arthursiew
macrumors 6502
Basic Info
Pricing and Specifications:
2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo)
2GB DDR3 RAM (4GB DDR3 RAM)
160GB HDD (250GB HDD)
2 USB Ports
1 FireWire 800 Port
SD Card Slot
Built-In Seven Hour Battery
Normal= $1199 Bold=$1499 Italics=both models
Official MacBook Pro Page
Review
PROS: Unibody Design, Trackpad, Standard Backlit Keyboard, Improved Screen, FireWire, SD Card Slot, Battery Life, Pricing
CONS: Making 250GB HDD standard would make this computer feel more like a Pro, 1.5 SATA, Option for Matte Screen, No Dedicated Graphics Card
Bottom Line: Although this is a MacBook Pro, this is only the entry model to the Pro family. The addition of the new features makes this laptop a true Pro. If you're in the market for a laptop, this is one that you should add to your list.
Design
Still featuring the sexy Unibody design, this laptop looks fantastic and the build quality is excellent. The look and feel of this computer cannot be beaten, as most of the laptops in the market feature poor designs and build quality. Apple still satisfies their customers with their awesome design. They have truly created a masterpiece down at the design department. Well done!
Performance
The performance of this computer is great. The base model features a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB RAM, while the higher 13" model features a 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4GB RAM. Both models have the fantastic NVIDIA 9400M graphics, but Apple still fails to impress me with their HDD space. The base model has a 160GB HDD and the higher end features a 250GB HDD. The base MBP should have a 250GB HDD, as it is now branded as a Pro laptop.
Features
LED Display
The previous uMB also had the LED Display, but the quality wasn't that great. The new displays impressed me a lot, as it displayed more vivid colors and the viewing angle is improved as well.
Multi-Touch Trackpad
Still featuring the awesome multi-touch glass trackpad, I am still very happy with it. This is ought to be the best trackpad on a laptop in the whole entire market. The feel of the trackpad is just right, and the gestures just make it a whole lot easier for navigation.
Keyboard
The previous uMB only had a backlit keyboard for the high end model, but they have finally decided to add the backlit keyboard to every model. Surprisingly, the backlit keyboard is pretty useful, even though I'm a touch typist. The keyboard is also very responsive, and has a very nice feel to it when typing.
IO Ports
Now featuring the missing FireWire port, it makes this computer feel more like a Pro. It also has the surprising addition of a SD Card Slot. It still only has 2 USB ports, but adding another one would probably mean getting rid of the FireWire port or SD Card Slot.
Battery
Although the battery is not removable, the battery life is impressive. I ran the computer without shutting it down for approximately 6 hrs, where I spent 1 1/2 hrs watching a movie. Even though it didn't go up to the maximum 7 hrs, having the movie watching time in it makes it very impressive. I'm very happy with the battery, even though it's non-removable.
Conclusion
Truly, this new laptop deserves the name "Pro" in it. The seven hour battery is amazing. The return of FireWire, and the surprising addition of the SD Card slot is a great touch. Making the backlit keyboard standard on all models makes typing more enjoyable in the dark. For those looking at the MacBook should consider laying down another $200 for this computer. With these new updates, Apple just tightened the notebook competition, and I can already see PC users diminishing. You can also upgrade to Snow Leopard for $10 bucks if you purchase this before release date. Great job Apple! I'm already waiting for the selling results of the 13" MBP.
