I’m about to get a new Mac laptop for all my Servoy work just in time for Servoy World. Yippee! I have a couple of questions that perhaps some of you might have experience with.
For the Mac I’m wondering about the speed difference between the 5400 rpm hard disk and the 7200. The cost is the same with the 7200 being slightly smaller. However the 5400 for the 17 inch is in stock and the 7200 isn’t so I’d have to wait for that. The 15 inch model though has both available and I’m still not sure which one I would prefer (smalller more portable, larger better size for development to mimic the client size I’m developing for). Does anyone have a good feel for the speed difference that the faster hard drive makes?
Secondly, I’m debating which database to develop my latest project in: a teaching module for pathologists in which they can look up standard and exceptional cases of various diseases and antibodies including full size images taken from the microscope. So far with about 50 cases and 500 images it is working fine using Sybase ASA. The database though will quickly grow to about 6 or 7 times that size and possibly quite a bit bigger than that as well if it is well regarded. I could use Oracle 10g (and possibly have support for administering it if I have problems). However so far I’m not a big fan of Oracle. Alternatively I could use Postgres and I know a number of users here are using that with good results. However I’ve never used that or even set it up so I don’t know what the learning curve, included admin tools, etc are like. But if there was a substantial benefit I might want to switch now before gearing up for really going live with this. Any feedback greatly appreciated!
john.allen:
Does anyone have a good feel for the speed difference that the faster hard drive makes?
I am pretty sure this only really counts with things like real time video editing and other heavy bandwidth stuff. For developing I doubt it will make much difference. Unless of course you want to use your notebook to do some heavy database lifting like serving for other clients.
I also would go for the 17". In fact I am using one right now and I love it. The more screen real estate the better.
john.allen:
Secondly, I’m debating which database to develop my latest project in: a teaching module for pathologists in which they can look up standard and exceptional cases of various diseases and antibodies including full size images taken from the microscope. So far with about 50 cases and 500 images it is working fine using Sybase ASA. The database though will quickly grow to about 6 or 7 times that size and possibly quite a bit bigger than that as well if it is well regarded. I could use Oracle 10g (and possibly have support for administering it if I have problems). However so far I’m not a big fan of Oracle. Alternatively I could use Postgres and I know a number of users here are using that with good results. However I’ve never used that or even set it up so I don’t know what the learning curve, included admin tools, etc are like. But if there was a substantial benefit I might want to switch now before gearing up for really going live with this. Any feedback greatly appreciated!
Well I am a PostgreSQL fanboy but I think Sybase ASA would do fine.
PostgreSQL would very well do the job for you too and is very easy to install (installer, no compiling needed for Windows/Mac OS X, packages for most Linux/xBSD distros) and admin. Marc Liyanage has a very nice Universal Binary for 10.4 and up with instructions. For 10.3 and down check here.
But of course your new Powerbook is Intel based and will come with 10.4. pgAdmin III is pretty straightforward too as an admin tool and if you need a webbased tool you can use phpPgAdmin.
But if you want to use Oracle but don’t want to use Oracle (am I making sense here?) you can take a look at EnterpriseDB. It’s based on PostgreSQL and is made to be almost 100% compatible with Oracle. It’s also 50% faster than PostgreSQL and offers worldwide enterprise support.
EnterpriseDB is making waves in the market in a big way and Oracle is not too happy with them I am sure. A slogan of EnterpriseDB is “90% of the compatibility and 10% of the cost” (you pay only for support (if you want), the sw is free).
A company like Sony Online Entertainment recently moved from Oracle to EnterpriseDB.
I really appreciate your replies! I too am a big fan of screen real estate which is why I was planning on getting the 17" one when I started getting second thoughts about the hard disk speed and wanting it in time for Servoy World. (In fact I plan to do most of my work with this using dual screens). The main concern I have about the 17" though is really the portability. One of the great things about my work here is that I can bicycle to my job. The weather is so good that that is very rarely a problem. But I’m just a little concerned about the size of the 17" in transporting it. I figure I’ll have to do it with a backpack and if I have to haul something in a backpack I like it to be as small and light as possible. But maybe I have to just stop being such a baby and lose a little weight to make up for it. I’m definitely going to check out the various links on databases. Thanks,
I’m about to get a new Mac laptop for all my Servoy work just in time for Servoy World. Yippee! I have a couple of questions that perhaps some of you might have experience with.
For the Mac I’m wondering about the speed difference between the 5400 rpm hard disk and the 7200. The cost is the same with the 7200 being slightly smaller. However the 5400 for the 17 inch is in stock and the 7200 isn’t so I’d have to wait for that. The 15 inch model though has both available and I’m still not sure which one I would prefer (smalller more portable, larger better size for development to mimic the client size I’m developing for). Does anyone have a good feel for the speed difference that the faster hard drive makes?
Regarding the model, I’d choose the 15".: it’s easier to carry on and, when you’re developing, you can always use a second monitor (I use to work this way and it’s a very confortable solution).
Hard drive: well, db’s are “disk-intensive” applications, so a 7200 RPM would be faster (in loading the repository, in searches, in sorting etc.), but if you use it for development, you’ll probably won’t notice too much difference. On the other hand, a 7200 disk will use a little more power, so your battery will last less.
John
Both Jan and I use the 100gb 5400rpm 15" macbook pro and to be honest it’s superb! If I need more realestate, I attach my large external display and use it for parallels but if I am on the move I have no problems with the limitations of display compared to the 17"… That beast is fantastic but it is BIG and a little too much imho for me. i am sure Thunder would disagree though!
Looking forward to seeing you next week and comparing notes!
Hi John, I also use a 17" and have given it very thourough thought. In fact I waited for the first 17" to come out and have it in my hands before making any decision.
Carrying the thing is a no-brainer… As long as you don’t mind using a backpack or crumpler type of bag. Other bags and cases are around but either hard to find or not so handy.
I really think the screen real-estate is the minimum for development and, from what you write, I assume you also really use it as a laptop without an additional monitory attached.
BTW the laptop is not big at all anymore once you are used to it!
There is only one thing you should consider. I am (and I am sure Robert is too) talking about the 17" ppc. The Intel 15" has the same real-estate as the 17" ppc!!! But, to be hones, chances are 99,99% that I will buy the 17" Intel once I am ready for it…
IT2Be:
BTW the laptop is not big at all anymore once you are used to it!
Indeed.
IT2Be:
There is only one thing you should consider. I am (and I am sure Robert is too) talking about the 17" ppc. The Intel 15" has the same real-estate as the 17" ppc!!!
The intel 15" has indeed the same resolution of the PPC 17". But I know my next notebook will indeed be a Mac Book Pro 17" just for the EXTRA resolution
I use my Powerbook as a mobile workstation. I don’t use it on the road. On the road it’s a tad to big to work on (like on a plane).
When I am at my office I attach it to a 23" display and when I am home to a 18" display. Of course when I am at customers I don’t have that luxury and love the resolution of the screen.
But I catch myself every time I am working at home thinking that my 18" is too small. Funny how you get spoiled so easily.
So my advice is…go for the extra pixels! You won’t regret it.
I went for the MacBook when it came out (processor speed was the same as the MacBook Pro at the time). I like the smaller size, and it works fine with the Apple 20inch screen
As for PostgreSQL, I’m another fan, using the Marc Liyanage version which is Intel native. In my opionion, PostgreSQL is far easier to set up and use than Sybase. And PGAdminIII politely guides you in the right direction with it’s tips when work directly with the database.
We have had considerable experience with medical images and video. The 7200 rpm drive is an absolute necessity for video editing, but in general, one does not want the video clips on the same drive as the application. Thus an external drive is necessary. Transitions with Keynote seem to work better with the faster drive, but I have no objective data for this conclusion.
I would strongly consider the glossy screen. It makes the images pop much more than the matte screen.
I’m guessing you’re considering changing from Sybase ASA because you’re not sure that it will scale to meet the larger amount of data?! Just want to make you aware that we have many customers using Sybase ASA databases that are over 100 GB in size. Our largest known Sybase ASA database in production is half a terabyte. Not only that but the database can easily support hundreds of concurrent users.
We also are using Sybase now (with no problems) but are also looking at postgreSQL 8.1. Can someone tell, what the difference is in perfomance? stabillity? other pro or cons?
Maybe it’s hard to say, but just in general?
There are some ‘colored’ people here, I see but everyone may speak here!
It is very hard to compare databases as it really depends on what exactly you are doing and how well you know your database. Benchmarks for databases are useless as it is very easy to adjust your engine or install to slightly beat the competition. If you take a plain vanilla Postgres and ASA install ASA is significantly faster. Having used Postgres for the past 9 years they have come much closer to ease of use but they still require a higher level of geekiness to manage than ASA does.
I have the 17" MBP; it’s got a beautiful screen. I got the 7200rpm drive for music recording.
A few things to be aware of…
Bags for 17" MBP are hard to come by (won’t fit in a 17" PB bag).
The thing is really large and really, really hot for loungey surfing (like in bed). I got a lap desk, which helps a lot.
I get the spinning rainbow way too often… especially when using Servoy. And this especially when going from design to data mode. Just did the software update (including firmware); maybe that will help.
If I had it to do all over, I’d probably get the 15" MBP, but still get the 7200rpm drive. (If I could pay for an even faster drive, I’d probably do it.) One can always plug into a gynormous monitor at home, office etc.
Thanks everyone for all your replies. Naturally all it has done for me is put me in even more of quandary ! I’m mainly torn between portability (bicycling with it every day) and screen real estate. Also David and everyone many thanks for the database info. I probably will stick to ASA thanks to your comments. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed database maintenance-wise and to be honest I’ve never had a problem with ASA and I loved ASE when we had that too! One thing though that has concerned me is when Sybase Central will be compatible with the Intel Macs and will Sybase ASA 10 be compatible with Macs. I keep hoping that the Macs will start getting the releases as soon as the PCs. I know I can use Parallels or Bootcamp but the more I can stay away from Windows the better!
jaleman:
If you take a plain vanilla Postgres and ASA install ASA is significantly faster. Having used Postgres for the past 9 years they have come much closer to ease of use but they still require a higher level of geekiness to manage than ASA does.
My experience is that ASA is much more geeky, like having to edit text files to get your database to start up… but maybe I have missed something – haven’t used it for a while.
I also do some web work, so I would have to pay for a full ASA license to connect to it. And I’m not too impressed with mySQL. Postgres works well for me, it runs on OS X Intel (and most other operating systems) and it is powerful (enough) and free. So if ASA is faster out of the box, good for Sybase, otherwise they might be out of job
if we want to add another db, we have to edit the sybase.config file, to start it automaticly the next time!
Editting the sybase.config file is a Servoy thing and not an ASA thing. This is because Servoy is database independent, if we would use the native ASA drivers this wouldn’t be necessary. We are working on a servoy interface to skip the editting as apparantly editting a text file is considered a very complicated process.
