Yeah, it has its let downs, and I'm not sure why anyone would buy anything but the 1099 model, but for $300 more than a Mac Mini you get more CPU, a screen, a keyboard, and a battery. And it's not much bigger. It's yet another trojan horse, especially for people who might spend $400 on an iPod. I expect it to sell fantastically well.
It's good for the price. I just wanted to pay a bit more and have decent graphics.
I want a black anodized aluminum MBPro 12" with 256mb dedicated graphics. Then I can take it with me when i travel and hook it up to a 30" display and play games at home and do the same at the office to actually do real work......
The 12" was the weakest seller of all Apple portables so they did away with it. No big deal.
Apart from the processor, there's nothing compelling about any of these things. FrontRow and a remote? On an ultraportable? It's just silly. All 13" of widescreen? Can a different shape really be called a "feature"? Well, I guess there is the extra 32 pixels all along the bottom besides, that's almost enough for the dock...
The Magsafe is nice, I'll admit that. But this is a laptop (ultraportable, no less!) - most of the time I'm using it unplugged and away from outlets. Good thing the 12" has got a 4-5 hour battery life (actually switched on, on a wireless network and everything). Apple is so proud of the MacBooks battery life its technical specs get as specific as "55 watts per hour".
I have no real use for iSight, but I can understand why people would like that, too.
The 12" performs comfortably enough for ultraportable use. It runs applications. It closes. It burns DVDs for backup. You get the idea. And, because of OS X, it runs faster than my 2 Ghz Windows XP laptop.
I think this is a small number of people. The only time I've ever burned a DVD is to make a Linux install disc. I don't really see what's the point of burning DVDs unless you are making video, which most folks use the internet to deliver these days.
Apart from the processor, there's nothing compelling about any of these things. FrontRow and a remote? On an ultraportable? It's just silly. All 13" of widescreen? Can a different shape really be called a "feature"? Well, I guess there is the extra 12 pixels all along the bottom! That's almost enough for the dock...
The Magsafe is nice, I'll admit that. But this is a laptop (ultraportable, no less!) - most of the time I'm using it unplugged and away from outlets. Good thing the 12" has got a 4-5 hour battery life (actually switched on, on a wireless network and everything). Apple is so proud of the MacBooks battery life its technical specs get as specific as "55 watts per hour".
I have no real use for iSight, but I can understand why people would like that, too.
The 12" performs comfortably enough for ultraportable use. It runs applications. It closes. It burns DVDs for backup. You get the idea. And, because of OS X, it runs faster than my 2 Ghz Windows XP laptop.
Well then, as you said, you should be happy you have the 12", however, don't try to discount the fact that the majority of consumers will be happier with the new MacBook and its additional features.
And yes, the processor performance is very compelling. And yes, a "different shape" (widescreen) can be considered a feature, especially for the target demo (students and average consumers) who will be using the MacBook for movies and multimedia functions. FrontRow and a remote are verycool, I didn't think I'd find it useful until I actually got it. It's a great addition. And dual-boot means you'd no longer need your 2 ghz Windows XP laptop. Having two laptops in one is what I'd call "ultra-portable."
i won't want to upgrade to a MacBook anymore as it really only replaces the iBook line and not the 12" PowerBook. I've already got a x8 SuperDrive, 1.25GBram (ok i upgraded it), 80GB and its LIGHTER and SMALLER.
don't get me wrong, MB are wonderful products.. but not too appealing for a 12" PB user i reckon. If only there's a 12" MBP... 15"'s a tat too heavy for me to carry around.. oh well.... \
And dual-boot means you'd no longer need your 2 ghz Windows XP laptop. Having two laptops in one is what I'd call "ultra-portable."
I wish! I only keep the XP laptop around for testing through Remote Desktop (development is faster on the powerbook even when the client/projected target is a Windows machine). I'd like to get rid of it, but don't want to spend any money on Virtual PC or a non-OEM version of XP Pro. (I only have the OEM CD that came with the laptop).
Ah well, I guess I was wrong about the 'hifi', I could easily be wrong about this, too...
These are amazing deals. Same low-end price, with PRO features! Not stripped down!
Dual CPU cores
Dual display spanning
Gigabit Ethernet
Sudden Motion Sensor and MagSafe
Scrolling trackpad
1280x800 13.3" widescreen (and some people like the glossy look)
FrontRow remote
iSight webcam/camcorder with mic
WiFi g and Bluetooth 2
CD burning and DVD playback (slot-load)
Optical/digital AND analog audio in AND out
All standard. That blows away the outgoing iBooks.
Integrated graphics are to be expected on a low-end machine. Find the above specs in a 1" think package from another name brand computer maker, and see what it costs you even WITHOUT the iLife software bundle thrown in!
But to really make the family complete, I think Apple needs an ultraportable
I feet the same way man and I don't even have a one yet but that one is the perfect size after using a lightweight IBM that I just carry on it's own to meetings. Can't imagine doing that with a 15" and the new ones have a good price but can you play games with those with 1 Gb RAM?b
After owning a laptop with a glossy screen, I would suggest against it. It seemed like a great idea before and for a little while after I bought it, but after a while you'll hate it. I'd recommend against it.
Apple went the reverse direction here. From matte to gloss from lowend dedicated graphics to intergrated. I don't understand. Why does apple have to gimp one part of their laptops to make there magical distinction between pro and consumer (which doesn't really exist)
I wish! I only keep the XP laptop around for testing through Remote Desktop (development is faster on the powerbook even when the client/projected target is a Windows machine). I'd like to get rid of it, but don't want to spend any money on Virtual PC or a non-OEM version of XP Pro. (I only have the OEM CD that came with the laptop).
I know that PC re-sale value sucks, but you could always sell your Windows machine on ebay to cover the costs of purchasing an XP license, you might even come out ahead a few bucks!
You have to realize too that 60% of macbooks sold will be to college students. With the education discount you save $50 on the 1099 model, and $100 on the 1299 and 1499 model. At those prices this notebook is an awesome deal.
I'm pretty amused by the price premium for black machines.
Why?
I'm amused because I'd seen posts here on this forum and elsewhere where people stated explicitly that they'd pay extra for a machine if they could get a black one. Well, it seems your wish is granted . Enjoy!
As for me, the white base model looks completely kick ass!
Concerned about the weight? The 12" iBook it replaces weighed 4.9 lbs. I can handle the extra ounces for the features this thing offers. Yeah, it's over 1/2 lb heavier than the 12" PowerBook and that's a bit of a bummer.
I'm on the fence with the glossy screen. I've seen it in a number of PC laptops and aside from some possible glare issues, it looks nice enough. I've never been big on computing outside anyhow. If I'm outside I've got better things to do .
All things considered, I'd say that the MacBook completely fulfilled my expectations and then some. Is it perfect? No. Will it sell like mad? Yes, Hell yes.
Comments
Originally posted by jdbartlett
I've never been happier to own a 12" PowerBook. Why do people want an ultraportable computer? Guess, go on. That's right, ultraportability:
MacBook
Height: 1.08 inches (2.75 cm)
Width: 12.78 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth: 8.92 inches (22.7 cm)
Weight: 5.2 pounds (2.36 kg)
PowerBook 12"
Height: 1.18 inches (3.0 cm)
Width: 10.9 inches (27.7 cm)
Depth: 8.6 inches (21.9 cm)
Weight: 4.6 pounds (2.1 kg)
MacBook
4-5x faster core-duo
iSight
Magsafe connector and latch
remote
widescreen
dual-boot
PowerBook 12"
snail-like performance of the 5 year old G4 chip
none of the above new features
The 12" was the weakest seller of all Apple portables so they did away with it. No big deal.
Originally posted by Splinemodel
It's $1099.
Let me repeat that: it's $1099.
Yeah, it has its let downs, and I'm not sure why anyone would buy anything but the 1099 model, but for $300 more than a Mac Mini you get more CPU, a screen, a keyboard, and a battery. And it's not much bigger. It's yet another trojan horse, especially for people who might spend $400 on an iPod. I expect it to sell fantastically well.
It's good for the price. I just wanted to pay a bit more and have decent graphics.
Originally posted by Amorya
It's good for the price. I just wanted to pay a bit more and have decent graphics.
Then the MacBook Pro is your machine!
I love my 12" PB, but it is a slow piece of sh$t
Originally posted by solsun
MacBook
4-5x faster core-duo
iSight
Magsafe connector and latch
remote
widescreen
PowerBook 12"
snail-like performance of the 5 year old G4 chip
none of the above new features
The 12" was the weakest seller of all Apple portables so they did away with it. No big deal.
Apart from the processor, there's nothing compelling about any of these things. FrontRow and a remote? On an ultraportable? It's just silly. All 13" of widescreen? Can a different shape really be called a "feature"? Well, I guess there is the extra 32 pixels all along the bottom besides, that's almost enough for the dock...
The Magsafe is nice, I'll admit that. But this is a laptop (ultraportable, no less!) - most of the time I'm using it unplugged and away from outlets. Good thing the 12" has got a 4-5 hour battery life (actually switched on, on a wireless network and everything). Apple is so proud of the MacBooks battery life its technical specs get as specific as "55 watts per hour".
I have no real use for iSight, but I can understand why people would like that, too.
The 12" performs comfortably enough for ultraportable use. It runs applications. It closes. It burns DVDs for backup. You get the idea. And, because of OS X, it runs faster than my 2 Ghz Windows XP laptop.
EDIT: Corrected typo in number of pixels. Thanks.
Originally posted by solsun
Some people need a Superdrive DVD burner.
I think this is a small number of people. The only time I've ever burned a DVD is to make a Linux install disc. I don't really see what's the point of burning DVDs unless you are making video, which most folks use the internet to deliver these days.
Originally posted by jdbartlett
Apart from the processor, there's nothing compelling about any of these things. FrontRow and a remote? On an ultraportable? It's just silly. All 13" of widescreen? Can a different shape really be called a "feature"? Well, I guess there is the extra 12 pixels all along the bottom! That's almost enough for the dock...
The Magsafe is nice, I'll admit that. But this is a laptop (ultraportable, no less!) - most of the time I'm using it unplugged and away from outlets. Good thing the 12" has got a 4-5 hour battery life (actually switched on, on a wireless network and everything). Apple is so proud of the MacBooks battery life its technical specs get as specific as "55 watts per hour".
I have no real use for iSight, but I can understand why people would like that, too.
The 12" performs comfortably enough for ultraportable use. It runs applications. It closes. It burns DVDs for backup. You get the idea. And, because of OS X, it runs faster than my 2 Ghz Windows XP laptop.
Well then, as you said, you should be happy you have the 12", however, don't try to discount the fact that the majority of consumers will be happier with the new MacBook and its additional features.
And yes, the processor performance is very compelling. And yes, a "different shape" (widescreen) can be considered a feature, especially for the target demo (students and average consumers) who will be using the MacBook for movies and multimedia functions. FrontRow and a remote are verycool, I didn't think I'd find it useful until I actually got it. It's a great addition. And dual-boot means you'd no longer need your 2 ghz Windows XP laptop. Having two laptops in one is what I'd call "ultra-portable."
i won't want to upgrade to a MacBook anymore as it really only replaces the iBook line and not the 12" PowerBook. I've already got a x8 SuperDrive, 1.25GBram (ok i upgraded it), 80GB and its LIGHTER and SMALLER.
don't get me wrong, MB are wonderful products.. but not too appealing for a 12" PB user i reckon. If only there's a 12" MBP... 15"'s a tat too heavy for me to carry around.. oh well....
am new to the forum. just my 2cents..
Originally posted by solsun
And dual-boot means you'd no longer need your 2 ghz Windows XP laptop. Having two laptops in one is what I'd call "ultra-portable."
I wish! I only keep the XP laptop around for testing through Remote Desktop (development is faster on the powerbook even when the client/projected target is a Windows machine). I'd like to get rid of it, but don't want to spend any money on Virtual PC or a non-OEM version of XP Pro. (I only have the OEM CD that came with the laptop).
Ah well, I guess I was wrong about the 'hifi', I could easily be wrong about this, too...
The price on the black model is odd; black DVD cases are cheaper than white or clear... they seem to be going for the extra income.
That said, I think the black one will really stand out, and will sell very well. Like with the iPods, Apple will be surprised by the sales.
Dual CPU cores
Dual display spanning
Gigabit Ethernet
Sudden Motion Sensor and MagSafe
Scrolling trackpad
1280x800 13.3" widescreen (and some people like the glossy look)
FrontRow remote
iSight webcam/camcorder with mic
WiFi g and Bluetooth 2
CD burning and DVD playback (slot-load)
Optical/digital AND analog audio in AND out
All standard. That blows away the outgoing iBooks.
Integrated graphics are to be expected on a low-end machine. Find the above specs in a 1" think package from another name brand computer maker, and see what it costs you even WITHOUT the iLife software bundle thrown in!
But to really make the family complete, I think Apple needs an ultraportable
I am buying a 15" Macbook Pro 2.16GHz simply because of the awesome graphics card. But now I have to choose between a glossy or matte screen?
So, help!
I'm going to use the Macbook Pro for photoediting, student work (yes, work) and playing World of Warcraft :-)
Maybe even outdoors, once in a a while, in the grass during summer...
Which screen is best for these uses?
Thanx for everything!
Soeren
Apple went the reverse direction here. From matte to gloss from lowend dedicated graphics to intergrated. I don't understand. Why does apple have to gimp one part of their laptops to make there magical distinction between pro and consumer (which doesn't really exist)
Originally posted by jdbartlett
I wish! I only keep the XP laptop around for testing through Remote Desktop (development is faster on the powerbook even when the client/projected target is a Windows machine). I'd like to get rid of it, but don't want to spend any money on Virtual PC or a non-OEM version of XP Pro. (I only have the OEM CD that came with the laptop).
I know that PC re-sale value sucks, but you could always sell your Windows machine on ebay to cover the costs of purchasing an XP license, you might even come out ahead a few bucks!
Originally posted by Sororca
Maybe even outdoors, once in a a while, in the grass during summer...
Matte. Gloss means more reflectivity.
Why?
I'm amused because I'd seen posts here on this forum and elsewhere where people stated explicitly that they'd pay extra for a machine if they could get a black one. Well, it seems your wish is granted
As for me, the white base model looks completely kick ass!
Concerned about the weight? The 12" iBook it replaces weighed 4.9 lbs. I can handle the extra ounces for the features this thing offers. Yeah, it's over 1/2 lb heavier than the 12" PowerBook and that's a bit of a bummer.
I'm on the fence with the glossy screen. I've seen it in a number of PC laptops and aside from some possible glare issues, it looks nice enough. I've never been big on computing outside anyhow. If I'm outside I've got better things to do
All things considered, I'd say that the MacBook completely fulfilled my expectations and then some. Is it perfect? No. Will it sell like mad? Yes, Hell yes.
Originally posted by solsun
Some people want a Superdrive DVD burner.
Fixed that for you