Apple Releases the MacBook Pro

[GroundLoop]

Does anybody else out there wish that Apple would release a MacBook Pro without the iSight built-in? That little camera is all that is stopping my employer from allowing me to get one for work. Sometimes working in the defense industry has its disadvantages.

Hickman

 

[rugonnaeatthat]

hmmm....

A thought... wouldn't it be nice if the remote was designed to hide in the Express card slot... instead of having to carry it around with you? Correct me if I'm wrong but there is a bit of space in there.

BTW - well done Siliconaddict for your post on the previous page. You hit it on the head as far as Apples Hardware design and OS integration are concerned. It's all about the compromises and the thought/wisdom gone into the compromises.

Meanwhile I really value the inclusion of ilife - usually buying it each year anyhow for my older macs. So this constitutes added value for me and wasn't much mentioned with the Acer comparison.

 

[jacobj]

Has anyone else mentioned the fact that Apple uses Doom 3 as a benchmark on their site, stating that it is 2.2 x faster than the PB.

This makes me wonder how they got the figure because as I see it there were only 2 ways of testing it:

• In a PB with the X1600 installed
• (or) In the MB Pro running Rosetta

The first option is fine and it shows us that the Graphics cards is very good indeed on the PowerPC architecture but this mean nothing (or at least little) unless we know how it runs on the Intel architecture. Plus it implies that a MacBook Pro purchaser will be able to run Doom 3 2.2 x faster on their new machine which of course may be utterly untrue if Rosetta is required and therefore kills the playability of the game.

The second option would just be wonderful.

PS. I don't care for games, but I do care about the GPU as I need it for photo editing.

[edit] i'm an idiot

Testing conducted by Apple in December 2005 using pre-production MacBook Pro units with 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo. Doom 3 benchmark = Timedemo Demo1 with beta Universal version. Modo tested with beta Universal version. Safari HTML Load Speed (cached) test is a subset of a beta version of the i-Bench 5.0 benchmark.

 

[yankeefan24]

All i want is a MacBook convertable (with a better name). similar specs as the macbook pro, but with the tablet feature and NO iSIGHT. also, i want something redesigned.

 

[Randall]

All i want is a MacBook convertable (with a better name). similar specs as the macbook pro, but with the tablet feature and NO iSIGHT. also, i want something redesigned.

There is no need whatsoever for a tablet. If you want a tablet so bad, then go buy a Palm or something.

 

[sphereboy]

I WANT TO BELIEVE!

 

[ZorPrime]

Sorry, if there is one Apple computer which is NOT Rev. A, it's the new MBP. The technology is fully taken from tested and proved PB G4s and there is nothing else really groundbreaking, apart from the camera and the magsafe connector.

I have to disagree with you one this statement, the technology isn't "fully taken" from tested PB G4s... Last time I checked the Core Duo isn't a PPC, doesn't use the same Motherboard, Ram, Bus, not even based on the same technology as the PB, etc... it's the first Intel portable from Apple... so I'd say by definition the MBP is indeed a Rev A/first version of a new line.

 

[uv23]

For all of you who are concerned about the default inclusion of an iSight and not being able to run such devices at your work for security reasons, I encourage you to send emails to Apple stating as much. I think this will be more of an issue than they had considered. Let your opinions be heard by people that can properly relay them rather than just venting here. If nothing else, we probably won't see MacBook Pros on the set of 24 season 5 for this reason.

 

[ZorPrime]

Does anybody else out there wish that Apple would release a MacBook Pro without the iSight built-in? That little camera is all that is stopping my employer from allowing me to get one for work. Sometimes working in the defense industry has its disadvantages.

Hickman

I'm with you, I'd skip it too. Like you said, the iSight can pose a "security risk" for some employers. I have a couple of clients that don't allow cellphones with cameras in certain areas. If there's a feature Apple could chop from a pro machine, it would be the iSight.

 

[50548]

I have to disagree with you one this statement, the technology isn't "fully taken" from tested PB G4s... Last time I checked the Core Duo isn't a PPC, doesn't use the same Motherboard, Ram, Bus, not even bases on the same technology, etc... it's the first for Apple... so I'd say by definition the MBP is indeed a Rev A/first version of an Intel Based Macintosh.

Funny...I thought most of the "PB G4s are slow" and "I hate the MBP" guys in this forum said either one of two things:

- Intel cooperation and MOBOs are among the best and have much better reliability than Apple circuits;

or

- Nothing's changed in the MBP...they just crammed a Core Duo inside...there's nothing new in the MBP!! I want my PB G4 again!

And you still think it's a Rev. A?

 

[Randall]

For all of you who are concerned about the default inclusion of an iSight and not being able to run such devices at your work for security reasons, I encourage you to send emails to Apple stating as much. I think this will be more of an issue than they had considered. Let your opinions be heard by people that can properly relay them rather than just venting here. If nothing else, we probably won't see MacBook Pros on the set of 24 season 5 for this reason.

I agree. The iSight needs to be optional, because there are security issues with certain companies that have a no camera policy. This is a feature that is a great idea, but it absolutely needs to be optional, otherwise apple will never get their foot in the door for corporate computing, which is Microsoft's biggest market.

 

[DeVizardofOZ]

MacBook Pro 15.4", Double layer Superdrive or not!

Looks like you guys are right. There is an explicit reference with the iMacs as having double layer Superdrive. Not so with the MacBooks
Why on earth only 2 USB ports, why no firewire 800. 4 USB ports should be standard, 3 would be good, but only 2???Well, maybe on the 17"...
iSight build in: GOOD, but where?
Just hope the quality issues they had with previous 15 and 17"models (screen flickers).
Can I have mine in Ferrari Red... just kiddin.

Cheers
DeVizardof OZ

 

[Sunrunner]

I agree. The iSight needs to be optional, because there are security issues with certain companies that have a no camera policy. This is a feature that is a great idea, but it absolutely needs to be optional, otherwise apple will never get their foot in the door for corporate computing, which is Microsoft's biggest market.

Its called a sticker. Place it over the camera. Many of the same companies that have no-camera policies also often have tamper-proof stickers and the like that they use to cover sensors that they dont want used (like IRDA ports).

 

[Sunrunner]

I'm with you, I'd skip it too. Like you said, the iSight can pose a "security risk" for some employers. I have a couple of clients that don't allow cellphones with cameras in certain areas. If there's a feature Apple could chop from a pro machine, it would be the iSight.

Imagine how bad this problem will get once they have camera-integrated displays as their recently-released patent illustrates. The line is blurring...

 

[Randall]

iSight should be optional

I have created an online petiton stating the reasons why we feel the iSight should be optional in the new computer models. If you agree with this then please sign the petition and help spread the word by emailing it to your friends. http://www.petitiononline.com/iSight/petition.html

 

[Randall]

Its called a sticker. Place it over the camera. Many of the same companies that have no-camera policies also often have tamper-proof stickers and the like that they use to cover sensors that they dont want used (like IRDA ports).

That is simply useless. No company that's worth thier weight in salt and is serious about their security policy will allow this.

 

[Sunrunner]

That is simply useless. No company that's worth thier weight in salt and is serious about their security policy will allow this.

Not true at all. The DoD uses that method all the time, and in some of the most sensitive areas of operation. Of course that is on devices that dont leave the facility, and cant transmit in any wireless fashion.

 

[Peace]

Has anyone else mentioned the fact that Apple uses Doom 3 as a benchmark on their site, stating that it is 2.2 x faster than the PB.

This makes me wonder how they got the figure because as I see it there were only 2 ways of testing it:

• In a PB with the X1600 installed
• (or) In the MB Pro running Rosetta

The first option is fine and it shows us that the Graphics cards is very good indeed on the PowerPC architecture but this mean nothing (or at least little) unless we know how it runs on the Intel architecture. Plus it implies that a MacBook Pro purchaser will be able to run Doom 3 2.2 x faster on their new machine which of course may be utterly untrue if Rosetta is required and therefore kills the playability of the game.

The second option would just be wonderful.

PS. I don't care for games, but I do care about the GPU as I need it for photo editing.

[edit] i'm an idiot

Has it ever occured to you that Apple was using a universal binary of Doom 3 ?

 

[Randall]

Of course that is on devices that dont leave the facility, and cant transmit in any wireless fashion.

Case and point. I was assuming that we were discussing laptops that can and will be leaving the facility. Not holding sensitive information, but being allowed in and out of the facility freely.

 

[SiliconAddict]

I WANT TO BELIEVE!

 

[SiliconAddict]

Oh and as for the isight. God people. There is a simple solution that I've seen in multiple sites. Take a hammer and a very small nail and drive it into the CCD. Yes it blemishes the cellphone/laptop but it solves the problem.

 

[DavoMrMac]

Oh and as for the isight. God people. There is a simple solution that I've seen in multiple sites. Take a hammer and a very small nail and drive it into the CCD. Yes it blemishes the cellphone/laptop but it solves the problem.

Yes, this is an option, but would invalidate the warranty.

Even easier solution, BTO option from Apple to leave the iSight camera there, but to disable it or not wire it in. Then if the MBP was ever sold on, the iSight could possibly be enabled again for the new user.

 

[ZorPrime]

Funny...I thought most of the "PB G4s are slow" and "I hate the MBP" guys in this forum said either one of two things:

- Intel cooperation and MOBOs are among the best and have much better reliability than Apple circuits;

or

- Nothing's changed in the MBP...they just crammed a Core Duo inside...there's nothing new in the MBP!! I want my PB G4 again!

And you still think it's a Rev. A?

I'm in neither camp. I think both machines are cool and have their strengths and weaknesses.

Yup, I still think it's a Rev A Mac Machine. How many "versions/updates" of the Intel Core Duo Apple Macs running OSX have there been? I'm not trying to be aggressive or anything but I was wondering what your functioning definition of what Rev A means is?

 

[mpw]

There is no need whatsoever for a tablet. If you want a tablet so bad, then go buy a Palm or something.

You may have no need, Apple may see no business need but don't assume that nobody has a need. Remember you probably have no NEED for a computer at all.

Some people have a need for a Palm I don't 'cause it won't run the software that I need it to OSX will but I still need it to be a tablet format.

 

[DeVizardofOZ]

Good Post Miguel

Hi.

I've been reading this forum for quite some time, but this is the first time that I post here.

I'm kinda dissapointed with you all.... I mean....do you even know how the PC architecture is?????


Guys...I don't have a Mac symply because I don't have the money to buy one, but that does not mean that I don't know one...I have to work with them at the university and I think it's a great platform.

Now, getting to the point.... Intel offers lower consumption CPUs,, but they are underpowered for managing a complex task such as running OS X and emulating the PPC architecture. Granted, they have a battery life that makes their competitors shame on theirselfs....

Second...design. Do you want a slimmer MacBook? granted...but...you will have to loose Firewire 400 and 800, because they are too tall to fit on a slim notebook. Do you want a Superdrive? no sir... DVD drives are too tall to fit on a slim notebook. So...what does it have then?? Just USB2, PC Card Slot and Wi-fi...no optical drive at all. Are you willing to loose all that just to get a thinner laptop? I don't.

Third. NO Dual-Layer DVD Drive? BIG mistake, Apple.

If you want a resistant laptop...get a roughed notebook...just plain and simple. Apple laptops have style....if durability comes with the style (as with the aluminum case), the better the laptop is.

FW800...please.... does anyone uses it????? does it have a REAL use right now?

Like one guy said before, the top bitrate for a codec is 100mbit per second and that is 4 times slower than the FW400 is capable of. Granted, there could be hard drives that require the FW800 port, but... did you know that the hard drive speed DOES NOT VARIES OR DEPEND FROM THE HARD DRIVE BUS?

The hard drive speed mainly depends on the spin speed, (the RPMs), the access time (the time that the magnet gets to the cylynder or block and is measured in ms) and the amount of cache memory that it has.

If you buy a 5400 RPM hard drive with 2mb of buffer, it's practically THE SAME connecting it to a FW400 or FW800 port...the drive will work at the same speed. Different is the story if you connect an external S-ATA drive to an external S-ATA port...the hard drive will scream in speed (obviously if we are talking about a 10,000 rpm hard drive with 8mb buffer).

Now...talking about the bios....all the Intel Macs WILL NOT BE USING BIOS!!!!!... They will be using EFI, so stop having that fear.

Battery life?? It will be the same as the 15 inch PowerBook...maybe a bit better, because of the battery structure (lithium polymer cells are lighter and store more energy).

Now, if you say that the features found in the MacBook pro are little...let me tell you sommething: I know about PC architecture. I've built my own computer and if there is somthing that is a troublemaker is the cooling system and the power supply. Do you know how many watts does an ATi Radeon x1600 consumes? If you don't, then shut the **** up, because they are power-hungry...in fact, the whole graphics system will eat your battery like when homer simpson eats a donut...yeah, that fast. Do you know how to cool a x1600 chip? in fact, it needs a huge heatsink (well...it's "normal" for a desktop PC) and putting it in a VERY small package such as the MacBook is...man..THAT's engeneering!!.

Now, going back to FW800...there was a point that someone before noted it: Intel IS NOT going to design a new chipset just for Apple. Right now, Intel DOES NOT have FW in their chips, but it will, since Apple is with them, but...forget about being the only ones with FW800. If Intel implements FW800 in its new chipsets, ALL PC manufacturers and motherboard manufacturers will have access to that technology. That's good and bad. It's good because it will be an standard just as FW400 is, but it will no longer be "apple-only".

By the way, I have a 2 year old Pentium 4 (Northwood core, 2.0 Ghz with 512k L2 cache and SSE2) and it screams in speed with Mac OS X (yeah, I've managed to get it into my PC) compared to how it goes with Windows XP. I only hope that the 10.4.4 release will be cracked shortly. I know I will loose speed emulating SSE3 and then emulating PPC, but it's all worth if I have that beautiful OS on my machine. In fact, I'm writing this post from Safary x86. ^^

Regards.

Miguel


PS: sorry for my english. there's been a while that i don't practice it.

I really enjoyed your post, and the insight you gave me in hiTech Now I can say, that I understand some of the changes APPLE made, like no FW800.
The iSight should have been optional for various reasons. Maybe they could have given us 3 USB ports, and a choice of colors. haha because I like REDDD. Apart from all this I look forward to the 17"machine and specs.

Don't worry about your English, it's just fine, and I wish you good fortune, so you can buy the Apple of your choice.

Ciao
DeVizardof OZ