Apple Announces New Aluminum MacBooks

[Quillz]

I just came back from the Apple Store after previewing the new MacBook for about 30 minutes. The glossy display is beautiful, and, sure enough, it's really nothing as bad as people here are making it out to be. As I'm sure you're aware, the Apple Store tends to have very even lighting throughout the store, and I turned off the display. Of course, it's a mirror. But when I had it on and was browsing the Internet, I had the brightness on every setting. And even on the lowest setting, there was no noticeable glare. Yes, there is a little, but it's not enough that it distracts you.

I highly advise that everyone here who is complaining about the MacBook try it out for a good half-hour. And I think you'll see it's nothing like people are making it out to be. Frankly, I'd say that it's almost a non-issue.

And yes, I'm ordering mine tomorrow.

 

[Erindipity]

Went to my local Apple Store today and picked up a 2.4 Ghz MacBook. Let me just say, I LOVE IT!!! So glad I took the plunge.

I was a freaked out about the idea of a glossy screen before I got there, but as Quillz said, they really are fine--they really doesn't seem that glossy at all when you're using them. My eyes have been comfortable all afternoon and into the evening today in both bright and dim light, which is great.

I do have a slight issue with the trackpad, but that's a personal thing. I had a habit of resting my thumb on the button of my PowerBook's trackpad, and it's simply up to me to get used to not doing that (especially because I never should have done it to begin with)--it's nothing to do with the computer.

I miss having a little more vertical screen real estate, as well, but I'll get used to it. I have no significant problems with this machine, and would highly recommend it to anyone who isn't going to be lost without FireWire.

 

[Xcelero]

Seeing is believing!

I just came back from the Apple Store after previewing the new MacBook for about 30 minutes. The glossy display is beautiful, and, sure enough, it's really nothing as bad as people here are making it out to be. As I'm sure you're aware, the Apple Store tends to have very even lighting throughout the store, and I turned off the display. Of course, it's a mirror. But when I had it on and was browsing the Internet, I had the brightness on every setting. And even on the lowest setting, there was no noticeable glare. Yes, there is a little, but it's not enough that it distracts you.

I highly advise that everyone here who is complaining about the MacBook try it out for a good half-hour. And I think you'll see it's nothing like people are making it out to be. Frankly, I'd say that it's almost a non-issue.

And yes, I'm ordering mine tomorrow.

Good suggestion. Seeing is believing. Even if we hate what we see. But I have to say the glass screen is combated by the ultra bright LED display making it less of a pain for everyday use.

It's color calibration and screen-to-print that I haven't quite figured out yet.

This may be a job for an anit-glare film.

 

[dwardin9]

Got one...yeah im that guy.

Had to make the step to a mac. No good reason to stay with my pc. Leopard and boot camp. Enough said..oh wait theres more. You have aluminum, .95 inches thick and a slot loading superdrive. My credit card just wept.

 

[kabunaru]

Had to make the step to a mac. No good reason to stay with my pc. Leopard and boot camp. Enough said..oh wait theres more. You have aluminum, .95 inches thick and a slot loading superdrive. My credit card just wept.

Congratulations on making the purchase.

 

[shortyjj]

Count me as one person that's 100% converted to the new MB, and finally upgraded from an old 12" PB. The keys require a little more effort than I'm used to, but everything else is great; also, a side-by-side comparison with the old MB's display show this to be much brighter, and I'm not having any issues with the glossiness. Overall, I LOVE this machine.

 

[AppleIntelRock]

Count me as one person that's 100% converted to the new MB, and finally upgraded from an old 12" PB. The keys require a little more effort than I'm used to, but everything else is great; also, a side-by-side comparison with the old MB's display show this to be much brighter, and I'm not having any issues with the glossiness. Overall, I LOVE this machine.

as do i. sheesh I wish they came with fw800 and separate gpu's :/. As for now, I love my new mbp! dual graphics ftw!

 

[editguy]

as do i. sheesh I wish they came with fw800 and separate gpu's :/. As for now, I love my new mbp! dual graphics ftw!

I would ahve been a lot more excited about the dual graphics if they both came into play when you need extra processing power. It might have been enough to get me to take the leap.

 

[Detektiv-Pinky]

Yes, in the real world a professional = a person who makes money.

But the Mac zealots can't think for themselves. They're used to letting Stevie do their thinking for them. So when Apple says "MacBook Pros and Mac Pros are made for "pros" they believe that only a real "pro" would use MacBook Pros and Mac Pros. And they're repeat that "party line" over and over... as mindless puppets tend to do.

They live in a fantasy world where everything is either black or white. You can try to explain to them that Apple's "pro" concept is only marketing hype, not a definition in the dictionary or an IRS ruling, but they'll still blindly follow the Word of the Steve, who they'll gladly bend over and spread it for on command.

Steve for President! Steve for President!

Imagine America if it would be ruled by Steve Jobs:
- You will have the iCar (just 2 basic versions - one for ordinary people and one for Pros - but all very shiny! Oh, and the ordinary one will not have a trunk, but seriously who needs a trunk, it is soooo last century).

 

[Quillz]

Well, I've just ordered my new MacBook. I feel so greedy, actually. My current "BlackBook" is less than a year old, and I just bought a new Dell XPS notebook about a month ago. Talk about impulse buying. Now I have to sell off the other two.

But it's worth it. This is the MacBook, and notebook, that I've always wanted. Small form factor, excellent build quality and very nice specs. I ended up going for the top-of-the-line model (but w/o all the needlessly expensive BTO options). Final price is about $1,600, which is actually $250 less than what my MacBook cost me last year. I was seriously considering the SSD, but I don't think it's really worth the price, nor is the memory. I can get a DDR3 4 GB memory upgrade for less than $150 elsewhere.

BTW... In case it hasn't been mentioned yet, the $1,299 MacBook specs have been fixed to no longer include the backlit keyboard, and both MacBook and MacBook Pro models are now shipping within 24 hours, instead of 1-3 days.

 

[jrlcopy]

Those who have needs for such interfaces (usually pro's) can get the MBP.

The exact reason is this.

More and more people are buying laptops, but companies want it to stay desktop for home and laptop for portable.

Apple showed off the macbook pro hooked up to the cinema display, yes? How many people do a similar setup? I do, macbook as the main desktop and a nice large 24" screen with ext & mouse. But the macbook always has had its limitations, there was always a somewhat 'limiting factor' to prevent the pros from working. I had no issue since I had the firewire port, I edit and color correct in Avid Media Composer, use the full CS3 suite, am doing work for mega profits, and working on FCP when lighting strikes me and forces me to use their horrid apps.

But by the introduction of a real graphics chip instantly for a cheap price you can do everything, have dual cores, 4gb of ram, video card, and don't need to get a pro, you can be tiny and portable on the road, and plug it into the big ol' monitor when you get to home/office.

They don't want that. They give you a video card and take away the one port that the pros need. They get the consumers money for the nicer laptop, but the pros can't buy it because they can't use a laptop without firewire.

0 Pros use USB2 for data storage, it is too slow, firewire is that constant 400mbps that is soo important.
0 Pro camcorders/decks transfer/capture over USB2, you can only do data transfer over that format.

Had this had firewire, I would have upgraded my macbook, and not upgraded to a mac pro like I had originally planned.

These forums are littered with people who buy too much to do too little, who don't know the power of these machines, the macbooks are perfect for pro, but lack the firewire, to actually do it now.

 

[Rogue68]

I have to say the glass screen is combated by the ultra bright LED display making it less of a pain for everyday use.

Have you guys thought about what those extra bright LEDs used to combat the screen's reflectiveness might be doing to your eyes?

Turning up a light you're staring into to combat ambient light sources from outside isn't necessarily a great idea, especially if you're using that light source for long periods.

Please, stop pretending the glossiness is a non-issue just because your first impression is that it doesn't matter to you.

 

[ajpl]

And because you don't use it, you think no one else does? Try reading through the whole thread and you should be able to get some clue about how many people use FW, and what they use it for...

MagnusVM struggles to read single posts without missing bits, so you are being optimistic there!
Though he is spot on when it comes to Apple's avariciousness.

 

[strikeinsilence]

Have you guys thought about what those extra bright LEDs used to combat the screen's reflectiveness might be doing to your eyes?

Turning up a light you're staring into to combat ambient light sources from outside isn't necessarily a great idea, especially if you're using that light source for long periods.

Exactly. I always leave my displays' brightness on low because I'm on my computer so much every day and my eyes just can't handle it. I wonder when this race to have the brightest, most blinding, optically impairing display will end?

 

[ajpl]

I just came back from the Apple Store after previewing the new MacBook for about 30 minutes. The glossy display is beautiful, and, sure enough, it's really nothing as bad as people here are making it out to be. As I'm sure you're aware, the Apple Store tends to have very even lighting throughout the store, and I turned off the display. Of course, it's a mirror. But when I had it on and was browsing the Internet, I had the brightness on every setting. And even on the lowest setting, there was no noticeable glare. Yes, there is a little, but it's not enough that it distracts you.

I highly advise that everyone here who is complaining about the MacBook try it out for a good half-hour. And I think you'll see it's nothing like people are making it out to be. Frankly, I'd say that it's almost a non-issue.

Funny, when I tried them out, it was a big issue. On several websites with dark interfaces all I could see was me.
I already have a laptop with a glossy screen and it is very annoying at times when there is a bright lightsource reflected in screen and it's not as glossy as the new macs.

 

[piraeus7]

You calling me ignorant son? And learn to spell liar.

I didn't call you ignorant, didn't actually said anything about u personally. If the sole problem you found though on my post is a tiny othrographic error, then you definitely cant understand my point and neither you are going to get it ever. If you like these crapy stuff by Apple and you are willing to pay the premium with a bright smile, go for it! Apple makes something more than profit thanks to customers like you. If you want to applause Jobs for his shallow shows you are free to do it, too. It is your own problem and practically i dont give a penny.

We certainly belong to different categories of humans. Personally, i dont belong to the victims. Am not a mazochist.

 

[Compile 'em all]

how can i connect at the same time a printer, a mouse, a scanner and a flash disk? Or, having the peripherals above at the same time, sounds like a "pro" need? There is no miserable pc laptop with less than 3 usb ports in 2008. Some of them have 4 or even 5... And dvi with video-S.
The answer to my questin is obviously «get a usb hub».

Why are you guys insisting on making up these hypothetical situations that make non sense whatsoever to support your arguments?

Printer and scanner at the same time? LMAO. You want Apple to include a port in a machine they will ship millions of just so when the situation arises that someone somewhere absolutely must PRINT AND SCAN at the same time they can do it?

The fact is, when designing the machine, ports take up space. This will instantly affect the shape and volume of the laptop. Some of the people will say, they don't care. But Apple does care and this is what makes Apple. They care how their products look and it is one of the top reasons why they continue to thrive. The iPod till this day has no removable battery and fm tuner. Have you ever asked yourself why? despite of the fact that every other mp3 player out there includes both.

Apple always designed products that cater to 90% of the population, products with features that are deemed essential. Having 4 USB ports is not essential to 90% of people that buy laptops. Having FW is not essential to 90% of people that buy laptops.

 

[Boblister]

So, Mr Jobs says ok I give in. All the whin... erm protesters have got me beat. I give in. They should have as many USB ports as they want. Let them have a multitude of firewire ports bolted on as well. Make two versions one in matte screen one in glossy. Now what else. Oh I know what we forgot, order the new bluray drives in to pop in there as well. Thats most of the requests. Now what else was there. Oh yes. HDMI we missed that out. I knew they wouldn't go for that nice new video connector that saves space I am sure we can get one of every type of video port on there as well. Wonder how we forgot that one (slaps head).

Right lets get to work on the plan. We can
a). Recall all those we have sold in the last few days and start again
b). Start on the new, every concevable addon model now and to hell with those just bought rev A.
Either way, we better start scrapping all those nice CNC tooling jigs and start again. Now what about the cost? Oh I forgot, that was one of the other compaints. We are supposed to do all this starting at under $600!

I think Apple have done their research and decided what they want to do probably based on a lot of research. They are a business, not a charity. They, as vendors, offer their wares for sale. We as potential customers look and decided to buy or not. Simple as that. I think they have been made blatently aware of what some consider shortcomings in some or all of their new model lineup. Do you think they are going to scrap them all and start again. I don't. They may incorporate something to remedy some of the issues in the next update. But I think thats the best you will get. I think it's time to move on.

 

[azentropy]

I highly advise that everyone here who is complaining about the MacBook try it out for a good half-hour.

Is trying it out for 30 minutes the key to making Firewire appear???

 

[shortyjj]

As much as I hate to steer the topic away from industry politics and our collusion in crimes committed against Firewire...

Has anybody looked into the connection options for getting the new mini-displayport to an hdmi connection? My monitor does not have dvi or vga. Monoprice doesn't appear to have it yet, somehow *Apple* doesn't make it, but hopefully a single-cable solution will be developed soon.

 

[diamond.g]

As much as I hate to steer the topic away from industry politics and our collusion in crimes committed against Firewire...

Has anybody looked into the connection options for getting the new mini-displayport to an hdmi connection? My monitor does not have dvi or vga. Monoprice doesn't appear to have it yet, somehow *Apple* doesn't make it, but hopefully a single-cable solution will be developed soon.

Currently you would have to go to DVI then get a DVI to HDMI converter. The only thing you have to worry about is HDCP as I don't think Display Port usually sends the HDCP signal to DVI.

 

[Fitzcaraldo]

Either way, we better start scrapping all those nice CNC tooling jigs and start again. Now what about the cost?

I think your missing the fundamental benefit of digital production methods here. It's less about productivity and more to do with flexibility. The jigs are a non issue. Had they been using pressings then re tooling would be an issue.

Looking at the mac book interior its plain to see that the demarcation between the battery compartment and the rest of the case has determined the port count. However, repositioning the keyspan lock slot to make way for hole to accommodate a firewire port is not and operation that requires a degree in astro physics... CNC productions strength is its ability to change on demand.

 

[localoid]

...
Apple always designed products that cater to 90% of the population, products with features that are deemed essential. Having 4 USB ports is not essential to 90% of people that buy laptops. Having FW is not essential to 90% of people that buy laptops.

Since you're just making up numbers off the top of your head, why not claim it's 95% or 99.9%.

 

[piraeus7]

You calling me ignorant son? And learn to spell liar.

Why are you guys insisting on making up these hypothetical situations that make non sense whatsoever to support your arguments?

Printer and scanner at the same time? LMAO. You want Apple to include a port in a machine they will ship millions of just so when the situation arises that someone somewhere absolutely must PRINT AND SCAN at the same time they can do it?

Apple always designed products that cater to 90% of the population, products with features that are deemed essential. Having 4 USB ports is not essential to 90% of people that buy laptops. Having FW is not essential to 90% of people that buy laptops.

Ok, let me repeat my words again in a dead clear way. I didnt say that i would expect from Apple to sell a laptop with 4 or 5 usb ports. But one with 2 usb+ 1 fw ports or one with just 3 usb it would be ok. 99% of us who have a laptop we have a printer. We have a mouse too. And yes many many of us do have a flash disc and a scanner. With only two usb ports a usb hub becomes a necessity. I never said printing and scanning at the same time is a common place, but needing to work with a printer, a mouse, a flash disc and a scanner or any other usb device it can be pretty much a common place.

2 usb ports is just MISERY for the money you spend to buy a new apple laptop. So for the 90% of people 4 usb ports are not necessary but for 99,9% 3 usb ports or 2usb+1 fw, yes it. If you dont need fw, let other people need it.

 

[syclone]

And as Steve Jobs said, "Pros will buy MacBook Pros"

"And People are upset because they want it but it's not what they want."

But before I continue; I think that people need to take a moment and let solidify the idea of what Apple is trying to do. With great passion, they have taken the complexity of design out of the new MacBooks leaving in it's place a rigid, all-metal body that offers the entire machine less opportunity for failure. And how can you be upset when you have the kind of technology in the new MacBooks neatly packaged into 13 and 15 inch aluminum frames.

And is it me or has everyone forgot that the desktop is always an option. And for some, a better one!

You will find Apple has forced nothing onto you. No one is making you buy the new MacBooks. People are upset because they want it but it's not what they want. And you cannot move forward with that kind of thinking. And you can still buy the previous generation MacBooks and Pros.

Again, as Steve Jobs said, "Pros will buy MacBook Pros"

So if you are using pro user peripherals, you will need a pro machine. If you want to do what the pros do, you will need a pro machine or compromise with a consumer one.

The point you are missing is that for many pros, the new MBP is just TOO HONKING BIG! How hard would it be for Apple to cram an FW port into the new 13" form factor, charge somewhere between the MB and 15" MBP for it and call it a 13" MBP?

They used to have something like this - a 12" PBG4 that cost between the iBooks and the "pro" 15" G4 model that was perfect for mobile pros. Then they got rid of it and have yet to offer a comparable model. What stings so bad is that the new MB is sooooooo close to being that perfect balance, but is moving in another direction indicating that Apple is no longer interested in that market.