Things Engadget does like about the new MBP

[840quadra]

Just some highlights from the Engadget article that discuss some of the things they like, or commented on otherwise. It is quite obvious that their biggest complaint is the glossy display which is discussed on a separate thread. However, it is clear that they are not too disappointed with the rest of the product, something that is worth noting for those on the fence about this system.

Full article is here
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/macbook-and-macbook-pro-review/2

Displays
First, the Pro. The LED-backlit display is nothing short of stunning here; the blacks are black, the whites are extremely -- some might say excessively -- white, though the color temperature of the display seems to be warmer and more natural than previous iterations. The viewing angle is improved over earlier models as well, and the display actually tilts back and forward at a greater pitch, allowing you to find the right position without too much strain. Side by side with the previous generation, there's no comparison. The screen is classic, gorgeous Apple. [[ This is were they go into discussion of their dislikes of Glossy, and this is again discussed here]]

Let's just be clear here -- the screen quality is excellent. It's hampered only by the glass covering.

Moving on to the Audio sections.

Audio
Sound quality and volume is greatly improved in both of these models. While the MacBook hides its speakers somewhere deep in the guts, the levels are more than adequate. On the Pro, it's practically booming, and the definition between frequency ranges seems noticeably improved. This wasn't a dire situation on the older versions, but other laptops might get green with envy when they hear the new sets.

Next Graphics.

Graphics
Interestingly, you don't see a huge boost in graphics performance in benchmarking between the 9400M and 9600M GT -- though there are clear improvements, noticeably in the Open GL numbers. When gaming, however, the jolt of speed is obvious.

Interesting read. I agree with them on many points (both positive and negative) after owning mine for a full week now. Moving from a Powerbook to to the Previous Macbook, I have to agree that the sound quality from the internal speakers was something that surprised me too. While not audiophile quality, it is actually good enough were I may skip bringing my external speakers on some trips for use in the hotel room.

 

[MowingDevil]

Interesting read. I agree with them on many points (both positive and negative) after owning mine for a full week now. Moving from a Powerbook to to the Previous Macbook, I have to agree that the sound quality from the internal speakers was something that surprised me too. While not audiophile quality, it is actually good enough were I may skip bringing my external speakers on some trips for use in the hotel room.

I read somewhere they put a subwoofer in the bottom so there's 2:1 sound. Have they always done this or is this new w/ this version? Might help explain why they sound better although I was told they re-did the entire audio system for this model so better speakers/sound might be a benefactor of that as well.

Also good to hear some good review about the screens. People are so caught up in the reflection they're overlooking the vibrancy/depth of color is much improved.

 

[masse]

I agree with all points. The screen is the best I have ever seen. It's viewable from ridiculous angles an incredibly even. The speakers are so loud I forge to use external speakers often. This thing screams through games.