see in both cases, the difference is pretty minimal indeed, and in single threaded applications, the C2D will easily outdo the Core i3 which lacks Turbo Boost and runs at lower clock rates.
And you get a 320M instead of Intel HD graphics with the new 13".
The Geekbench results from the old 15/17" to the new 15/17" are quite an order of magnitude better.
So unless people are expecting Core i5 processors in the 13", sticking to the C2D was actually a good decision, and given the differences between 2.4 and 2.53 isn't so large, one is far better buying the base 13" and then putting the money saved towards a good 7.2k HDD or SSD.
Note - I took averages of the 32-bit numbers and added them.
Note 2 - The C2D Pxxxx are 25W TDP processors, which are more efficient than the Core i3 which are 35W TDP processors. Less heat, better battery life from C2Ds.
Diglloyd tested Snow Leopard in both 32 bit and 64 bit kernel modes and noticed that the 64 bit kernel was faster in many photo applications such as lightroom, aperture, photoshop and nikon capture. Anyone else notice any speed differences between 32 and 64 bit kernel modes?
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Many users on the forums have stated their is no difference between the two modes. If Diglloyd is correct then there is a noticeable difference.
So, with Snow Leopard, there is a 32-bit kernel, and a 64-bit kernel. Correct?
As I understand it, it will boot into the 32-bit kernel by default, but if your hardware is supported, you can select the 64-bit kernel.
My question is - where is the list of supported hardware, and how do you select the 64-bit kernel?
My confusion comes from several posts and various articles which all say the first-gen aluminium iMac has a 32-bit EFI, and therefore can only boot into the 32-bit kernel. But I've just downloaded an app called Startup Mode Selector, which shows you your system config, and it says I have a 64-bit EFI.
I'm looking for a new monitor to go with my MBP, and I'm stuck trying to choose between the ones listed above.
The 2407WFP is a couple of years old now I guess, but it's the rev A04 version, which supposedly fixed the (few) problems with what was otherwise meant to be a great screen. It's an sPVA screen.
I've heard good reviews of the G2410, with its LED backlighting. It's still a TN panel and I hear so much bad stuff about them.
The 2209WA is an eIPS panel which I like the sound of, but it's smaller and lower resolution.
The F2380 is a cPVA panel, the image quality looks better but I've heard bad things about blacks on this panel.
My 1.5GHz G4 Powerbook can't play HD video without horrendous stalling and stuttering.
If I buy a new MBP, will that no longer happen? And is this a reason to get one of the faster-processing models?
I was hoping to get an answer to this question. I'm hoping 1.6.
can a recent buyer chime in?
So I was informed by my uncle that he's retiring his first generation Core Duo 2.16GHz 17" MBP and was asking if I wanted it or not. He babied the system so it's nearly like new. Never took it outside, not even sure about the battery but that's not really a concern.
I want some owners of that laptop for some input to see how "useful" it is these days or should I refuse the offer?
If I were to take the system, it would most likely become by primary machine, basically what I use my MBA for right now. I understand the ram would be limited at 2GB, which is perfectly fine with me. The real advantage would be the hard drive, I can technically store a 1TB 5400RPM drive in there (which I would love to have... my 128GB is pretty limiting these days and carrying a 500GB external around everywhere is bit tiring too).
I look around for specs and so far I see that the 2.16GHz Core Duo and the current 2.13GHz Core 2 Duo in my MBA is more or less the same performance wise.
I guess what I'm really asking is, how well will this system put up for the next year or two. Pretty much, this will replace my MBA as a mobile workhouse. I originally planned on keeping this MBA for another 2 years (8 months right now) then replace to something new. But I'm becoming a bit limited on the disk space here and this seems like an upgrade to me.
i just got a 15" i7 w/ 4gb of ram, and since i might want to upgrade to 8, i went to the apple website and i see that they only offer 8gb available for sale? does this mean I will have to get 4GB somewhere else, or the new MBPs only offer 2 configurations (2x2GB or 2x4GB) and not 2 (2x2GB)s . I might sound confusing
View 6 Replies View RelatedI've been hearing about this for a while now and Ive read that MBPs should have quad core by February.
I've also read that this isn't going to happen for a little longer. What's everyone's thoughts on this?
I own a PC and would like to switch over (finally) but am concerned about the $400+ premium. My thought is wait until the new quad-core MBPs come out and just get a standard duo-core (hopefully MAC will drop the price a few hundred).
However, I don't want to wait much longer than 2 months. Thoughts? Suggestions?
Trying to use Expose but I have no idea where F8 is supposed to be, and hitting Function + 8 doesn't do anything. This is my first Mac since my Tiger OS first gen Macbook, and I'm slightly confused here.
View 4 Replies View RelatedI read some articles that stated the new 3x3 AEBS and TC were only capable of 300 Mbps, those reporta are wrong, I bought a new AEBS and have that setup as my new router and I have a new TC setup to extend my Wireless N network they are showing in the Airport Utility speeds between 400 and 450 Mbps look at the first device in the list.
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After waiting sometime for the refresh, I plunged to buying a 17" MBP. Now I'd assumed all along the way to sync data was well planned out, since many have a Mac and a MBP (in my case it's two MBPs). But after much Googling I'm left disappointed. I want my two MBPs in sync. If I drag and drop a file on one, I want that reflected on the other automatically and vice versa. Both will be on same LAN most of the time. Essentially one is left connected to a 24 inch LCD with wireless k/board and the other is left in living room and I expect to be able to interact with either and the changes will show up on the other (and vice versa). To handle iCal and AddressBook I went for MobileMe (and found it disappointing yet again, failing to work and costing relatively a lot). But the real problem is files. As the machines will not each change files whilst be on a different LAN I don't see why an Internet based sync is necessary, but I'm not entirely opposed. The more I look into syncing two Macs the more I'm surprised at the lack of robust solutions. I'm hoping I'm wrong and someone can tell me how easy it is. I imagined I'd use Chronosync but when I look at apps I use and what they say, (e.g. 1password, OmniFocus, DevonThink, Curio), they seem to recommend using the likes of DropBox. But DropBox is not a great sync tool and I only see it as good for limited number of files, besides I've got Gigs of stuff to keep in sync so it seems mad to be going via the cloud. (I looked into iTunes and ended up deciding on a network drive for it as my iPod will have what I want to listen to on the go.)
View 3 Replies View RelatedI just recently bought a NETGEAR WNR3500L 300Mbps + gigabit ethernet port. I keep hearing that my airport card should handle 300 Mbps just fine. But when I enable it on my netgear router settings my going to "Uo To 300Mbps" from default "Up to 150Mbps" I get horrible bandwidth...like 8Mbps. If i choose 150Mbps, everything opens up. I am going to figure out why 300Mbps mode isn't working.
View 14 Replies View RelatedI have a 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro (santa rosa) that I purchased in october of 2007 and I'm curious if the new Unibody MacBooks run noticeably cooler than this computer.
Any previous-gen MBP owners have Unibody MacBooks now and could offer some insight?
I just bought a Seagate FreeAgent XTreme 1TB.
After I went home, I checked online and found all these horrid stories about how this HDD crashed after just a month, or two months, or even 2 weeks (there are like 10+ stories about this problem).
What bugs me more is that on the box it is actually written "Designed for Windows Vista" (which I didn't read before buying, a lesson I learned for future reference) so I'm afraid that it won't work that well on Mac OS X.
I did find out that it works on Mac and I only need to format the drive, but I think, logically, if it works as well for Macs, why did they have to put a label that indicates it was designed for Windows?
I want to know this product IS that bad.
I haven't opened the seal or the plastic at all, just in case everyone says it is that bad and I should to return it to the shop.
I'm using a 15" MBP (not the NEW MBP), Mac OS X v10.5.7
I for one had a swollen battery that looked like it was going to explode. Of course, it was no longer under Apple warranty.
I'm wondering what will happen if one of these new integrated batteries decide to swell up and there's no place for them to swell to???
I'm pretty satisfied with the Marware cover, although it can be a little frustrating when typing quickly..I'm wondering if I should go back, return the Marware cover and pick up the iSkin.
So, for those of you that have any of these in comparing..which do you think is the best?
And yes, I did search and am aware threads like this exist..but I couldn't find any comparing all three, only iSkin vs. Moshi.
I'm trying to decide which product to buy and I was hoping for some advice.
First and foremost I want a device so that I may transfer my VHS tapes to DVD.
Live TV recording is secondary but for the price, I'd like to find the device that suits me best so I can continue to use it after i've transferred all my VHS.
Here are my concerns:
1) I'm going to be moving from the US to Ireland in a couple of months (not sure for how long, could be years+) Obviously there's the whole NTSC vs. PAL, ATSC vs. DVB.
I know with EyeTV 250 it's either or, any ideas if buying some sort of converter is an option (prices, quality)? If I bought just a PAL one, would I still be able to convert VHS or would it be completely unusable in the US?
2) I'd like some sort of HD/Digital abilities. From what I can tell TVMax is analog only and Blackmagic may also be but I can't find more specs on that.
Does this mean they'll be useless once the US undergoes the conversion?
So as of now I'm leaning towards EyeTV 250 but the question are there any forseeable problems with using a PAL to NTSC converter or using a PAL EyeTV in the US just to convert VHS.
Yes you read that right. Your brand spanking new MBP will use a 32-bit kernel as default.
You can force 64-bit kernel but some of your hardware will not be working.
So all that marketing crap about the benefits of 64-bit etc are all B.S.
I don't want a million threads about how this will not effect the running of 64 bit apps, etc. because it will. Your 64-bit app will run but it will not be able to address more than 4Gb of RAM.
There are also many more advantages to having a 64-bit kernel.
So I have a 1.8ghz dual G5 with 3gb of ram for work. I mainly work in Adobe CS and do a far amount of Photoshop work. At any given time I may have all of Adobe CS plus Office and a few other apps running -- and a gazillion fonts. Went to the store and saw the new 24" iMac. How would a new iMac compare to my late '04 1.8DP G5? On that same note, how would a new MacBook Pro compare to the above?
View 5 Replies View RelatedI am planning on purchasing a new display for use (currently) with my imac. I am completely torn between these two models, and cannot make a decision. Any thoughts? I like the Dell because it is LED backlit, thus good blacks and little to no backlight bleed. But I like the Samsung because of the (supposedly better panel and (supposedly) better color reproduction. I like the simplistic look of both of them (though they could look a little better ) so I'm not sure which one to buy.
View 5 Replies View RelatedHas anybody tried the Moshi Cleargaurd on the new MBPs? Does it affect typing? Would the cover create any friction when typing? How about ventilation?
I would really apreciate it if someone could show me some pictures of actual usage, not just the photo on the Moshi website.
This is a fairly important question as I have read around these forums that the keys on the new MBPs get worn out really quickly, in the sense that the shine that appears on the black keys are really evident.
Can I get a quick survey of people who installed Intel X-25M and Firmware 1.7 on 2009 MBPs? Please mention if you had any problems or no problems at all.
View 10 Replies View RelatedI ran some tests on my 2009 Quad Nehalem to try and determine what was up with the triple Vs dual memory "brouhaha".
I posted the results as a new thread because I think it will be useful information for a lot of quad owners, but it was originally going to be a reply to this thread: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=735845
Here we go. Tesselator suggested 3 tests that could show the differences in speed between triple and dual channel bandwidth.
Quote:
As one idea I would maybe try creating a few very large images (16-bit, blank white, blank black, gradient fill) and then duplicating and deleting that layer repeatedly a few hundred times.
So I did them, 10 times each. I could have gone on, but the results were very very stable after the first 2 attempts.
Set-up: a 40Mpx, 16bit image (8000*5000). First test it was simply filled white; second test: black; and third test a black to white gradient. I added a fourth test, using a real (photo) 12Mpx RAW image from my Nikon D300.
I created (took a while!) an action with 350 repetitions of "duplicate layer" and "delete layer", followed by a red fill to let me know the action was done. The same action was used in all four tests.
The computer was restarted before each of the four tests, which may explain the irregularities on the first 1-2 attempts. Nothing else but PS4 was launched.
The results are interesting:
We can clearly see that the simple white and black fills show a speed difference of around 10%.
We can also clearly see that this difference disappears when a more complex image is used. The use of more complex images represents a much more realistical use of PS.
To make things even more realistic, I also tested RetouchActions's speed test on my own 12Mpx image. I use nearly all of the operations of that action on a daily basis, so it's a lot more representative of the work I do on PS.
Here are the results:
The results are clear: 11% increase in performance using 8GB of ram (Vs 6GB) when working on a 12Mpx image.
Added info: number of page-outs after running the 10 test series (after about 45 minutes of intense PS work):
-17K when using 6GB (1.7K page-out avg).
-10K when using 8GB (1K page-out avg).
For me the results are definitive: unless I plan on working only with full black or full white images (not even black and white!), having 8GB is better, even when working on smallish 12Mpx files. I imagine the differences would have been even greater using bigger file sizes of actual complex images.
What would now be interesting: someone with a 2009MP Octo doing the same tests at 12GB and 16GB.
Recently, an unknown number of first-revision Santa Rosa MacBook Pros began exhibiting issues with their onboard video cards. After a reboot, or on wake from sleep, the machine refuses to acknowledge the presence of a display, either internal or external. From that point on, the computer never regains its displays - not after a reboot, etc. Subsequent debugging indicates that the machine is misidentifying its NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT card as the MacBook�s Intel X3100 card. This issue is known to affect at least 50 people - a group of affected users has formed a Google Spreadsheet in order to document and organize cases.
View 4 Replies View RelatedI have a 2010 i7 MacBook Pro. I came across GeForce Mac OS X Driver Release 19.5.8 and CUDA 3.0 from the website: http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html(under Mac OS X 10.6.4 Update->What we know about 10.6.4 so far...)Is it advisable to install these drivers on the new 2010 MBP? I assume that whatever included in the official Mac OS/X update have been tested. If we download and install drivers from parts manufactures such as Nvidia, we risk possible untested, compatibility problems.
View 1 Replies View RelatedTwo short questions on which I really need an answer. This academic year, I'll be writing a lot of papers, but most specifically, I am forced to use SPSS (statistical software package for social sciences).
Will I really need the 2.93 over the 2.66 and notice the improvement?
Same goes for the gfx. I like full-hd 1080, I'll be in InDesign, and use Logic Pro. Will I need "slash" notice the 4850 over the gt130?
Also, are the "hang-ups" with the 4850 truly fixed and does it indeed run a lot hotter (inc. really that more noise) than the gt130?
I like eMacs but the G5 looks sooo nice. I know I probably won't be able to use any for very long but whatever. What is the best?
View 24 Replies View RelatedI've heard Office:Mac isn't that great, and doesn't make up for what iWork 09 is missing. So I'm wondering what people think about it and why does it get such a bland reputation? Also, do people use a combination of the above? Such as iWork and Office:Windows? Both Offices? I do mainly word processing, some soft Excel work (no hardcore giant spreadsheets...yet), and general PowerPoints for presentations. I have access to cheap iWork/Offices (school discount) and a family pack of the top-level edition of Office:PC (family) so it isn't a big deal to get any of the above.
Lastly, what's the difference between Camino and Firefox? I use Firefox currently and love it, mainly due to the add-ons (weather at the bottom, Gmail alert, skins, page views, other customizations). Tabs seem to be on all browsers these days, so are there any other key differences?
