how much will i benefit from a 64-bit OS?

[bsolomonny]

Hi I am about to buy my first mac ever and am not sure which one to get.
I can get a CD Blackbook for 800 + tax or a Refurb white 2.0 ghz C2D MB for 1100 + tax. I am also considering the refurb C2D MBP but that is another story. The only major difference between the two MB's i can see is the refurb comes with 1 GB of ram and is a C2D. I know that only the C2D will be able to utilize the 64-bit OS. How much of a benefit is that? Is it more marketing than anything else? AMD has been making 64 bit chips that are only used in 32 for years now. Any idea in what kind of difference i can expect between the 2 machines once leopard come out? Thanks,

 

[thejadedmonkey]

The C2D chips run cooler, and I think the battery life is better. Until applications start needing over 2 or 4 gigs of memory each (which will be a while) the 64 bit goodness won't really matter (from what I understand)

and let us know what you end up doing.. I'm in the same boat and I don't know if I should go for a C2D MB, or a CD MBP

 

[clevin]

for some software, it will be faster, for others, no difference, as far as i can see, when u actually, generally can take advantage of 64bit, ur macbook probably will be too old in many other aspects already (Im talking about 4 years), but hey, its a peace of mind.

BTW, think carefully about refurbished products, especially right now apple's QC seems down. search this forum about refurbished stuff, and read some comments and facts first.

 

[clevin]

The C2D chips run cooler, and I think the battery life is better. Until applications start needing over 2 or 4 gigs of memory each (which will be a while) the 64 bit goodness won't really matter (from what I understand)

and let us know what you end up doing.. I'm in the same boat and I don't know if I should go for a C2D MB, or a CD MBP

no, u are not in same boat, ur choice is much easier, go for CD MBP, graphic card is a VERY obvious difference that C2D can't make up.

 

[smueboy]

I wouldn't worry too much about 64-bit right now. Down the line when full 64-bit hardware is available (Santa Rosa) and more software it may be very noticable, but for now i would choose a computer on the basis of your needs and finances. Personally i don't know about the refurb issues, but the C2D's are an improvement over the CD's and may be worth the extra money.

 

[robbieduncan]

Unless you need more than 4Gb of RAM you won't notice any difference at all.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Unless you need more than 4Gb of RAM you won't notice any difference at all.

Macbooks can't address over 3 gigs though

 

[djdawson]

The other difference is the C2D has 802.11n hardware but the CD doesn't, so if you want the option of using the faster wireless technology you may want to spring for the C2D.

HTH - Good luck!

 

[dreamfocused]

the transition to 64-bit applications is still very far down the road. It will be years before it becomes the standard and by then whatever computer we have now is very much oboslete by then.

The CD MBP will do you just fine... i'm one of those who are queezy about getting anything refurb