Apple Releases Penryn-Based MacBook Pros with Multitouch

[Cloudane]

I could care less if someone buys a product or not... but from your original post, you implied that the improved specs weren't worth it... So what you're saying is that the only reason you would purchase a new computer is for a new "fresh" design?

Wow. America at its finest.

Not just because of the design, no. But given that the G4 is adequate for my needs, it boils down to "desire". Yes I desire a snappier machine, but not quite enough to make a purchase. The nicer keyboard is a major feature IMO and yes a new design would be nice too. Not a major thing, but enough to influence the decision. And we're on an Apple forum here, you can't tell me people aren't influened by desire and physical design factors.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Then accept my apology for misunderstanding.

Apology accepted brother!

 

[c Dek715]

Pullin my hair out...or whats left

so finally after waiting eons releases what we have been waiting for!

my problem...do i run to the store and pick up the nearest 15'' 2.5ghz model or customize one over the phone. ive been thinking between getting the 15'' 2.5 ghz with the 7200 rpm hard drive being the only change. or shelling out a little more for the 17'' with a 7200 rpm HD and the hi res display.

my questions.
will i notice much more of a difference if I switch my HD...all of my stoarge is external with files, music, vids, just programs on the internal HD.

also is it ridicuously expensive to replace the hard drive on a 15 through pro care in store? do they have to stock the par tand use theirs or can i find one online and bring it in?

lastly...im a mass comm major and use final cut, adobe, logic, all the necessities. would a hi res display offer me something better? is it led display finally. i have a olevia 32 hd tv, im wondering should i spend the extra money and just get an adapter and do all my editing through that?

 

[jviphone]

So I am torn, I bought one of the new iMac's and absolutely fell in love with Mac, I was thinking about replacing my 4 year old laptop from HP with the new mac book pro when it was released.. now I am skeptical as awesome as a system it is, I can get this system with an HP employee discount

Components
• Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate
• Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• 17.0" WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
• 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
• HP Imprint (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
• Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
• FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (160GB x 2) from 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive!!
• Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
• No TV Tuner w/remote control
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• 1-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Pick Up and Return

for under $1500

The Mac book pro with a 15" low level model is $1700 with education discount..

MacBook Pro 15-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
200GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB

now I like the backlit keyboard, multitouch and OS of the Mac, but it seems like I can get a lot more computer for my money with the HP..

Help me out here cause you guys know your macs..

 

[skorpien]

Just placed an order. Shipping March 6th to 11th Top of the line 17" MBP... first too

 

[Digital Skunk]

Not just because of the design, no. But given that the G4 is adequate for my needs, it boils down to "desire". Yes I desire a snappier machine, but not quite enough to make a purchase. The nicer keyboard is a major feature IMO and yes a new design would be nice too. Not a major thing, but enough to influence the decision. And we're on an Apple forum here, you can't tell me people aren't influened by desire and physical design factors.

I would have to agree as well. I still have my Dual 2.0 GHz G5 and it's running just fine. If I stick more faster RAM in it I know I will be able to pull another year or so out of it before it's speed becomes a nuisance. I would love to have a MacPro, but that would only be for the sake of owning a MacPro, and not because I need it.

It offers everything the mini tower crowd has been begging for.

- 16GB of RAM
- Dual HDD slots
- PCIx expansion
- full sized optical drive
- Dual monitor support
- you get the point

 

[BongoBanger]

*Looks at specs*

How... disappointing.

 

[Digital Skunk]

So I am torn
SNIP

The big question is how important is the backlit keyboard, MT, and OS?

If it's worth $200 more than go for the Mac, if not then go for the 17" HP.

Personally, I can't work with Windows, so I am stuck with Mac and I wouldn't have it any other way... so forking over $3000 for the 17" is not a problem for me, even with the lack of comparable hardware.

 

[i3iz]

1) Since much of my professional writing work involves editors/publications that prefer Windows-based .txt, .doc or .rtf files, I believe I need to purchase Office 2008 for Mac, correct?

2) Our family video camera is a JVC Everio HDD that records in MPEG-2 format. I've heard there are compatibility issues between this camcorder and a Mac, so does that mean I need to shell out the whole $499 for the Special Media Edition of Office 2008, or would I be fine with the basic Office 08 and simply use the bundled iMovie software to manage and edit home video?
...
4) Will I encounter any issues moving data from my old Dell laptop to my new MBP if I was just planning to migrate stuff 5 GB at a time using a USB-connecting external drive? Will photos, files, documents convert automatically to usable formats in my new MBP or is it not that simple?

5) Is there any easy way to transfer my iTunes library off our home PC and onto my new MBP in one fell swoop, or am I in for a time-consuming transfer via the aforementioned 5GB USB-connecting external driver (or bigger external drive if I buy one to save time)?

1. Install Parallels or VMware and Office 2003. It is not worth it to do it another way. Bootcamp eats up precious HD space and you just need to make sure you have office.
2.I looked into that camera. It is a shame there is no easy way to snoop the files. A lot of the things I have read, people use MPEG Streamclip to re-encode them into a workable format. It is free and works fast on my Mac Pro for encoding other stuff. Can't say exactly, as I went with MiniDV tapes for 1 last iteration of cameras.

(1) How's the heat? My first gen. MBP actually burns my skin if i am not careful. Has there been success in dissipating all that heat coming from that little monster?
(2) Why, if any did they remove the apple from the command key? They just felt like it?

1. 45nm v. 90nm - it better be cooler, it is lower power and uses less battery
2. My wife is so angry about this. It makes sense, as they give people tech support and they are like press command-shift-3 and they are like where is command, and they are like. It's the apple button. Why didn't you say apple? I remember when we had open-apple and closed-apple.
want to make some cash? Make a kit to remove that key from the KB and put the apple back in. I know there will be 1 in my house. She is looking for stickers as a backup alternative

**** they removed all teh buttons I use like 100 times a day (keyboard light, expose) and they freaking moved the volume away from my left index where it belongs when working, hope its all user config or i'll kill

Fn is your friend. I think you can map your keys how you want. Personally, I do miss the KB light as i use it a lot and expose, but the new keys are an added blessing and their placing is quite nice too. I do miss F9-12 being the right stuff.

I really do hope they dont change the apple key. It's awesome. And everyone who uses one of these machines KNOWS it's the command key. Like engraving DUH on the keyboard.

too late

here's the deal for all who don't like the remote not being bundled with the MBP. I know lots of people who have all variations of MBP's and do you know how many of them carry the remote around with them? NONE. how many use it on a regular basis? NONE..

1. because you cannot config it easily yourself.
2. because you cannot config it easily yourself. In Windows.
How many people want to do a Keynote/PPt with this remote? I may be missing something, but this is not easy. How about an Adobe Bridge Slideshow to show a client their photos? Sailing Clicker 4 the w1n!oneoneone!!!!

can someone explain this image to me? Does this really mean that the new computer is only 3.3 times faster in photoshop than the powerbook g4 that I currently have? am i missing something here?

I would have guessed that the new MacBook Pro is much faster than that.

I think these numbers do not do it justice. I am not sure what tasks apple threw at it, but if they did the RetouchArtists.com speed test, this thing is intense. Now imagine it took 200 seconds to complete (with default settings and 20 history states it takes 130 seconds in CS2 on a Mac Pro 4x3.0 4gb) Then it would take 660 seconds on a Powerbook G4 1.67 when you think of it in that regard it makes a huge difference. Also, maybe they did the Total Training benchmark which is a smaller file. I know my old G5 2x2.0 would gag when working on raster banners @ 300dpi, my mac pro eats them alive. If they were comparing filters on a low-res file then it would explain only 300% when it would be 10,000% when working on a 36"x72"@300dpi. Food for thought. Take a sample action on a thumbdrive and test it in the store yourself. I suggest the Retouch Artists benchmark. It is thorough.

 

[remingtonhill]

I wonder how long till release another update. In 2-3 months??
I hate having to shell 2G on a laptop only to be outdated in a few months.

I bought the first mac in 1984 and I'm livid they keep comming out with all these damn updates!!

 

[Zwhaler]

My first gen 2.16 MBP is *finally* beginning to feel long in the tooth...

Have to try to hold out...

Nice upgrade!

JT

That is actually not a 1st gen, if it is a core 2 duo model. Don't worry, I have a 2.16 Macbook and I am definitely feelin ya right now

 

[angemon89]

The refurbished MBP is tempting. I was waiting to buy a new low end 15" MBP, but at $1649 for the previous HIGH end 15" I'm tempted to buy it to save $350.

The only think I wouldn't be getting is the multi-touch trackpad and 40GB of extra HD space, right? They're both still at 2.4ghz, but one has penryn and the other santa rosa.

 

[Naylor]

I need help i have decided on a 17" macbook pro with standard ram and high resolution matte display. The only thing i cant decide on is whether its worth the money to get the 2.6 model or just get the 2.5.
I am a logic and pro tools user, working at times with film.
Is there that much of a difference between the 2.5 and 2.6.
Help!!! I want it now ha ha.

 

[dgdosen]

Nehalem at next MWSF?

I'm pretty content with my current MBP (Late 2006, pre-SR) with its user-upgraded 200 GB 7200 RPM drive...

However, I'm intrigued to think what's in store for the MPB when Nehalem is ready - which conservatively speaking, should be ready in early 2009. That means bump in architecture, and a long lead time to finally bring in the magnetic latch, easy to replace HD and new keyboard (which I'm finally used to) in the MPB - and hopefully throw in a hi(higher)-res screen on the 15"... what better type of PC to introduce at next year's MWSF?

Maybe even wimax?

 

[Digital Skunk]

I need help i have decided on a 17" macbook pro with standard ram and high resolution matte display. The only thing i cant decide on is whether its worth the money to get the 2.6 model or just get the 2.5.
I am a logic and pro tools user, working at times with film.
Is there that much of a difference between the 2.5 and 2.6.
Help!!! I want it now ha ha.

I used to be all about the Dual 2.6 chip, but paying the $250 for a 100MHz increase isn't worth it for me. I'd rather pay for a 7200rpm G-tech hard drive instead, which is what I am going to do.

I am a video editor/photographer.... I say go for the 2.5 and save some money, put it towards extra RAM or a backup HDD.... where it's needed.

 

[EagerDragon]

Hoping for a helpful and gentle response to what will seem some very dumb questions from a Mac newbie. I'm a lifelong Windows user who has been waiting since October to make the switch, reading this forum faithfully in anticipation of finally getting my first MBP once the revision/refresher date at long last arrived. But a few things my inexperience and unfamiliarity leave me wondering:

1) Since much of my professional writing work involves editors/publications that prefer Windows-based .txt, .doc or .rtf files, I believe I need to purchase Office 2008 for Mac, correct?

2) Our family video camera is a JVC Everio HDD that records in MPEG-2 format. I've heard there are compatibility issues between this camcorder and a Mac, so does that mean I need to shell out the whole $499 for the Special Media Edition of Office 2008, or would I be fine with the basic Office 08 and simply use the bundled iMovie software to manage and edit home video?

3) I am a wireless internet neophyte, having never used a G3 card. Where do you get one (Apple, local AT&T store?), and is it a monthy service fee or do you pay simply based on usage? I have wireless internet set up at home and I know the built-in receiver on the MPB will work fine there, but I simply don't know the basics of what I'll need for remote use (I KNOW this sounds stupid and basic to everyone, but I just haven't had remote needs until now).

4) Will I encounter any issues moving data from my old Dell laptop to my new MBP if I was just planning to migrate stuff 5 GB at a time using a USB-connecting external drive? Will photos, files, documents convert automatically to usable formats in my new MBP or is it not that simple?

5) Is there any easy way to transfer my iTunes library off our home PC and onto my new MBP in one fell swoop, or am I in for a time-consuming transfer via the aforementioned 5GB USB-connecting external driver (or bigger external drive if I buy one to save time)?

I realize this is sub-basic stuff to many of you, but any knowledgable answers would be very much appreciated. I promise I will catch on as fast as possible to the glory of with just a little help. Thanks.

#1 - No you can use OpenOffice or iWorks for the creation and sharing of those type of documents. The only thing you loose is the Visual Basic Macros in MS Windows. But you also loose it if you use Office for Mac. So either way OpenOffice and iWorks can help you there.

#2 I am not aware of any reason why you would need office for your video work. iMovie should do the work. There are also utilities that allow you to convert movies from other formats to the Quick Time and other formats that Apple accepts.

#3 Not an expert on this, but I believe you can get the 3G/4G card from either Verizon or Sprint (not sure about AT&T). You need an access plan just like you do for a phone. It provides you access to the Internet anywhere you can get a signal. Sppeds will varry. No phone capability but in combination with Voip software you can also make phone calls from the laptop. Not an expert on this.

#4 You may want to connect the Dell laptop via Firewire (assuming it has one) to the New Mac. The use Migration Asystance to move the files for you. You can also just dump all the data to a USB drive and connect the drive via USB to the Mac and just do a drag and drop. You can also remove the drive from the Dell and put it in an external case, connect it via USB to the Mac and do a drag and drop. Many choices. Try Migration Assistance first.

5) Yes drag the library to the external drive, then connect the drive to the Mac and drag and drop (i Think). You can also create a backup via iTunes and move the backup to the external drive. But Migration assistance if it works for you should move the music for you so you wont need any of that.

The Genious at the Apple store can help you move the data if you bring your Dell when you purchase your Mac. This maybe the best way as if he runs into any issues he can deal with it quickly!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry for spelling issues.

For those that may say this is out of context, please give me a break, I am trying to help someone join the Mac community.

 

[Analog Kid]

Is this what every single thread has been getting hijacked for? Glad to see it updated, it's what I was expecting, and I'll probably get one sometime this year, but this doesn't seem to justify all the whining over the last months...

 

[Digital Skunk]

Is this what every single thread has been getting hijacked for? Glad to see it updated, it's what I was expecting, and I'll probably get one sometime this year, but this doesn't seem to justify all the whining over the last months...

Whining is never justified... just like the iPhone users crying over their late SDK.

As for the 3G comment above... The cell company usually sells the Express Card adaptor for 3G/mobile broadband so check with them. I am sure that the ones Sprint and Verizon has works for the Mac, I don't know about the other cell companies however.

 

[craigerific]

Hope this helps!

It does help, thanks! And from the sounds of it, a the MB refurb in black should do everything I need and I'll save some money. Which is great, but I'm actually a little disappointed to hear that, as part of me really wants the MBP. I'm just not sure if I can justify it.

 

[odinsride]

I'm happy with this update. I wanted a 15" MBP to replace my 17" SR because I find the 17" too much to lug around. So I'll be getting basically the same machine with a bigger hard drive for about $1000 less than what I paid originally for the 17". Sweet.

 

[cloudnine]

Not just because of the design, no. But given that the G4 is adequate for my needs, it boils down to "desire". Yes I desire a snappier machine, but not quite enough to make a purchase. The nicer keyboard is a major feature IMO and yes a new design would be nice too. Not a major thing, but enough to influence the decision. And we're on an Apple forum here, you can't tell me people aren't influened by desire and physical design factors.

I dunno, I personally like the keyboard of my PowerBook much better than the new MacBook keyboards.

And yes, we're influenced by design, etc, but I would hope that's not the sole influence when deciding upon a purchase.

 

[JCT]

That is actually not a 1st gen, if it is a core 2 duo model. Don't worry, I have a 2.16 Macbook and I am definitely feelin ya right now

Nope, it's the original Core duo version-- Maxed at 2 GB RAM and all. Great machine on all counts, but doing tons of PS3 and Aperture away from my desk these days...

And it's the opportunity to go to 4GB that finally has me close to pulling the trigger. My good old MBP may be headed to Craigslist.

JT

 

[Digital Skunk]

Nope, it's the original Core duo version-- Maxed at 2 GB RAM and all. Great machine on all counts, but doing tons of PS3 and Aperture away from my desk these days...

And it's the opportunity to go to 4GB that finally has me close to pulling the trigger. My good old MBP may be headed to Craigslist.

JT

Same here. My Core 2 Duo 2.16 is doing fine with everything I throw at it BUT CS3, Aperture, InDesign, Final Cut, etc. And I am doing more of that on my portable than on my desktop, and the lappy is only running 2GB of RAM. The upgrade will be nice, 4GB of RAM and possibly a 7200 RPM drive.

 

[GreenBadger]

Is the 2.6 GHz have a 6mb cache or still the old processor priced at an upgrade? Where can I find some info about the speed differences between the 2.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz?

Thanks

 

[Wolfpup]

Just out of interest, what would be the performance difference between a 2.5/2.6Ghz Penryn and the 2Ghz CoreDuo (found in the original Macbooks) in tasks like Handbrake encoding, and programs like Aperture and Photoshop?

Pretty massive. I don't know specifically, but it would be pretty huge for CPU intensive tasks. The speed difference between the previous version of Core 2 and the current one alone is a minimum of 10% (and the faster FSB that came with the last Core 2 bump was worth at least a speed grade, and Core 2 is a HUGE improvement over Core 1). It wouldn't surprise me if a 2.5GHz Core 2 is close to twice as fast as a 2GHz Core 1, though it might depend on what you're running. (Plus of course how much it benefits from the CPU, how much RAM it needs, the GPU, etc.)

Obviously they do not.
What's with all you "I've already got 3 USBs" fools?
How long have you had your MBP's that you don't know that only 2 of the ports were USB 2.0 and other was USB 1

Huh?

Maybe some day people will feel compelled to keep their complaints inside and out of the threads then.

You do realize your post is more than ironic, right?

Exciting, but when are they going to replace 15 inch display. 1440x900 "circuit city" resolution is tiresome.

I'd prefer 1280x800 on such a tiny display.

Argue all you want, the gpu's really aren't that low end, and as far as the sealed cases go, what do you expect? it's apple. love 'em or hate 'em, they're constantly going to create designs so that you can't upgrade them (at least, not easily), but instead so that you buy a newer model somewhere down the line.

An 8600GT isn't terrible, but it's officially low end now that the 9600GT is out. And the sealed case is a huge deal to me, because it essentially means I couldn't get warranty service on the hardware, as I'm not willing to send in a hard drive with my data on it to a repair place.

1. I read that the MBP wireless wasn't as good as the MB. Do you agree with this, and if so, will the MBP update eliminate this problem?

It's not as good since the case is metal, but I've used one and it seemed just fine to me. I'm sure you can find locations where the Macbook would get reception and teh MBP wouldn't though, but I wouldn't worry about it.

2. How big of a deal is the LED screen (MBP update) vs the TFT scream (MB and MBP refurb)?

Both use LCD screens. LED refers to the backlight. I think it's a pretty huge thing. It's brighter, and it won't fade. Should last longer, etc. Plus there's no mercury to worry about when you eventually replace the system.

3. How big of a deal is the NVIDIA GeForce (MBPs) vs MB?

Massive, depending on what you're using it for. For general usage they're pretty similar, but for super high resolutions or any gaming the 8600GT is infinitely better.

4. How important is multitouch? Does it really make editing in photoshop or internet browsing significantly easier?

Right now I don't even think it's supported in anything but some included Apple applications. Down the road it may be, but I wouldn't really base a purchase decision on it. (Plus personally I'd use a mouse and keyboard whenever possible anyway.)

It's a replacement, but only because I'm returning this one to Apple for cosmetic damage. So, I get more power/spec for the same money, and also get a partial refund as my CTO 7200rpm HD is now a lot cheaper as an option!

I figured the 200mhz jump in CPU would help with my audio work, particularly as MainStage CPU usage is occasionally into the red, but not often - so, just that bit more would give me a needed safety net. Also, I figured the new chips would work better/more efficiently, as well as just a raw increase in clockspeed. But, I am concerned with the DROP in L2 cache!

I wouldn't worry about it. You might be able to find some Windows benchmarks to get a rough idea, but I'd be really surprised if the faster clock speed and architectural improvements didn't offset the reduction in cache size. Even the 2MB L2 cache Core 2s aren't exactly slouches. (Tom's Hardware recently started a mobile CPU comparison chart, but it doesn't list any Penryns yet.)

1. Install Parallels or VMware and Office 2003. It is not worth it to do it another way. Bootcamp eats up precious HD space and you just need to make sure you have office.

Why would they need or want to install Office for Windows? Sure you COULD do that, but I'd much sooner recommend using Office 2008 for OS X, or even Openoffice.org if they don't use a ton of features and/or want the free price tag.