“Apple Computer’s 17-inch MacBook Pro is the ‘who’s-your-daddy’ version of notebook computing, a digital Cadillac Escalade running the industry’s coolest operating system,” Mark Kellner writes for The Washington Times. “At the heart of the computer is a 2.16-gigahertz Intel Core Duo processor, the fastest that Apple has for a portable right now. Indeed, this new MacBook refreshes and replaces the earlier top-of-the-line PowerBook, retaining the sleek lines and backlit keyboard of the former model, while adding a built-in ISight video camera and microphone.”
“Speed has not seemed an issue with this machine; it’s much faster than the older PowerBook that sits on my office desk. The combination of the Intel processor, that huge amount of RAM and a faster 7200-RPM hard disk all contribute to the fleet performance of this machine. Although some purists may note a speed difference when the “Rosetta” feature of the Mac OS X “translates” non-Intel-written applications from their Power PC-based code, I’ve yet to see it,” Kellner writes. “Overall, the MacBook Pro’s top dog can certainly ‘hunt’ when it comes to performance.”
“That said — and with its basic features essentially equal to the other MacBook I’ve tested, save for the faster Intel processor — the question arises as to why one would want this computer. My answer, frankly, is that this isn’t for everyone, and perhaps it shouldn’t be,” Kellner writes. “Most of us buying Mac notebooks — or any notebooks, for that matter — are looking for computers that are relatively easy to take with us on the road, something we can throw into a bag and run with, if running is required. For those needs, the 13-inch MacBook (no “Pro”), recently introduced but not yet reviewed here, might well be an option. For “professional” users who want more graphics power, the 15-inch MacBook Pro should do nicely, and will be easier to tote… Yet there is a group of people who will need, or appreciate, or just want, the raw power, size and features of this highly versatile computer. For them, it won’t be a question of what the large MacBook Pro costs, but rather, of what it’s worth.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We’ve heard audible gasps result from unveiling of an Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro in public places. Regardless of the location, be it the corner coffee shop or at 30,000 feet, it’s like a brand new silver H1 Alpha pulling up in a parking lot full of Geo Trackers. All other laptops in the general vicinity will skip a processor cycle while their owners try not to stare (or hide). 17″ MBP owners, wield your geek power responsibly and try not to lord over everyone – even though you do.
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Related MacDailyNews articles:
CNET review: Apple’s 17-inch MacBook Pro is a dream (CNET rating: 7.3 out of 10) – June 03, 2006
PC Magazine: Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro: ‘offers virtually everything a user needs’ – May 26, 2006
Review: Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro – May 04, 2006
ZDNet First Take: Apple’s 17-inch MacBook Pro 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo – April 26, 2006
Apple introduces 17-inch MacBook Pro with 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo – April 24, 2006
“skip a processor cycle” priceless.
Still wish that the damn macbook did not have integrated graphics. Couldn’t it at least be an option???? Please??? With a cherry on top???
Please????
I like my Geo Tracker.
The Intel GMA950 Integrated Graphics chipset is better than most people think.
Google it and find out – it’s not a drawback for the MacBook.
Back on topic note: the 17-inch MacBook Pro contains an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR3 and dual link DVI support.
Yeah, the graphics on the 13″ MacBook are quite good, especially in 2d stuff like video and core image – feels much faster than my PowerBook (!). I know two friends who just got MacBooks and I’m impressed.
The MacBook Pro, obviousely, is way better yet…
@Engineer: So, 5 FPS in World of Warcraft is better than most people would think???
I so want one of these. New plasma TV or new MBP. tough decision.
magic word: home. as in that’s where the plasma will go. Guess MDN made my decision for me.
Matt,
If your primary goal is to run WoW then a MacBook isn’t for you, now is it?
“We can state flatly that if you buy a system using Intel’s GMA950 integrated graphics and want to play 3D games, invest at least $60 in an add-on card. If what you want is simply a system that can run standard office software, plus maybe play some DVD movies, then Intel’s new graphics core is probably suitable.
You might wonder what the point is of putting all the engineering effort into the 3D core, if it sucks so badly at games? The answer is pretty simple:
Longhorn.
Intel’s new GMCH will probably run Longhorn’s upper tier Aero Glass interface pretty well.”
This is the reason for the integrated graphics. Apple just has to deal with what it’s given.
As a student, I know I don’t want to spend a fortune to get the pro laptops, but I also want to be able to play a game now and again. I would have paid 100 more dollars to get a decent dedicated card with the macbook so if I wanted to play a game, I could.
Oh well. Such is life.
– http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zdext/is_200505/ai_n13638889
Damn, that bad boy is faster than my 95 MPH fastball.
@Foompf: The MacBook ought to be for me. It’s a $1,100 notebook. It should play somewhat recent games decently. I shouldn’t have to spend $2,000+ to play games on a Mac portable… especially when Apple could have purchased a humble GPU like the Radeon 9600 for about $0.50 and added it to the MacBook.
Who’s my daddy?
Why, Steve Jobs is. Isn’t he yours?
MDN Magic Word: speak. As in: always speak the truth.
Decent review, BUT, oh, c’mon, a Cadillac Escalade?
Those crass, pretentious, gas guzzling, hideous pieces of junk?
Maybe he was thinking about an Alienware box?
Lets’s bitch about how the cheapest laptop isn’t for hard core gaming!
What do you think? An intriguing new topic or what?
Discuss…
Sorry but this right wing rag wouldn’t know the difference between an E-machine and and Apple. They are probably trying desperately to seem cool.
LOL MacDemocrat: I wondered how long it would take politics to rear it’s pointed head…
I saw my in-law’s silver Gateway 17″ behemoth this past sunday. What a big ugly beast. And that was just the O.S.
ba dump bump… tishhhhh
If you need lots of RAM, you’ll have to go with a Dell M1710 which supports up to 4GB.
Of course, in August or September we’ll get the REAL MacBook Pro, with Intel Core 2 Duo, 64bit support, 128bit vector processing unit (SSE4), and 4GB RAM supported. By then the Core Duo will only be in the comsumer Macs, where 2GB RAM is more than enough.
I’ve noticed that Dell charges $149 for an ATI x1400 256MB graphics card upgrade option over the Intel 950 integrated graphics, in their laptops. The x1400 has dual-link DVI, so will even drive the 30″ Cinema Display.
Apple already charges $150 for the black plastic case option, why not offer a $150 non-crappy graphics card option too?
OpJ reviews MDN take, wonders audibly when it was that MDN last got laid.
MacBook Pro = NOT IMPRESSED!!
overpriced, underpowered, overheated, undercapacity, fragile, expensive egg cooker.
Get a PowerMac Quad for the same price and MacBook for portable use.
Sounds like their only real complaint is that Apple hasn’t figured out how to squeeze a 17-inch laptop into a 15-inch space!
Is this a review on the new Intel-Apple MacBook Pro or a review on what size computer notebook you need? That story should have been written 5 years ago!
I’ve owned every 17″ PowerBook release, and you are not kidding that the draw a grasp when opened.
It is great for business. It build a high end impression.
Anyway, I can’t wait to update to the 17″ Intel, but I am skipping this rev to wait for the Core 2 Duo chips and new chipset.
My hope for the next revision:
1. Get the power brick back down to 75 watts or below. Anything above that number means you cannot charge your laptop on international flights.
2. Core 2 Duo with new chip set. 40% more speed at the same if not less power usage is going to be staggering.
3. A better GPU. The X1600 is not bad, but it is a tad bit long in the tooth. Give us the X1800.
4. Fix the backlighting inconsistencies.
Bad comparison – unless the audible gasps you hear are negative. If you drive an H1 Alpha you’re probably a cock and you’re probably double-parked. Who really needs that vehicle? Very few… Get a vehicle that shows in some way that you care about something other than yourself and your ego.
There is no automobile comparison for the 17” MacBook Pro and MDN fails each time they attempt one. I’m beginning to think “MDN” was the nerd in high school and only uses a Mac to get the attention they now desire.
You can read the post again and substitute Mark Kellner for MDN and Cadillac Escalade for H1 Alpha, if you wish.
MDN Magic Word: Nature – As in, too many bleeding hearts have taken away nature’s ability to weed out the weak.
Sweater Glue:
“1. Get the power brick back down to 75 watts or below. Anything above that number means you cannot charge your laptop on international flights.”
Not going to happen – Dell Core Duo laptops have 115W bricks! Give Apple some credit for trimming it down to 85W! You can always just use a power brick that is lower powered (like a 60W model from a MacBook), and you’ll still get a charge unless you’re absolutely pegging both cores.
“2. Core 2 Duo with new chip set. 40% more speed at the same if not less power usage is going to be staggering.”
Intel has claimed “up to 25% faster at the same clock speed using the same power”, so I think that 20% faster with the exact same power consumption is what we’ll see.
“3. A better GPU. The X1600 is not bad, but it is a tad bit long in the tooth. Give us the X1800.”
Not going to happen. The x1600 is already too hot for the MacBook Pro 15″, so Apple massively underclocks it. In the 17″, Apple runs it at roughly normal speed. The x1800 uses much more power and generates much more heat. Gaming laptops are twice as thick and weigh a couple of pounds more than the MacBook Pro.
Static Mesh:
“Get a PowerMac Quad for the same price…”
You should work at an Apple store.
customer: “I’m looking for the best laptop Apple has to offer!”
Static Mesh the salesman: “d00de! Just get the PowerMac Quad! It’s the same price!”