Would the macbook air run these?

[JR1993]

Hi, most of the things I would do on the mba would be of relatively low intensity such as word processing and internet browsing, but would it run the following:

Matlab
Counter strike source
Quake

All on an external monitor, either 1920 x 1200 or 1920 x 1080.

I would be looking for answers about the upcoming refresh, which I know noone knows anything for certain, but taking into account sandy bridge.

Thanks,

 

[Vazkor]

Yes.

 

[JR1993]

Yes.

Thanks. Some people might say expand, but thats what im looking for!

 

[JR1993]

Although I have had one yes, I would like more opinions too

 

[Formul]

the counterstrike source will have the hardest time on 1920x1080/1200, the rest should be fine for sure

 

[Vazkor]

The only caveat is resolution, you might have to settle for something less but they are very light games.

 

[JR1993]

the counterstrike source will have the hardest time on 1920x1080/1200, the rest should be fine for sure

hmm this is what I was a bit worried about. Im going to university and im not sure if I would game as much, I dont game much now as im doing exams, and I havent for a while, but I do like to sometimes.

With the large resolution monitor, would the mba handle playing HD/Bluray movies that I download? (would use external HDD)

 

[Cerano]

with SB all of your uses listed above will be harder than now

 

[Big D 51]

It will run matlab great. I don't have any personal experience with the others.

 

[JR1993]

with SB all of your uses listed above will be harder than now

How? I thought SB was just a faster processor, with the turbo boost too.

 

[Vazkor]

Because the new SB platform only allows for a slower GPU. The only Mac alternative however is the 15" MBP.

 

[Cerano]

How? I thought SB was just a faster processor, with the turbo boost too.

well true it is faster but for all your video playback, projection display and gaming needs its dependent on your GPU. The Nvidia 320m smashes the Sandybridge's intel IGP as proven in the Samsung Series 9. So you'll have a hard time gaming