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marconey · Dec 14, 2006, 12:44 AM

Does anyone have experience with both the Core Duo and the Core 2 Duo in MacBook Pros? Is it worth let's say a $500 - $800 dollars difference (everything else being equal)?I I know all the marketing lingo (i.e. the latter is x percent faster than the former etc. but in the real day-to-day world would one be able to see tangible difference?).

Any help would be tremendous!

Kenny

TailsToo · Dec 14, 2006, 01:18 AM

One has a 2 in the name, and one doesn't.

Really depends on what you use it for - email and chat, probably not - heavy graphics use, probably so.

AnandTech: Mobile CPU Wars: Core 2 Duo vs. Core Duo

phazedowt · Dec 14, 2006, 01:19 AM

One has the potential to run 64-bit software down the line, the other doesn't.

Chuckit · Dec 14, 2006, 01:20 AM

No, it's not worth $800 more. The actual price difference in the chips is something like $100. The difference in chips is noticeable sometimes, but you're not going to use a Core Duo and then a similarly clocked Core 2 Duo and think, "Whoa, speedy!"

marconey · Dec 14, 2006, 02:43 AM

Originally Posted by phazedowt

One has the potential to run 64-bit software down the line, the other doesn't.

Thanks

Simon · Dec 14, 2006, 05:09 AM

All other things being equal, it's not worth $500-$800.

I have both a 2 GHz CD and a 2.33 GHz C2D and while the C2D is faster and runs cooler, IMHO its additional performance isn't worth $500.

bloodline · 09:42 AM

I have both a 2 GHz CD MBP and a 2.33 GHz C2D MBP, the C2D is faster and runs MUCH cooler, IMHO its additional performance is worth $500.

Not forgetting 64bitness for future

solofx7 · Dec 14, 2006, 08:43 AM

depends on your use.
it may not be worth it.
i have the core 2 duo, and it is worth it for me because of the whole heat issue.
my core duo and my g4 were nuclear hot... they could not be used as a laptop.
the core 2 duo can be. it still gets hot, but not as hot.
some of the other specs were worth it for me.
in the long run probably not for most people though.

ONG · Dec 15, 2006, 02:12 PM

2nd generation = less problem (hopefully). that's what i'm paying for.

Javizun · Dec 15, 2006, 04:59 PM

i had a 1,83ghz c2d now i have a 2.33 i notice a big diffrence in performance when i use certain apps. But overall for regular use (email.music,chat etc) a core duo is sufficent heck a core solo is good enough for that.

but i plan on using aperture ,photoshop & other design apps so the more power the better for me.

plus the ability to run the future with 64bit computing pretty much sealed the deal for me.

kcmac · Dec 19, 2006, 12:25 AM

Answer. If you do have it, worth it. If not, not worth it.

MattJeff · Dec 19, 2006, 08:23 PM

the new one has a FW 800 on the 15" ....that could be a factor

MattJeff · Dec 19, 2006, 08:24 PM

Oh and a better DVD burner, big deal for some people

warfarer · Dec 20, 2006, 11:01 AM

I think my question is the same as the original posters here, Apple has the refurbished 15" 2.16 CD with the big video card for $1500 now versus paying 2500 for the C2D with the big video card. I use Photoshop a ton and Aperture some, but as for video editing and compressing, I use nothing of the sort. I do, however, want to duel boot with XP and run a few games on it, will the 2.16 handle these pretty well?

zign · Dec 20, 2006, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by warfarer

I think my question is the same as the original posters here, Apple has the refurbished 15" 2.16 CD with the big video card for $1500 now versus paying 2500 for the C2D with the big video card. I use Photoshop a ton and Aperture some, but as for video editing and compressing, I use nothing of the sort. I do, however, want to duel boot with XP and run a few games on it, will the 2.16 handle these pretty well?

Yes.

SierraDragon · Dec 22, 2006, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by warfarer

... I use Photoshop a ton and Aperture some...

Heavy graphics apps need the most hardware they can get. All laptops are limiting but in general stronger will be better over the 2007-2008-2009 time frame of a new box and PSCS3, PSCS4, OS 10.5, OS 10.6, Aperture 2+... Buy a C2D box.

-Allen Wicks

Dzokayi · Dec 22, 2006, 09:25 PM

By the time 64-bitness matters, that crippled 3GB RAM ceiling will have already been killing you. Save yer $800.

gperks · Dec 22, 2006, 11:37 PM

All else being equal, no it's not worth $500-$800. The performance difference is not that great. If you expect to be using the machine extensively on your lap, the heat difference may tip the balance.

Put the extra cash into RAM, you'll notice more speed difference. Also get a Firewire drive and SuperDuper for backups. You'll have a great system for well under the $800 and probably less than $500. Save a bit for Leopard, iLife 07, Parallels, Photoshop, iWork 07, and any other applications/shareware you think you might want. Software is an important part of your system, and developers need paying for their efforts too.

SierraDragon · Dec 23, 2006, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Dzokayi

By the time 64-bitness matters, that crippled 3GB RAM ceiling will have already been killing you. Save yer $800.

Well said. From a straight value standpoint the cheaper CD MBPs do make sense.

-Allen Wicks

MattJeff · Dec 23, 2006, 11:09 PM

i am on only 512mb of ram and i am happy, i say go for it

MattJeff · Dec 23, 2006, 11:10 PM

welllll no, i take that back, get the refurb

bloodline · Dec 25, 2006, 03:32 PM

Possibly, but 64bit doesn't just refer to Ram limits... the Core2Duo has 16 extra architectural registers and a whole bunch of extra piplelines etc... :-) The C2D MBP is also much cooler than the CD MBP