AnandTech MB/MBP review

http://www.anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=3435&p=1

Basically what they're saying is if you can wait about another year (maybe a little less), you should wait for Nehalem. They also have issues with the trackpad.

Now, personally, with all of the major changes in Nehalem, I think the prudent thing to do would be to wait (if you can) until the second half of 2010 in case there are any issues with Nehalem.

 

LOL, by the second half of 2010, the next big thing will be on the "horizon". One can go through life always waiting for the "next best thing", or one can enjoy the technology that's available. I choose the latter...

As for the trackpad, won't know until mine gets here, but I'm guessing that's going to be an individual user thing. I think it's a great idea, but ideas don't always pan out =) ...

 

My point is you might be better off upgrading now instead of waiting another year and taking a chance on Nehalem (or wait until 2010 when any potential issues would have been discovered/resolved). Of course if you wait for the "next best thing", you'll wait forever.

Anyway, give us a review when you get it.

 

I was thinking the exact same thing.

 

i think their trackpad issues are highly overstated. the new trackpad is a big step forward in terms of design and functionality and i've never had a single issue with it. maybe they just have stupid fingers

 

I disagree. I would've preferred there be a button because it's simply easier, accurate, and faster to have a button than to tap. I've always disabled tap to click features.

My biggest complaint is that I think the amount of surface area is superfluous. When I typically use the trackpad area, I tend to rest my thumb on the bottom where there usually is a button. In this revision of the macbook, my thumb happens to be resting on the trackpad. If I move my thumb, it will screw up the mouse pointer.

 

Now, I have to disagree with you, I have the new Macbook 2.4 and while it takes getting used to the new trackpad is better as one whole multi-function button.
The reason you think it's easier to have a button is because that's what we've all become accustomed to and we know nothing else. Be honest about it, if all computers since day one had Apple's new trackpad design it would be just as easy to use as having a separate click button. It's all about what we've gotten used to as if was the standard. You are never going to accept the art of change unless you do so.

 

My apologies, I read it that you said to wait until the end of 2010. If the intent was upgrade now, I'm right there with you (since I type this on a lappie with a 7900 GPU LOL).

 

I couldn't agree more. I have no issues with mine at all and there are so many other nice changes that you will be passing up if you don't get this one now! Waiting for new processors or features is never an option unless the delivery date has been announced.

I'm guessing that the new processors will simply be an in-line update rather than a new refresh, so the most you would be sacrificing is perhaps a little performance.

 

The first problem with 1 whole multi-function button is that you have to press the button with the same fingers that you move the cursor with. When *I* press the button and lift my finger up, it never is at the same place as where I was originally before I pressed the button. That is why I disable tap to click in every single laptop I have used.

The second problem with 1 whole multi-function button is again, some people such as myself like to rest the fingers + thumb at the lower half of the trackpad. However, my fingers would be resting on the pad. Believe me, if I had the option to turn off the lower half of the trackpad, I wouldn't care. However, that's not possible, and that leaves my fingers no where to really rest on.

I understand that sure I *could* get used to this. However, I have never enjoyed tapping/clicking the trackpad with my index finger. It was always more pleasant to use my thumb to press a button.

 

The new trackpad is perfectly fine, i'm a new mac user and im lovin everythin bout the new mac.

 

well, it sounds like the new macbooks/mbp's aren't for you. i used to rest my thumb on the button too, but for me its much faster to use tap to click and ive adapted quickly. i appreciate the extra trackpad space too and i use the four-finger expose swipe religiously. of course, its your call to stay within your rigid guidelines of what a good trackpad/button should be like, but i doubt that apple released this new innovation simply to spite us. they did their research on it and realized that this new trackpad would be easier to use by the consumer/end user than previous versions.

 

I haven't yet encountered any problem with the new trackpad except using it in XP bootcamp....the four finger gesture for Expose is one of the best things that have been introduced into this new trackpad.....I think the only problem is that some clicks are not registered even though there is a click sound.

 

Interesting screen comparison review.

 

the trackpad on the MBP is amazing, far superior than any other ive used before..