Apple MacBook Pro Review (Late 2008 Model) Discussion

Apple's metallic professional-grade notebooks, beginning with the PowerBook G4 and later the MacBook Pro, have become somewhat iconic over the years given their fairly consistent design aesthetic. On October 14, however, Apple unveiled an entirely redesigned lineup of aluminum notebooks with a brand new MacBook Pro at the top. In addition to the new unibody chassis, the late 2008 MacBook Pro sports an Nvidia chipset with upgraded discrete GPU, a glass buttonless trackpad and a greener manufacturing process.

Read the full content of this Article: Apple MacBook Pro Review (Late 2008 Model)

 

This review is good up until the "Performance and Benchmarks". Comparing the new Mac Pro to this generation of laptops may be more useful than punching it against the last generation?

 

Recent products from Apple dont' seem to be very appealing these days. Obviously they're putting much effort to put out something different and elegant, but they seem to fail in some little aspects to consider their products' value in specs/price-wise.

BTW, thanks for a great review.

 

Thanks for an excellent review Mike! you completely removed all my doubts about this machine.

Just rambling:

No eSata in a lappy this big? no HDMI - why would I get the **** adapter for extra 100? All ports on one side - this is the most rediculous "innovation" I've seen. 3.5 hours of battery life? C'mon apple, you used to do better... I think this model has nothing interesting other than the monoblock aluminium case and better heat management... I, dissappointed

 

Nice review! Thank you..
P.S. Spit doesnt suit in the username =)

 

can you find some ways to benchmark the 9400m?

 

What is the resolution of the isight?

 

review is nice,but battery part is not is not correct I guess,people report 4.5-6 hours

 

Thanks for the review. Seems like a pretty decent notebook. Something I didn't know before I read this was the battery life, which I am actually fairly disappointed with. Considering it running on an IGP in this battery battery mode. Maybe Apple was afraid to retain the 60whr battery due to its size? Or maybe increased weight?

@Xirurg...well thats what the reviewer tested. Maybe we will see some other figures as more people buys the new MBP.

 

A solid review.

As for battery life, I get closer to 4 hrs 20 mins on the IGP. This is at 35% brightness, wifi on, BT off.

 

i would like to see a mbp review with 2.8ghz !!!!

and this with 6GB ram ....

 

That sounds better.

 

Good review!

This seems much more appealing than the standard MacBook. I especially like how well it manages heat compared to the earlier models.

Again, the only downsides are price and ports. I really wished they kept the FireWire 400 port (perhaps even the 4-pin mini-firewire port found on PCs?). Also, 2 USB ports is simply not enough. Sure, you can always get a hub, but I'd prefer an extra port or two built-in. And for the price, you can get a PC with more ports and better specs overall.

On a side note, I had to laugh at the XBench 1.3 table when I saw that the PowerBook G3 Pismo was included

 

very well written. How much did apple pay you for your talent.. J/K

but it was very pro apple considering the lack of hardware for that price point...

 

Jamming the benchmark charts with computers that are all slower the MacBook Pro doesn't give a very good representation of how fast or slow this computer is.

Other than that great review.

 

I only said what I read in apple forum from previews reviews

 

It wasn't mean to be aiming at you or anything...LOL :laugh:

 

And now the eternal question for Macs - how do you right click? Not that I can right-click on my Dell touchpad, but that's what the buttons below it are for. Hopefully you don't need a mouse to right-click?

The last question is for both OSX and Windows - I imagine there's a way to right-click in OSX without a right mouse button since there was in OS9, but this lack of trackpad buttons could leave XP users sans mouse in a sorry state on the new MBP.

Pretty decent battery performance for the battery IMO. But that's a really skimpy battery. Good for the aesthetics to keep it all within a rectangular frame, but an option for a better battery would be nice.

And I agree, port options are poor at best. It'd be an okay selection on a 13.3-inch notebook, but it's poor for a 15.4-inch one. At the very least add a third USB port.

The cooler temps from the redesign are nice. But overall I'm not actually impressed - the sacrifice of battery capacity, ports, matté screens, and touchpad buttons, as well as a slightly worse keyboard, aren't made up for by switchable graphics and cooler temps. Performance is definitely better with the 9600M, but in terms of design - I'm not convinced.

Good review.

 

Sorry but I have too agree here, great review but to the average person searching the web for reviews and seeing this is going to think that this mac rules the earth with speed and gaming power and then go around boasting to everyone lol... Most of them are atleast one and even 2 generations out or totally different sizes/prices. ATI x1400 or geforce 7400....gma950...1.66GHz Core Duo...1.86GHz Core Duo T2400...come on!

 

apple fails for using proprietary mini-DisplayPort connector instead of standardized ports such as the real DisplayPort or even HDMI... if apple really wanted to get rid of vga or dvi... those 2 ports would serve that purpose. plus, DisplayPort and HDMI ports aren't even big... from the looks, mini-DisplayPort is just slightly smaller.

sure HDMI requires a licensing fee, apple could have just used the normal DisplayPort which is royalty-free. Forcing customers to shell out a ridiculous amount of money for an adapter is just dirty. for the dual-link dvi adapter @ 100$ is way too much... its just a adapter, not a graphics card.

i was looking forward to the new line of macbook, even seriously considering getting one. but after seeing such oppression imposed by apple it just made think twice about getting a macbook.

performance may be good and all... but the price its being sold at, plus the accessories that i need costing an arm and a leg, doesn't justify any reasonable person getting one.

 

yeah... the bench marks should be compared to current gen CPUs and GPUs or similar speced laptops...

 

All you do is use two fingers and tap or push the entire trackpad down with two fingers. It is simpler than right clicking on a pc in my opinion.

 

Great laptop, HORRIBLE value, my Vaio FW which cost just over half as much beats this one in PCMark 05... With the MBP you pay half the price for looks and the aluminum case alone.

 

Mehbook... bad battery life, no ports... no Matte? common apple.

apple can't seriously expect to gain market share with these machines... the new macbook was ok, but for the price... it should be better.

CeeNote: Go Oilers!

 

Pressing the bottom right corner = right click
Pressing with two fingers = right click
Pressing control + tap = right click

 

This review seems to tend towards cheerleading for Apple (but what else is new...). The list of comparison notebooks is a shameless attempt to make the new MBP look much more sunny than it should. Your inability to criticise the MBP where criticism is due undermines the entire review. For example, statements like this one:

offers the illusion of critique but uses the weasel words "can be quite reflective" rather than the matter of fact "IS REFLECTIVE". The former uses softness and ambiguity to avoid conceding that an Apple product has a flaw while the latter brings to the fore the harsh reality that in broad daylight the display is essentially useless. Similar criticisms can be made throughout your review. For example, what is supposed to be conveyed by the statement that the keyboard is "sometimes squeaky"? Why the ambiguity with the word "sometimes"? Either it IS a squeaky keyboard or it ISN'T! If the new keyboard is worse than the outgoing one, state the fact without blushing! Maybe Apple will even hear the criticism and make necessary adjustments! This kind of inability to truly critique Apples' products plagues the vast majority of reviews that I read (and I'm surely not saying something original here).

Unquestionably Apple's most revolutionary notebook to date? That's quite a statement and even your overly optimistic review doesn't back it up. A notebook that doesn't even allow for an afternoon's work in the field (with no provision for an extended battery) can hardly be said to offer a revolution in portable computing.

Your final statement asserting that the new MBP is worth its indisputably high cost is based on compact size, elegant design, and OSX. The truth of the matter is that its footprint is nearly identical to most 15" notebooks, what constitutes elegant design is subjective, and OSX is sold for about $100. Your assertion rings hollow.

All in all, I'm sorry to say, this review is probably the least partial I've read on NBR.

 

Notebook Review would have more worthwhile reviews if they would get a little bit more serious about testing and meaningful comparisons. First off if I see one more review that calls the existing lineup of notebook screens "stunning" or in this reviews case "pristine", I am going to bust. Notebook screens are the worst screens available in no small part because reviewers fail to make objective and meaningful analysis of these screens actual performance. I have been waiting three weeks to hear from Apple Computer to "craft a response" as they decide how to compose an answer to the simple question of what type of LED screen they include in the Macbook Pro, white LED or RGB LED? How about what percentage of NTSC or Adobe RGB is this "pristine" screen able to display? Since Apple "does not provide that information" as numerous salespeople at Apple stores have told me, maybe Notebook Review could determine this important information and inform people for once. Maybe if you put a Macbook Pro next to a Sony AW with the RGB LED screen you might change your opinion as to which screen comes remotely close to being "pristine". The new Macbook Pro's physical build quality is excellent, and Apple deserves credit for finally delivering a notebook with build quality worthy of a $2,000 product. As has been pointed out everything else except the OS is pretty average (including that screen), and given the limited configurations and compatibility with higher performing components, I question the justification for the premium price. One last thing, Apple's only warranty that I am aware of "Apple Care" costs as much if not more than Lenovo or Dells 3 year on site Accidental Coverage, only it is not on site nor does it cover Accidents. Take all that into consideration and I think Apple is more about image than substance, and Apple sure is tight lipped about the truth regarding deficiencies, simple facts regarding its systems, or facts that might undermine its perceived capabilities. Here is an example of the only review I have yet to find that begins to address screen quality, when will reviews finally get serious, instead of read like a tour guide through a city park.

Well Notebook Review will not allow me to post a URL, so if you want to read a review that attempts to review the true capabilities of notebook screens Google - AnandTech Laptop LCD Roundup: Road Warriors Deserve Better

 

A fair review. I think the con list is a little too long to give the MBP a positive conclusion, though.

 

Wow nice lengthy review, but more importantly you covered all the key points. I am really impressed by the review but more importantly by the notebook, I have been on the edge about buying a mac laptop mainly because of the price, and because I have never ordered a mac before. This definitly gives me a little more background information. Thanks!

 

I am thankful for these kind of reviews, but they lack in depth analysis and omits many important details. Also, some performance benchmarks are compared against older generation lower end notebooks.

 

As with cars nowadays, this model is uglier than the previous generation. Macbook Pros used to look elegant, have distinction. Now it just looks like any Windows notebook (albeit ones that cost around USD$1100 mind you). Also, what's up with awfully reflective screen? If I wanted to stare at myself all day I'd buy myself a mirror.

 

The screen is reflective, but staring at yourself all day? Bit exaggerated...I can't see my reflection unless I have a black background/(wallpaper?). Yes it is reflective but a mirror?

 

He is not alone in his sentiment. Among other discussions, here is a long one: LINK

 

I'll bet money on the fact that none of you have actually used the new mbp. I don't know of one person who uses his/her notebook outside on a consistent basis. Most laptop screens are impossible to use when in direct sunlight - the mbp is no exception. The screen is fine, the colors are brilliant, and the purported amount of reflection it causes is overblown.

 

That is precisely the point - glossy screens from any manufacturer are essentially useless in "broad daylight". What I take issue with in this review (and others like it) is the playing down of shortcomings in Apple's hardware or design - as if the Macbook is an exception to the rule of glossy displays' susceptibility to reflections - when in fact the latest display has a glass covering which is qualitatively different ( more reflective) from other glossy displays. This difference should be addressed in any thoughtful review. From engadget's evenhanded (IMO) REVIEW:

Matte on left, glass on right:

 

You're absolutely right. The trend toward glossy screens is a tradeoff between higher contrast and reflection. But I think all the negativity that's directed at the mbp screen is misdirected.

 

I use my 2007 MBP (non gloss) outside 3-4 times a week. It is so nice in the park areas around campus and there is wifi. Many collage students do this. I have only seen one new MB (non pro) being used outside here. It was ok in the shade under a tree but no where close in visibility to my old MBP. The new MBP is a bit brighter then the new MB I think so using it in the shade might work.

 

One major problem with a glossy screen isn't the fact that it's glossy or anything, it's the fact that glossy screens MISREPRESENT contrast and saturation! Anyone who's attempting to get a print REMOTELY close to what they see on the screen will fail since the contrast and saturation is boosted. And since you're editing based on what you see, you are essentially editing an incorrect picture. Matte screens keep the saturation and contrast a lot truer to what the print would look like. Yeah, you can say that you should take the photo to a desktop and use a calibrated monitor, anyway, but sometimes, that's just not an option, so you want something remotely close to resembling what you see. All the matte films and screen covers in the world won't change the saturation/contrast when covered over a glossy screen. It just removes glare, but glare isn't the real problem.

 

Hey, nice review!
I don't know about others opinion, but for me this notebook is a fresh model, I mean, Mac is going out of the box. The design is different from other Mac product.

Anyway, do you mind if I put your review in my blog?
I'll link back to this thread and put your nick as the reviewer.

 

Collage /= college.

That being said... I'm a college student and I don't buy my laptops to use outside while I'm sitting on the grass. In fact, I doubt that's anyones major reason for buying a laptop. The LED backlight is powerful enough to be used outside, albeit with glare (like all other notebooks). It's not like the screen is invisible.

 

A bit bummed more time wasn't spent on how much a of a rip-off the MBP is spec-wise.

 

nice review, thanks!

wow the CPU and GPU and harddrive is very COOL!

is the GPU temp integrated or discrete one?

dont like they put bigger footprint... i rather have thicker laptop rather than a bigger one, comes 17" i dont want it to consume more desk/room space.

all in all, a very impresive upgrade indeed.

 

Saw the MacBook Pro at BestBuy and it looks great with the aluminum shell and the fit and finish is equal to none. The screen is sharp and clear and playing around with it it's pretty fast. Unfortunately I'm more with the PC crowd otherwise I would get this notebook.

 

Typical Apple products...good to look at in the showroom but moronic to use in the real world.

*YAWN*

 

nothing beats:

right click = right click

 

care to elaborate?

actually, the two-finger-click-to-right-click is very easy and intuitive. you should try it.

 

actually, no. I find that after awhile I want to rest my fingers on the pad. It will right click if I rest my fingers down on the pad.

 

the new macbook pro can be set to have the right hand side of the trackpad to act as the right click... if that doesn't satisfy you, then you are just another apple-flamer.

From Apple.com: "If you’re coming from a right-click world, you can right-click with two fingers or configure a right-click area on the trackpad. "

 

Mmkay. I'm guessing the first two work in Windows as well?

I'd think the two-finger method would actually be more intutive - I usually don't give much thought to where on the touchpad I'm tapping (then again, it doesn't matter for me). Still though, I think IBM has the best idea here - include touchpad, buttons, and a pencil eraser all on one laptop. Sometimes less actually is less - also applicable to port selection and screen options.

 

I don't think Apple has any responsibility to be providing support for Windows. The fact that you can even install XP/Vista on a Mac is remarkable.