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I am going to buy a new laptop and I think it stands between two MacBooks.

  • Apple MacBook Pro - 2.3GHz QC 8B 256GB 15" (guad core with GeForce GT 650M)
  • Apple MacBook Air - 2.0GHz DC 8B 256GB 13" (dual core with Intel HD Graphics 4000)

I have some requrements:

  1. I must have the possibility to virtualize operating systems with VirtualBox.
  2. I must have the possibility to run some Linux live-CD:s/USB:s (not install it). How is the support for Linux on MacBooks, like Fedora, Ubuntu live DVD:s/USB:s etc?
  3. I will run some heavy applications in parallell, like webserver/application server, one IDE like Eclipse/NetBeans and sometimes one VirtualBox instance.
  4. (Optional requrement)I have some Java apps that uses Nvidia CUDA that would be nice if I could run, then I assume I have to choose the MacBook Pro with GeForce 650M.

I think the MacBook Air would fit me perfetct, I like the design, it is small and easy to bring. The MacBook Pro is a little heavier, but it has a quad CPU and a better graphics card.

Will the dual core CPU on the Air version get old soon? Or is it better to go for a quad?

What would you recommend for me with the above requirements and wishes?

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Part of this is great, and part of this is something we actively discourage. The discouraging part is where you ask "Here is a list of requirements - should I get A or B" - we much prefer asking how to measure or how to select or how to benchmark two machines so you can then do a cost/benefit analysis. The former is subjective - the latter objective. Also, removing things like heavy will help if you don't have a measure for what benefit or cost heaviness brings. My light Air is more fragile so some deduct points since it's so light. Others find that a benefit. Welcome and let the editing begin – bmike♦ Feb 12 at 22:33

closed as not constructive by Gerry, bassplayer7, patrix♦, Michiel, Mark Feb 13 at 11:51

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