MacBook and MacBook Pro Unpacking, Disassembly and First Impressions

[freediverdude]

Sorry if this has already been cleared up, because I haven't read all the thread pages, but to help clear up the aluminum vs. aluminium controversy, I went to Wikipedia. (Take Wikipedia for what you will.)

One of the first people to identify the base metal of alum was Humphrey Davy, who first called it alumium, but by 1812 had settled on the name aluminum. (He had discovered and named several other elements as well.) Some British political literary journal called Quarterly Review objected, and wanted it called aluminium, thus starting the two camps of naming. But the first full version of the name was aluminum. Sorry, UK residents and Danes.

 

[Fredd-E]

Even in the marketing video, shot in probably a very controlled environment, there are problems with reflections. So if Apple them selfs are having problems producing a marketing video and have obvious problems with reflections, then how will the ordinary user experience be?

Your premise is absolutely wrong. And you're trying to make your premise into a fact; whilst it's nothing more than pure personal preference.

You (and all the other haters) make it seem like a fact that reflection is problematic. Who gives you to right to state this "feature" as a problematic fact. For example I don't think it's problematic, hence I'm not complaining.

Let's try not to mix up personal preference into facts. To each his own.

 

[trainguy77]

That's not what the apple store check out is telling me.

Apple has confirmed a backlit keyboard is available on both models regardless of model. If you go to the Store, and start the purchase process, you'll see a backlit keyboard is standard, regardless of which model or options you get. There's a whole subject of discussion on it in the Apple MacBook forums.

Hope this helps clear this up.

I also saw a thread confirming that it doesn't have a backlit keyboard as someone talked with an apple rep. But they may have changed it. I don't know who to trust.

 

[isaacc7]

Stop comparing macs to PCs. You pay a premium for a well designed piece of machinery that runs one of the best unix variants out there. If you don't care for either then Macs are not for you.

The premium may not be worth it. The new MB would be great, if it had a firewire port. A windows machine has its drawbacks, but cost isn't one of them. For many people, the advantages of the design (still not sold on the new one BTW, they look fugly to me, and I worry about the usability of the no button trackpad) are not worth the cost. Add to that the lack of functionality (no firewire means my audio stuff won't work) and it becomes a deal breaker. I can do what I want on a windows or linux machine, apple has to udderstand that I'm not a captive consumer.

Isaac

 

[Fredd-E]

I don't know who to trust.

 

[isaacc7]

Do you see a professional photographer or designer buying a top of the line laptop and applying a 5$ piece of film on it?

Me neither..

It's quite annoying that all these glossy advocates here seem to think that matte doesn't deserve to exist and that it's a non-issue. If you like glossy, than be happy, but don't try to tell matte preferrers what they should do or like.

I think it's odd that the anti-glossy brigade has never thought that Apple had sales figures for both glossy and matte screens at their disposal. Clearly, there weren't enough people that wanted to matte screens to make it worth offering any more. Believe it or not, you can get used to it, it's not that hard. I've never had a problem with reflections that couldn't be quicly fixed, I love my glossy screen...

Isaac

 

[MagnusVonMagnum]

I'm surprised that Apple didn't consider building a filter screen holder or attachment or something to that effect into that big new bevel and so instead of even having to deal with this glossy versus matte question, they could simply include a matte filter and let the consumer insert/attach it if they don't like the reflections. Maybe it wouldn't be as good as a true matte screen, but it might make some people happy to at least have an option (and they could remove it if they're in an area where reflections aren't an issue and enjoy the brighter colors).

 

[Anonymouslives]

I was so excited to see the new macbook pros' and displays. Unfortunately, I think the old model looks better and I much would rather have the matte screens. I guess I'll be sticking with the Macbook pro I bought in July and the 23" cinema display I bought a couple months ago. I was expecting some much better upgrades, but there is nothing very interesting, and the cosmetic changes and the changes to the keyboard are negative in my opinion. I like the all silver design and the keyboard on the macbook pro where the keys are all together. They feel smooth, and cohesive. Maybe by the next update apple will add the matte screens back and have some better improvements. maybe I'll pick one up then, I'm guessing about 6 months down the road?

 

[hob]

I got the second to last MBP in Regent Street

 

[Detektiv-Pinky]

Let's put it like this, during the Q&A after the keynote the audience was told that reflections with a glossy screen was a non-issue. Apple are great at marketing, so, let's check out their own promotion video:

http://www.apple.com/macbook/the-new-macbook/watch.html#large

Even in the marketing video, shot in probably a very controlled environment, there are problems with reflections. So if Apple them selfs are having problems producing a marketing video and have obvious problems with reflections, then how will the ordinary user experience be?

Hhm, I actually need a comparison between GLOSSY and GLOSSY.

I have seen the gloss on a previous generation MacBook Pro, which was something I could live with (as it comes from a plastic screen with some very good anti-reflection coating). At the same time I have an iMac at home that I would call ULTRA-Glossy because of the GLASS-screen (which is kind of ok with me because I can control the lighting here but I would really hate to take to the road).

It now seems to me that they put a similar glass screen on top of the MacBook(Pros) and thus generate an iMac like ULTRA-Gloss problem. So, does anybody can please compare the glossiness between the current White against the AL-Macbook? Thank you!

 

[bergmef]

I love the new look, but I will have to hold out. My current macbook is only about 25 or so months old and I unfortunately keep my data on firewire drives. I just grab the drive with the data I need and take it with me. Add to that I like the size of the macbook (not interested in the 15 incher).

Congrats to all that are getting the new ones, I'm definitely jealous!

 

[Stridder44]

Sorry if this was already covered but are existing multi-touch trackpads going to get this new 4-finger gesture? I mean you'd think, right? It would be ridiculous if not.

 

[Detektiv-Pinky]

I think it's odd that the anti-glossy brigade has never thought that Apple had sales figures for both glossy and matte screens at their disposal. Clearly, there weren't enough people that wanted to matte screens to make it worth offering any more. Believe it or not, you can get used to it, it's not that hard. I've never had a problem with reflections that couldn't be quicly fixed, I love my glossy screen...

Isaac

Man, I think they give a s**t. They dropped the firewire port although 100% of the previous gen Macbook owners bought it. So they can do the same to the MacBook Pro owners.

I think they want to generate a uniform look throughout their whole product range (phone, player, computers). Which will fail eventually because these products can never be kept in sync in the future, or this will lead to even more design-centred sacrifices...

 

[Detektiv-Pinky]

I went in early this morning to the Apple Store in Glasgow to buy the new MacBook. Opens at 9am and i was there at 9.50am. Walked up to one of the employees:

Me - "Hi, I would like to buy the new MacBook please."

Rep - "Um, have you booked a personal shopping session?"

Me - "No I just thought I would buy one seeing as I'm like the only guy here."

Rep - "Well we aren't selling them to just anyone, unless you have an appointment I can't sell you one."

Me - "Hang on, so you have them in stock?"

Rep - "Yeah, about 40 units."

Me - "So why can't I buy one, I've got cash on me now?"

Rep - "Cos we can't sell them to anyone like I said, I can book you an appointment for early next week"

Me - "Nah mate, just forget it. If you don't want my money I'll just go and buy a PC"

I've waited since June for a MacBook and to be treated like a piece of dirt by those guys is unforgivable. Thank you Apple for the iPhone but I won't be buying any more products from you if your gonna treat people like this!!

I posted this on another thread, but had to post it again cos I'm so mad and people should know before being confronted with rude staff.

This pretty much reminds me of the old Communist times here in East-Germany. Where you would sign up to buy a car 8 years in advance and when the day came you picked up whatever they had been delivered... (and no arguing with the personnel, you would actually hand them over little favours to keep them listening to you!)

It seems to me, that Apple has become such a totalitarian cult that even their followers actually sound like some of the former party officials. They simply can not fail, because everything they do is right!
http://www.dhm.de/lemo/html/dokumente/JahreDesAufbausInOstUndWest_liedtextSEDLied/index.html

 

[Gaelic2]

Apple completely nailed it today. The new notebook line is completely spot on. From the new external designs, to the immensely enhanced internals, these new notebooks are just vastly beyond anything Apple's competitors can offer.

I wrote an article on MacBlogz (if interested) - LINK: http://www.macblogz.com/2008/10/14/apple-nails-it-new-notebooks-spot-on/

For the sake of the community, and my sanity... Please stop getting caught up in the "absence of a tablet/touch-screen mac"." -- It's turning into a saga. It'll happen when they're good and ready.

The notebooks look great and I could care less about the "Touch Screen". What I DO care about is the absence of FIREWIRE! What are they thinking! I use firewire. I don't want a slow USB external HD. How am I to download all my stuff from my old computer easily? This will stop me from buying anytime soon.

 

[NewMacbookPlz]

None of the Bay Area- Peninsula stores have them in stock yet =\

 

[Vkrati]

Since i need a new portable soon, i have been shopping around a bit, and i found this one here: http://www.laptopshop.be/product/59219/toshiba-satellite-a300-1ia-azerty.html

Its almost exactely the same as the new macbook pro (here in belgium 2250€) in specs, only the ram is on 800 and not on 1066. For this price i'm seriously doubting... (there is also a firewire connection on it )

Or you guys think the videocard is crap?

 

[Adjei]

Not at all, I'm very impressed! They certainly are a better stab at a small notebook computer than AIR.

Frankly all the whiners complaining about the glossy screen really have nothing to support their opinions until they have seen the screens and used them in person. Are they ideal, I doubt it but lets be honest there is no perfect LCD screen for notebooks.

My biggest problem is that I purchased my MBP early this year so I simply can't go out and purchase one of these new. I wouldn't mind having one though. There is a lot of innovation in these machines from the case, to the track pad, to the GPU, the new 'Books are certainly state of the art. The move forward is impressive and frankly a MacBook now would likely be acceptable as a replacement for my MBP.

When it comes right down to it the machines are balanced, innovative and likely to sell like hot cakes. Apple will likely need to have a few more CNC
built to keep up with demand. These machines won't be like AIR, Apple is likely to see a long ramp as word about these 'Books gets out. In other words sales are likely to increase steadily as opposed to tanking.

Dave


PS
I was really down on the AIR (as can be seen in older articles) but this debut has left me feeling just the opposite. This is one hot lineup.

D

Well said.

 

[brad.c]

Okay, I'm sick of this.

Pro vs Consumer: It's not an elitist to expect features that aid professionals to be available in equipment labelled Professional.

Glossy vs Matte: Stop telling people that their preference is wrong. It's a preference. I want a choice, or a damn good reason why I can't have it. It's not what consumers want? Fine. See point above.

Screen sheets: Stop telling people to put a matte sheets on their glossy screens. It's another layer of plastic. You gonna stick something shiny on a matte screen?

Firewire: People still use it, and have equipment that requires it. You don't? Fine. Go start a new time machine backup to your USB drive and have drink. I'm gonna count all the FW400 capable devices for sale on the Apple Store.

 

[w0by]

Backlit keyboard on the new Macbook..

For the people who keep asking about the Macbook and a backlit keyboard, you just have to order the upgraded $1,599 model and it will come with the backlit keyboard. Anything below that price that will not. It's all on Apple.com just in case you wanted to read up on the new computers.

 

[jshbckr]

Actually, for many, glossy vs. matte isn't even a preference. They get matte because it allows you to have a lower brightness without worrying about reflections.

Schiller even said during the Q&A that "you offset glare with screen brightness". Well people who are color calibrated for print, you have to have your monitor at a SPECIFIC brightness, so your display is matching the paper you're printing on. If you've got a super glossy screen, you can't have that low brightness.

 

[Adjei]

Stop comparing macs to PCs. You pay a premium for a well designed piece of machinery that runs one of the best unix variants out there. If you don't care for either then Macs are not for you.

Well said, sick and tired of all these lame comparisons.

 

[electricfiddle]

Apple Consumer Relations Complaint Filed!

Hello all... I am new here. Today I filed a complaint with Apple's Consumer Relations Division. I feel I have a merited reason being that I am an Audio professional. I DO have a Mac Pro "tower" but like editing and mixing on a Macbook when I travel. A lot of audio applications require a FW400 device to be attached while in use which makes wonder what Apple is thinking...
THE RESPONSE: The response I recieved was in conversation with Apple tech support was, "I am actaully not sure what Apple was thinking, I just found out yesterday myself. I don't understand because we use it for troubleshooting and diagnostics ourselves..." So even the people at APPLE are not happy...
The person with Apple's Consumer Relation's division said if Apple gets enough viable complaints they may change the design of the products... Posting on this forum may do very little good, that's why WE must file with Apple's Consumer Relations Division which you can speak with my calling the main number and requesting to file a complaint with Apple's Consumer Relation's division...
I like Apple, I think they are a great company, I think they make good products... I mean, I have an Apple Logo on my car!! BUT many of US are AUDIO and VISUAL professional who need products with Firewire 400!
I intend no harm to Apple and want them to succeed in their endeavors... But this was a very poor decision that MANY of us will agree on...

 

[LC475]

I miss the day when I owned an iBook G4 1.4 GHz laptop. I could use Final Cut Studio, plug in FIREWIRE drives and do tons of basic pro tasks. It was truly the last MacBook/ibook that was worth buying for basic video work.

Then came the integrated Intel graphics card that prevents the use of Final Cut Studio.

Now comes a Nvidia graphics card, but no FIREWIRE!


Okay buy the Pro machine because I'm doing Pro work you say,

but what's the deal with the black frame around the screen on both laptops AND the Apple displays. This is horrible for graphics and photography work. You need a neutral (white or gray) frame that doesn't compete with the images you are looking at.

Very disappointing Apple.

 

[Adjei]

When is Snow Leopard being released?