“What a difference 540,000 pixels make,” Ken Mingis reports for Computerworld.
“I’m talking in this case about the latest MacBook Pro to grace my desk, the top-of-the-line 17-in. model with a glossy 1,920-by-1,200-pixel high-resolution screen tricked out with a 7,200-rpm 160GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM added post-purchase. Oh, and it uses Intel’s new 2.4-GHz Core 2 Duo with a ‘Santa Rosa’ chip set for a bit more zip and even slightly longer battery life,” Mingis reports.
“But it’s the screen that’s the most appealing feature. This is without a doubt the best-looking LCD screen Apple has produced in what also happens to be the fastest laptop from the company yet,” Mingis reports.
“You know the difference between regular TV and high-def TV? That’s what it feels like using this model. Not that the standard screen offered by Apple is a slouch; 1,680-by-1,050 pixels is plenty fine for most users. But for those of us who always want faster, bigger, more, Apple has created what I’d call the MBP Ultimate,” Mingis reports.
“Usually when reviewing a product, I come across a design flaw or issue that gives me pause. Not so this time, at least not yet. That doesn’t mean this MBP is perfect. Given the top-notch hi-res screen, the ability to show off high-def video — at 1080p, no less — I find myself wanting more than the 8x SuperDrive that comes standard. I’d like to see a Blu-ray drive installed, so that I could play the Blu-ray DVDs I already have and really enjoy true high-definition video” Mingis reports. “Until then, I’ll just have to make do with what, in my opinion, is the best laptop Apple has ever made.”
Full article here.
Relativity, my dear Watson.
In every generation, the first ‘Book produced by Apple ruled all the land.
Wow! What a glowing, loving review! I hope Ken keeps LOTS of screen wipes handy.
I now have a 17 MBP with 1080p resolution. Not glossy, though.
The eye strain to read the fine print is almost too much for my old eyes!
I don’t get the desire for the glossy screen. Way too much glare for me.
It’s a beast for sure. I’ll stick with the 15″ (LED screen), and hook up to the Cinema Display when I need the extra space…
Since it’s the best laptop Apple has ever made, doesn’t that mean it’s the best laptop in the history of all laptops, period? I mean, c’mon, what laptop running Windows could even come close to competing with this thing???
” I find myself wanting more than the 8x SuperDrive that comes standard. I’d like to see a Blu-ray drive installed, so that I could play the Blu-ray DVDs I already have and really enjoy true high-definition video” Mingis reports. “Until then, I’ll just have to make do with what, in my opinion, is the best laptop Apple has ever made.”
Idiot!
Duh! I’m going to go out on a limb and beat Computerworld to the punch. I bet the NEXT version of the MacBook Pro in a few months will be the best ever!!
That is, unless Apple plans to purposely release a worse version the next time. What a stupid comment.
There is a blue-ray drive from a 3rd party maker.
I am writing this comment on my new 17 non glossy with 4 gigs and the 7200 rpm. Have yet to hear the fan, runs apps very smooth. Slight glitches in parallels, but overall it really is amazing. It really is hard to read at times, but it’s so fucking sharp! That it helps to make up for it. I hope that the rez independent OS will fix some of these things when Leopard comes out. I’ve never seen a better more thought-out machine and I am proud to be an Apple owner.
Really, at that screen size would there be much of a difference between HD and regular DVD. I doubt it. Only on really big screens would there be a difference in HD vs regular format DVD, Me thinks. But would really like to hear some real world testimonials.
“built”
I have a 17″ C2D MBP and although itis the greatest computer I’ve ever had, I must that the fan on this thing can be very loud.
That’s my only gripe.
“. . . I MUST say . . .”
If he would like to get a Blu-ray, buy one on the market now and install it in an IDE firewire 911/912 chipset external case….
If you are willing to cough up the cash!!!!
I will wait until prices come down so I do not have to sell the farm…
I now have a 17 MBP with 1080p resolution. Not glossy, though.
The eye strain to read the fine print is almost too much for my old eyes!
leopard will fix that with screen resolution independence your going to love it.
I find the attempts to skew buyers decisions, here, towards The One Screen That Rules Them All, to be rather lame.
I own two 17″ ‘Books, and I find I use the glossy screen most nearly exclusively now.
Matte screen advocates? Your opinions are just that, and I strongly disagree with your assertions.
@owner
I too have the old eyes syndrome. On my MPB 15 I just hit the apple+ plus key to make the print larger. No more eye strain.
Apple produces yet another turkey. Notice that MacDailyNews doesn’t bother to talk about price. Could that be that you need a second (or third!) mortgage on your house to get one of these computers? It confuses practically everyone why Apple has to charge unbelievable amounts of money for their computers. As an example, the Dell XPS has faster components across the board and can run any program including the latest DirectX games with no problems. Since there are only around 3 games for the Macintosh, I guess that is why the video sucks so much.
One hopes that computer users will get over the “boy it is pretty” and realize that macs don’t run most of the business software used in corporations. ?Want to fully connect to a domain controller – sorry. Want full access to exchange – sorry. Automatic browser configuration for Microsoft’s proxy server – sorry. Virtualize OSX on OSX – sorry. Until Apple decides to get software produces to write something for the mac I cannot imagine anyone other then graphic artists and the ultra-rich buying this overweight boat anchor.
@Mac Realist
Sad, sad, sad boy.
There is no 17″ notebook on the Dell website: http://www.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/latit?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=biz
And whatever it might be, it would still be a Dell.
Feature for feature the Macs have been cheaper than Dell for a While. Has this changed?
The Dell cant run any program. it cant run anything which runs on OSX. The Mac can run anything on any operating system.
Does the video suck? the review you just read says the screen is magic – and the latest macs have an updated video controller – so what exactly are you complaining about?
Most business software used in corporations runs on Windows. Or on a browser. Mac OS X runs Safari, a much more standards-based browser than IE. And of course the Mac runs OSX and Windows, at the same time if you like.
I connect to my doman controller every day on my powerbook. I have full access to Exchange via Entourage, though I am not sure I want to any more… I dont run a proxy server so i cant comment but getting a windows machine to handle the install of a USB printer is proving to be more of a drama than I think it ought to be.
And while we are talking about boat anchors, mr unreality, have you felt your head lately? Is it still attached?
I only ask because it ls clear you are talking through your arse.
MacRealist,
Apple and Dell charge so much for laptops so turds like you can’t have one.
Thanks, Mac Realist.
I’ve decided that my new MBP 17″ hi-res does, in fact, suck. I haven’t enjoyed it at all for the past two weeks.
Where would I be if you hadn’t pointed this out for me? Truly, thanks.
p.s. Glossy screen complainers must have weak minds if they cannot focus their attention well enough to enjoy the gains afforded by said screens. I suppose a glossy photo is simply too much for you as well? Sheesh.
@ MacRealist,
What is a software produces? That is why nobody has asked what ever it is to do what ever it is you are asking!
After spending ones hard earned money wisely on an MBP, the last thing you want is to allow virus porous direct x compatible software under the guise of games onto it.
If that is all you want from a laptop the ability to play games, then stick to your Dell’s.
Drink Camel’s Milk! the wavering fart you release will make your eyes water thus enabling you to see clearly enough to spell.
@ bond co. stooge
Put your money where your mouth is, donate your MBP to a worthwhile charity.
If you do so & let us verify that you have indeed done it, I will give you a high milk yielding Camel in exchange.
@ Camel’s Milk Drinker,
I greatly appreciate your generous offer, but must decline, as the milk apparently causes one to loose the ability to perceive childish sarcasm
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