Mac Quad and Dual core difference.

Hi,

I am planning to but a new MacBook pro. There are two options one is Quad Core and one is Dual Core. Can any one suggest me with 8 GB RAM if I will go with Dual Core is it fine for programming, having database and web server, eclipse running at same time?

Any new MacBook Pro will be plenty powerful. Perhaps you could be more explicit about the processors?

Basically I wanna go for Intel Core i5 Mac Pro 13-inch: 2.4 GHz because its cheaper than 15 inch. But they do not have quad core in 13 inch. So that is the reason I am looking for the advice if there is any big difference and so that I can make my mind to spend more money in that. In 15 inch its Intel core i7 but I will have to add 700$

The 2.4G dual-core i5 will be plenty powerful. Maxing out the memory is usually more important than the processor. Buy the extra memory after-the-fact from someplace like crucial.com and you can save a lot of money.

Thanks for the advice. Yes I will add more memory so it will be around 8 GB. Still a lot of my friends are saying 13 inch is too small for programming but I will think about it more. Thanks again.

I think 13" could be a little cramped, but not impossible. But if it's the difference between being able to afford it or not, 13" is better than 0 inches.

Remember, you also have the option to hook up a spare monitor to it.

Yea I have that in mind. I have recently started using Apple at work and I am loving it. Though for a PC guy like me its almost double price to buy a Mac than any PC with best configuration. But I heard that once you go mac you never go back so I hope it will be worth to spend money than buying another PC.

They are nice machines, and you can also run Windows or Linux on them either in virtual machines or as separate boots. Very versatile.

I originally had the 13" and moved up to the 15" because of programming real estate. I believe there is still an i5 for the 15". I also got 8GB and really glad I did. I run servers, postgres, a few IDEs at the same time and it is still fast.

Mark

Thanks Mark. I spoke to apple guys. They don't have i5 in 15 inch with dual core. They have i7 and quad core but its kind of expensive. so according to your experience 15 inch is better for programming?

More real estate on the screen is always better. The question is how much you want to spend. Me, I have the 17" because I wanted the extra space but I had to pay for it.

Balance your budget with your needs.

Bear Bibeault wrote:More real estate on the screen is always better. The question is how much you want to spend. Me, I have the 17" because I wanted the extra space but I had to pay for it.

I use a 21" Viewsonic monitor with my 15" MBP. I love lots of screen.

I went with the 15" because its easier to carry, smaller, lighter, etc than the 17". Plus its a bit cheaper.