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MacBook Pro Reviews and Benchmarks
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mmmcheese said:
I'm not the first person to think it's absurd to stick a piece of tape on a $2000+ machine that is valued for its asthetic appeal. Remember how apoplectic people here got when it was suggested that an Intel Mac might have an "Intel Inside" sticker on it? Besides, putting tape over the lens doesn't solve the security issue. You can put your cameraphone in a lead box, but if there's a "no camera" policy anywhere, they won't let you take it in. They sure as hell won't let you take in a laptop with a camera, even if it's swaddled in tape.
Surely Apple knows this? I mean, I'm quite sure they have a "no camera" policy in their own product labs. Why would they make a "professional" product that can't be brought into design labs, architectural firms, biotech companies, and the like? They really should offer a model with no iSight.
And as for not using the computer in the nude, that smacks of the "if you've got nothing to hide, why hide it?" argument. Why not let the government (or your neighbor) read your mail or wiretap your phone? You've got nothing to hide, right? So you wouldn't mind if I set up a webcam in your house?
motulist said:
Except maybe a $99 iPod case
I haven't yet encountered an even foaming-at-the-mouth-rabid fanboy who thinks that was a good idea.
wordmunger said:
I think you're looking at this in the wrong way-- dimming the screen used to be a primary way to save battery life, but it's no longer as required. That's a HUGE benefit.
As a MBPro 2.16 owner, I can say with confidence that the 3+ hours I get with maximum performance and my screen brightness at full blast is more than enough. Let's face it-- am I going to be rendering on Cinema 4D for a significant amount of time without the AC plugged in? Nope.
I have a desktop replacement computer. If I wanted iBook calibre performance, I would have bought one or waited for the upcoming Intel models.
So, all in all, the MacBook pro has been a fantastic piece of hardware for me.
It COULD be absolutely impossible to disable the LED--I'd be interested to find that answer out too. We need a dissectionDTphonehome said:
It depends on how it is wired. A very simple example: if power reaching the camera passes through the LED, then there's no way to disable the LED an have the camera work.
If Apple didn't do the LED right, then I'd object. Not enough to avoid the MacBook, but I'd prefer a physical shutter like the external iSights have.
Now, for employers that require there to BE no camera at all, that's another matter. Of course that's a problem for some buyers. Apple may wish to add a special "secure environment" model later. Just like they added a special (slightly different) AirPort Extreme model that met certain fire codes allowing it to be used above drop ceilings.
I'd like to see Freescale's ability to ship anything significantly faster than the current G4... in QUANTITY. And then to ship something to compete with Merom. And to ship THAT In quantity. And to guarantee all this despite so many delays in the past. Fool me once...stockscalper said:
motulist said:
1) Never let anyone have physical access to your computer. Basic rule. Also you would know the light doesn't work sooner or later.
2) Why would other people care if it is not in their home? It's the same with camera phones.
3) It would need a trojan to do that, which would be known to exist if it did. You're not implying that Apple spies on you or the government right?If you're THAT paranoid, do you also use PGP, File Vault, email and chat encryption and do you lock your Mac away in a safe when you're gone? Do you close your blinds at home, use tinted car windows, etc.
I'm not trying to ridicule your post just trying to point out that there are more ways to being spied on than that. A lot easier ways.
I don't think you're ridiculing my post, I think you're ridiculing your own.
That's your answer? I have to physically handcuff my laptop to my arm to expect security? If I leave a powerbook locked to a desk and password protected, somebody can damage it, but not reduce its security. This is no longer true with the Macbook Pro. And I would know sooner or later? Yeah, when I found out that my secret corporate project I've been slaving over was just released by my comptitor. As in too late. I could answer each point one by one, but I'm about to step out. C'mon man, just be straight with this. Do you think it's good that the camera is a non removable feature, yes or no.
Diatribe said:
That's your answer? I have to physically handcuff my laptop to my arm to expect security? If I leave a powerbook locked to a desk and password protected, somebody can damage it, but not reduce its security. This is no longer true with the Macbook Pro. And I would know sooner or later? Yeah, when I found out that my secret corporate project I've been slaving over was just released by my comptitor. As in too late. I could answer each point one by one, but I'm about to step out. C'mon man, just be straight with this. Do you think it's good that the camera is a non removable feature, yes or no.
A password-protected MacBook Pro will give access to a stranger when a password-protected PowerBook would not?motulist said:
I agree that some people would like the no-camera option for paranoia reasons, and some business would DEMAND it for security reasons. There should be (and likely WILL be) a way to get one without a camera. But the password thing I don't understand.
may I ask exactly what you're doing in front of your computer?DTphonehome said:
Jk, though. I get your point.
motulist said:
If you don't know what you are talking about then don't accuse me of ridiculing my post. I can access your data even if you have a firmware pw etc. set without a problem if I have physical access. If someone has physical access to your computer and you don't use a 256bit PGP encryption they can access your data, whether you like it or not.
And yes I do think there should be a model without it but more because of government/high security area issues than because of yours.
So what im taking from this the MPB's Suck? Really? Or when you guys get the money you will actually be buying one as well. I wish I wouldn't have read any of these forums cause they just confuse me. I have Dells...good machines...won't buy a new one till Vista and wanted A Mac notebook for something different since I am bored with XP at this point. I also like how the iLife suite all integrate togehter and the .mac backup. It seems for how Apple has such a "strong" following that there is an awful lot of resentment that I don't understand.
fh2level said:
Well, the primary bugaboos that people have about the MBP are:
* the battery life ain't so hot
* the built-in iSight is a privacy/security risk.
Remember that when things are perfect and people are happy, they're less likely to post about it, though I have seen LOTS of positive posts about people and their new MBP's.
I can work around battery life, but the built-in iSight IS a factor that is going to cause problems for people until Apple provides a BTO option that is iSight-less. I am less concerned about personal privacy (read: the risk that someone could be spying on you or your data) as some people here are. HOWEVER, I am one of those who works in a high-security, NO CAMERAS ALLOWED facility. Understand, I would LOVE to buy a Macbook Pro, and I would love to use the built-in iSight to chat with my friends... but if I buy one, it will be with the understanding that I will NEVER be able to bring it into my workplace (on pain of being fired if I'm caught with it).
Put yourself in my shoes... would you buy a laptop if you knew that you absolutely COULD NOT bring it to school or work, ever?
Apple Computers = Porsche Cars
If you bought, or are going to buy a MacBook Pro then these reviews backup what you already knew you'd love about the machine.
If you don't want to buy a MacBook Pro (current computer needs filled, financial issues etc...) then these reviews defend your decision.
We all know that benchmarking is not an exact science and you can always find a benchmark that favors the machine you want to win.
I like to think of Apple computers like Porsche cars. While I have never owned a Porsche they seem to have quite a loyal following. There cars are seemingly more expensive than their spec sheets would imply. You can always find a significantly cheaper car that bests most Porsches on paper.
Porsche is releasing the Cayenne Turbo S next year I think. It's going to be well over $100 grand. I'm going to bet it 1) Weighs more and therefore 2) Doesn't corner as well 3) Gets worse gas mileage. It will most certainly NOT be 4x faster than the Cayenne Turbo or the even the Cayenne S. At most we're talking 20% faster than the Turbo.
Somewhere out on the internet there is a Cayenne message board where people that just bought a Cayenne and/or could never afford a 100 grand car are justifying their decisions. "Ferdinand is such an idiot! Adding more weight to an already overweight car. No thank you. I'll keep my Turbo!" or "Ugh...only 12MPG. I'm going to hold out for 2009 redesign (because I just bought an S a year ago)" Perhaps they'll use FUD to make them feel better: "an intercooler that large is just asking for trouble. I for one would never buy one".
I bet you won't find that message board because, for some reason, most Porsche people I know would never say those things. Every vehicle has it's tradeoffs and a cool car is a cool car.
If you bought, or are going to buy a MacBook Pro then these reviews backup what you already knew you'd love about the machine.
If you don't want to buy a MacBook Pro (current computer needs filled, financial issues etc...) then these reviews defend your decision.
We all know that benchmarking is not an exact science and you can always find a benchmark that favors the machine you want to win.
I like to think of Apple computers like Porsche cars. While I have never owned a Porsche they seem to have quite a loyal following. There cars are seemingly more expensive than their spec sheets would imply. You can always find a significantly cheaper car that bests most Porsches on paper.
Porsche is releasing the Cayenne Turbo S next year I think. It's going to be well over $100 grand. I'm going to bet it 1) Weighs more and therefore 2) Doesn't corner as well 3) Gets worse gas mileage. It will most certainly NOT be 4x faster than the Cayenne Turbo or the even the Cayenne S. At most we're talking 20% faster than the Turbo.
Somewhere out on the internet there is a Cayenne message board where people that just bought a Cayenne and/or could never afford a 100 grand car are justifying their decisions. "Ferdinand is such an idiot! Adding more weight to an already overweight car. No thank you. I'll keep my Turbo!" or "Ugh...only 12MPG. I'm going to hold out for 2009 redesign (because I just bought an S a year ago)" Perhaps they'll use FUD to make them feel better: "an intercooler that large is just asking for trouble. I for one would never buy one".
I bet you won't find that message board because, for some reason, most Porsche people I know would never say those things. Every vehicle has it's tradeoffs and a cool car is a cool car.
iGary said:
Because Macrumors is now the snivling, whiny b****fest with people who don't have lives or a clue it seems. 3+ hours... do these people know of the high end Dulls that get 2 or the Alienware "portable gaming" laptop that got above 1 hour, and both weighed close to 10 pounds.
Macrumors people here need to get a clue before they comment.
And I've played with a new Macbook, it's a pro machine (read: needs power, power takes energy, energy takes battery life people, DEAL WITH IT!) and it's a sweet machine.
Photorun said:
My 5.6 lb, 1" thin TiBook 667MHz gets 4.5+ hours on a fresh battery. So I think most of the complaints compare the MBP to the PB, not Dell or Alienware.
fh2level said:
Pay no mind to the sniveling clueless whiners in these forums, they still want their precious Powerbook G5 with 12 hours of battery life, a 21 inch screen, weighing 14 ounces and costs $499. Only read semi-reliable news sources for info on machines, don't come here for facts, you'd be better off going to The Globe (and believing alien babies from celebrities) than actual facts from most the members here.
Photorun said:
Sheesh, man, lighten up, you sound like you physically gave birth to the MBP. Don't get so worked up.
DTphonehome said:
Thanks... but I don't think they're complaining necessarily about that, they want unrealistic things that even peecees don't offer and a bag of chips. So the really old, not overclocked, G4 Powerbook got fairly good battery life, it was also a dog (I had the TiBook 500) and even some G3s could smoke it. Professional it wasn't, now we finally have a portable professional level machine and everybody is coming up with these crazy off-the-wall requests for super power AND super conservation... it'd be like wanting a V12 Dodge Viper that gets 50 miles per gallon, it's insanely unrealistic whining and it's so off based that some people need to get a big clue. When the iBook comes out, if those don't get 5+ hours, THEN b****, but for the Powerbook, which is supposed to be a pro machine, and look around at the peecee pro machines getting about the same life, it's really NOT that big a deal as some people who really, really need a reality check (or several) are making it.
I am personally looking forward to ordering my Macbook Pro, regardless of battery life. I am sure tech savvy people will find a way to get more life out of the battery in time.
Photorun said:
It may be a dog now, but it was quite professional in its day (and I still use mine on a daily basis). So it's only fair that Apple's successor to the PB be compared to its predecessor. Gradually, the battery life of PBs tapered down, and with the big hype that Intel switch would bring better battery life, people expected more. It's telling that Apple themselves didn't say boo about the battery life of the MBP when it was announced.
DTphonehome said:
They NEVER said battery life would go up. They said the performance per watt ratio would increase, which it has.
Diatribe said:
Fair enough. But people have grown to expect close to 4 hours or more out of their PBs, and getting close to the 3 hour mark is a psychological marker that is hard to allow.
By your logic, it's ok for battery life to decrease a certain amount, as long as performance rapidly rises. So if someone manages to cram a CRAY (or some other super powerful computer...I don't know who's on top now) into a MBP case and gets it to go for 10 minutes before the battery dies, that's an improvement?