Should I get the 2 GHz or 2.2 GHz 15 MacBook Pro?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to purchase a 2 GHz or a 2.2 GHz 15" MacBook Pro for college, particularly in the context of running engineering applications like AutoCAD. Participants explore the implications of processor speed, RAM, and SSD size on performance and usability.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether the 2.2 GHz processor is necessary for running engineering programs, suggesting that the difference in processor speed may not be noticeable.
  • Another participant notes that while more RAM can be beneficial, the difference between 6 GB and 8 GB may not be significant, though upgrading from 4 GB to 8 GB could matter in some cases.
  • There is a suggestion that the graphics card is the most critical factor for performance when working with large 3D models.
  • A participant discusses the advantages of SSDs over traditional hard drives, emphasizing their speed and robustness due to the lack of moving parts, while also mentioning the importance of managing data storage effectively.
  • Concerns are raised about the size of the SSD and whether it is sufficient for the user's needs, with a suggestion that backups and selective data storage are important considerations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of the 2.2 GHz processor, with differing opinions on the importance of processor speed versus RAM and SSD size. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal configuration for the user's needs.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the performance requirements of engineering applications and the adequacy of different hardware configurations, highlighting the subjective nature of their recommendations.

Goopy17
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Should I get the 2 GHz or 2.2 GHz 15" MacBook Pro?

I'm going to get a 15 inch MacBook Pro for College this fall. I don't know if I should get the 2 ghz or 2.2 ghz because of the graphics. I have to money for either one, but if I don't need the 2.2 ghz, then I don't want to buy it. I will be running programs such as AutoCad (maybe I need the better graphics card for this) and other engineering programs. Should I get the 2.2 GHz since I will be running these programs? If I didn't get the 2.2 ghz, I would probably upgrade the ram to 8gb and maybe get a SSD. I know for sure I would get 8gb of ram. I'm not sure if I would get the SSD because it isn't that big of a drive (compared to 500 or 750 gb).
Thanks!
 
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I don't thin difference between those two processor speed will be noticable with engineering application. That SSD size is way more than you need for any engineering application, more RAM can never hurt but if its the difference between say 6 and 8 it won't matter, 4 to 8 may matter in some rare instances. Better graphics card is about the only place you would see a difference if you are doing big 3D models.
 


I did not look up the spec and you did not mention the size of the SSD; but I presume that SSD drives have come down in price and it is probably a decent size...more than enough for the amount of data you should care to carry at anyone time...you shouldn't have EVERYTHING with you at all times, you should do back ups and leave some stuff at home...stuff that does not change anymore and stuff that you do not need on a daily basis...

For large size drives, SSD has the same access speed for all the data, whereas harddisks have to think about it and go back and forth looking for data written some time back as supposed to data written not long ago...

Also, I feel that for portable devices, an SSD has the added robustness of no-moving parts...hard disks (talk about bumpity bump) feel the bump and eventually may simply fail.

my 2 cents
 

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