I haven't seen a thread where all reviews and first impressions are congregated in the same place (like usually happens), so I will post my initial review and impressions and invite anyone else who want to to post theirs as well.
I got the 2.4GHz model w/ 2GB RAM and 250GB hard drive, as well as the backlit keyboard.
Looks: SEXY. I was VERY skeptical after looking at all the pictures, but had my mind changed instantly. The footprint looks the same, but it is significantly thinner. The rounded edges add to the perception of thinness as well, but it is indeed thinner.
Screen: Gorgeous. Bright and evenly lit. With the glass covering if you accidentally poke the screen the colors do not distort because you aren't actually touching the LCD. It is thin thin thin, and I would say this is what makes up for most of the difference between the plastic model and this one.
Keyboard: Nice. Its the classic chiclet style which, after owning both a MB and MBP, I prefer over the contiguous keys. Again, that part is personal preference. The keys are quiet and provide a nice "pushy" feel (I don't know howelse to describe it). The backlighting is even and bright. There is a "leak" around the edge of each keys, but that's just the nature of the beast, and doesn't, in my opinion, detract from the appearance. The ambient light sensor is next the the iSight camera (on the left facing the notebook open). Also, the keys feel as if they have some kind of coating on them that is different from the previous MB and even the Air's keys.
Trackpad: Cool. I love having all the real estate, and the new four finger gestures are very very useful (already like second nature and I'm 5 hours in
) The clicking will take a bit getting used to for me. I am used to slamming my thumb down on the button and, while that click perfectly every time, it feels different. The button becomes more difficult to click the further up you get, so accidental clicking shouldn't be an issue. The texture is amazing. It does not feel like glass, but is silky smooth. The sensitivity is spot on (for me) and the trackpad now has its own section in the system preferences (which makes sense, there is a lot to set now). For right-clicking, you can specify one of the bottom corners (left or right) or you can set the "two finger click". With the two finger option, just press down with two fingers, or tap with two fingers, anywhere on the trackpad to right-click. Very easy to use.
"Unibody enclosure": Sturdy. I held the notebook in my hand and tried to gently flex it; no give whatsoever. Feels strong and durable. The edges around the wrist rest could get annoying if you hang over the sides, but then again, so were the previous macbooks.
Accessibility of components: The battery and hard drive are located directly under the bottom beneath the door. You don't need a coin to open the door anymore, it is self contained. You only need to remove one screw to get the hard drive out, but you'll need to a torx to get the mounting screws moved to the new hard drive. To replace the RAM you now have to use 3 separate screw drivers to remove 8 different screws that will allow you to take the rest of the bottom of the notebook off. An illustration of this is on the inside of the battery cover door, and the RAM is still considered user replaceable (and is still easy as hell to do, just a little more tedious).
I can't really say any more about it right now. I haven't put it through any paces as far at the graphics go, and can't speak to the battery life yet. However, I have been working on setting it up (transferring files over, and surfing the internet) and while warm the bottom is resting comfortably on my bare legs with no problem.
Hopefully all stays well!!! What do all you other owners think?
Also, questions?
I got the 2.4GHz model w/ 2GB RAM and 250GB hard drive, as well as the backlit keyboard.
Looks: SEXY. I was VERY skeptical after looking at all the pictures, but had my mind changed instantly. The footprint looks the same, but it is significantly thinner. The rounded edges add to the perception of thinness as well, but it is indeed thinner.
Screen: Gorgeous. Bright and evenly lit. With the glass covering if you accidentally poke the screen the colors do not distort because you aren't actually touching the LCD. It is thin thin thin, and I would say this is what makes up for most of the difference between the plastic model and this one.
Keyboard: Nice. Its the classic chiclet style which, after owning both a MB and MBP, I prefer over the contiguous keys. Again, that part is personal preference. The keys are quiet and provide a nice "pushy" feel (I don't know howelse to describe it). The backlighting is even and bright. There is a "leak" around the edge of each keys, but that's just the nature of the beast, and doesn't, in my opinion, detract from the appearance. The ambient light sensor is next the the iSight camera (on the left facing the notebook open). Also, the keys feel as if they have some kind of coating on them that is different from the previous MB and even the Air's keys.
Trackpad: Cool. I love having all the real estate, and the new four finger gestures are very very useful (already like second nature and I'm 5 hours in
) The clicking will take a bit getting used to for me. I am used to slamming my thumb down on the button and, while that click perfectly every time, it feels different. The button becomes more difficult to click the further up you get, so accidental clicking shouldn't be an issue. The texture is amazing. It does not feel like glass, but is silky smooth. The sensitivity is spot on (for me) and the trackpad now has its own section in the system preferences (which makes sense, there is a lot to set now). For right-clicking, you can specify one of the bottom corners (left or right) or you can set the "two finger click". With the two finger option, just press down with two fingers, or tap with two fingers, anywhere on the trackpad to right-click. Very easy to use."Unibody enclosure": Sturdy. I held the notebook in my hand and tried to gently flex it; no give whatsoever. Feels strong and durable. The edges around the wrist rest could get annoying if you hang over the sides, but then again, so were the previous macbooks.
Accessibility of components: The battery and hard drive are located directly under the bottom beneath the door. You don't need a coin to open the door anymore, it is self contained. You only need to remove one screw to get the hard drive out, but you'll need to a torx to get the mounting screws moved to the new hard drive. To replace the RAM you now have to use 3 separate screw drivers to remove 8 different screws that will allow you to take the rest of the bottom of the notebook off. An illustration of this is on the inside of the battery cover door, and the RAM is still considered user replaceable (and is still easy as hell to do, just a little more tedious).
I can't really say any more about it right now. I haven't put it through any paces as far at the graphics go, and can't speak to the battery life yet. However, I have been working on setting it up (transferring files over, and surfing the internet) and while warm the bottom is resting comfortably on my bare legs with no problem.
Hopefully all stays well!!! What do all you other owners think?
Also, questions?
