Tag Archive for 'computer'

First Impressions: MacBook Pro 15″

Published
by
Kabren
on October 24, 2008
in Apple and Technology
. 16 Comments

The MacBook Pro on a Griffin Elevator.

On Wednesday, I received my new Apple MacBook Pro 15″. I upgraded from a 2006 Black MacBook - a huge step up. If you did not already know, my MacBook had lots of problems - first, during the summer of 2006, I had to send my laptop into Apple for the Random Shutdown problem, then, only weeks after my one-year warranty ran out, two chips came off of the computer. I now have a brand new Apple MacBook Pro 15″ laptop computer in my hands. I’ve posted a lot of photos on Flickr, so please check them out! Here are the specs:

  • 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 250 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
  • NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT

Apple Welcome screen on the MacBook Pro.

The Good

Once again, the design and construction of this machine is unbelievable. On taking the laptop out of the box, it felt much sturdier than my rather-flimsy MacBook, and it even felt sturdier than previous MacBook Pro’s. It is engineered out of a solid-brick of aluminum - it is laser-cut with uttermost precision. The computer feels good to use, it is comfortable, it works. The edges are rounded more, to give the machine a more “unified” look. All the ports are on one side, including the new Display Port. Though I was initially skeptical about the no-button trackpad, after a little getting used to, it is amazing, though it is a bit loud. All multi-touch actions work, even when one’s thumb is placed on the trackpad. Now, you do not have to worry about where your thumb is located, all you need to do is click. I like the black keyboard - when lit up in dark conditions, it is more dazzling, and, after using a MacBook for two years, I’m used to the Chicklet-style keys - though I can understand how some people will not enjoy it. The screen is bright and the colors are more than impressive. It is fast - I can now bearable edit photos in Aperture, all the while browsing the web and listening to music. Sound quality has also been greatly improved.


Ports on the left side of the MacBook Pro.

The Bad

No Firewire 400. While this is certainly not a deal breaker for me, I can understand how serious video and audio editors might be upset. You can buy adapters, but that becomes cumbersome. I understand that Apple is pushing the envelope - someone has to, and who better than Apple to change the standards of computing. The mouse button is noisy, though I suspect it will quiet down after extensive use. It only felt “loud” while in the library, again, not a deal breaker. The glossy screen attracts finger prints, almost like a magnet. You can clean it, but it is a pain.


Chicklet-style keyboard of the MacBook Pro.

Overall

I highly recommend the new MacBook Pro. It is a huge upgrade from my previous machine, so I am speaking with some, if not great, bias. There are a few minor issues, but nothing to make me want to return the computer or not want it at all. Apple wowed me again with their seamless, aesthetic, and attractive design - it is not just about looks, this computer actually feels sturdy, too. I will keep you posted. What do you think of the new MacBook’s and MacBook Pro’s? What else would you like to know. I will be posting an unboxing video at some point in the near future.


The MacBook Pro keyboard lit up.