Ironworks Gaming Forum - View Single Post - What is the difference in Apple books and PC laptop

Bungleau · 09-09-2004, 08:49 AM

Okay, let's see if I have a thought or two...

First consideration is usage. The Pentium 4 would probably be on a desktop, and the Pentium M on a laptop (M=Mobile). So... which one are you going to be using? The Apple... I don't know much, but I suppose it would go either way. The difference in speeds are pretty tremendous, though.

For the applications you mentioned, processor speed is a minor issue. For word processing, memory will be more important, and for the other two, network bandwidth. Unless you're playing heavy games over the web... then your processor speed would come into play.

For games... more is better. Most likely the P4 2.8 will be best.

As for heat... that's an issue with laptops more than desktops. And there's not much you can do about it in a laptop

The higher the processor speed, the more heat it will generate. Most laptops today are built to handle that, and will be supported by their manufacturers in case of problems. Now, if you're playing on your lap... yeah, that can get toasty, but that's a laptop issue.

Portability and battery life are again primarily issues of the laptop itself. The more you do, the less battery life. And portability... as long as you can carry it, it's portable. I used to use a luggable laptop years ago... portable because it had a handle, luggable because it weighed close to 20 pounds [img]smile.gif[/img] Today's machines are much smaller, so pick one based on how you'll use it. Mine is the right size for flying in an airplane, since I travel. It's small enough that if the person in front of me suddenly leands back, I won't lose my laptop screen.

Finally, more things are going to be compatible with PCs 'cause they're developed for Windows first. There are some Windows emulators for Macs that you can get which create a virtual Windows machine inside the Mac. MY boss uses it, and it's pretty cool.

Don't know if that helps much, but I believe you've got to look at the whole machine, not just one component. Memory on the graphics card, for example, affects performance a lot more than main memory.

09-09-2004, 08:49 AM	#4
Bungleau 40th Level Warrior Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: Western Wilds of Michigan Posts: 11,752	Okay, let's see if I have a thought or two... First consideration is usage. The Pentium 4 would probably be on a desktop, and the Pentium M on a laptop (M=Mobile). So... which one are you going to be using? The Apple... I don't know much, but I suppose it would go either way. The difference in speeds are pretty tremendous, though. For the applications you mentioned, processor speed is a minor issue. For word processing, memory will be more important, and for the other two, network bandwidth. Unless you're playing heavy games over the web... then your processor speed would come into play. For games... more is better. Most likely the P4 2.8 will be best. As for heat... that's an issue with laptops more than desktops. And there's not much you can do about it in a laptop The higher the processor speed, the more heat it will generate. Most laptops today are built to handle that, and will be supported by their manufacturers in case of problems. Now, if you're playing on your lap... yeah, that can get toasty, but that's a laptop issue. Portability and battery life are again primarily issues of the laptop itself. The more you do, the less battery life. And portability... as long as you can carry it, it's portable. I used to use a luggable laptop years ago... portable because it had a handle, luggable because it weighed close to 20 pounds [img]smile.gif[/img] Today's machines are much smaller, so pick one based on how you'll use it. Mine is the right size for flying in an airplane, since I travel. It's small enough that if the person in front of me suddenly leands back, I won't lose my laptop screen. Finally, more things are going to be compatible with PCs 'cause they're developed for Windows first. There are some Windows emulators for Macs that you can get which create a virtual Windows machine inside the Mac. MY boss uses it, and it's pretty cool. Don't know if that helps much, but I believe you've got to look at the whole machine, not just one component. Memory on the graphics card, for example, affects performance a lot more than main memory. __________________ B Save Early, Save Often Save Before, Save After Two-Star General, Spelling Soldiers -+-+-+ Give 'em a hug one more time. It might be the last.