Macbook Air shopper needing game info

[gary99]

Hi everyone - I am a Mac noob close to taking the Mac/OSX plunge that needs some additional information.

I am most interested in the Macbook Air 13 (second most interested in the Macbook Pro 13). I know it will run the software I use most (Chrome, Word and Excel). But I want something I can occasionally play some games on. I have a gaming desktop but want something for sporadic use when traveling. I would just expect to play at lower settings but I want to make sure it will get a decent FPS and be very playable.

I would play via Bootcamp/Win7 or perhaps try something like Crossover Games.

The games I play:

Lord of the Rings Online
Star Trek Online
DC Universe Online
Rift

Can anyone give me some first hand info of how these games will run on either the MBA 13 or MBP 13? From what I have read, the 320m in the MBA is more capable but the MBP or course has the more powerful processor.

Comparisons between the two would be great.

Thanks,
Gary

 

[Lord Appleseed]

Hi everyone - I am a Mac noob close to taking the Mac/OSX plunge that needs some additional information.

I am most interested in the Macbook Air 13 (second most interested in the Macbook Pro 13). I know it will run the software I use most (Chrome, Word and Excel). But I want something I can occasionally play some games on. I have a gaming desktop but want something for sporadic use when traveling. I would just expect to play at lower settings but I want to make sure it will get a decent FPS and be very playable.

I would play via Bootcamp/Win7 or perhaps try something like Crossover Games.

The games I play:

Lord of the Rings Online
Star Trek Online
DC Universe Online
Rift

Can anyone give me some first hand info of how these games will run on either the MBA 13 or MBP 13? From what I have read, the 320m in the MBA is more capable but the MBP or course has the more powerful processor.

Comparisons between the two would be great.

Thanks,
Gary

There is a Gaming Benchmark thread somewhere in this Section.
A lot of people report great results despite the "weak" hardware.
I can only say that I can play Starcaft 2 and Dragon Age 2 pretty well on it, and since you said its only for short gaming on the go, then you don't need to worry as the MBA will satisfy your needs. However if you expect more than low to average performance you really should consider the MBP 13".

 

[gary99]

@Lord Appleseed

Thanks for your reply, I will look for the thread you mentioned right now.

The MBA 13 vs MBP 13 decision is nearly impossible for me Sad, I know....I just can't decide.

 

[French]

I can't help you with your gaming questions...and ultimately may provide no help at all...but I will tell you that I was also torn between the Macbook Pro 13" and the Macbook Air 13". The enthusiasm of this forum (especially about the capability of the Macbook Air) drew me in. A coworker got the 13" so I got to see it in person without all the ah...stimulation of going to a store (those places are CRAZY).

I ended up with a Macbook Air 13". I wanted a computer I knew could last me at least 2 - 4 years...this is my first mac and I typically find myself needing to upgrade my laptop PCs every 2 years.

The one thing this air has over any other computer I've ever had is portability. I don't hesitate to grab it and go. Heck just yesterday I went to a friend's house to watch her neighbor's daughter do an easter egg hunt. I don't know why I grabbed my air except that I could. 7 hours on a charge and light and easy to grab meant what the heck...might as well take it with me. And I'm glad I did because we took a video of the egg hunt that I was then able to immediately download to my air which I will someday figure out how to edit.

SO....while it is hard deciding between the two computers what gave the air the edge for me is that once you have it in your hands you will quickly realize you just WANT to take it everywhere with you. It's a joy to use and I've even gotten used to using the track pad exclusively...at least while on the mac side. I do still like a mouse on the windows side mainly because I far prefer tap to click which I can't seem to figure out how to get on the Windows 7 side. I've even questioned if I would have been all the happier with the 11" model...but i think for me, since my laptop IS my desktop, the 13" is a better choice.

Good luck with your decision. As I said I'm not really a gamer...but I think you'll find yourself just DOING a lot more on the air if you are moving more than not.

 

[gary99]

@French

Thank you for taking the time to post. You bring up a really good point. I can see, just from playing around with the MBA in the store that it would beg to just be picked up and go....

I think that might mean that overall I would be happier with the MBA. I just need to convince myself, that some occasional gaming will be good enough and not leave me second guessing.

 

[French]

@French

Thank you for taking the time to post. You bring up a really good point. I can see, just from playing around with the MBA in the store that it would beg to just be picked up and go....

I think that might mean that overall I would be happier with the MBA. I just need to convince myself, that some occasional gaming will be good enough and not leave me second guessing.

It's a hassle, but you could always buy the Air and make sure you have dedicated time to really play some of these games to see if the experience is acceptable to you. Heck...maybe even go into a store and try to play with one. I'm not sure what "some" gaming would be...do you mean an hour of play, or 6? My step son would consider "some" anywhere from 6 - 10 hours out of the day. Well, not really but I have no doubt there are some that DO feel that way. So if you have time to really sit down and play with it I say pick up the Air and if you end up not liking the performance exchange it for the Pro.

I know it's a lot to consider but if it makes you feel any better, you can't really go wrong with either choice. I will tell you I don't regret mine at all...I ended up with the 13.3 Air Ultra.