Apple laptops

[haven]

A friend asked for a thumbnail review of current Mac laptops.
I thought others might want to see the result.

-- Chip Haven

ps. Please keep comments constructive and on point.
No "Windows sucks" or "Mac sucks" permitted. Your
cooperation is appreciated.

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Mac laptops, April 2009

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aluminum MacBook
$1300 to $1600
introduced Fall 2008

13.3" screen, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
screen uses LED backlighting, which is brighter and uses less power than fluorescent tubes
screen is very shiny, so it shows lots of reflections
2.0 GHz or 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor
1066 MHz front side bus
2 GB RAM in 2 slots, MacBook supports 2 GB or 4 GB
160 GB hard disc, optional 250 GB or 320 GB disc
slot-loading DVD burner
Airport Extreme wireless networking, and Gigabit wired ethernet port
Bluetooth
"chicklet" keyboard, with individual keys sticking through openings in the case
2 USB ports
built-in speakers
analog stereo audio line in and line out
trackpad supports multi-finger "gestures," like iPhone (lots of people rave about this)
internal cooling fan is quiet
battery life 3.5 to 4 hours

no Firewire port
needs $30 adapter to hook up to DVI or VGA external monitor

Operating System Mac OS X v 10.5 (Leopard)
iLife applications: iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, iWeb and iDVD

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white (plastic case) MacBook
$1000 from Apple

older case design, but internals similar to the $1300 aluminum MacBook.
includes Firewire port
screen not as shiny, shows fewer reflections
fluorescent tube illumination for screen
traditional 1 finger trackpad
battery life is about 30 minutes shorter than aluminum models
same OS and software bundle

this model looks the same as MacBooks from earlier years.
tell them apart by checking
-- the processor type (early versions used Core Duo or slower Core 2 Duo)
-- graphics card type
-- OS included (earlier versions used OS X 10.4 or older)
-- smaller hard disc
-- smaller amount of RAM
-- Apple model number

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aluminum MacBook Pro
introduced Fall 2008
$2000 to $2800

LCD screen 15" (1440 x 900 pixels), LCD backlight
LCD screen 17" (1920 x 1200 pixels), LCD backlight
2.4 GHz, 2.66 GHz or 2.93 GHz processors
2 or 4 GB RAM for 15" model, up to 8 GB RAM in 17" model
NVIDIA GeForce 9600 M or 9600 M GT graphics card
keyboard keys are illuminated

ExpressCard slot (useful for adding a digital wireless modem , GPS, etc)
audio: optical digital input as well as analog line input

same OS and software bundle

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MacBook Air
introduced January 2008
$1800

white plastic case
similar to white MacBook
13.3" LCD display (1280 x 800 pixels)
slower 1.6 or 1.86 MHz processor
2 GB RAM

no DVD drive
slower hard drive
one USB port

designed for portability and light weight
when introduced, Air was the lightest notebook computer with full size keyboard

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Macs compared to PC laptops

Mac laptops are more expensive than PCs, but not as much as Microsoft's ads would like you to believe. When compared to similarly equipped PCs, Macs are $100 to $300 more expensive. The question is whether you need the top of the line components that Mac uses, or if you can make do with lesser technology. Personally, I have no trouble using computers with hardware that is one, two, even three years behind the state of the art.

Some features of Macs that run up the price are the LED backlighting of the screen, the NVIDIA graphics processor, the fast Intel processor, 2 GB RAM standard, and the design of the case. Macs also are bundled with useful software applications like iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, iWeb and iDVD that would cost extra on a Windows laptop.

Older model PC laptops are frequently put on sale, while Mac models are almost never offered on sale. With some smart shopping, you can buy a capable new PC laptop for a lot less than today's Mac models without giving up too much performance.


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Reducing the purchase price

Amazon, MacMall and MacConnection offer about $100 off current models

Frys and other computer stores charge full price, but offer to bundle a printer or other accessories with the computer

Apple offers refurbished models on its "Special Deals" web page http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals
The warranty for refurbished models may be just 90 days, if so purchase an AppleCare contract to extend coverage.

 

[Martyn]

We have always used Mac's and have two laptops in the family.

I'm very happy with them.

A few problems. The power pack had to be replaced and a little later the connection for the power on the computer had to be replaced.

According to Consumer reports the laptops are a little more prone to problems and they recommend the extended service plan.

 

[Root Moose]

I recently acquired a 17" MacBook Pro. I think that if I had my time over again to re-order I would have ordered it with the "non-shiny" display (IIRC $50 option). It can be annoying the amount of glare that the shiny screens have at times. I have yet to see a MBP with the matt finish though.

Minor quibble.

Otherwise, well constructed and thought out kit that is a joy to use day-in and day-out.

 

[angusdevil]

The only problem that I have had with mine is that the screens seem to move a bit more than PC's. This in turn causes the ribbon going to the screen to wear out quicker. I had a G3 ibook and loved it for its size and power but power adapter was a bit awkward having it come out of the side of the notebook. My current MacBook Pro doesn't get used in the truck that much but I LOVE the magnetized power plug as I'm not worried about it stressing and crapping out.

 

[ChuckB]

My 12" PowerBook is going on 5 years old. I have only replaced the HD and the RAM. Love it!

 

[6Pins]

Full Disclosure, I've used Mac's since my first Apple IIe (which my mother threw away, and she has NO IDEA how much that darn thing was worth)

I use a MAC for home use and a PC for work. Night and Day. I have many many more times the issues than I ever have with the Macs. They are rock solid OS and I'd recomend them hands down.

Cons
**Expensive when compared to a PC
**Used to be a problem with limited 3rd party software, but that's getting better
**I have had 2 ribbon failures, both my fault, but still frustrating.

Depending on what you want. lots of times the Apple store online has refurbished Macs on its website, my last iBook was purchased that way and I saved a couple hundred bucks.

 

[bigreen505]

I think the 2.4g Macbooks strike a really nice balance of size, price and power. On one hand the lack of a firewire port is inexcusable, but if you need firewire for anything graphics related, the MB just doesn't have the horsepower and you need to step up to a Pro anyway.

The Macbook is a real nice typewriter and general use computer. If you are buying one as an only computer and you use it at home and on the road, the 13" is great, especially paired with an external monitor. If you are only using the laptop (eg. travel constantly) get the 15" if you are willing to carry it around.

In full disclosure, I have never had a 15" MBP, but I've both aluminum and plastic Macbooks and a 17" MBP, and the aluminum MB is my favorite -- really a sweet machine. Get the 2.4 even if just for the lit keyboard.

I still have and use a 12" Powerbook. It is due for a refurb, which means a new HD and a new battery. The bang for the buck on the little machine is impressive.

Now, pay attention kids, this is important: There are several companies that supply screens for the Macbook, and they all suck donkeys except for the LG screen. If you are about to buy one, do a Google search for "Macbook screens suck" and there are a couple threads on MacRumors.com that give the manufacturer code for each screen and how to check. It really is a noticeable difference. They all suck, but the LG screen is easily the best of the lot.

 

[haven]

Apple's MacBook Pro models with 17" display are considerably more expensive than their PC counterparts, particularly when the manufacturer is offering deals on some configurations. Here's an HP laptop I saw this morning, price $1686. The comparable MacBook Pro costs $2700.

At this price, the HP includes Blu-Ray DVD so you can watch Hi-Def movies, and a TV tuner that has HD capability. The MacBook Pro has neither.

HP HDX18t laptop
$1686 as configured
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53GHz)
4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
320GB 5400RPM SATA hard disc
18" diagonal LCD screen, 1920x1080p (native high definition)
1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
Windows Vista Ultimate (64 bit) and System Recovery DVD
Lightscribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
Webcam
Fingerprint Reader
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
full size keyboard with backlighting of keys
8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

 

[Bad Voodoo]

My 12" PowerBook is going on 5 years old. I have only replaced the HD and the RAM. Love it!

Same results w/ my 15" PB. I just upgraded to the new 15" MBP after 5-6 years of solid use out of the PB. The only reason I upgraded was for the performance bump recommended for Adobe LR and PS products. I have the distinct impression that the PB would have otherwise run forever, like a Toyota.

 

[Ryanmb21]

I just bought the 13.3" aluminum macbook a couple of weeks ago. It's my first mac, I've created a cool website, love i photo and battery is so good. I love it!

It was easy to move data over and didn't take long to get the hang off, the touchpad and screen and also incredible

I have a lot to learn, but I'm happy thus far!

Off topic: Where do I get a cool brief for the thing? Something small and protective?

 

[ChuckB]

Same results w/ my 15" PB. I just upgraded to the new 15" MBP after 5-6 years of solid use out of the PB. The only reason I upgraded was for the performance bump recommended for Adobe LR and PS products. I have the distinct impression that the PB would have otherwise run forever, like a Toyota.

I just bought a 20" iMac, nothing special but I like it. Man going from a 12" to 20" screen is crazy :smilies27

 

[ashgray2]

Mac Notebook and Mac computer are the best for me. I've been using this since I was in grade school. Until now my loyalty to MAC computers is still there.

 

[Outdoorsben]

Apple needs to bring back the non glossy display for the Macbook's. I'm curious to see how well MAC's will sell once they grab enough market share to attract hackers.

All in all a Windows, Macintosh, or Linux will all take you to the same place and do the same things these days. I'm curious to get my hands on Snow Leopard and see how that is.

The best thing about Apple is they have American tech support workers. Being in the business I can tell you there are very few large companies who have US tech support. Bravo to Apple. For that reason alone whether I use a Mac or not I'll support the company.

 

[Root Moose]

Apple needs to bring back the non glossy display for the Macbook's. I'm curious to see how well MAC's will sell once they grab enough market share to attract hackers.

Non-glossy is a $50 option - or it was when I bought my MBP.

What makes you think that hacker's don't have OS X firmly in their cross hairs?

Hacking UNIX is not as trivial as hacking Windows. That's all there is to it.

 

[Outdoorsben]

Non-glossy is a $50 option - or it was when I bought my MBP.

What makes you think that hacker's don't have OS X firmly in their cross hairs?

Hacking UNIX is not as trivial as hacking Windows. That's all there is to it.

I didn't think there was a non glossy option?? I thought all the new MBP's had a glossy screen.

Hackers don't put the effort into an OSX because there's not nearly a high enough market share. If i'm going to put in lots and lots and lots of time writing programs to drop worms and trojan horses i'm going for the masses not an 8% of the people.