Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook

faststep25

Member Since
Sep 2007

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User has 11 Days of experience with this product

Macbook Pro 15.4" with Intel Santa Rosa

Strengths:

Thin, powerful, feature packed, comes with iLife 08, front row and included remote, firewire 400/800 ports, DVI, and good build quality. Very quiet most of the time.

Weaknesses:

Keyboard could be better. The surface of the keys is a little sticky, and could be smoother in my opinion. Temperatures- runs a bit hot. Only 2 USB ports.

Posted Sep 4, 2007 - The LCD is good, you should calibrate it for sure to improve it. Another thing with the screen, there is a definite yellow tint when you view from a side angle. Nobody uses there notebook while viewing this way, so it's not a problem, it just might annoy some people. Temperatures are a little high for my liking. Idles around 55-60C. Importing a music CD and it jumps to around 80C. Anything around that temp or higher and the fans kick on strong, 6000rpm. I have Mac0SX of course and then Windows XP. Very simple to install Windows with Apple's bootcamp program. MacOSX is very stable, it has a force quit feature which closes out unresponsive programs, and I have had to use this a few times with ichat, imovie and firefox. Otherwise I like the feel and functionality of the operating system. Packaged iLife is really a great software bundle. Battery life is strong. Knock the brightness of the LCD down a few notches and switch to the battery saving mode and you can easily get 4+ hours of life. If you are using a windows mouse in MacOSX go to the manufacturers website and see if they have any downloads. I am using an old Microsoft optical mouse and it wasn't precise and had acceleration problems, even after playing with the settings. I went and downloaded a program from Microsoft's website for OSX, and am now getting much better performance.

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HDK

Member Since
Jan 2008

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User has 4 Months of experience with this product

Sleek, sexy, stylish and so much more

Strengths:

Small package, big-time production; super fast application performance; noiseless operation; high-quality iSight cam; solid Airport range; decent battery life; and a stunning widescreen display.

Weaknesses:

Runs a bit hot above the speakers when plugged in; no built-in S-Video outlet; and another USB port would be ideal.

Posted Mar 16, 2008 - The MacBook Pro combines convenient mobility with uncompromising power and cinema-quality graphics on a classy widescreen display; equipped with all the easy-to-use Apple software from its predecessors, but only now it runs off a notebook-friendly processor. --- INTEL CORE DUO - One word: fast. Packed with a dual-core, this design provides you with the functioning capability of two Intel-based processors. From Web browsing to running multiple applications, the effects of this dynamic processor can be felt through its speed. And, as such, the Core Duo goes a long way in rendering performance inconsistencies mute, leaving my frustrations with past Mac laptops in the dust. --- DISPLAY - Using a widescreen aspect (as well as integrating an iSight cam), the bright display struts its stuff with vibrant colors that pop right off the high-resolution screen. Unfortunately, the glossy display isn’t resistant to the occasional yet annoying smudge, and, oddly, a reusable screen wipe wasn't provided. --- KEYBOARD/TOUCHPAD - With its backlit keyboard, the notebook offers the typical Apple touchpad, but now with a bit more real estate. By using two fingers on the touchpad at the same time, any movement up, down, or sideways automatically causes the slider to roll in the desired direction – a neat and far more natural alternative. --- WIRELESS - An embedded AirPort interface allows wireless networking with solid range, although, different ISP routers have yielded varying results. --- BATTERY LIFE - Much improved but not exactly the Energizer Bunny. With half brightness (and backlit keys off), battery power lasts anywhere from three to five hours, depending on the amount and type of applications in use. It’s adequate juice for such a slim model, and greatly appreciated when I forget to bring along the power adapter. --- MAGSAFE POWER ADAPTER - Held in place magnetically, the MagSafe connector supplies the panacea to every laptop owner’s nightmare: an airborne machine after a stumble over the power cord. In such cases, the magnetic mechanism causes the connector to release safely from the socket. Phew! --- APPLICATIONS - The pre-installed applications include the iLife collection, which consists of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and the loads-of-fun GarageBand for my music-related needs. With great fluidity, Apple continues to make the process of creating and managing multimedia projects as easy as possible. --- FRONT ROW - Also included is Front Row software, which functions with the use of a pocket-sized remote. With a click of a button, Front Row offers quick access to all the media held on your computer. While innovative, it does fall a bit under the unnecessary category given the nature of a laptop; however, the quality of Front Row does deliver when used. --- HEAT - Running off the battery, the MacBook Pro eases up on the throttle in order to extend life and, as a result, stays on the relative cool side. But when plugged in, the notebook tends to heat up; in particular, the strip along the top of the keyboard, just above the speakers, becomes warmer as application activity increases. --- NOISE - What noise? --- CONCLUSION - Perhaps the MacBook Pro is more pricy than some of the other options available, but no notebook happens to be quite this small, quite this slick, yet still carry quite this much weight in terms of peak laptop performance.

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ramuman from MO

Member Since
Jun 2004

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User has 3 Months of experience with this product

Generally Good

Strengths:

General design, performance

Weaknesses:

2 USB Ports, the look is getting dated, no user replacable HD.

Posted Nov 14, 2007 - In writing this review, I feel like a broken record repeating what I did in my reviews of earlier MacBook Pros. This computer is good overall, but Apple really needs to update the case. I would like to see a user replacable HD like the MacBooks and more USB ports. 2 on a laptop line that starts at 2k is just mean. Other than that, the performance, and so forth are fine. This laptop runs cooler for the most part than previous MacBook Pros. I also wish Apple offered higher resolution screen options on the 15". What I can't believe is the 1 GHz G4 PowerBook and this laptop look basically the same.

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jamito from IA

Member Since
Jan 2007

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User has 30 Days of experience with this product

MacBook Pro 2.2Ghz, 15in

Strengths:

Fast, Intel chip, brighter screen

Weaknesses:

Warm

Posted Sep 17, 2007 - I got this machine as an upgrade to a powerbook. The macbook pro blew away the speed of the powerbook. Applications opened quickly and startup time was less than 5 seconds. It was also nice to finally get some of the benefits of the intel chip. This included the fact that I could virtualize both windows and linux operating systems. Also a plus was the fact that the screen was significantly brighter than my old power book. Most of the time, my computer is connected to an apple cinema display (20in). The power book was much dimmer, but the macbook pro is at about the same brightness. Using both screens is easy. One flaw, the machine gets hot. I don't use the portable as a laptop much (meaning I don't use it on my lap for extended periods of time). The powerbook I was able to deal with, but not the macbook pro. Overall, great machine and great update to my powerbook.

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tb1971

Member Since
Mar 2008

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User has 3 Days of experience with this product

Stylish and well-engineered product from Apple

Strengths:

Stylish, thin, fast, well-built and well-engineered

Weaknesses:

Airport wireless signal drops often

Posted Mar 2, 2008 - Well, I bought Macbook Pro as a replacement for my old G4 desktop Mac. What do I think about my decision? Now I think I no longer have a need for a desktop computer! One of the first things that impresses is how thin it is. Then there is its screen - it has a beautiful matte finish, with very bright, nice colors and quite large view angle. It is bright enough to use outdoors on almost any occasion. The screen's resolution (1440x900) is great looking and it's 16:9 aspect ratio gives lots of space for various palettes. This Macbook Pro runs very fast, that any AfterEffects and Photoshop user will appreciate a lot. If you run WindowXP and OS X at the same time it is still very smooth. On average, my battery lasts for about 3 1/2 hours with display at about max, airport turned on, and running word, ichat, mail, and surfing internet with Firefox. So far I only have one complaint about this machine - my airport wireless signal drops every so often. To get it back I have to disable the airport card and then enable it a few seconds later. According to Apple, they are working on a fix for this issue. Macbook Pro's smooth edges and silver look and minimalist approach clearly indicate completely thought out design. All seems well-built and well-engineered - but it's all relative and it's not hard to be a better, more integrated product than any windows-based PC. After MY PC friends saw it they were blown away by its design and ease of use. Not to mention complete lack of the application crash as that on windows PC computers. The best of all Leopard is smooth and stable OS! It is a nice upgrade from previous OS, with many small treats, with Spaces being my favourite. Software such as iLife, iPhoto, iMovie and iWeb are easy to use for new users and feels like home for old Mac users. As one could expect from Apple, it delivers stylish and reliable product that tops the market of portable computers. The screen size and brightness, the connectivity, and the incredible stylishness make this a great laptop for any professional use. If you're in a budget don't hesitate to buy this base model, you won't regret it. The $150 rebate is a great bonus too!

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natonic from TX

Member Since
Nov 2007

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User has 1 Day of experience with this product

MacBook Pro 2.2 GHz

Strengths:

VERY fast Two-finger trackpad scrolling is excellent Very bright screen Keyboard backlighting and keypress feedback

Weaknesses:

Difficult to upgrade hard drive Doesn't ship with TV video adapter Optical drive is a bit loud

Posted Nov 18, 2007 - I upgraded to the MacBook Pro from a PowerMac G5 Dual 2GHz tower and from a Powerbook G4 Titanium 1GHz laptop. It is difficult to find much to complain about in this machine. I use the machine primarily for email, web browsing, photo management, video management. So far, it handles everything I throw at it as well or better than my old PowerMac G5 powerhouse and it is screaming compared to my old "pro" laptop - the Powerbook G4. The 802.11n wireless networking is extremely fast and works well with the Airport Extreme Base Station. The laptop seems to be very solidly built without being too weighty or bulky. I love the ambient light sensor that is used to turn on the keyboard backlighting and turn down the display brightness. Everything about this laptop shows attention to detail. I debated buying this laptop or the 2.4 or even 2.6 GHz models, but in the end I'm glad I saved $400+ by getting this one - I'm not noticing any performance weaknesses at all with this "slower" machine that I got, and if there were any I doubt they would be significantly improved by a slightly faster processor. If I had to make one complaint about the machine it would be that stuffing all this technology into such a small machine makes upgrading fairly difficult. I upgraded the standard 120 GB hard drive with a Hitachi 200 GB 7200 RPM drive and had a bit of trouble getting into the case to do the upgrade. It's hard to fault Apple too much for this since they recommend/require users send the laptop in to a certified technician to upgrade the hard drive (voids the warranty). At the price these machines are selling for ($1800) they are a steal.

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thebriguy from WI

Member Since
Mar 2005

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User has 3 Days of experience with this product

Great Computer - would suggest to anyone!

Strengths:

More durable than my old Titanium (at least feels more sturdy). It also is more balanced with the screen open. EASILY transferred my data from my old Titanium via FireWire.

Weaknesses:

I'd like more USB ports. A SD card slot would be nice. Also, I wouldn't mind if laptops could be plugged in to the power supply from either side so the cord wouldn't get so twisted.

Posted Nov 15, 2007 - Very fast computer! We didn't relly NEED such a great machine but I prefer to error on the side of having something better. The newest interface is wonderful. We ordered the Glossy screen, so I was disappointed to find out the price was $100 more than the matte screen (atleast through eComElectronics). It does look allot better though. I don't think the average user needs more than the standard 2 gigs of Ram - so I didn't want to pay the additional $300+ dollars for that upgrade; I'll do it myself for a fraction of that cost in a few months if I need to. A pleasant surprise from eComElectronics - this computer is listed as coming with OS 10.4, and that's what came installed but when I opened the box 10.5 was there waiting for me to install it. So I'm happy about that...but... I did have a little concern - eComElec wanted another $100 to install 10.5 and they stated it only came with 10.4. Would I have received the same either way? One way with them doing a simple install but charging another $100 the other with me doing it myself??? Also - a general tip. Make your purchase on a American Express Card and the warranty is doubled! 2 years instead of the standard Apple 1 year with NO ADDITIONAL COST! This works for most purchases on AmEx. Hope this all helps. Bri

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porcelli from NY

Member Since
Oct 2004

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User has 10 Days of experience with this product

Macbook Pro 15.4 Core 2 Duo Review

Strengths:

Well built machine, aluminum (light weight) case, OS X, backlit keyboard

Weaknesses:

Gets somewhat warm on the bottom

Posted Nov 8, 2007 - I bought this machine to replace a 13.3 Macbook and originally was concerned it would be too big and heavy. Even though it is larger, it is basically the same weight as the 13.3 Macbook. I find the aluminum case to be so much nicer than the plastic Macbook. It runs Mac OS X, which is spectacular (especially compared to any variant of Windows). Due to the Intel processor, if you have to run Windows, you can run it in a virtual machine and not give up the beauty and stability of the Apple OS. I have travelled on a darkened airplane and love the backlit keyboard.

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drmek from AL

Member Since
Mar 2001

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User has 14 Days of experience with this product

MacBook Pro MA895LL/A

Strengths:

Thin elegant form factor, the best of the best is included in this laptop, bright 15.4" LED display, OSX, Bluetooth, Firewire 400 & 800

Weaknesses:

None so far except for poor Applecare support

Posted Aug 28, 2007 - I just converted from Windows Vista Home Premium. I got tired of the computer contantly freezing and the incompatibility of drivers and older software. This notebook has been a shear pleasure to use although one has to learn how to do tasks differently then in Windows although a lot simpler and logical. My only complaint so far has been Applecare which has been very poor in their support. Although I have been using Windows for well over 15 years I feel that in the 2 weeks that I have owned the Mac I still know more than the people that Apple employs in their tech support department. Give this computer a try and you won't regret it. I am know thinks of purchasing a 20" iMac because on my positive experience with this computer.

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ramubay

Member Since
Jul 2006

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User has 6 Days of experience with this product

Solid notebook

Strengths:

Performance, elegant, has most needed features built-in

Weaknesses:

2 USB ports, no user swappable HD

Posted Dec 25, 2007 - This is a good computer, and it should be for $2,000. It does however have its flaws. First, as a reviewer below noted, it only has 2 USB ports. When I have this sitting on my desk at home, I used three very common things - an external mouse, printer, and thumb drive. I cannot use all three at once. Usually the printer and the thumb drive trade places. One more port is all I ask. Second, I would like to swap the HD. Just as the pro desktop Macs have a user swappable HD, so too should the pro laptops - especially when the MacBook does. Also, the thing runs a bit hot. Other then that, I have no major issues with it.

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SDAccord01 from CA

Member Since
Jun 2004

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Best laptop I've ever owned

Strengths:

Fast, easy to upgrade RAM, can run Windows

Weaknesses:

None

Posted Mar 5, 2008 - I used to have a Powerbook G4 12" but I was forced to sell it because Virtual PC didn't do a good job in running my Windows applications. Now, 3-4 years later, I've switched back to Macs and I'm happy with the flexibility. I just got the laptop, but I'm planning on getting VMWare Fusion to run whatever Windows applications I need to run. I'm planning to avoid running Windows apps as much as possible (tired of how inefficient Windows is as an OS), but out of all the types of laptops that I have purchased (Thinkpads, Compaqs, Dells, HPs), Apples seem to make the most solidly built laptops out there. The build quality is amazing and the display is fantastic!

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IBelDudeIBx0... from NY

Member Since
Sep 2005

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User has 5 Days of experience with this product

MacBook Pro 15.4" Review

Strengths:

The laptop is very thin. Has great, sexy looking metallic color. Soft, comfortable keyboard.

Weaknesses:

My first Mac was defective. Right fan was making weird buzzing sound. When watching videos or during installations, it becomes very hot.

Posted Feb 22, 2008 - Overall, Its a very stylish, light laptop that you can take anywhere. I have noticed that during installations, it gets super super hot but once high activity is done, laptops cools down very quickly. I love the magnetic power cord attachment and wont have to worry about accidentally tripping over it.

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2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile, 2GB DDR2, 120GB, DVD±RW DL, Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger, 15.4" LCD - MPN: MA895LLA

Macbook Pro 15.4" with Intel Santa Rosa

Sleek, sexy, stylish and so much more

Generally Good

MacBook Pro 2.2Ghz, 15in

Stylish and well-engineered product from Apple

MacBook Pro 2.2 GHz

Great Computer - would suggest to anyone!

Macbook Pro 15.4 Core 2 Duo Review

MacBook Pro MA895LL/A

Solid notebook

Best laptop I've ever owned

MacBook Pro 15.4" Review

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