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MacBook and MacBook Pro Unpacking, Disassembly and First Impressions

ThinkBrilliant, thanks for your awesome, awesome pictures. Much appreciated. What are the little black protective padding on the underside made of? Is it that cheap foam w/ adhesive to keep it stuck on? Those things don't look like they'll last (if they are). Can you tell if they're at least slightly recessed in the underside panel? Sorry for all the questions, but you're like our guinea pig. ;) :D :apple:
 
heat?

thinkbrilliant, thank you for the pics, looks nice. So my obvious question that I can't believe was not hammered yet is, How is the heat? does this thing get really hot like older macbook pro's? can you run a temperature program like smc or something to see how hot this thing gets under some heavy use
 
Lack of Firewire kills it for me

Macminiintel said:
As much as I love the new MacBook designs. I'd never be able to use it, I use firewire all of the time on mine for backing up files, target disk mode to transfer account settings & most importantly use firewire for my camcorder in final cut & iMovie. Is there anyway to get firewire like maybe through the ethernet port or something
Click to expand...



I like the new designs too, but sadly, the short sighted lack of Firewire on the MacBook kills it for me. Nice looks and a new style do not outweigh the loss of this important technology. And by the way, I use FW with hard drives and a new family video cameras (FW only). Apple saves a few $s but wants me to buy brand new equipment just to use the inferior USB 2.0 techology? No thanks Apple.

And no, I can't afford the Pro. We are in recession you know....
 
Think it's time?

Long story short, long time lurker (and mac admirer ;)) and such.

I actually am about to get out of college and work part time at an HP reseller/warranty repair business. I could probably get a nice HP deal, and some of their business notebooks are really nice and clean. Which is important to me. Of course, if you're talking about nice and clean, to most people that would describe a Mac.

I've always wanted a Mac. I was gonna pull the trigger about this time last year, but decided to build a gaming PC instead. I told myself I'd wait for a Macbook Pro redesign. Which this is, and I really like it. I can still get the education discount for another month, so that also excites me.

My question is this. Is now the time, for a first time MBP buyer (actually never owned a notebook, period) to pull the trigger? Should I wait until Macworld in January? If I wait until then will I just indefinitely wait until the end of time and die Mac-less?! :eek:

But seriously. I wanted to buy it after a redesign so I could say to myself that buying at that time would give myself the best sense of satisfaction in knowing that what I have will be "new" for the most amount of time. Is now that time?

Thanks guys! Any recommendations are appreciated.
 
BriChi said:
thinkbrilliant, thank you for the pics, looks nice. So my obvious question that I can't believe was not hammered yet is, How is the heat? does this thing get really hot like older macbook pro's? can you run a temperature program like smc or something to see how hot this thing gets under some heavy use
Click to expand...

From an online review, BootCamp makes Vista heat up fast on the base and on the palm rests. It was normal for XOS usage.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2332514,00.asp

Running my benchmarks in Windows Vista (via BootCamp), I detected excessive heat in the base and on the palm rests of the system, and I often heard the fans kick even with the 2.53-GHz processor. Upgrading to a faster processor will only cause more heat issues down the road. The Leopard operating system, on the other hand, does a better job containing heat dissipation, as its energy saver and power management routines are optimized to handle heavier work loads.
Click to expand...
 
OmahaGTP said:
Long story short, long time lurker (and mac admirer ;)) and such.

I actually am about to get out of college and work part time at an HP reseller/warranty repair business. I could probably get a nice HP deal, and some of their business notebooks are really nice and clean. Which is important to me. Of course, if you're talking about nice and clean, to most people that would describe a Mac.

I've always wanted a Mac. I was gonna pull the trigger about this time last year, but decided to build a gaming PC instead. I told myself I'd wait for a Macbook Pro redesign. Which this is, and I really like it. I can still get the education discount for another month, so that also excites me.

My question is this. Is now the time, for a first time MBP buyer (actually never owned a notebook, period) to pull the trigger? Should I wait until Macworld in January? If I wait until then will I just indefinitely wait until the end of time and die Mac-less?! :eek:

But seriously. I wanted to buy it after a redesign so I could say to myself that buying at that time would give myself the best sense of satisfaction in knowing that what I have will be "new" for the most amount of time. Is now that time?

Thanks guys! Any recommendations are appreciated.
Click to expand...

Have you gone to an Apple store and looked at the new MB & MBP yet? They are simply incredible pieces of engineering. The lines are so clean, no seams, the keyboard is fantastic, and the track pad works really slick.

The new graphics cards a screamers and the display looks beautiful.

Definitely buy now. Apple won't be coming out with any major updates on the laptop line until late 2009. You definitely don't want to wait that long.

If the prices turn you off, then buy one of the refurbished MBPs prior to this update. They are nice machines as well. They don't have the elegance and speed of the new machines but they are still very decent and can be had at a cheaper price.
 
DMMatt said:
I seriously sometimes don't understand how Apple works. Does the functionality of a backlit keyboard require that much additional space that it couldn't fit into a MacBook, or is it purely a "professional" feature?
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OMFG I AGREE WITH YOU 100%!!!!:mad::mad::mad:

Honestly :apple: cmon whats the deal? I went to dell.ca and built my own dell, and backlight keyboard was an additional option, guess for how much... give up?:confused:

20$!!!!!!!!

AND THATS CANADIAN!!!!

I dont see a point in getting a new aluminum mac at this point, if it had everything i need, then sure. but now if i can just buy a used macbook or refurb and just have a cheaper video card, who cares??? you buy a mac not for games. If it did have it, then it would be quite a good notebook for me. or at LEAST if it had the option when you build to order :mad::mad::mad:

Do they really expect people to pay 300$ more for a faster cpu, backlite keyboard...and what more hard drive space?!?!?!

When i think of professional, i think photoshop, adobe premiere, ie programs that NEED good cpu/gpu/firewire;)

When i think macbook, i think of students in classrooms. Students who cant see what they are typing because the teacher has sometihng on the projector and you cant see your effin keys cause its so dark:mad:

If macbooks are for students, etc. why not give them the features STUDENTS really want???

Recession + student != Lots of money to spend.

Apple, you suck. seriously. A 20$ option is all i would want (aside from a price drop. i still think 1350 with student discount is too expensive for a laptop)

oh well i hear the 500$ MSI wind can run OS X ;) oh well i for one will vote with my wallet. i will either buy Dell/HP/Toshiba, or im just gona buy a used white mac:mad:

PS sorry for the long rant. i just have no clue why apple doesn't include such basic features that cost next to nothing to implement yet would please so many people! I understand the need to make people step up, and to give them a reason to step up, but this is just ridiculous :(

Steve...you can stay at 110/70 for all I care. you appeal to me less and less every day. OK begin flaming me:eek:
 
I just went to my local store....they were still taking down old displays buy they did have a new macbook out of the box. The design is VERY rigid. The torsional stiffness of the screen is amazing, a complete night and day difference between the new one and old one right next to it. I think the glass contributes to this screen stiffness.

HOWEVER, the reflections are unbearable from the glossy display. Even at full brightness, you can see all the individual light sources on the screen from the store. The employees were shocked they got rid of the matte option because they said 90% of their MacBook Pro sales were with a matte screen. They wonder where Steve is getting his sources from.

The trackpad is neat, but will take some getting used to. I would buy the Pro if it had a matte screen. Until then, my trusty Powerbook G4 will keep chugging along.
 
LeoFio said:
I just went to my local store....they were still taking down old displays buy they did have a new macbook out of the box. The design is VERY rigid. The torsional stiffness of the screen is amazing, a complete night and day difference between the new one and old one right next to it. I think the glass contributes to this screen stiffness.

HOWEVER, the reflections are unbearable from the glossy display. Even at full brightness, you can see all the individual light sources on the screen from the store. The employees were shocked they got rid of the matte option because they said 90% of their MacBook Pro sales were with a matte screen. They wonder where Steve is getting his sources from.

The trackpad is neat, but will take some getting used to. I would buy the Pro if it had a matte screen. Until then, my trusty Powerbook G4 will keep chugging along.
Click to expand...


You mean this kind of gloss:
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2ym98n6&s=4
 
What's the diff in "illuminated" & "backlit"?

So w/ the MacBook, you get nothing w/ 2.0 but illumintated w/ 2.4. And w/ the Pro, you get backlit. What's the difference here? Sorry if this is a "duh" question.

MacBook:

* 2.0GHz MacBook
Built-in full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement)

*2.4GHz MacBook
Built-in full-size illuminated keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement)

http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook/specs.html


MacBook Pro:

* Built-in full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement)

http://www.apple.com/ca/macbookpro/specs.html
 
I just talked to a rep. with the websites live chat about the macbook. The guy wouldn't answer a question of mine, so I'm kinda mad and I'll just ask again tomorrow unless any of you can tell me:D

Hi, my name is Rep. Welcome to Apple!
Rep: Good evening.
Rep: Would you like help with your shopping?
You: Hi I had a few questions about the new Macbook
Rep: I'm happy to assist with that.

You: Does the 2.0 Ghz have a backlit keyboard? When I looked on the site yesterday it did but today it says it doesn't.
Rep: No that was an error that was corrected in our website.
You: OK Thanks.
Rep: You're welcome.

You: I was also wondering if changing the RAM or harddrive would void my warrenty
Rep: No it does not.
You: Do I have to buy an applecare warrenty by a certain date for the computer?
Rep: You can purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan anytime within the one-year limited warranty period. Your eligibility for coverage under the AppleCare Protection Plan starts from your hardware purchase date. Apple strongly recommends that you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan when you purchase your Apple product to maximize the additional benefits provided under the plan.

Then he got real casual talking about what I use my computer for and he asked what I used it for, then I said
You: For surfing the web, games* and word documents
(Now I can picture the guy thinking, stupid PC user!)

This question will be important come a week or two!!!!
You: Can the apple store put a back-lit keyboard inside the 2.0Ghz for extra money?
Rep: No that is not possible.*
(Thats BS and he knows it! There will be so many people blogging about how to do this by November!)

You: Oh thats OK. I was going to go down to the apple store this weekend to buy the computer in person. Do I have to make an appointment at the store or can I just walk into the store?
Rep: You would want to make an appointment.

You: Also, do I have to have a special apple remote for the computer or can I use an apple remote from another mac like an iMac*
(He never answered my question!)

You: Would you know the inventory of a certain Apple Store or would only the store know that?
Rep: You would need to contact the store to verify availability as we have no way of checking store inventory.

You: Thanks for helping!


Rep: You're welcome.


Rep: Thank you for visiting the Apple Store. We appreciate your business.

If the person that chatted with me comes across this: Thank you very much for helping me! I can't imagine how difficult your day must be with answering so many questions!

I hope I answered some questions, and good luck!;)
 
Not Cheap

macshill said:
ThinkBrilliant, thanks for your awesome, awesome pictures. Much appreciated. What are the little black protective padding on the underside made of? Is it that cheap foam w/ adhesive to keep it stuck on? Those things don't look like they'll last (if they are). Can you tell if they're at least slightly recessed in the underside panel? Sorry for all the questions, but you're like our guinea pig. ;) :D :apple:
Click to expand...

Hahaha, -- no worries -- I love this stuff, anyimte :)

Anyways, the four underside pads are definitely not cheaply stuck on. They are made of a hard plastic/rubber combination and are slightly recessed into the underside of the unibody.

Setting the notebook down on a hard surface feels safe. The pads make sure it won't slip and slide out of place pretty well... Overall, nothing on the notebook feels cheap.
 
MacsBestFriend said:
I just talked to a rep. with the websites live chat about the macbook.

You: I was also wondering if changing the RAM or harddrive would void my warrenty
Rep: No it does not.)
Click to expand...

I batted around this question all day today with the sales reps and tech support... The told me "CHANGING THE HARD DRIVE WOULD DEFINITELY VOID YOUR MACBOOK WARRANTY"

I Argued for the fact they made it more accessible than ever and is like bringing down the cookies from on top of the Fridge and saying, "Now mommy said don't eat..."
Can anyone confirm this? I was told I would void the warranty...
:apple:
 
iphoneuser123 said:
Yeah well you can't please everybody. Go pro. Also if I was to make a mockup of what all the parts you want in a macbook I guarantee the design would be horrible.
Click to expand...

No you can't please every one. But the options we are "bitching" about were there two days ago. Firewire and the matte option. In other words, it's a worsening of the product line.
 
New MacBook

Ok so I am up in the air about deciding between the two new MB's. I am a pretty casual user and don't really do any gaming, but I don't want a computer that will be outdated in a few years. I don't need the 250 GB HDD either. Backlit keyboard would be nice but not really worth the extra money for that alone, so it comes down to basically processor speed. I know the new one is clocked slower but also has a faster FSB and 2 GB DDR3 ram. So in comparing this with the previous MB's 2.4 processor with 2GB DDR2 am I going to see a noticeable decrease? So in the end for a regular user do you think it is worth the extra money for the new 2.4 MB or would 2.0 suffice?
 
iD-Rok said:
Ok so I am up in the air about deciding between the two new MB's. I am a pretty casual user and don't really do any gaming, but I don't want a computer that will be outdated in a few years. I don't need the 250 GB HDD either. Backlit keyboard would be nice but not really worth the extra money for that alone, so it comes down to basically processor speed. I know the new one is clocked slower but also has a faster FSB and 2 GB DDR3 ram. So in comparing this with the previous MB's 2.4 processor with 2GB DDR2 am I going to see a noticeable decrease? So in the end for a regular user do you think it is worth the extra money for the new 2.4 MB or would 2.0 suffice?
Click to expand...

The computing industry has sort of hit a plateau. There isn't a lot a home user would do (other than blu-ray) that a five year old computer won't do. So any Macbook would be good. The only bottle neck a home user might face would be the hard disk.
 
First Impressions in store

My local Apple store doesn't have their new MBs out on display yet, but they did have them in stock. When I stopped by, a gal was setting up her new 13" MB and she let me have a look.

I like the looks. But I like pretty much everything apple does. Even the daisy macs. What can I say, they were whimsical. Not that I'd have bought one.

I'm reticent about that glossy screen. It does seem brighter than the old screen. The Apple rep I spoke to by phone said the brightness should help overcome the reflection problem. But I'm not sure I'm buying that argument. My eyes are gonna get tired looking through all those reflections.

I really like the touch pad. Ergonomically, it makes sense. Though it'll take a little getting used to the whole multi-touch thing. (I'll be trading up from a Titanium touch pad).

The new MB seems to run A LOT COOLER than the previous ones. Since the store still has the "old" models on display, that was an easy comparison. Guess I won't be able to use my notebook to iron my pants anymore. http://images.macrumors.com/vb/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Didn't get to try out the keyboard. Or pick the thing up. So that's pretty much the extent of my observations. The store should have their displays up by Saturday.

I've been nursing my Titanium along for months, so I'm really looking forward to a new computer. Though I wish I could wait until the "B" versions come out (on the chance they'd have matte screen and FW) At the moment, the old 15" MBPs are looking mighty tempting what with the matte screen, the price drop and the economy.


***** Display models today are out and I got to spend a few more minutes with the new MB and MBP. Changed my mind about the heat. Old and new, they all seemed pretty darn warm when I touched the bottoms. Coulda been wishful thinking yesterday. Or maybe I just didn't get my hand far enough under the case. (Heat is concentrated at the back center of the case bottom. So if I spread my knees a little, I guess I won't get burned). Still NOT happy with the glossy screen. It's HIGHLY REFLECTIVE. Looking across the store at a new MBP sitting next to an old matte MBP --- yikes! huge difference. Trackpad will definitely take some getting used to -- it'd be my first multi-touch product. Sometimes it was a little too quick on the click, responding as if I clicked, when I hadn't. Case is very sturdy, which is definitely an improvement over the flex and cracks (not to mention paint chips) on my PBG4. Keyboard was comfortable. Bad news: The edge of the case is squared off, and uncomfortable to rest my wrists on when typing. It's kinda sharp -- like the topside of the newer iPods and iPhones. (My PBG4 is rounded over just enough to, well, take the edge off). Now I'm trying to decide if the faster graphics are worth having that darn screen. The woman at the store said they expect to sell out of the older Matte MBPs in the next few days. Deeeeecision time.
 
iD-Rok said:
So in the end for a regular user do you think it is worth the extra money for the new 2.4 MB or would 2.0 suffice?
Click to expand...

As someone who has used both 2.0Ghz and 2.4Ghz Macs for little more than casual stuff - I am pretty confident you will not even notice the difference for casual use. Even for specific demanding usage the difference is not going to hurt that much.

Try both out at your local Apple store if you aren't comfortable.
 
TooTired said:
The new MB seems to run A LOT COOLER than the previous ones. Since the store still has the "old" models on display, that was an easy comparison. Guess I won't be able to use my notebook to iron my pants anymore. http://images.macrumors.com/vb/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Didn't get to try out the keyboard. Or pick the thing up.
Click to expand...

Well I have to ask - if you did not get to pick up the thing how come you could tell it runs A LOT COOLER and won't iron your pants? :confused:
 
I picked mine up today...

So far it's awesome. I notice reflections (I would have bought the matte) if I look for them, but otherwise, it's totally fine. The gloss washes out less of the screen in general, so on the whole it looks great. It feels VERY stiff and sturdy. The screen is much stiffer than my 12" PB's. I guess this is due to the glass. But yeah, it's great. Body really is amazingly sturdy feeling. It also feels, and looks very thin. Doesn't seem too hot on the bottom either. On the whole, really super great quality feel. I'm in pressed. Port choice is minimalistic, but I like it. Power indicator on the side is great touch. And the black framing around the screen really does make it pop. And the touch pad is good! Took a tiny bit of getting used too. I already noticed when I tried my PB again though that I kept trying to push on the trackpad, haha. It's cool stuff.

I'm very happy.
 
Christian G said:
I picked mine up today...

So far it's awesome. I notice reflections (I would have bought the matte) if I look for them, but otherwise, it's totally fine. The gloss washes out less of the screen in general, so on the whole it looks great. It feels VERY stiff and sturdy. The screen is much stiffer than my 12" PB's. I guess this is due to the glass. But yeah, it's great. Body really is amazingly sturdy feeling. It also feels, and looks very thin. Doesn't seem too hot on the bottom either. On the whole, really super great quality feel. I'm in pressed. Port choice is minimalistic, but I like it. Power indicator on the side is great touch. And the black framing around the screen really does make it pop. And the touch pad is good! Took a tiny bit of getting used too. I already noticed when I tried my PB again though that I kept trying to push on the trackpad, haha. It's cool stuff.

I'm very happy.
Click to expand...
Congratulations!
I am looking to buy one now. I am very excited. Very!
The problem is, I want to feel it first, look at it, touch it. Just to be sure. And here in Germany, they have not arrived to the retailstores. The guy said to me Friday. But I doubt it. Anyway. Congratulations, keep us posted about your impressions. XD.
 
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