A lot of people ask about experience from users on their MBP, so I thought I'd share mine.
First off, I have the i7 version of the 13" MBP. I went to a store (not apple store) with the intent to buy the i5, but since it was temporarily out I got the i7 instead. I just had to have one...
This is my first Mac. I have had a Windows PC for the last 20 years. I was skeptical about Mac for a long time, but as I see so many other say: I am never ever going back!
What I use my MBP for:
* Web browsing & Mail
* Word processing
* Organize all movies and pictures (from cameras, phones etc.)
* Rip DVD movies and compress for my iPod & iPhone
* Sync iPod & iPhone
* Playing around with iMovie and Garage band (connecting my guitar).
* Create invitations for parties and such things
My experience so far:
The first thing that struck me was the amazing track pad. I have used a mouse since I got my first Amiga long ago, but for the first time I have no need for it. I cannot say enough about the track pad. It's big, responsive, exact and those gestures make life real easy! The two finger scroll is the favorite.
Secondly, everything just works. That's what people say, but I was unsure if I could believe it. An example. I have both an ink printer that I can hook up to my network and a laser printer with a USB connection. Every time I tried to use them with my old windows laptop there was trouble that took from 2 to 10 minutes to sort out. The network printer got a new IP addresses every time I turned it on so I had to check the address in the settings menus on the printer and then manually enter the IP address deep inside the printer settings in windows. For the USB printer I have the driver CD, but still could not get it to work when I connected it to my wife's laptop. With the Mac I never have any printer issues any more, and these are old HP printers that really is not certified as Mac compatible.
MacOS X feels quick, stable and pretty intuitive. I do not miss those frequent windows updates at all. I have decided not to use any anti virus software. I never download pirated movies or software and stay away from free software so I feel safe.
The screen is amazing. The glossy screen is not a problem for me since I am an indoor user. The resolution is fine for me. It's the same as I had on my previous 15" Dell. Only thing I did was to move the application bar (or whatever it is called) to one side instead of having it in the bottom. That way I can use the full height when browsing.
The size and design is wonderful. I get a smile on my face each time I sit down by the computer.
The keyboard is the best I have ever used. For me as a writer the keyboard was a top priority. It did not take long for me to get used to the differences compared to a windows keyboard. I use the MBP at a table and the "sharp edge" problem does not exist for me. I have tried, but cannot get the edge to be a problem.
For me this MBP has everything I need from a software perspective (once I bought ripit and pages). Another example: I wanted a song as an audio file from a DVD concert for my iPod. I opened the movie in iMovie, trimmed away all but the song, exported it as an audio file and imported it into iTunes. Done! I could never have done that on my windows PC without downloading and buying programs to rip, convert etc. With the Mac I just did it with the standard software.
Beachballs. I see them, but basically only when opening iMovie. All those thumbnailed movie clips I guess. I think the slow HDD is the culprit here.
Only thing I cannot give input on is gaming, since I do not game.
So if you are thinking of doing the switch, just do it!
If you have concerns about the MBP 13" performance, don't worry. It is a powerful piece of machinery!
First off, I have the i7 version of the 13" MBP. I went to a store (not apple store) with the intent to buy the i5, but since it was temporarily out I got the i7 instead. I just had to have one...
This is my first Mac. I have had a Windows PC for the last 20 years. I was skeptical about Mac for a long time, but as I see so many other say: I am never ever going back!
What I use my MBP for:
* Web browsing & Mail
* Word processing
* Organize all movies and pictures (from cameras, phones etc.)
* Rip DVD movies and compress for my iPod & iPhone
* Sync iPod & iPhone
* Playing around with iMovie and Garage band (connecting my guitar).
* Create invitations for parties and such things
My experience so far:
The first thing that struck me was the amazing track pad. I have used a mouse since I got my first Amiga long ago, but for the first time I have no need for it. I cannot say enough about the track pad. It's big, responsive, exact and those gestures make life real easy! The two finger scroll is the favorite.
Secondly, everything just works. That's what people say, but I was unsure if I could believe it. An example. I have both an ink printer that I can hook up to my network and a laser printer with a USB connection. Every time I tried to use them with my old windows laptop there was trouble that took from 2 to 10 minutes to sort out. The network printer got a new IP addresses every time I turned it on so I had to check the address in the settings menus on the printer and then manually enter the IP address deep inside the printer settings in windows. For the USB printer I have the driver CD, but still could not get it to work when I connected it to my wife's laptop. With the Mac I never have any printer issues any more, and these are old HP printers that really is not certified as Mac compatible.
MacOS X feels quick, stable and pretty intuitive. I do not miss those frequent windows updates at all. I have decided not to use any anti virus software. I never download pirated movies or software and stay away from free software so I feel safe.
The screen is amazing. The glossy screen is not a problem for me since I am an indoor user. The resolution is fine for me. It's the same as I had on my previous 15" Dell. Only thing I did was to move the application bar (or whatever it is called) to one side instead of having it in the bottom. That way I can use the full height when browsing.
The size and design is wonderful. I get a smile on my face each time I sit down by the computer.
The keyboard is the best I have ever used. For me as a writer the keyboard was a top priority. It did not take long for me to get used to the differences compared to a windows keyboard. I use the MBP at a table and the "sharp edge" problem does not exist for me. I have tried, but cannot get the edge to be a problem.
For me this MBP has everything I need from a software perspective (once I bought ripit and pages). Another example: I wanted a song as an audio file from a DVD concert for my iPod. I opened the movie in iMovie, trimmed away all but the song, exported it as an audio file and imported it into iTunes. Done! I could never have done that on my windows PC without downloading and buying programs to rip, convert etc. With the Mac I just did it with the standard software.
Beachballs. I see them, but basically only when opening iMovie. All those thumbnailed movie clips I guess. I think the slow HDD is the culprit here.
Only thing I cannot give input on is gaming, since I do not game.
So if you are thinking of doing the switch, just do it!
If you have concerns about the MBP 13" performance, don't worry. It is a powerful piece of machinery!
