REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

Powerslide · 05-25-2009, 04:12 PM

Ok I was a bit hesitant to put up this thread because it has the ability to turn into a Mac vs PC bashfest. Macs are 'better' for graphics and video etc etc. In any case, I'd appreciate your opinions.

Im looking at two computers right now:
VAIO AW110D http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...nfuacture=SONY

MACBOOK
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...15&catid=22156

I currently own a VAIO and have been incredibly impressed with everything about it.
One of the main attractions for me to the Macbook is the fact that using Bootcamp I can run windows XP well (this might get some Mac users here riled up). If getting the Mac I plan to use XP for a lot of stuff and the Mac side for music and Adobe CS4.

On my computer I watch DVDs (to my hi def TV via HDMI/DVI), do a lot of photoshop editing (lots of layers, large files)
In addition I also occasionally compose music (ableton, a bunch of VSTs) - but this is not frequently done these days. Almost all my VSTs etc are windows based. I should add that when doing this, I would use an external USB powered audio card.

The specs of both these machines are impressive.
Pros of the VAIO are an enormous screen. Comp will be a desktop replacement, will be nice to be able to take it to the office and not have to have a screen there waiting to plug into .
Cons are that getting away from VISTA will be tough (driver hell)

What do you guys think?

tgill · 05-25-2009, 05:03 PM

it comes down to desktop replacement or portability
the macbook obviously is overall better quality, has stronger gpu, but smaller hdd which is an easy fix. I'd go with the macbook and bootcamp windows 7, xp seriously sucks unless you have some sort of 16bit app.

JKam · 05-25-2009, 06:16 PM

AW screen > all

Simplex123 · 05-25-2009, 06:33 PM

they're 2 kinds of laptops.. so maybe you should tell us if portability is important to you.
13.3'' vs 18.4'' lol
the mac book's gpu is barely any better than the vaio's..

and what's your budget?

dai3yuen · 05-25-2009, 08:18 PM

I'd go with the AW minus all the Sony bloatware

Hondaracer · 05-25-2009, 08:49 PM

ive had my Vaio for almost 2 years now, and as i've said all along, one of if not the best computers i've ever owned. will only buy sony notebooks from here on in

Powerslide · 05-25-2009, 10:05 PM

im feeling the same way about Vaios as well Hondaracer

Basically at home office I have an external monitor/tv, but when I want to work away from home I dont have that. My current machine is a 15"er, which was perfect for school, but when I want to be tackling graphics editing and such I think the 18" monitor would be a huge benefit. Its like carrying an office around.

But youre right, with the Mac you can bootcamp a bunch of other OSs on it. Vaio is going to be tougher to config.
I just spent 5hrs a couple weeks ago getting XP onto a Vaio. Itll dual boot Vista and XP, but getting those drivers was a real pain in the ass. I think for the newer machine like the AW, they might not have the drivers left at all!

lilaznviper · 05-25-2009, 10:07 PM

i will get the sony and format it, install windows 7 and download drivers

Powerslide · 05-25-2009, 10:48 PM

is windows 7 available already? or is it only the RC version?

also - im going to throw one more machine into the mix

The DELL XPS Studio 17 or 13
7200rpm hdd (get 128gig Solid State for 200 more)
ATI 512m card
4gigs ddr3 ram
etc

Dont know much about Dells

http://www.geekwithlaptop.com/compar...book-2857_2745

lilaznviper · 05-26-2009, 07:50 AM

its still on a RC version
i think the full release will be in December or early next year