June 9, 2009 9:57 AM PDT
Unboxing: It's New MacBook Day!
Less than 24 hours after Apple revealed its latest MacBook updates, we've got three of them here, ready to undergo rigorous testing in the CNET Labs. The most notable news developments are the unexpected promotion of the unibody 13-inch to the MacBook Pro family, and the addition of a long-awaited SD card slot to several models.
You can catch up with all the changes across the entire MacBook line in our New Apple MacBooks demystified post, and stay tuned for full reviews, videos, and more later this week.
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New York native Dan Ackerman, a former radio DJ turned journalist, has written about technology and music for publications including Spin, Blender, The Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. He hosts the weekly Digital City podcast and the New York edition of Editors' Office Hours. Dan's new album, Tales Out of Night School, is available now. E-mail Dan. 
Considering the new model is now a MacBook Pro, don't feel too bad. And if it matters much, sell yours and buy the new one. I have a 15" MBP that was just upgraded with faster CPU, more RAM and HD capability, better screen, longer battery life, new SD card slot and a lower price. But life goes on. It doesn't mean I like mine any less. Sure I'd love to have the new one, but I'll keep mine and enjoy it.
I am not upset about it and neither should you be.
Just realize that if 90% of all Mac users kept spending as quickly as Apple wants, none of us would be able to afford anything.
Apple does not influence me to constantly funnel cash into their pockets every time they snap their fingers.
You're either content with your purchase or your obsessed with Apple.
He said no in the foreseeable future - well how can you expect him to know about a product yet to be released?
This is a bit much, you could get the same thing with any product, a car, a TV, a PC ... (you're getting the idea?)
The UniBody MacBooks were always mighty fine systems - they just got an upgrade, and a name change. Now seriously, go enjoy your laptop - it's nicer than anything (laptop-wise) I've got!
The only thing to double check is that OS X supports your non english writring and especially any non english characters and letters that you use. Odds are it does but since this is your main use it's better to be sure.
The resolution on the 13" isn't bad, but you can always visit an Apple Store, get them to load the apps you want to run and see how they seem on both a 13" and a 15". If you're intending to carry the laptop a lot, then a 13" might be preferable (especially if you're wanting a smaller bag - personally I'd get one that doesn't look like a laptop bag - I just don't thing it's wise to draw attention to an expensive piece of electronics you're carrying).
If you're thinking about often using it at a desk check out their LED display - it isn't cheap, but it is very nice, and you can attach a keyboard/mouse to it full time (it even charges the MacBook so the normal charger can stay in your bag - helps if you sometimes forget things!). Of course, the improved battery life might mean forgetting it isn't such a problem.
Personally, I will agree with jezzer-dotmac in that your best bet is to simply buy the 13" Macbook or Macbook Pro, then add the 24" display and a keyboard/mouse (You probably would get a bundle discount if you purchase from the website).
I bought both my iMac and Macbook from the website. You get free shipping and this is the only way to get any discount.
I have nothing against purchasing retail, but the website is a true time saver.
BTW, I highly recommend adding Applecare to your purchase. It is the only way to add a real warranty to protect your expensive investment.
So much for 9 months of evolution. OpenCL is an open standard which AMD supports strongly, so thats no excuse either.
Now that the new macbooks are available I'm not sure if I should wait (about 2 months) for the computers to arrive, and buy a new 15 inches Macbook, with 4 GB and 500 hardrive, but with the possibility of updating it to 8 GB! and for a cheaper price
should I wait the 2 months for the new ciomputer, or should I just buy (tomorrow) the other macbook pro. ??
Apple has been upgrading the Macbook lineup several times since I bought my black 13" Macbook last year.
Trust me, it's worth the wait.
For me, I'm glad I didn't wait because I have a nice machine with a Firewire 400 port - 100% compatible with my 20" iMac.
- by alvelda June 10, 2009 2:18 PM PDT
- Anyone managed to discover which SSDs (Manufacturer and model numbers) are shipping in the new 15" MBP?
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