If your just using design apps, and other software, the 9700 is overkill. I can't help but wish i had a ATI 9700 in here tho. I chose the 12' for portability (i take it everywhere, and i can't imagine using a 15 or 17' on my actual lap) it handles anything i throw at it and I really have nothing to complain about since it's supported (albeit the bare minimum) by Core Image. the 9700 features are more gaming oriented, but it will also show you some muscle in things such as full screen visuals etc. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE 5200 for regular applications and general use of the OS. For instance, when i run the iTunes visuals in full screen (1280x1024) with anti-aliasing, I get low fps (typically in the upper teens to 30, but that's a rare case, it's usually in the mid 20s), on the powerbook itself (1024x768) i get closer to 60. That being said however, anything that taxes the GPU heavily will definitely not run very smooth on a 5200.

My 12' rev c powers a 1280x1024 17 apple lcd with no stuttering, choppiness, etc.

Turn off 3d in nvidia 5200 windows 10