Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 161-164 of 164
 This is a "Pro" in every sense. March 12, 2008
J. Shea (Boston)
239 out of 244 found this review helpful
In March 2008, I decided it was time to upgrade from a G4-based laptop to one of the new Intel models. I deliberated back and forth whether the lower priced MacBook would be sufficient or whether to pay the premium for the "Pro" model. Ultimately, I decided upon the MacBook Pro for these reasons.
Construction quality
The aluminum case of the MacBook Pro reminds me of a product made by the Swiss. The build quality is outstanding for a mass-produced device. It feels very substantial, and all the pieces fit together nearly seamlessly. The MacBook's case, however, is made from a high-grade plastic rather than metal. It's nice ... but I found the front edge of the MacBook's case a bit sharp on my wrists as I typed.
Ports
Compared with the MacBook, the MacBook Pro provides an additional USB port plus Firewire 800. The latter is desirable for people who work with video and external drives that have Firewire 800 connectors. The ExpressCard slot is useful for future expansion and services such as wireless broadband (EVDO).
Keyboard
Keyboard experiences are subjective; but I find the keyboard on the MacBook Pro the most comfortable of any laptop I've ever used. It feels solid and responsive. Plus, its backlighting is helpful when typing in dark environments.
Dedicated video
Unlike the MacBook that shares system memory for video (integrated graphics), the MacBook Pro has a dedicated video processor. This is beneficial for driving large external displays and running graphics-intensive applications.
Is the MacBook Pro worth the $700 price differential over a MacBook? That depends on whether you are a general home computer user (i.e., e-mail, web browsing, iTunes, word processing) or someone who uses their laptop for more advanced purposes. My user profile is more in the second category. Also, since I intend to keep this computer for three years, I figure that the premium breaks down to about $233 each year. This seems reasonable to me for something I use every day.
In view of the additional quality and benefits that the MacBook Pro offers, I think its higher price brings with it commensurate value. It's hard to imagine even finicky laptop users being disappointed with the MacBook Pro.
P.S. -- There are two 15-inch MacBook Pro models. I bought the 2.4 gHz "entry level" model. It is the better value. I do not feel the 2.5 gHz MacBook Pro is worth the extra $500.
Also, people who care to add system memory (beyond the stock 2 gigabytes supplied by Apple) ought to purchase it from a third-party vendor and install it themselves. It is a simple process.
This machine is simply PERFECT! March 7, 2008
physicistjedi (Cambridge, MA)
19 out of 19 found this review helpful
I am looking at this machine and thinking hard, but just can not find anything negative. OK may be it might be more convenient if it accept usual headset microphones in the inline plug or display can be opened a little bit further. You see after a week of heavy use, these are the only things I can think of.
It is cool, it is fast, and it is silent (I am very picky about fan noises). Multi-touch trackpad (amazing two finger scrolling), backlit keyboard, LED backlit gorgeous display (best blacks I've ever seen in any computer monitor), great audio output (with no hiss at all), mini iSight with superb image quality, all top quality. And of course the best operating system on the planet, you can't get anything better even if you are a billionaire (think about it).
PS: I have the 15.4 inch, 2.4 GHz CPU, 200 GB 7200 RPM HDD, 4 GB RAM model.
I'm in love March 7, 2008
clarita davies (Seattle, WA)
19 out of 24 found this review helpful
I just received this computer as a replacement for my MacBook Pro 2.0Ghz bought in Aug. 06. The previous MBP was no slouch, but this one is blazing fast, the screen is amazingly bright and beautiful, it's a huge HUGE upgrade.
I got the BTO 2.5 Ghz model, with the 200 GB hard drive at 7200 RPM, and also upgraded the RAM to 4 GB for under $100 (via a third party). Now it is a true replacement for a desktop machine with no compromises.
I'm probably too enraptured to write a coherent and useful review. This is absolutely the best laptop, possibly the best computer, I've ever owned.
This is not a review, just a warning about 17" Macbook Pro screens March 7, 2008
Nick (California)
36 out of 47 found this review helpful
Hi everyone. I am the happy owner of a 15" 2.2 GHz Macbook Pro from the last generation. I am upgrading to the 17" in the near future. This is NOT a review but simply a warning. The Amazon listing is INCORRECT. The 1680x1050 display is NOT lit by LED's. It is lit by CCFL's, ONLY the 1920x1200 upgrade screen is lit by LED's. This upgraded screen is NOT available on Amazon.com (Please note that ALL 15" Macbook Pro's are LED screens)
There is a large difference in the quality between these two with LED's being superior. The whites are much whiter, the contrast is better. Though they claim both are 300nits brightness, I find the LED's to look much brighter (possibly the combination of whites and the better contrast) Also know that Apple claims the LED screen's (that being the 1920x1200 screen) efficiency gives it 30 extra minutes of battery life over the CCFL versions (1680x1050 screens) I hope this helps. These are really excellent notebooks.
Please remember this ONLY applies to 17" Macbook Pro's, ALL 15" Pro's are LED.
Showing reviews 161-164 of 164
|
