My MacBook Pro 17 inch has arrived!
I’ve been trying to decide between a MacPro desktop to replace my aging G4 PowerMac, and the MacBook Pro 17″ for some time. I finally came to the decision to go with the MacBook Pro, on the basis that it would not only replace my G4, but also my Sony Vaio machine, as I can run Windows on the MacBook Pro with Boot Camp. My new favourite thing arrived today - here are my thoughts…
First of all, size wise, it’s not really much bigger than my 15.4″ Vaio, and I can’t really tell any difference in weight. Build quality on the Apple is excellent, but the Sony is also top notch so no points gained there. I can’t get over how slim it is - Apple have even made the packaging slim. As with all Apple products, the unpacking is a real treat.
It does get warmer than the Sony, but it’s not the worst laptop I’ve ever owned for heat and I’m sat with it on my lap quite happily now. Admittedly, I’m not playing any games or doing anything to cook the processors.
Some of the early 15″ models apparently suffered from a whining noise when the machine was running on battery, but I can hear nothing like that. The MacBook Pro is whisper quiet.
The screen is awesome - displaying the same 1680 x 1050 resolution that I get on my 20″ Cinema Screen (which, incidently, I can plug directly into the DVI port on the MacBook Pro and enjoy some dual screen madness). Brightness is fantastic. Mine is the non-glossy screen, but you can take your pick - there’s no cost difference either way.
The chassis is solid and feels like it could withstand some abuse, but I think I’ll be treating mine with the respect it deserves!
I’m very particular about my keyboards, and I have to say that the MacBook Pro has the best laptop keyboard I have ever used - much better than that awful ZX Spectrum style thing they have given the 13″ MacBook. The backlit keyboard is also a very nice addition. You can adjust the brightness yourself, or let the ambient light sensors do it for you - genius!
I haven’t had chance to much with the machine yet, but the speed in OS X is certainly way faster than any Mac I have used previously. I’ll post more info when I’ve had time to test a few things. I have already installed Boot Camp and Windows XP, and I can assure you that it smokes. I’ve never seen a Windows machine run that fast. My Vaio was quick, but the MacBook Pro takes it to a whole new level.
On the downside, it ain’t cheap. You’d better be prepared to make a serious dent in your wallet. But… it’s not so bad as you might think. High end Apple laptops hold their value remarkably well, and I have no doubt that I could get 50% back for it 3 years down the line, at which point I will trade up again. That actually makes it pretty cheap in my book.
Buy one. Do it now. Even if you are the most ardent Microsoft junkie and you think that Windows is the ultimate OS, you should still buy one. Installing Windows is a doddle with Boot Camp and the MacBook Pro 17″ is the best looking powerhouse laptop out there, not to mention lightest, most durable etc. etc.
Just one niggle: the Apple Remote had a dead battery. Boo.