Google Earth: Macbook vs. Intel iMac Core Duo

[superleccy]

The first time I saw Google Earth, it was on my iBook G4 (see sig). I was well impressed.

But this weekend, I saw the new Universal Beta version of Google Earth run on my dad's new 17" iMac Intel Core Duo. Absolutely breathtaking!

But this is a shame, because I was thinking of upgrading to a MacBook, which of course has shared graphics. So, I am guessing that Google Earth won't look anywhere near as good as on that iMac.

Does anyone have any comparative experience of Google Earth on the two machines? How much of a performance hit am I going to suffer with Google Earth by settling for a Mac with shared graphics?

Thanks & cheers
SL

 

[gloss]

I just downloaded it yesterday for my MacBook and, to my surprise, it ran quite well. Hitches occasionally, but is smooth during most use and loads very, very quickly. All things considered, it actually runs better than on our G5 iMac. Won't be as nice as that Intel iMac, though, guaranteed.

Still, I'm happily impressed.

 

[mduser63]

I haven't tried Google Earth on a MacBook, but I must say that Google Earth runs better on my 20" Intel iMac than on any computer (including PCs) that I've ever tried it on. Performance is significantly better than on my dual 1.8 G5 even (the G5 only has a 5200 video card in it).

 

[arcobb]

I've got a 2.0 GHz MacBook with 2 GB of RAM and Google Earth runs with out a hitch... From what I can tell RAM makes a huge difference in these machines.

 

[WillMak]

Google Earth goes SOOOOOOO SLOW on my 1.83 macbook but I only have the default 512 ram. Perhaps someone here with 2 gigs can elighten us?

 

[milo]

The first time I saw Google Earth, it was on my iBook G4 (see sig). I was well impressed.

But this weekend, I saw the new Universal Beta version of Google Earth run on my dad's new 17" iMac Intel Core Duo. Absolutely breathtaking!

But this is a shame, because I was thinking of upgrading to a MacBook, which of course has shared graphics. So, I am guessing that Google Earth won't look anywhere near as good as on that iMac.

Does anyone have any comparative experience of Google Earth on the two machines? How much of a performance hit am I going to suffer with Google Earth by settling for a Mac with shared graphics?

Thanks & cheers
SL

You won't see a performance hit at all. You will see performance similar to the imac, miles better than the G4 machine.

 

[celebrian23]

My macbook pro with stock ram runs it extremely well.

 

[superleccy]

Google Earth goes SOOOOOOO SLOW on my 1.83 macbook but I only have the default 512 ram. Perhaps someone here with 2 gigs can elighten us?

Which version of Google Earth are you running, WillMak?

 

[WillMak]

Which version of Google Earth are you running, WillMak?

hmmm...I don't know. I downloaded it from google's site about 4 days ago, so whatever version that is(I think it's the most recent still).

 

[Eidorian]

Your connection will be the biggest slowdown on Google Earth. I have it running just fine at work on an Intel integrated 865 chip.

 

[kaosfere]

The Google Earth beta works wonderfully well on my new BlackBook (1GB) -- better than on my old AlBook 1.33/1GB. It staggers occasionally when doing long flybys, but it's smooth and crisp under general use. You'll like it.

 

[McBain]

My fiancee and I both downloaded the latest Google Earth on Saturday.

Mine: 1.33GHz PowerBook with 1.25GB RAM
Hers: 1.83GHz MacBook with 1GB RAM (2x512MB)

On mine it ran pretty badly with a lot of slowdown and it was punishing my poor processor. On her machine it ran almost faultlessly. The difference was huge. I had Activity Monitor open on both and while my CPU was getting hammered, hers was handling it without too much of a sweat.

 

[WillMak]

ARRRG I can't wait to get my 2GB ram then! 512 makes me sad.

 

[superleccy]

hmmm...I don't know. I downloaded it from google's site about 4 days ago, so whatever version that is(I think it's the most recent still).

Check "About Google Earth".

IIRC, the download page gives you the option of downloading either the last stable version (which is non a universal app, and thus runs under Roseetta), or the latest beta (which is universal).

If you downloaded the old version, the performace will be rubbish on a MacBook. Check that you downloaded the new beta.

HTH
SL

 

[WillMak]

I've got version 4.0.1563 (beta) for my macbook.

 

[Eidorian]

I had the PowerPC version of Google Earth running fine on a Core Duo Mini w/1 GB of RAM. The slowdown was only from the crappy connection.

 

[WillMak]

Well it actually goes quite decent with the 512 ram. It's only when I turn on 3d buildings does it go super slow.

 

[Senater Cache]

You should see it on my AthlonXP with 9800pro....low end by now but it RIPS!!
blows my Dual 1.8 G5 with 9800pro right outta the water !
google is prety cool these days.