Ask Engadget: what's the best 13-inch Core i5 / i7 Wintel ultraportable for running OS X?
By Darren Murph 
posted May 13th 2010 11:09PM
posted May 13th 2010 11:09PM
We'd sure the master Hackintoshers out there would love to help out, and we're sure Apple will weep when realizing they'd have a sale if they would've crammed a Core i5 into their 13-inch MBP while refreshing the other guys last month. Go on, folks -- let this guy in on your secrets in comments below."Real simple: what's the best Core i5 or Core i7 13-inch laptop (with discrete graphics) for running both Windows 7 and Mac OS X? I'm a video and photo guy who does marketing work for a university, and while I've been using a Dell M1330 to operate on both sides of the fence, I'm in dire need of a hardware upgrade. I'm not fussed by the Windows vs. Mac debate and use both on a daily basis, but I need as much power as possible in an ultraportable form factor in order to handle both of these operating systems (sorry, 13-inch MacBook Pro, but you aren't cutting it). Here's hoping your readers can help out!"
There is such a thing? I could never find one, so I fell back on the Envy 15.
Closest you'll get is the Studio 14 from Dell. I know one has a Core i7 with discrete nvidia graphics, but the discrete graphics aren't exactly ultrafast or anything.
Okay, found it.
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dncwps3&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=laptop-studio-1450
Core i7, discrete ATI card (DX11 supported, but the 5450 isn't the best. They replaced the old DX10-capable nvidia card with this one as of late). Best I could find.
Oy, third comment. I feel bad.
The Core i7 in the Studio 14 *is* quad-core, so it's perfect for video editing work. I believe OS X should support GPU accelerated tasks on it as well, but I wouldn't know as I'm not a hackintoshy guy.
That said, if you're going the Windows/Adobe route, Adobe has an exclusive deal with nvidia for acceleration on the Quadro line of GPUs, so if you're looking for hardware accelerated video editing on this thing with Premiere Pro/AfterEffects, good luck.
This is the absolute best I can do, but you should fly with this setup.
@Bryant Or the vostro 3300
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/us/segments/bsd/vostro-3300?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd
It has an aluminium body (outside) so probably a little sturdier than the studio. But once again let down by the weak graphics card, and unfortunately i5 is the top end for these. always trade-offs!
Uh Macbook Pro 13, obvi
@Bryant
THANK YOU FOR THIS
You just found my new laptop for me :)
@Spiraling Shape
you are braindead, obvi
@xarento
I see my mistake is looking for a proper, portable laptop in the consumer branded models...
The awesomeness lies with the business and enterprise models indeed...
I would have suggested a Dell Studio XPS 13 but they unfortunately don't sell that anymore.
@kapanak
You found a sub-15" quad core i7 business laptop with discrete graphics?
@Bryant Not business but if I am not mistaken the Envy 14 offers a quad core cpu with an ATI gpu.
@Patlex
ATI is a big no-no when it comes to hackintoshing...even though it works a lot of times...
@Bryant
Thanks for your comprehensive reply..
I want to run primarily Aperture 3 with BIG images.. Do you happen to know if it would be 100% fine? thanks
@Bryant and what's the hackintosh situation on that? I'm pretty tempted into buying it, but I'd need a follow through guide on the hackintoshing and what kexts I need. The last time I tried it on my PC, it just took to long and gave up.
@Bryant
Remember that Sony makes the Z series that can be configured without the quad SSD and has good discrete switchable graphics and it's very portable, with an amazing display! (your wallet will get a hit however). This guy:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/11/sony-vaio-z-series-vpcz114gx-s-review/
@everyone does Be careful, (ATI) Mobility video cards does not work in osx (for now). Also, even though that Apple released new macbooks with intel HD graphics, it still does not work on osx86 (yet). I don't think that ati mobility will work unless a new hacked framebuffer comes out. I'm not sure about nvidia mobility but you can just go to HCL osx86 sites to check.
@Bryant
Could also go with Latitude E6410. Is 14", 1440x900, Core i7, NVS 3100M w/ 512M. Its maybe around 4.5 Lbs they say 4.26 Lbs with a 4 cell battery. There are a few machines similar to this like the Lenovo T410s I think, but more money. Only issues here will be the video card maybe, I haven't read of anyone using the 3100M, there are usually few issues with using Nvidia though. The wireless card may also be an issue the Dell 1501 or 1520 may work. A lot of hacks use the Dell 1510, these may be similar but maybe not. Should be easy enough to change the card after purchase, or use USB?
@Bryant They definitely exist, I don't know if it has already been mentioned, but the Acer Aspire 3820TG is an excellent choice. I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a DVD drive, but that's easy to live with, considering it has an ATi Mobility Radeon HD 5650. The HD 5650 is the best video card ever put into a 13" laptop.
Steve isn't gonna like this...
@kevin52094 nah ... he will just give you a prototype iPhone 4G
@kevin52094
Engadget, I don't like this.
Regards,
Steve
@S Jobs
-----
sent from the macbook I stole from Gizmodo
everything is a tradeoff but if you say the words ultraportable and core processor with discrete graphics in the same sentence you aren't going to find anything. Anything with a core processor and discrete graphics isn't going to be ultraportable, those chips take space and make heat, it needs ventilation and a big battery to make it work, so if you find what you are looking for it won't be ultraportable and battery life will be crap, the macbook pro is almost an ultraportable and has great battery life but not as powerful and no discrete graphics...there is only so much you can jam into a case you are going to need a bigger laptop or at least not an ultraportable
@newdeal99
just bc Apple didn't pull it off doesn't mean it can't be done. You and your lecturing are not helping
@newdeal99 Sony Vaio Z... Its been done. 13.1 inch wide screen ultraportable with i7, Raid 0 Quad SSD, and switchable discrete graphics.
@Luxury Guy Ohh and I love mine FWIW.
Sony's Vaio Z series will fit. It isn't cheap.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644569397&parentCategoryId=16154
@questionexclamation
Yep, Sony Z series is it. Not the best value but probably the best overall.
Note- I have a Sony CW. They are 14 inches and 5.5 lbs but they come in core i5 versions for less than $1,000 (with Blu-ray).
@questionexclamation
If I had a million dollars the first thing I would do is buy this laptop.
Oh and two chicks at the same time, man.
about the only thing wrong with the Vaio Z is no Optimus.
@questionexclamation
Just got this for a friend of mine who wanted to drop around 2k on a small laptop. Raided SSD's... WOW!!!! its FAST
@questionexclamation
I have the Z11 (Metal Mosaic Signature Series), and I can tell you that it has replaced my desktop for all but long term storage of files. It is BLISTERINGLY fast and has EVERYTHING 1GB of discrete nVidia 330M graphics, i5 540M processor, Dual SSD in RAID 0, switchable graphics, integrated WWAN (Gobi), GPS receiver, 3 USB (2), 1600 x 900 resolution, carbon fiber shell, AND a Dual-Layer DVD writer/reader (with BlueRay option available)...and it only weighs 3 POUNDS!!!!
About the only real problem with it is that is has completely ruined my experience with every other computer I touch; Everything else now seems incredibly SSSSLLLLLLOOOOOOOWWWW in comparison.
My personal vote would have to go to the Sony Vaio Z series:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644570897&parentCategoryId=16154
Up to a Core i7, discrete Nvidia GT 330M.. kind of pricey, though. :(
I don't know how hackintoashable a Sony Vaio Z is, but it's an i5 (optional i7) with switchable graphics and 13" screen in a 3 lb package. My friend just got one, it seems a bit flimsy compared to my 15" unibody mbp, but it packs about the same specs into a very light notebook. Only problem is that the stock storage is 120GB SSD, and if you're a media guy you'll need to carry external storage or shell out a hefty premium for high capacity SSDs.
@pissshivers
I wonder if it's easy to swap out the optical drive for a traditional HDD
zomg what a stupid question
@appleipad Hmmm, I had the same feeling but afraid to say it! Why will I want to run OS X?
No more Apple event invites for you, Engadget.
You will be hearing from our secret police, errrr "representatives" soon.
Regards,
Steve
why would you want to run OSX? thats probably the dumbest thing ive ever heard
@account5 obvious troll is obvious, ban this guy already engadget
No matter what, get nvidia graphics, ati mobility = no hackintosh
Haven't seen a Hackintosh like this yet, and Apple was smart by not putting an i7 or i5 in the 13 inch MBP, because when they finally do it, it will be at a time when they can offer it for the same price as the current 13 MBP.
uhhh what is a "Wintel?"
@Thom C http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wintel
@Thom C
WINdows (for the OS) + inTEL (for the processor)
@BigJayDogg3 so would that make the computer this guy is looking for a wiosxntel?
Asus has a new Ultra portable that meets the criteria but I cant remember the model. The only thing is I dont know if it has discrete graphics.
@Born2Jew
The Asus EePC 1201N. I have one and with OSX on it, it runs Portal for Mac (Steam for mac) pretty well.
@adewolf The one I am thinking off is not part of Eee family. Its like UCJ30 or something. Plus the 1200 line has bad battery life and that dual core Atom doesn't significantly improve things over the N270/N280
I agree with eterrell, check out the Sony Vaio Z series, cost a pretty penny, but it does everything you are looking for. Not sure on the hackintosh side, but I don't see why it wouldn't work.