Following on the heels of last month's update to the lower-end MacBook line, Apple freshened up its MacBook Pro series with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, a faster 800MHz front-side bus courtesy of Intel's latest Centrino (aka Santa Rosa) chipset, and a switch from ATI to Nvidia graphics. The lineup still comprises two 15.4-inch models, priced at $1,999 and $2,499, and a 17-inch model, priced at $2,799, which may be somewhat of a disappointment to those hoping this update would mark the return of a 12-inch Apple laptop.
The 15-inch models also introduce an LED-backlit display that Apple claims results in a brighter image and longer battery life (we found this LED-backlit Sony VAIO TXN17P/B to be bright and long-running). The larger, 17-inch MacBook Pro doesn't include LED backlighting, but it now offers you a choice of a higher-resolution display with a native resolution of 1,920x1,200 (up from the standard 1,680x1,050 display). Powering the screen is Nvidia's GeForce 8600M GT graphics chip; the low-end MacBook Pro features the 128MB version while the two higher-end models use the 256MB version.
The new Core 2 Duo processors added to the line are a 2.2GHz chip in the lower-end 15-inch MacBook Pro and a 2.4GHz chip in the higher-end 15-inch model and the 17-inch model. All three ship with a standard 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 memory, which can now be upgraded to 4GB (the previous limit was 3GB). The two 15-inch models can be upgraded with a 200GB hard drive, while the 17-inch model gives you the option for a 250GB drive. Unfortunately, the largest hard-drive option for each model spins at a poky 4,200rpm. All models ship with the wireless 802.11n (aka Draft N) chip enabled, a feature that cost $2 to turn on with previous MacBook Pros.
For more information, please see our full review from earlier this year of the previous 17-inch MacBook Pro model.
Intro:
This configuration of the Apple MacBook Pro 2007 is a 5.5-pound, thin-and-light notebook computer.Compared to other thin-and-light notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,650.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.Features NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 128MB of video RAM.
Noteworthy Features:
Has 1440 x 900 native screen resolution, which is higher than some similarly priced notebooks.Also, this notebook has 2 GB RAM, which is more than some similarly priced notebooks.
Weaker Features:
Has an integrated housing media bay, which is somewhat less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Lenovo ThinkPad T60, a 5.5-pound notebook at around $1, 830, has a plug-in module media bay.
Suitability:
A thin-and-light notebook, suited for business computing.Archive your digital videos using this laptop's DVD writer.Comes with office-grade word processing software; it comes with well-rounded features for most writers.With 128MB of dedicated video RAM, this machine will do tremedously better than most other notebooks, when it comes to multimedia applications and games.Let your computer be your digital darkroom; remove red-eye, power lines, and ex boyfriends from your digital images with this notebook?s bundled photo editing software.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.
Value:
Overall, this notebook's features are in line with its price.
Suggestions:
(1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Internet more conveniently from any room.(2) To get the most out of this notebook's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, handheld or other device, and be able to link it wirelessly to your computer within a range of 20-or-so feet inside the same room.
10 out of 10 - Perfect So far so great
Just had mine 48 hours and I've never been so wowed by a laptop in all my life.
The ...
Just had mine 48 hours and I've never been so wowed by a laptop in all my life.
The thing came up easily, had it up and running in five minutes using the WiFi in my house.
I couldn't stop laughing when the setup Wizard actually took my picture using the built in iSight webcam.
Downloaded and and installed all my programs within a few hours and transfered files from my servers in another few minutes.
Everything is working great including Paralells used to support Windows work on the MacBook Pro.
Dell, HP, and all the others should hang their heads in shame, none of their junk comes even close.
In comparision I actually went to Dells Web site and none of their Notebooks had a separate discrete video card other than some of the Inspirons and comparing Apples to Dells (pun here) the Apple actually came out cheaper.
Upgradeability is limited, you can get more ram and better/bigger HDs and that's about it.
I give it 10 because so far it has significantly exceeded my expectations (based on my history with other notebooks I guess).
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by mpzarde (see profile) -
June 15, 2007
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect WOW! Absolutely Amazing!
This is an absolutely stunning machine. I have never owned a Mac previously and after two different $2K Lenovo laptops ...
This is an absolutely stunning machine. I have never owned a Mac previously and after two different $2K Lenovo laptops giving me repeated "blue screens of death" and needing to be returned, I said that enough was enough. The bottom line is that this puppy kicks a PC's butt. I do have 4GB of RAM in this laptop but I also had 4GB in the other Windows machines too. This boots up in about 30 seconds whereas it took Vista about 2.5 minutes to load! Are you kidding? It was beyond ridiculous. If you are new to the Mac world, go to www.Apple.com and watch the video demonstrations of the current Mac software (iLIfe 08) and upcoming software (such as the new operating system - Leopard). It's absolutely amazing what Apple has produced. And ZERO compatibility issues for me! I was able to migrate about 12,000 old emails from Microsoft Outlook over to Entourage (the Mac equivalent) and Entourage works like a charm. And I have this program synched with a Blackberry.... again, absolutely no issues... so stop thinking that Macs are only for people with 10+ body piercings and go buy one of these. It is a fun, powerful machines that "just works," as the Apple site says. Enjoy!
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by realguy123 (see profile) -
August 16, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular This is the one!
I got mine this week and all I can say is wow. It is a beautiful machine. I used a ...
I got mine this week and all I can say is wow. It is a beautiful machine. I used a macbook for 8 months and moved to this machine. I love the screen. The brightness adjustment is fantastic and biy can it get bright! The aluminum case and design is also a major improvement over the macbook. I played a game this week that required the dedicated video - couldn't do that before. I loaded in Parallels last night and XP. If you are considering an Apple and aren't sure which one, go with this one. The 2.2 GHZ is a better buy than the 2.4GHz model. You'll spend $500 or so more for the Pro over the "middle-model" macbook and hopefully you can. You will gain a great deal for the money - memory, graphics card, etc. Oh, I also priced a Dell to compare a 1501 with identical specs with the closest I could find software addition (pseudo iLife) in the form of Photoshop Elements and CD/DVD burning software added on the site came to $1889 with their 10% off and free shipping offer. Compare that to the Macbook Pro with all aluminium designer case and ability to run both mac and windows, I am willing to pay the $110 more! The Apple laps are VERY competitive in price now for what you get.
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by RodsterinFL (see profile) -
July 20, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Runs circles around PC
This is my first Apple computer since I received a IIe for Christmas in 6th grade, so it has been ...
This is my first Apple computer since I received a IIe for Christmas in 6th grade, so it has been a while. I have been a PC user for the past 15 years, mostly because my job is finance-related and PC's seem to have the market cornered on business applications. I purchased the MacBook Pro after learning about the Mac's ability to run Windows and Apple's OS X, as well as the numerous features and upgrades that this machine possesses.
I couldn't be more pleased - it has exceeded all of my expectations. That is important when you are spending this kind of money on a laptop. The MacBook Pro runs circles around my Dell desktop, and the Apple software is much more intuitive than I ever expected. Safari loads web pages about twice as fast as Internet Explorer, and that is using a wireless Apple connection vs. a cable modem wired connection for my PC.
When you use Windows as long as I have, you get to know the file structure, settings and a good bit about trouble-shooting your own computer. It makes you feel like you have discovered the key to some complex puzzle. That is the only "con" to the Apple - there is no challenge in finding files and settings, and there are simply less troubles to shoot. Apple has made it so simple to use that you don't get any sense of achievement from figuring out how to fix and re-arrange things. Of course, that means you can spend that time actually using the computer and being productive instead of fixing things.
Honestly, if there is a more reliable, faster and better-designed computer, I would love to see it. I have not even begun to explore the full capabilities of the software, but I am very impressed by this machine. It's nice that Apple designs computers that work this well out of the box and allow users to spend their time using the machines rather than downloading all the third party software that a PC seems to require and then trouble-shooting the inevitable conflicts and bugs. The only reason I rated this products as a 9 instead of 10 is that I have not fully explored its capabilities yet.
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by HHI_CPA (see profile) -
June 26, 2007
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Awesome for a long time Pc user, new Apple convert
I have been using PCs for over 10 years and often contemplated apple. Never switched because I need windows for ...
I have been using PCs for over 10 years and often contemplated apple. Never switched because I need windows for some apps and my gaming fix, but for this round of tech upgrades I figured Id switch to Mac. What an experience it has been. Using this machine is a pleasure. I cannot explain it. I have used Linux, BSD, and Windows, and for some reason they do not compare to OSX. I just love the operating system. The tweakability that its BSD/Unix heritage offers is a plus for me. Running windows feels like running windows 95. This thing oozes quality. Its the little touches that make it such a joy to own. If I sound like a commercial its only because my other laptops, a Dell and an HP, were trouble from the getgo and I am enjoying the change. Highly recommended (although a little expensive).
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by jmanjohns2 (see profile) -
June 19, 2007
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Great overall computer
I have owned a imac, macbook, and a hp laptop before buying this macbook pro. The LED display is great ...
I have owned a imac, macbook, and a hp laptop before buying this macbook pro. The LED display is great because not only does it give me more battery life it also allows me to make my display brighter. I love the lights for the keyboard makes working at night so easy. Although apple states the battery life is 5 hours after my 1st full charge I only got 4 hours but im sure if I changed my settings it would go up. I like gaming every once in a while and this graphic card is killer. The card supports the new windows Direct X 10 which is hard to find in laptops right now so that is always a big plus. I also realized that for some reason this computer does not get as hot as the older versions did. If you are a mac user then I dont have to explain that the OS alone makes this computer way better than any pc. If you are a pc user looking to buy a mac my advice to you is do it. Mac OS X is easy to learn and you dont get all those spywares and viruses and if you need to run window software you can use bootcamp or other softwares out there to make any windows software work perfect on a mac. I have been using vista on my mac and from my point of view it runs better on a mac than a pc laptop could do. I rated this a 9 instead of a 10 because the upgrading is not as easy as the macbook, and apple should have put in 256MB of Vram instead of 128MB, and since the new os was suppose to be out now I would have expected some kind of voucher to get the new OS when it comes out in october. I hope this helped and have fun shopping.
Updated I really like apple but there rebate part of there company sucks. I sent in my rebates with UPC codes and got a e-mail from apple saying they got them. Then about 2 weeks later I got a e-mail saying I will receive my money in 6 to 8 weeks. Im pleased to see that and all my suspicion of not getting my money seemed out of my mind when 3 weeks later I get a e-mail saying they dont have my UPC codes and will not be shipping me my rebate money. WTF happened! Something going on in apple and if I dont get my rebate money they just lost a loyal customer. This seems like something Microsoft would do not my Apple. Very disappointed!
9 out of 10 - Spectacular MAC to Revolutionize the computer world!
overall this bad boy is great! I have to admit i was scared to convert from PC to Mac but ...
overall this bad boy is great! I have to admit i was scared to convert from PC to Mac but i plunged in and do not regret it one bit. I will never buy a PC again! with parrallels any programs that are not combatible with Mac can with parallels. those programs i do need wondows for i use not so often so it does not matter. Mac in my opinion will take over the world. SEE YA PC!!
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by heyynow (see profile) -
July 28, 2007
6 out of 10 - Good Would be perfect, but for reliability and build construction...
Perhaps its just the 2007 model, but this one just keeps falling apart left and right. first it was 2 ...
Perhaps its just the 2007 model, but this one just keeps falling apart left and right. first it was 2 power bricks, then the superdrive, then the logic board. now the battery is bulging and the warranty is about to run out. but i've upgraded the HD to 250 and the RAM to 4gb and it's a workhorse while it's running. hoping the 2009 models are better.
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by coocooforcocoapuffs (see profile) -
June 11, 2008
10 out of 10 - Perfect Absolutely lovely computer
I am pretty much convinced there is absolutely nothing this computer can't do. I love this computer and it ...
I am pretty much convinced there is absolutely nothing this computer can't do. I love this computer and it makes my life happy.
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by katwalk360 (see profile) -
April 26, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Beautiful, efficient and reasonably priced
I'm very happy with my purchase although I wished I would have carefully studied the system requirements for CS3 ...
I'm very happy with my purchase although I wished I would have carefully studied the system requirements for CS3 Production Premium (Web Premium is fine for this model) prior to purchasing (requires larger resolution). Tha ain't Apple's fault. It's a wonderful machine.
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by rdekoch (see profile) -
February 25, 2008
1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34,
2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin
Interfaces
1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK,
2 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A,
1 x IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800),
1 x Display / video - DVI-Analog/Digital (dual link),
1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire),
1 x Audio - SPDIF input/line-in - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK,
1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45
Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days,
Limited warranty - 1 year
Operating System / Software
OS Provided
Apple MacOS X 10.5
Software
Apple iChat,
Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive,
Apple Spotlight,
Apple DVD Player,
Apple Mac OS X Mail,
Apple iLife?08,
Apple Address Book,
Apple iCal,
Apple Spaces,
Apple QuickTime,
Aperture (Trial),
Apple Safari,
Apple Dashboard,
IWork ?08 (Trial),
Apple XCode Developer Tools,
Apple Quick Look,
Photo Booth,
Apple Time Machine
Greenpeace 'Guide to Greener Electronics'
Greenpeace 'Guide to Greener Electronics' manufacturer rating (Mar 2008)
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