“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
Static:
You’re clearly a moron and have only seen a MBP on the net or in magazines. I have a first rev, first run MBP (I literally ordered mine the day that Jobs showed them), and it:
– Does not run hot.
– Is NOT fragile.
– Is NOT overpriced or underpowered.
You are clearly a trolling moron.
Just because you can’t afford one, stop crying like a little puss.
MW: ‘wrong’ as in ‘Static was born from the WRONG orifice.’
Static Mesh=MacDude
Static Mesh+MacDude=Double Wide
MW: ‘wrong’ as in ‘Static was born from the WRONG orifice.’
OMG ROLFLMAO
As in, “Honey, I’ll be working late at the orifice again?” I thought it was golf at first. Something about a hole in Juan.
OK kids, put your nuclear weapons away and play nice.
OK, MacMania. Gone fission.
the washington times can lick the banana slugs off my sandals (even if they did get it right with macs this time)
fsck all of you, do you think I just talk outta my ass?
I practically live in a frigging Apple Store.
The MBP is waste of money at $4500 tricked out with AppleCare.
A Quad is a much better value for the price/performance and the MacBook is a good value for a notebook.
Just like the iPod HiFi is a POS too.
I don’t mind saying it, Apple can produce some garbage products.
Unless you like paying $99 for a cheap ass leather iPod case I can get for $25?
FOOLS, go fsck yourself.
Billy Bob bobbed my billy in my doublewide last night
Static Mesh:
You are the best kind of Mac user. Keep up the good work, man.
Static Mesh:
“A Quad is a much better value for the price/performance”
Dude, you are so right on. The PowerMac Quad is definitely the best laptop value from Apple.
You are a freaking GENIUS! I AM NOT WORTHY!
To Static Mesh (the MacDude clone):
Mesh, how do you like lugging a Quad on a field trip, you moron! Like let say on the other side of the world. Because some of us do need a machine like the MBP17″ on the road.
Now crawl back into the hole where came from and don’t waste MDN’s space any longer with such ignorant statements.
MDN enough: Enough Meshisms here today!
I love my 17″ MBP. When it shipped to my office a few weeks back, I had at least 10 people come by and look at it. And we’re a Windows only shop. Its as fast as my PowerMac Dual 2.0ghz G5. Will I be disappointed when Intel ships the Core Duo 2? No, I’ll just buy another one next year and sell this one. Have to take advantage of my Select Developers membership.
How long is the power cord on your portable Quad Static/Mac Dude?