Apple MacBook Pro 2008 Edition (Core 2 Duo 2.5GHz, 2GB RAM, 250GB HDD)

Summary: I bought the previous version back at the end of November 07 and loved that one and just upgraded to this one and what an improvement this is blazing fast, ...

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Summary: I bought the previous version back at the end of November 07 and loved that one and just upgraded to this one and what an improvement this is blazing fast, the screen is brighter and new touch pad is awesome. I switched over from a PC in November and bought this machine, and then a 24 inch iMac and a Macbook. I have been very happy with all the machines and they just works every time I turn them on. I have not had one problem. It is very refreshing to know that when I turn it on it is not going to have a blue screen or say an error has happened and shut everything down. I will never go back to a PC. This is a nice improvement and this machine works perfect. And yes I own one unlike a few other users on here.

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Summary: The Hi-Resolution screen with LED is the best laptop screen available, good graphics card, DVI output, and can run Leopard, XP, and Linux together inside OS X. The Macbook is ...

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Summary: The Hi-Resolution screen with LED is the best laptop screen available, good graphics card, DVI output, and can run Leopard, XP, and Linux together inside OS X. The Macbook is plenty enough computer for most non-gaming users, but as an artist the extra performance of the Macbook Pro is appreciated, and with the new processor, in combination with the LED Hi-Res display ther MBP is almost perfect for creating high end graphics, animation, and video. The popularity of the Macbook Pro amongst creative professionals makes the lack of a high definition read/write optical drive a noticeable ommision now that the high-def war is over.

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Summary: As a PC user for over 20 years, I was so pleased when my Mac Book Pro arrived. My first reaction was how beautiful and streamline the body of the ...

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Summary: As a PC user for over 20 years, I was so pleased when my Mac Book Pro arrived. My first reaction was how beautiful and streamline the body of the laptop was. Lighter yet stronger than my Dell laptop, and the quality is not even comparable. PCs just look like they are constructed in a parking lot when compared to MACs. And then under the hood, you are really hooked. FAST, FAST, FAST... and no Windows problems, and no security issues. I will never go back to using a PC again. True the cost of this machine is higher than the typical PC laptop, but you get what you pay for. And I for one am willing to pay a premium for a work of art that out performs. I did several of my own benchmarks with friend's PCs and my MAC excelled in every category. If you want a laptop that will be the envy of everyone, go out and get a MAC BOOK PRO!

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Summary: I am a switcher who bought the MacBook Pro 2008 edition to replace my aging Dell XPS M1210 which was going to be handed down. So far, my experience is ...

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Summary: I am a switcher who bought the MacBook Pro 2008 edition to replace my aging Dell XPS M1210 which was going to be handed down. So far, my experience is as follows:

Exterior:

The MacBook Pro has a slim form factor but feels quite solidly built. The burnished aluminium exterior screams luxury and class and together with the adaptor, is surprisingly light for a laptop of its class at about 2.7kg or so. Although some complain about the lack of a magnetic latch, this is a subjective issue: the physical latch holds the screen snugly and the lid springs open easily when the latch is released.

The matte screen is of very good quality, with excellent brightness and sharp images. The backlit keyboard is very helpful for use in dark environments. Keyboard feel is good with no flex and the touchpad is responsive and is large enough for everyday use. The mouse button is fine but can feel a little plasticky. Speakers are decent for a laptop but bass-lovers should have their own speakers. Battery life is good as noted in the CNET review but it is usable even under quarter-brightness so the actual battery life may be even higher.

Interior:

OS X runs excellently on the system with little lag. I upgraded the RAM to 4GB without any issues and all programs run smoothly. Startup is speedy and Windows runs very well in either Boot Camp or under VMWare Fusion (did not try Parallels). Graphics run smooth as befits a 8600M GT card and benchmarks show that so long as expectations are reasonable, it is capable for gaming as well. The laptop runs cool, and under light load, it is actually cool enough to be used on the lap.

The included programs are typical as with any Mac, with the exception of the removal of trial versions of iWork and MS Office for Mac. This is better for many users as individual users may have different choices of products and no trials means that there is no need to uninstall redundant software.

Cons:

However, the MacBook Pro has a few very minor weaknesses though they may be inconsequential depending on situation. USB lovers will be turned off with only 2 USB ports but liberal use of Firewire/Bluetooth/Wireless/Expresscard devices will ease this lack, but they will increase the cost of ownership.

Also, the laptop is much more expensive (about 30% or more) compared to most PCs with similar specfications. However, it should be noted that a MacBook Pro has many minor but unique advantages compared to PC competitors, including a stylish design, light weight, back-lit keyboard, Firewire 800 port, etc. It is also the only laptop that runs both OS X and Windows. Although a fully outfitted Sony will be even more expensive, the user should be clear about why the premium should be paid. Direct comparisons based on hardware alone should be avoided.

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