Hardware Compare? -- System76 Lemur vs. Apple Macbook

[vegetarianshrimp]

Hardware-wise, how do the System76 Lemur UltraThin and the Apple Macbook compare? Just curious.

Thanks!

[aysiu]

Screen:
14"
13.3"
Graphics:
Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics
NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory
Battery Life:
3 hours
10 hours
Optical Drive:
None
8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Weight:
3.5 lbs.
4.7 lbs.
Dimensions:
13.38" x 9.09" x 0.90"
13.00" x 9.12" x 1.08"
Processor:
Core 2 Duo SU7300 1.3 GHz 800 MHz FSB 3 MB L2 (10 Watt)
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache
Cost:
US$779
US$999

I think the Macbook is a better deal, especially with Multi-Touch trackpad for precise cursor control; supports inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities and 60W MagSafe Power Adapter

The only real advantage the Lemur has is a slightly larger screen and lighter weight.

I'd get the Macbook for longer battery life, a faster processor, a better graphics card, MagSafe power cord, and optical drive.

If you think Macs are too expensive, you can go to the Refurb area and find a Macbook for US$759.

[NightwishFan]

I wish the 76 would get better battery life.

[vegetarianshrimp]

Thanks aysiu!

I agree, Nightwishfan.

[perce]

How is it possible a 7 hours difference in battery life? is it the reason for the +1,2 lb of the macbook, or there is a hardware/software problem with the Lemur?

[NightwishFan]

Apple might engineer individual parts with low power in mind. also it may have an awesome battery. Power management is getting better with Linux though, thanks to Fedora from my knowledge.

[sxmaxchine]

I think a big help in the longer battery life is because the macbook has 2 graphics carda and when not needed it doesnt use the powerfull (power hungry) card instead it might use the intel. But im not to positive only saying what ive been told.

[VeeDubb]

The very short version of aysiu's very accurate post, is that the two are completely and totally different, and aimed at two completely different markets.

Personally, I don't think it's fair or accurate to call the macbook a better deal because (excuse the pun) you're comparing apples and oranges.

Now, if they were the same price with specs that different, or had comparable specs and a $120 price difference, that would be a whole different story.

It's actually tough to find a good direct comparison, because outside of macbooks, you don't see a lot of good quality nvidia GPUs in systems with otherwise modest specs.





On a side note, about the suggestion to look at refurbs, that is GREAT advice. Refurbs are frequently a great deal, and not just with computers. They're a great deal with almost everything from laptops to cars. (Although with cars, they call it a one year old lease return with a great warranty)

With most any mass produced product, only a small sampling get a full QC check. Most get only a cursory check. However, virtually anything sold as a refurb has been examined with a fine-toothed comb, and any repairs made are often done with repair parts that of higher quality than original equipment.

My favorite is refurbished cameras. They do a top to bottom QC check, replace the shutter (which is the only part on a digital SLR that ever wears out) and sell it for 2/3 the price.