“When the Apple MacBook 13-inch (Core 2 Duo T7200) launched without the Santa Rosa components, my initial reaction was, “Boy, the MacBook Pros had better get Santa Rosa, or this will be a serious blow to Apple.” But creating more separation between the MacBooks and MacBook Pros makes a lot of sense—and sure enough, Apple gave the MacBook Pros the Santa Rosa advantage. The overall look and dimensions of the 15-inch model remain unchanged. The MacBook Pro 15-inch (LED), like its predecessors, puts an aluminum alloy over the frame. The weight has been reduced by a tenth of a pound, to 5.3 pounds. Although this weight reduction is barely noticeable, the system itself is a treat for commuters looking for a 15.4-inch screen. It’s the lightest 15-inch laptop on the market,” Cisco Cheng reports for PC Magazine.
“The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (LED) is an impressive machine. With the new components you get a little more performance, and with the LED screen you get better battery life. This model deserves an Editors’ Choice,” Cheng reports.
Full review, with one of the “pros” being “best bundled software suite out there,” here.
Happy with mine. It would be sweet if Apple updates the MacBook with a super slim enclousure and aluminum body. Seems white plastic is on the way out.
The only thing I wish Apple would change about the MBPs is the latching mechanism when you close the lid.
The magnetic one of the MB works really well and has no moving parts.
I’m thrilled with mine! It’s a huge performance jump from my old PowerBook G4 1.67ghz. It just feels smooooth!
I got ExpressCard 34 card readers (CompactFlash and SD/multi-Card), which are much faster than the old PC Card reaers I used with the PB. The screen is amazingly bright. Airport reception is much better… especially with my new “N” Airport Extreme base station.
Now all we need is for Apple to release a new line of monitors!
I love my SR MBP 15″ (LED). The only physical design characteristic that underwhelms me (like M@c, above) is the latch mechanism. The magenetic system on the Macbook is so much more elegant.
The only other thing I think is reasonable to ask for is a Systems Preference setting for controlling operating temperature. Something like a slide running from “Quiter / Hotter” to “Louder / Cooler.” Or, if it worked by throttling down the CPU instead of ramping up fan speed: “More Performance / Hotter” to “Less Performance / Cooler.”
I’ve used SMC FanControl and know someone else has written a program for managing CPU voltage (and thus heat and performance) but would prefer an integrated solution from Apple.
The bottom line is that there are times when users would really like the ability to sacrifice performance or quiet in return for lower temps (e.g., when there’s no realistic alternative to a lap).
Likewise, there are times when performance is paramount and temperature doesn’t matter (e.g. when using it on a desktop with an external keyboard and mouse and running CPU and GPU intensive apps).
Not too much to ask, I think.
Only thing I don’t like is the overbright sleep light which I have to cover up at night!
Pity it doesn’t have an ambient light sensor like the keyboard and my iMac.
Or maybe it does — anybody know?
@ DJ,
No outside ambient light sensor. Just turn it around so it doesn’t face your bed.
I’m seriously considering a Macbook Pro – this gen or the next. The frontside bus on my 1.5 GHz Powerbook is such a performance breaker. The CPU and graphics card in it should make it a kickass machine, but it does choke on big stuff.
Uhhhhh…..there’s a joke in there somewhere but I’m not going there!
I am holding of for MBP until Oct for pre installed leopard which sucks cos my laptop now the screen is broken and stranded without one until I get it fixed.
They really should add an extra USB Port on th 15inch model, and a magnetic latch like the MacBook. Is that reasonable to add an extra USB port on the 15inch model?
Matte Screen, a relief and a joy to use anywhere and everywhere for long periods of time without eyestraining reflections
Most likely the last Mac laptop I will ever own if Apple continues with cheap looking glossy displays.
Hi,
I think the only reasonable question to ask for is a Systems Preference setting for controlling operating temperature. Something like a slide running from Quiter / Hotter to Louder / Cooler. Or, if it worked by throttling down the CPU instead of ramping up fan speed.
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