The 13in MacBook Pro managed to last for four hours when running full-screen H.264 video off the hard disk. That’s half an hour less than we got from the 15in model, but is still pretty impressive and is a full hour more than we got from its predecessor. You can also add about another hour for less demanding tasks such as surfing the net or typing away in Microsoft Word.
It's even possible to boot from storage in the SD card slot
The size and weight of the unit make it easy and comfortable to carry around. It’s not as light as the MacBook Air, but its 2.0Kg weight balances nicely in your hands. It ran quietly and without getting too hot even when we were running hours of video off the hard disk, so you can kick back at home with the machine sitting on your lap in complete comfort.
Additional little touches, such as the backlit keyboard and the multi-touch gestures that you can perform on the trackpad, all add to the stylish feel of the unit. It certainly leaves the less-expensive white plastic MacBook looking a little drab. Even though both models have the same size screen, the MacBook Pro is about 0.25Kg lighter and 0.3in thinner, so Apple’s definitely making the effort to tempt people away from the basic MacBook model.
Verdict
Although the unibody design is sleek and attractive, the original Aluminium MacBook definitely looked over-priced when compared to its white plastic counterpart. Apple has clearly acknowledged that mistake with this update, as the improved performance, battery life and lower pricing certainly offer better value for money. The £899 model will probably be the big seller, but both models will satisfy the clear demand from Mac fans for a 13in addition to the MacBook Pro range. ®
More Apple Laptop Reviews...
MacBook 13in June 2009 |
MacBook Pro 15in June 2009 |
MacBook Pro 17in March 2009 |
MacBook Air October 2008 |
Apple MacBook Pro 13in June 2009 release
COMMENTS
I've got one of these
And it's bloody awesome. I was originally looking at the 15" Pro model, but then the 13" came out- more portable, and cheap enough that I could afford to buy an external (22") monitor with the money I saved. So, even better on the desk and even better on the road. Thumbs up.
Also, I bought the base model (2GB RAM, 160GB HDD) then upgraded them to 4GB and 500GB 7200rpm with stuff I bought separately- far, far cheaper and really not very difficult to do once you get the right ruddy screwdriver to get into the thing.
Edward above is right- it comes with a mini Display Port, so you need an adapter to connect to DVI. But the old ones needed a mini-DVI to DVI adapter anyway, I've still never seen a monitor with an actual mini-DVI connection...
Another review...
...based almost exclusively on hardware - the least relevant part of the system. It appears in not falling for Apple's slick marketing, the register has fallen for Microsofts!
McD
Upgrades still overpriced
Apple still ream you if you want to Upgrade the memory or hard drive
A 250 GB hard drive can't be more than £10 more
Luckily these parts are still classed as user upgradable , even though you have to take the whole back off to get at them
@AC 13:51
"..but I can get a laptop from xxxx for £yyyy, with the same hardware.."
Rising to this one. Dell Studio 15, HP Pavilion dv3t and Toshiba Satellite U500 can all be bought cheaper than this, with similar or greater specs. There's even an option to specify a better battery.
In fact, it's hard to find a MacBook or MacBook Pro that competes solely on price and performance. I know, I've been looking.
But that's not the only selling points of the Mac, is it?
And why on earth can't other laptop makers respond?
Thank's, Apple
While I am partial about the built-in battery, the return of FireWire gets this model back into purchase territory. I was mighty miffed that there suddenly was nothing decent to replace the 12" G4 once it bites the dust, and I was not alone. The Macbook is fine if you're on a budget, but if it is your main machine and actually gets handled a lot, you will always appreciate the Pro line.
