Apple MacBook Pro 2009 (2.66GHz, 17-inch)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MB604LL/A
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- Specifications
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- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- A little late to the party, Apple's redesigned 17-inch MacBook Pro joins the 15-inch model with a redesigned aluminum body, new trackpad with expanded functionality, and a dual-graphics setup for either longer battery life or better performance.
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CNET editors' review
Apple MacBook Pro 2009 (2.66GHz, 17-inch) price range: $2,195.00
- Reviewed by: Dan Ackerman
- Reviewed on: 02/27/2009
- Updated on:06/10/2009
- Released on: 02/15/2009
The good: New aluminum unibody construction comes to the 17-inch model; useful multitouch trackpad gestures; attractive edge-to-edge glass on display; dual graphics provide more power or more battery life.
The bad: All-clicking trackpad is a bit awkward; matte screen option costs extra; switching GPUs is not as seamless as it should be.
The bottom line: A little late to the party, Apple's redesigned 17-inch MacBook Pro joins the 15-inch model with a redesigned aluminum body, new trackpad with expanded functionality, and a dual-graphics setup for either longer battery life or better performance.
Editors' note: As of June 2009, the product reviewed here has been replaced by an updated model.
When the latest 13- and 15-inch MacBooks were announced in October 2008, a similar revamp of the larger 17-inch version of the MacBook Pro was conspicuously missing from the lineup. In January of 2009, Apple announced the 17-inch model would be getting the same "unibody" aluminum chassis, buttonless (or more accurately, all-button) trackpad, and edge-to-edge glass on the LED backlit display. It's actually taken until late February for the systems to start shipping, but finally big-screen fans can get all the latest and greatest Apple improvements in a desktop replacement design, starting at $2,799.
Internally, Apple has moved to a Nvidia chipset with improved integrated graphics, which is then paired with a dedicated Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics card that can be turned off and on as needed to improve battery life or boost performance.
The MacBook Pro, while expensive, remains a go-to for media professionals, and the new 17-inch version will be an especially welcome addition for photo and video types who have wanted the latest graphics, chassis, and trackpad upgrades in an HD-friendly 1,920x1,200 package.
| Price as reviewed | $2,799 |
| Processor | 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Memory | 4GB, 1066MHz DDR3 |
| Hard drive | 320GB 5,400rpm |
| Chipset | Nvidia MCP79 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce 9400M (integrated) and 512MB Nvidia 9600M GT (dedicated) |
| Operating System | Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard |
| Dimensions (width x depth) | 15.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches deep |
| Thickness | 0.98 inch |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 17 inches |
| System weight / Weight with AC adapter | 6.5/7.2 pounds |
| Category | Desktop Replacement |
At a little bit less than 1-inch thick, this 17-inch desktop replacement is actually thinner than some of the chunkier 10-inch Netbooks, such as the Asus Eee PC 1000HE. Like the current 13- and 15-inch MacBooks, the 17-inch Pro is constructed starting with a solid block of aluminum, which is carved down, rather than a thin outer shell that has had support struts added to it. The result is a lighter and thinner, yet stronger, chassis that feels very solid and substantial.
The glass trackpad is the same as found on the smaller MacBooks, and offers a much larger surface area than before, thanks to the elimination of a separate mouse button. In fact, the entire trackpad depresses like a button, although simple tapping, as on a PC laptop, will also work once you turn that option on in the settings menu. While it seemed massive on the 13-inch MacBook, we could actually stand to have an even bigger version on this model.
With its multitouch gestures, you can hide all your apps by sweeping four fingers up on the pad, and you can also designate one corner of the trackpad as a "right-click" zone. Very useful, as well, is sweeping four fingers left or right, which brings up the application switcher. Once you get used to that, going back to a regular trackpad would be difficult.
The wide-spaced, flat-key keyboard is an Apple standard, and we're always a fan of backlit keys, which are standard on the Pro and also available on the higher-end 13-inch MacBook.
The 17-inch wide-screen LED display offers a 1,920x1,200 native resolution, which is particularly useful for working on 1080p HD video content or editing large photos--two tasks MacBooks are associated with.
The colors are rich and deep, but the glass also grabs stray light rays with ease, making the glossy screen seem that much glossier. Adding a matte-screen coating is now an option, but one that costs an extra $50. On a system costing almost $3,000, Apple should really not pass that particular expense on to consumers.
| Apple MacBook Pro 2009 (2.66GHz, 17-inch) | Average for category [desktop replacement] | |
| Video | Mini DisplayPort | VGA-out, HDMI |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks | Stereo speakers with subwoofer, headphone/microphone jacks. |
| Data | 3 USB 2.0, FireWire | 4 USB 2.0, mini-FireWire, SD card reader |
| Expansion | ExpressCard/34 | ExpressCard/54 |
| Networking | Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Optical drive | DVD burner | DVD burner or Blu-ray |
While the MacBook Pro line offers one of the last vestiges of the once-great FireWire port, we still think many users would love to have an SD or CF card slot and the option of a high-end Blu-ray drive, especially with such an eye-catching big-screen display.
Apple is making a firm move to the DisplayPort camp by including a mini DisplayPort connection instead of mini-DVI or VGA, but a variety of external dongles (sold separately) will give you any video output you need. The company also offers up to a 256GB solid-state hard-drive option, although that will set you back $750. Bumping the standard 320GB drive from 5,400rpm to 7,200rpm is much more reasonable, only costing an extra $50.
With a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, the MacBook Pro performed excellently on our standard benchmark tests, but only marginally faster than the 2.6GHz 15-inch version (a 2.93GHz chip is available for an additional $300). While Windows-based laptops with similar CPUs are also fast, efficient machines, Apple has an advantage in our benchmark tests because many of the apps we test with, such as QuickTme, iTunes, and Photoshop, run more quickly on Mac OS X.
Besides the dedicated GeForce 9600M, the Pro also includes the same integrated GeForce 9400 GPU found in the smaller MacBooks. The settings menu has two power options: high performance or longer battery life. Choosing high performance turns the 9600 chip on, while choosing longer battery life turns it off, leaving you with just the integrated 9400 chip. Apple still isn't making gaming machines, but with the integrated graphics we got 56.4 frames per second in Quake IV at a resolution of 1,024x768, and 86.2 frames per second with the dedicated graphics.
Note that switching between GPUs doesn't require a reboot, but you do have to log out and log back into your user account, closing apps in the process.
With the GeForce 9600M GPU turned on, we got 4 hours and 14 minutes on our video playback battery drain test, which is very impressive for a desktop replacement. Switching the 9600M off added about 30 minutes.
One concern we've heard voiced is about the sealed battery compartment, which means you can neither replace a worn-out battery nor bring a backup extra battery on long trip. A 4-hour-plus performance from a 17-inch laptop should help assuage the extra battery concerns, since that's more than double what most desktop replacements get. The lack of a user-replaceable battery is a more serious issue. Apple claims the battery in the 17-inch MacBook Pro is good for 1,000 recharge cycles, which, if true, means the battery should outlive the useful life of the laptop. Apple's retail stores will also open the chassis and replace the battery for a fee.
Not to sound like a broken record, but Apple continues to both frustrate and impress with its service and support. MacBooks include a one-year, parts-and-labor warranty, but only 90 days of toll-free telephone support. This, along with the proprietary nature of Apple's products, makes purchasing an extended Apple Care warranty almost a necessity, but a necessity that will cost $349 for three total years of coverage.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
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Find out more about how we test laptops.
Apple MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo - 2.66GHz / 17-inch
OS X 10.5.6 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66GHz; 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9400M / 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT; 320GB Fujitsu 5,400rpm
Apple MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo - 2.53GHz / 15.4
OS X 10.5.5 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz; 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9400M / 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT; 320GB Hitachi 5,400rpm
Dell Studio XPS 16
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600; 4,096MB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 512MB ATI Radeon HD3670; 320GB Seagate 7,200rpm
Gateway P-7801u
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400; 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM 667MHz; 1GB Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS; 320GB Hitachi 7,200rpm
Sony Vaio AW170Y/Q
Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit); 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9400; 4,096MB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz;
User reviews
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REVIEW FROM A LONG TIME PC USER! READ IF YOU'RE UNUSURE
by tintuk on March 3, 2009
Pros: Lightweight, Fast, Visually appealing, Illuminated keyboard, magnetic power input, led screen, isight camera, apple bundled software, battery life, 64-bit, ABILITY TO EASILY RUN OTHER OPERATING SYSTEMS WITHIN APPLE 0S= I.E., WINDOWS, LINUX, ETC.
Cons: they didn't convince me to buy an apple earlier in life. :)
Summary: I been 'anti-apple' since I was a child. It all started with Commodore PET computers and pretty much grew from there. I have owned very many computers, both desktops and ...
Summary: I been 'anti-apple' since I was a child. It all started with Commodore PET computers and pretty much grew from there. I have owned very many computers, both desktops and notebooks. Over the past few years, I have all but done away with desktop's and rely now solely on notebooks. By the way, I use computers to their fullest. From sound editing, music editing,photo editing, movie editing to business applications- database building, spreadsheets, etc. I am one of those computer addicts that has to find out what every obscure feature on the operating system does and how to make it work. I am also an avid gamer.
I have had ever operating system Microsoft has ever offered. Windows for workgroups, 95, 98, 98SE, XP, Vista and most recently Windows 7 ultimate beta.
Over the years I have read review after review of Apple computers and their OS. All the reviews I had read about Apple were always so 'perfect' people acting like if they had the ability to actually marry their mac's, they would. But, I just figured it was 'fan boy' talk. People just rooting for the underdog. So, I had no desire to even give Apple a second look.
I always liked Windows. Possibly because that is all I was ever familiar with. I didn't experience all of the driver conflicts and software conflicts with Vista that I read about others having. At the same time, I have experienced countless crashes, the B.S.O.D., the slowdowns and all the other 'inconveniences' Window's O.S.'s came with.
A few months ago when I accepted that I probably wouldn't buy another desktop again, I decided to find a notebook 'powerhouse'. After reading many reviews and checking the specs out thoroughly, I went with a new Toshiba Qosimo 64-bit Vista notebook. It is definitely a speed demon. Has one of the best g.p.u.'s available for a notebook, great processing speed, etc. Although, it also feels like you are carrying around an ACTUAL desktop computer with you when you are on the move. The thing is probably the heaviest notebook I have ever owned.
So, what brings me to this point? Why am I writing a review on an Apple Macbook Pro 17"?
Frustration.
After about two months owning the Toshiba Qosimo, the honeymoon between it and myself had ended.
I started experiencing the same kind of crashes, B.S.O.D's, slowdowns, unexpected restarts, overheating problems, etc. that I had experienced with lower end Windows machines. I was very upset that even in a higher end notebook, one chock full of the best hardware you could get, I was experiencing the same problems as I had with lower end machines.
So, then, I found myself in an Apple Store. It was very awkward. Here I was at the retail store for a product that I had denounced over the years,. I should probably add that in December of 2008, I bit the bullet and purchased a 3g iphone, doing away with my blackberry. The 3g iphone is the best phone I have ever owned. With that being said, I was still 'anti-apple' when it came to their computers.
I left the Apple Store with a new Macbook Pro 17" in hand. Many thoughts were going through my head on the ride home. Had I made a mistake? Would I be able to find ANY programs (or applications as Apple calls them) that I would like? Would the photos, music and movies transfer to my new Apple?
When I got home, the first thing I noticed was that Apple takes time in the packaging of their products. How many times have you opened the box to a new Window's based desktop or notebook and found print materials that looked like the Sunday newspaper ad's?
On powering up the Apple, the first thing I noticed was startup time. Apple's Mac OS X starts up faster than any other system I have ever used. Once the initial first time setup is done, you are greeted with a very clean desktop. No clutter anywhere thanks to Mac OS X's 'dock' at the bottom of the screen which keeps your most used programs readily available.
All of my photos, music, movies and music tranferred with no problems whatsoever. While at the Apple Store, I had purchased a $29.00 connector cord that links your Windows pc to you new Apple. It was seamless.
I have been using this Apple almonst non-stop since purchase. I can honestly tell you that I have not ONCE had any crashes or other mishaps. It is amazing to me how quickly the operating system performs. No overheating, no slowdown, nothing.
One of the coolest features I had found- I bought VMWARE's Fusion. This allows you to run other operating systems within the Apple OS X. While I am typing this review, I have a window that is running LINUX. Linux is a operating system I have always wanted to try but knowing the instability of Windows, I never did, Same can be said for Vista, XP, etc- you can also run those operating systems on your Apple as well.
I could go on and on here. The point I am trying to make is simply, DO IT. It is well worth the money. You will not be let down. It is an amazing step up from Windows.43 out of 44 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Finally made the switch to Mac, and am truly impressed.
by dhwoofter on February 21, 2009
Pros: Battery life, ease of use, and easy learning curve for former PC users. EXTREMELY quiet, and does not get really hot. Even when there is a disc in the drive, it is not loud. I've never used such a quiet, fast and simple computer that kicked butt!
Cons: None to speak of yet. If I find some, I'll edit this review.
Summary: Totally worth the switch. After preliminary exploration of the Final Cut software, I think animating and editing for film on this computer is going to truly be a joy, I ...
Summary: Totally worth the switch. After preliminary exploration of the Final Cut software, I think animating and editing for film on this computer is going to truly be a joy, I recommend the switch to Mac to anyone who has yet to do so... I've been so disappointed with my Alienware and the new Microsoft operating systems, it was time to make the switch.
9 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Expensive, but top of the line always is expensive
by lawsonmusicmedia on April 24, 2009
Pros: Weight, speed, two video cards, long battery life, beautiful screen, thin, fast, elegant, stable, cool temperature, no loud fan noise, supports 8GB of RAM
Cons: Hard to get used to new track pad, not easy to swap drive, etc Apple does not include a free adapter for video, and they don't even throw in a free remote control. For $2799, you think they could include the frickin' remote.
Summary: For audio/video and 3D production work, this is an amazing machine. It was wonderful to travel with due to its weight and battery life on the airplane, its super ...
Summary: For audio/video and 3D production work, this is an amazing machine. It was wonderful to travel with due to its weight and battery life on the airplane, its super fast, has amazing video capability, and the screen is wonderful. For only $200 or so more than the 15" model, it was worth it to jump up to the bigger screen, video card features, etc. This is not a cheap machine, and its not a machine that feels cheap or handled like a cheap machine. When I see other HP and Dell 17" models for $600, its kind of a laugh at the tricks they play with you to get you to accept their chrome-polished-poo like "Blue Ray drives" etc, which they weigh in at 10lbs, use three-year old tech under the hood, and are flimsily put together, not to mention the number of fans you can see them running if you pick one up and look under the computer. That bunch of fans is there for a reason, and believe me, they will be put to use. Running graphic-intensive three-D rendering in real time apps is a snap for this new MacBook Pro, it doesn't get really hot, there are no sound of jets taking off from fans needed to cool it, it works wonderfully. I wish it costs less, but it is what it is, and I tend to get several years of solid work out of one of these things so amortized, its not that bad, which you average out the real life expectancy of one of these. I think this machine will easily be in service for five or more years. What's more, the resale value on a MacBook Pro is extraordinarily higher than any other computer from any other maker in the business. Show me any Dell retaining even 15% of its value two years after its released, and I'll show you Macs from four years ago still fetching 30-40% of their original price. There is a reason for that.
Back to this machine, I've had it two weeks now, and other than getting used to the new track pad, its been a pure joy to work with, travel with, etc. If I were at Apple, I'd be the guy telling them to lower prices across the board a little bit, and not to skimp of things like remotes on the highest-end products. Other than that, its an awesome and expensive machine.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Work SMARTER (Mac)... not HARDER (PC)!
by bwellman24 on March 31, 2009
Pros: Flawless large Multi-Touch trackpad (no mouse needed!), 4 finger gestures for Expose & task switcher, BRILLIANT 1920x1200 Hi-Res Display, Lightning fast 2.66 GHz processor standard, thin, light, Leopard OS X, Revolutionary battery life... EVERYTHING!
Cons: (struggling to name them...) Hmmm... No available 500 GB, 7200 RPM HD upgrade, have to log out (although it only takes 1 min.) to switch graphics chips, MobileMe syncing still buggy, sealed battery... that's really about it!?!
Summary: I have always been naturally, technology savvy although I'm no programmer or code-cracker. I've used Gateways, Dells, HP's as well as many a brand in the office ...
Summary: I have always been naturally, technology savvy although I'm no programmer or code-cracker. I've used Gateways, Dells, HP's as well as many a brand in the office space. I am proficient in and usually actively use/run CS4, Photoshop, Aperture 2, Excel, Word, Pages, Numbers, iLife apps... I upload (rip... errr... encode) DVD's to store in iTunes using HandBrake and I also do the torrent file thing with Transmission, etc. I bought a 120 GB white 13" MacBook a year ago and have been chasing the dream ever since... AND THIS MBP IS IT! I went from the 120 GB HD, 2 GB RAM white 13" MB to the 250 GB HD, 4 GB RAM black 13" MB to a New 320 GB (7200 RPM), 4 GB RAM aluminum 13" MB... THEN I finally traded in AGAIN for the New 320 GB (7200 RPM), 4 GB RAM aluminum 15" MB Pro... which brings me to my FINAL DESTINATION (...for a long time I have a feeling)... I've reached my Zenith! ;)
I just can't believe I've owned ALL THREE of the new Unibody MacBooks?! WOW, that just dawned on me... Anyways...
This thing is AMAZING and blows any PC that I've ever used WAAAAY away (old or current, desktop or laptop!) After a bunch of eBaying, I'm finally using the brand new 17" (glossy display) aluminum Apple MacBook Pro with the 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, the 320 GB, 5400 RPM HD with 4 GB of RAM although I have ordered and will be installing the new 500 GB Seagate 7200.4 HD (largest, fastest MBP HD available). I am in absolute heaven using this thing and don't have any problems with it AT ALL. If you would've told me (even a year ago) that someday there would be a laptop with a 17" high-def 1920x1200 LCD screen, a 320 GB HD, 4 GB RAM, that would have a battery that could last 7-8 hours on a full charge for up to 1000 charges and it would be the greenest, most energy efficient laptop available... AND... it could run 10 large programs fast and flawlessly and you could switch between them (in an amazingly neat fashion) instantly by a multi-touch, no button trackpad... I would've thought you were smokin' somethin'! But it is here and untill it dies, ill guarantee my $3,000 will be less than what an average PC user will spend to even stay in the vicinity of the non-obsolete!
It is simply THE BEST LAPTOP available and I sincerely suggest PC user's get out now, while you still have time! I know you're scared and you don't want to re-train yourself ALL over again... and I understand... but it is WELL worth it!
Inexplainable... JUST GET ONE!!!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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MAC, they just work
by CyberFog on April 19, 2009
Pros: Ease of Use, amazingly fast performance, Viruses...what viruses, these things never crash like my Windows based Machines always did.
Cons: Makes you addicted to Macs, is kinda big to lug around all over the word, but still alot more portable than a comparably configured PC.
Summary: This is the second Mac I have ever used. I'm in Iraq and brought my 15' MacBook Pro with me. A friend just ordered the 17' and I can ...
Summary: This is the second Mac I have ever used. I'm in Iraq and brought my 15' MacBook Pro with me. A friend just ordered the 17' and I can say that I am definatly getting one when I get back to the states. This Computer is alot faster than my 2007 15' and runs alot cooler. Like some of the other reviewers I have always used PCs and hated Mac's but I ended up getting one a few years ago and can say that I will never go back to a windows comp again. Mac's commercials aren't misleading. "Apple, it just works". I actually bought an Ipod after i got a Mac and then later an Iphone. Mac really puts alot of quality work into their products. My 15' MB Pro was sadly dropped in a parking lot in the states once and wasn't in a case, even though the aluminum casing was badly damaged the thing still worked seamlessly, I couldnt believe it. The MacBook Pros really are bullet-proof. I think that the greatest thing about Macs in general is there is so much hep out there of Mac users willing to help new Mac converts. You can do so much with them and there is always someone willing to help. yes I'll admit that there arent alot of games for MACsbut if you are a hardcore gamer you can always install windows and run it natively on your MAC (I did but I was always alot happier with OSX tiger and now Leopard), it is quite a capable machine. For those who are skeptical I have never had a virus or a crash since I have had a MAC, and I keep learning cool things about it as I use it, additionally I can't believe that apple keeps putting out new Apps in their website that are free and greatly increase my own productivity. Yeah I'll admit that a lot of the things in Ilife (which is free on new MACs) arent really that useful for me personally and I have installed and continually use MS Office (I'm in the Army so I can't get away from Word and Excel). But the MAC stil out-performs any and all PCs I have ever owned by far.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Honest,unbiased review from recent Vista to Mac convert
by coca_cola2003_trumpet on October 30, 2009
Pros: Better battery Life than any laptop i've ever used/owned, decent specs, OS X = major improvement over Vista. Multitouch gestures on Trackpad=great. Few if any lockups or crashes.. (a small number of program crashes for me)
Cons: Top of the line components not a choice, No BLURAY !!, OS X is an operating system.. All Operating Systems CAN lock up, crash, and get viruses.Misleading Advertising. PRICE !
Summary: Mac ads kinda overstate the power of Mac. While it is a superb computer, It can and has locked up with individual programs on me. This may be a result ...
Summary: Mac ads kinda overstate the power of Mac. While it is a superb computer, It can and has locked up with individual programs on me. This may be a result of Snow Leopard though. As stated in Cons all OS can be plagued by these problems so OS X is not a fix all. Advertising in this area is misleading cause it makes people assume their computer is completely immune which is simply not true. There are however every few mac viruses out there and so far as I know no infected macs recently with Snow Leopard (current OS) of a MAC virus. (don't hold me to this.. I may have missed one) They can still get windows viruses but these shouldn't hurt your local mac,(running just OS X) ... just possibly any WIndows pc you email or are a home network with, etc.
That being said, I LOVE OS X ! Very few glitches, none that are major like Blue Screens of Death from windows,(at least not yet!). The system was easy to learn in a day for me (medium to medium/high tech savvy level.) I would assume it would be easier to learn for older people or any one who hasn't already learned Windows. (For the most part settings and such are in easy to access locations. no searching for them like in windows) Safari web browser is very nice (Firefox is good too..), nice bundles programs or apps (as they are know in the Mac world). No CRAP WARE!! OS X comes with only useful programs, I had 0 "free trials" on my mac when i purchased it. Fairly fast pc on stock config. If you have the money .. buy a 3rd party memory upgrade and DIY.
Saddest part about buying this pc in my opinion is the lack of Blu-ray across the Mac board... not sure what the hold up here is .. (presumably iTunes and downloaded HD content) .. but i would sure of liked to had BR. (personally i'm not likely to spend 20-30 dollars on a movie with no actual disc.) Top of the Line components are still missing from Macbook Pros while other comparable priced Windows pcs (alienware) have much higher specs. Specs are decent for the price though, and in my oppinion the OS is worth at least 100-300 more than a copy of Windows. It just works so much better. That is why i chose Apple > Alienware.
Battery life is great, however in actual use I have never got the "rated" battery life of 7 hours. usually get around 5-6 max on energy saver. This is still a good bit higher from my last HP laptop with somewhat similar specs, the HP got around 2-3 max usually only 1-2. Still the Apple internal Battery has lasted as long as I have really needed it to.
Multitouch on trackpad is AMAZING! Swapping from Vista I had never experienced this til I purchased my macbook pro. I LOVE IT. so much more handy for scrolling or getting to your desktop faster.
Lastly Price... depends on the affordability to you in your financial situation. I would recommend at least testing one at an apple store if you have that option or at a BestBuy if you believe you could afford one. If your trying to decide between this computer or a windows pc for less money with similar specs I would say... Purchase the MAC ! the extra money is worth it for a quality not quantity computer.
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I believe I have covered all the points made in Pro/cons.
Just want to give a little overview of a few other things I have found from using a Mac.
Gaming on a Mac is hard... few games... and price for almost all are more expensive than their pc counterparts. I however do game on OS X but it is mostly restricted to WoW.
HDMI output adapters are available I believe, but no standard red yellow white or S video cords. (if i'm wrong on this please correct me.) Not a major issue but I wish I could play back the videos I purchase from iTunes on any TV straight from the Mac i paid 2k+ for. HD tv's won't have a problem with this once you buy the adaptor i believe.
Look into Glossy/ Matte Screen options before you purchase.
External Mouse a nice extra (though if you need to click Right mouse button and left at same time for a game or program get a none Mac mouse) Logitech would be my suggestion for dual button mouse, Magic mouse otherwise.
Case is a must! .. this laptop is bulky.. not heavy just kinda large.
Running Windows on Mac requires Windows CD/License. (Though unless you actually need it I would advise against it.)
There are a million more things you could go into detail about...its so different from Windows... almost completely in a good way. (Only bad things are items Apple can't help such as software that is Windows only.)
If you have more questions about mac you can click my user name and email me or leave a reply to this thread.
Good Luck with your shopping!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I made the switch
by ddd23vl on March 31, 2009
Pros: Looks, the screen is stunningly beautiful. Ease of use and Battery life.
Cons: None as of yet
Summary: Well I like everyone else has always thought is mac that good or was it some cult following that I could not be part of because I was not cool ...
Summary: Well I like everyone else has always thought is mac that good or was it some cult following that I could not be part of because I was not cool enough :) and then I studied everything thing about the mac. I went to the 2 mac stores in my city plus the local retailers resellers listen to everyone motivational speech about why the macs are great and not just good of course I check out Apple website watch the Demos and after 2weeks of macbook boot camp immersion I popped for the macbook pro 15 inch and lets just say I have not put it down. Will keep everyone updated of my progress.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Laptop I've owned.
by VT808 on March 16, 2009
Pros: > 17" Glossy Screen is Nice
> 1920X 1200 Resolution is why I when with 17" MBP
> OSX & Mac AppsCons: > Price...Out the door of Apple Store $2700+ with student discount
> Glossy screen
> No Blueray (Come on already!!!)
> No HDMI Connection
> MiniDisplay Port
> All Add On Cost $$$$Summary: Ok, this is my second Mac and I absolutely love it. The glossy screen is very glossy, I think more glossy then my early 2008 15" MacBook Pro that has ...
Summary: Ok, this is my second Mac and I absolutely love it. The glossy screen is very glossy, I think more glossy then my early 2008 15" MacBook Pro that has glossy screen as well. It does not bother me, but it might bother some of you. My biggest CON is price and the add ons for Macs all cost "EXTRA". The remote, a external monitor cable all cost extra. I also hate the proprietary MiniDisplay port and the fact that you have to buy a cable ($30.00) to hook up to an external monitor and a $100 cable to hook up to anything 30" and above.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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user tintuk was right!
by pclvr on March 4, 2009
Pros: BATTERY BATTERY BATTERY LINUX LINUX LINUX
Cons: cost- but worth it!
Summary: my vista tablet pc crashed yet again in the middle of a power point presentation yesterday. i was mad as h@ll when i got home last night. the review ...
Summary: my vista tablet pc crashed yet again in the middle of a power point presentation yesterday. i was mad as h@ll when i got home last night. the review from tintuk did me in. i went to the local apple store and picked up this macbook. everything tintuk said was right! THANKS YOU! i have been using microsoft as long as i can remember and was always unsure about apple. wow. THANKS YOU APPLE! AND TINTUK!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Small Business owners read before you buy into the hype
by johncsanders on June 3, 2009
Pros: Great Battery life and the aluminum case construction is very solid
Cons: Single 'click' mouse is a step backwards not forwards
Both Entourage and Mac Mail are not serious business email tools
After 3 and $1,000 of dollars of IT work, the computer picks and choose when it wants to work with our network and network printer.Summary: All you need to know is summed up in their commercials.
You see the two guys on the screen, one kinda of a overweight dweeb PC guy the other the ...Summary: All you need to know is summed up in their commercials.
You see the two guys on the screen, one kinda of a overweight dweeb PC guy the other the way cool Mac guy. Now think about these two characters and your experiences in life and at work. They way cool MAC guy is like the guy in your office who looks cool, talks about how smart he is, has wonderful theories, but when you get down to it he is all talk no performance. He can download and rock out to music, but he couldnt do a spread sheet and email it out under pressure to save his life. The chubby PC guy can though, MAC is right, he is a geek, and he has no frills, but that chubby little fella can get some work done. Same way with the computers, MAC talks big, looks cool, downloads music well, stores a lot of music, but it grossly under performs on the job. Also, when you have a problem, our it isnt working corretly they tell you go to the MAC bar. yeah that is how i want to spend my evenings, wasting time learning how to use a underperforming product instead of being at home, or the gym, or getting anything ese done that would be productive.
Here are just a few of the problems
NOT DESIGNED FOR PRODUCTIVE OFFICE WORK. I have spent my entire working life(15 years) on PC's and decided to switch to a MAC Book Pro after my beloved Think Pad died. After being disappointed with the new Lenova product and hearing nightmares about vista i made the switch. BAD DECISION. After 3 months on this thing i hate. Here is why.
1. Entourage and Mac Mail are not even in the same league as Outlook, if you email constantly, moving emails and attachments around and forwarding and replying, stay with Outlook. I have switched back and forthe between Mac Mail and Entourage trying to find one that is better than the other to no avail.
2. I own a small Building Company, only 5 employees, but we are pretty computer savvy. We all live on our computers and share information through email and our network. The Mac does a terrible integrating with the network, sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. The same thing happens with our 2007 Ricoh 2500 printer, with some special $800 chip that is suppose to fix its problems with Macs, it still only works about half the time.
3. The single pad mouse is a step back, we sit around at the office taking turns highlighting items and seeing if we can hit the two finger click just right to make it work. Then everyone laughs, except me, and say they are glad they dont have macs
4. Today when i was replying back to emails, entourage was randomly picking who they went to from my contacts instead of who i was replying to.
This is what i can tell you about Macs, people love them, but when you really look at how they use them you will see it is for browsing, downloading music, and storing photos. Few are serious professionals working in a networked office environment.
Do not buy the hype and all the snobs at the Mac store, the marketing is great, the product stinks.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MB604LL/A
- Description: The latest Intel processor, a bigger hard drive, plenty of memory, and even more new features all fit inside just one liberating inch. The MacBook Pro has the performance, power, and connectivity of a desktop computer. Without the desk part.
General
- Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, Bluetooth antenna, Wireless LAN antenna
- Width 15.5 in
- Depth 10.5 in
- Height 1 in
- Weight 6.6 lbs
- Notebook type Mid-size laptops (6-7.5 lbs.)
- Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11 n (draft), Bluetooth
Processor
- Processor Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz
- Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
- 64-bit processor Yes
- Data bus speed 1066 MHz
Cache Memory
- Type L2 cache
- Cache size 6 MB
RAM
- Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
- Technology DDR3 SDRAM - 1066 MHz
- Memory specification compliance PC3-8500
- RAM form factor SO DIMM 204-pin
- RAM configuration features 2 x 2 GB
Environmental Parameters
- Environmental standards EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold
- Min Operating Temperature 50 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 0 - 90%
Storage Controller
- Storage controller type Serial ATA
- Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-300
Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Hard Drive 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
- Storage Removable None
- Hard drive type Portable
Optical Storage
- Type DVD±RW (±R DL) - Integrated
- CD / DVD read speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
- CD / DVD write speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 4x (DVD±R DL)
- CD / DVD rewrite speed 10x (CD) / 4x (DVD±RW)
Optical Storage (2nd)
- 2nd optical storage type None
Display
- Display Type 17 in TFT active matrix
- Max Resolution 1920 x 1200 ( WUXGA )
- Widescreen Display Yes
- Features Glossy, LED-backlit
- Screen type Widescreen
Video
- Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT / GeForce 9400M
- Video Memory 512 MB GDDR3 SDRAM
Audio
- Audio output type Sound card
- Audio Input Microphone
Notebook Camera
- Camera Type Integrated
Input Device(s)
- Input device type Trackpad, Backlit keyboard
- Features Multi-touch technology
Telecom
- Modem None
Networking
- Networking Network adapter
- Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
- Data link protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
- Networking standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.1, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34, 2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 204-pin
- Interfaces 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) - 9 pin FireWire 800, 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Display / video - Apple mini-DisplayPort, 1 x Audio - SPDIF input/line-in - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK, 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Cleaning cloth
- Features Aluminum enclosure, Ambient light sensor, Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
Power
- Power device form factor External
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
Battery
- Technology Lithium polymer
- Installed Qty 1
- Battery capacity 95 Wh
- Mfr estimated battery life 8 hour(s)
Operating System / Software
- OS Provided Apple MacOS X 10.5
- Software Front Row, Apple iCal, Apple iChat, Photo Booth, Apple Safari, Apple Spaces, Apple Dashboard, Apple QuickTime, Apple Spotlight, Apple iLife '09, Apple DVD Player, Apple Quick Look, Apple Address Book, Apple Time Machine, Apple Mac OS X Mail, Drivers & Utilities, Apple XCode Developer Tools
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year, Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days
Sustainability
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold
- Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009) 4.9
Accessories
- Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (Winter 2009) (33549749)
- Apple AirPort Express Base Station (30910240)
- Speck MacBook Pro SeeThru Hard Case (17-inch, clear) (32477504)29.99 - 32.06
- Apple Mighty Mouse (wireless) (31985391)129.99
- Apple Wireless Keyboard (30568482)139.99
- SwissGear IBEX - notebook carrying backpack (32687802)66.11 - 75.99
- Belkin Messenger Bag for notebooks up to 17" - notebook carrying case (32508726)47.00 - 49.99
- SanDisk Cruzer USB flash drive - 32 GB (33544914)58.74 - 139.99
- SanDisk Cruzer Micro - USB flash drive - 8 GB (32631690)18.69 - 29.55
- SanDisk Cruzer Micro - USB flash drive - 16 GB (33032681)27.45 - 79.99
- Apple Magic Mouse (33783857)66.94 - 99.99
- Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks (32481206)22.95 - 29.48
- Apple keyboard (32568153)43.67 - 59.00
- Logitech Wireless Desktop MK300 - keyboard , mouse (33687687)32.88 - 43.46
Manufacturer info
- Apple
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.apple.com
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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