10.11 is...wow.

[MrNomNoms]

I should note that the Linux benchmarks were done on Mesa, an open-source clone of OpenGL programmed by volunteers — I can't wrap my head round how they can get better performance from the same hardware than Apple if Apple truly bothers to optimise its GPU code; I think the parsimonious answer is Apple didn't care...

Yes, probably OpenGL is dead going forward on OS X, if they were incapable of keeping up with volunteer programmers before doubt they will going forwards. My problem is Apple is great on bluster and "vision" (aka Marketing), but then technology it implements is just left to languish as it moves onto the next big thing. That was the case for OpenGL, then OpenCL and now we have Metal, and I just worry that Apple will do the same to Metal as it did to the preceding graphics tools.

And let's not forget: not every app can implement the low-level optimisation Metal requires. I use an open source psychophysics toolbox for scientific research on vision, and they can't and won't move to Metal as it provides no benefits[1] only a huge amount of work for scientists who are trying to do research not keep up with apple's latest...

----
[1] performance is secondary to reliable timing and accurate flip logging, and we're still desperately waiting for 10bit support. Apple has left/added so many bugs in the OpenGL stack that is simply forcing vision researchers to have to move to Linux and even Windows!!! OS X was once the best OS for vision research but is now the worst...

It'll be interesting to be a fly on the wall to see how long Metal has been getting developed for and whether for the last 2-3 years Apple has been kicking the can down the road with OpenGL to keep the locals happy whilst they focus on something bigger and more important (in their eyes). You don't need to worry about Apple leaving Metal because this is a technology they've created in house, it is in use on iOS and now on OS X - now the big issue will be whether there will be a divergence between the iOS and OS X versions as the GPU's on their Mac's are more sophisticated than what is in the iOS thus it is possible to offer developer more features or will the feature set of Metal remain in sync between iOS and OS X? if they do remain in sync what will that mean for in between iOS releases - if there are improvements to Metal will we see those improvements float back to OS X via the usual update mechanism? That being said, I think OpenCL will keep hanging around given that they're making greater use of OpenCL in Yosemite but when it comes to OpenGL I'd say it is very much on life support.

 

[You are the One]

I have noticed improvements from PB1 to PB2 and I think it runs very good now. So yes, wow.

 

[Rockitt]

I too am finding the web to me a smoother and faster experience with 10.11. Im also running Pro Tools 11.3.1 and it works perfectly aside from a momentary white screen on app launch, but I think Avid has barely giving the green light for 10.2 Yosemite lol

 

[Valkyre]

anyone with rmbp 15" mid 2012 8gb ram tested El Capitan in terms of ui performance? Is there UI lag when resizing windows, using mission control etc etc?

I am really sensitive on this matter, I always want a smooth UI performance.

Thanks.

 

[You are the One]

I have the same HW. No UI lag. It runs like a hot lady (alt. insert your favourite imagination) on a tropical beach.

 

[Floris]

Do you guys think I should give it a go on my iMac 24" from 2009 when the stable is out? Yosemite, I am quite content with it, but boy is it now sluggish on certain things.

 

[Valkyre]

I have the same HW. No UI lag. It runs like a hot lady (alt. insert your favourite imagination) on a tropical beach.

Was that adressed at my post? Say yes and you'll make me really happy! I skipped Yosemite due to the UI lag a lot of people reported. If this is not the case with El Capitan then i cant wait!

 

[You are the One]

Was that adressed at my post? Say yes and you'll make me really happy! I skipped Yosemite due to the UI lag a lot of people reported. If this is not the case with El Capitan then i cant wait!

Yes it was, I'm sorry I missed to quote you.

 

[GlenK]

Yosemite runs like a top on my 2011 MBP so now I'm worried!! I can't imagine 10.11 being any better.

 

[kappaknight]

Why would you want your widgets to sit on a narrow black strip of a claustrophobic NC when you can just utilise the entire screen of widgets on Dashboard..? With Dashboard, I can set it to overlay and still can peek thru to some of the elements I'm working on the Desktop as opposed to having NC partially blocking my view.

With Dashboard, I can just trigger it with a click of a middle mouse as oppose to moving my mouse over to the top right and click to access NC.

Since we're talking about our own user habits, I use Notification Center a lot - and I access via two finger swipe from the right. Much easier than moving the mouse to the corner.

 

[Eithanius]

Since we're talking about our own user habits, I use Notification Center a lot - and I access via two finger swipe from the right. Much easier than moving the mouse to the corner.

I don't use trackpad much, and I certainly don't set my mouse to move to a corner to access Dashboard, but the same can't be said for NC. And since I'm not using a trackpad, mouse to a corner is a must when using NC - the same goes with iMac users without trackpads.

While I can just use my middle mouse button to trigger Dashboard for easy access to widgets, can I do the same mouse gesture to access NC...? Sadly the answer is no... I still need to move the mouse to a corner AND click on the NC icon on the menu bar...

 

[MacManiac76]

While I can just use my middle mouse button to trigger Dashboard for easy access to widgets, can I do the same mouse gesture to access NC...? Sadly the answer is no... I still need to move the mouse to a corner AND click on the NC icon on the menu bar...

I never thought of doing this until you just posted about it, but it can be done. First you have to go to Keyboard settings in System Preferences and assign a keyboard shortcut to Notification Center (i.e. Shift + Fn + F4). Next go to your mouse settings customized controls using whatever app (in my case Logitech Control Center or BetterTouchTool) and assign the keyboard shortcut to whatever mouse button you want...and voila!

 

[Valkyre]

Yes it was, I'm sorry I missed to quote you.

Since you have the same HW as me, have you noticed if metal does have an impact on our machines? Does it need the discrete GPU (650M) in order to enjoy the advantages, or does metal have an impact even with HD4000?

Thanks again!

 

[Populus]

@Valkyre I think Intel HD 4000 is ready for Metal.

 

[You are the One]

Since you have the same HW as me, have you noticed if metal does have an impact on our machines? Does it need the discrete GPU (650M) in order to enjoy the advantages, or does metal have an impact even with HD4000?

Thanks again!

Nope, haven't noticed any significant difference. Except that it feels Snappier©.

 

[Maetzle]

After two DPs which slowed down my system overall and increased app crashes and slowed down my games in the new DP everything is running very smoothly, games run fast (well for gaming on a MacBook anyway) and applications load much faster. A joy to use!

 

[Blue Sun]

Yosemite runs like a top on my 2011 MBP so now I'm worried!! I can't imagine 10.11 being any better.

El Cap runs amazingly on my old 2010 15" MBP, all UI animations are buttery smooth (even with the Intel HD graphics engaged), this was not the case with Yosemite. Your 2011 MBP will run it very well.