Comments on: Checking under the hood of Apple's new MacBooks

The end result is a solid list of upgrades and improvements that may get lost in the "Where are the $800 MacBooks?" shuffle.

[Lerianis]

Like people say, Apple = Too Expensive. They have to lower their prices to live in the REAL WORLD, otherwise they are not going to do well in the notebook market.

[skillingssucks]

...said the pedophile.

[ralfthedog]

Apple is doing quite well in the notebook market. I would like to see higher price, better quality.

[jonDonson]

What I think everyone fails to appreciate is the impact on Apple's outstanding customer service infrastructure with the introduction of a low cost computer. One of the most appealing benefits of owning a Mac is that I can make an appointment at the Apple store and bring my computer in for some face-to-face time whenever I'm having problems FOR FREE. Not to mention that repairs are done on-site and the turnaround time is fantastic. This is a model that blows away all the other major major manufactures. The dilution of this level of support by throwing in "cheap" computers to the mix I think would negatively impact the Apple brand. I applaud them for taking such a thoughtful approach to increasing market share and penetration that doesn't outgrow their support infrastructure. Apple is all about ensuring a completely enjoyable ownership experience and their core customers wouldn't accept anything less.

[Jimww]

Have a G4 powerbook, i'd like to replace it, it's slow, and full. the price here is £1400. a Dell would be around £600 cheaper. I hate Vista and love OSX, but I want an up to date machine for my Photography, does it mater if i run light-room on a mac or PC, the results will be the same. in view of the economic situation I think (hope) Apple will have to drop there prices significantly, or I for one will be switching back

[myles taylor]

As usual with any Apple event, they surprised me, did what I expected, and disappointed me. The price cuts weren't a drastic as rumored/hoped, but there were some. They took some things off, but I really like the look of the new computers. Overall, I'm happy with the update. I know a lot of people won't be.

The crowd that will be cheering will be the 12" Powerbook club. All those people who wanted a smaller Macbook Pro basically got it back. The Macbook Air did not fill that niche, but I think the new Macbook does quite nicely. Also, I see a reason for upgrading past the white one way more than before. I never saw a compelling reason to go black on the Macbooks before. Now I definitely see a reason for upgrading. Apple filled a gap in their service between the Macbook and the Macbook Pro. They didn't release a sub-notebook, but I'm glad they didn't. I agree with Steve Jobs that Apple doesn't need to get into the netbook. No, they didn't release a laptop for $899, but at $999 (with an educational discount) suddenly all the students who wanted a Mac but had to stay under $1000 will be getting one. I only see their market share increasing after today, even with the disappointments.

[catch23]

Every Apple event, folks like you say something to the effect of 'see their market share increasing'
Wow, Apple now has less then 1/2 the userbase of Vista ( and Vista has only been around 2 years, not 20+, and a 'failure').
http://tinyurl.com/6lsmdg
let me guess, this is the year of the Linux desktop, right?

It was disappointing, and everyone but the fan-kiddies will admit it.

[myles taylor]

@catch23

People like me? What am I like?

Yes, Apple doesn't have the user base that Vista does, but that's not the point. The point is their market share is increasing and $1 in $3 spent on a computer is on a Mac. Apple doesn't want a huge customer base; they want the creme of the crop.

Vista was a "failure" because it people are not upgrading. Apple should have 10% of the userbase as Vista, not 50%. Microsoft had a huge platform to sell Vista to, and failed. Apple is going at just the right pace.

[joshdeboer]

People have nothing better to do but wait for Apple news, so they can start rumors, get a life!

[tejash1104]

Am I the only one who noticed the Apple website that you could have bought a 2.4GHZ MacBook $1399 and $1299 with student discount and now it cost $1499 and the same has been seen on the MacBook Pro where the entry level cost was $1799 with student discount and now it is $1899 with student discount.

[close5828]

I love how ppl argue that Macs are more expensive that Windows machines. Compare any Windows notebook w/ the exact same specs (speed, size, performance, GPU, etc.etc.) and you almost always win w/ Mac.

[Rawnchie14]

LOL what kind of potent koolaid are you drinking? Where do you look for laptop PC's, Alienware? Voodoo?

Of course they're expensive, they're stylistic and overpriced just like Apple's computers. I got my 2.8ghz Core 2 Duo, 15.4 inch 1680x1050 LCD, 9600 GT 512mb, 128GB SSD, 4gig Ram, HDMI enabled, Blu-Ray drive, and 5.1 sound card all for around 1900$. Just TRY to build an equal Apple laptop in the next year for that price.

[anilsudh]

@Rawnchie14 - You may have purchased a $1900 piece of junk. Does it even boot up. You are nothing but a big liar.

[DrtyDogg]

I got a 2.4 GHZ Core 2 Duo w/ 4GB of Ram a 250GB HD and the same intel graphics chipset as yesterday's Macs several months ago for $750. Where is the $750 macbook? I have also compared specs several times dell vs Apple spec for spec Dell always is cheaper, mostly due to the insane prices of upgrades on the Mac to bring it up to the specs of the Dell.

[random truth]

Rawnchie 3 problems
one the screen you stated does not exist. it would be 1680x1200. Hell I was disappointed at first but now you challenged me to see how much it costs.
HP with the closest config to the macbook pro costs $1,637.99 after rebate. It has less battery life, significantly less processing power, less graphic processing power, no led display. and is 1.31 in. thick vs. 0.95 in. The macbook pro costs 1,999.
HP with closest config to the macbook costs $1,313.99 after rebate. Less processor cache, less graphic power, shorter battery life, no led screen, no multi-touch,1.34 in. vs 0.95 in. Macbook costs $1,299.
Dell with similar config to a macbook pro costs $1,957 after rebates. 1/3 the processor cache. less than 1/2 the graphic processing power, 1.38 vs. 0.95 in of thickness. Macbook pro costs $1,999.
Dell with similar config to a macbook costs $1,567 after rebates. Measely graphic processing power compared to macbook. 1/2 of the cache for the processor, less battery life, and do i really need to show thickness. The macbook costs $1,299.
Now just for the fun of it
Macbook Pro like laptop from Alienware costs $2,789.00
From Voodoo. it is more comparable to the regular macbook and costs $3,299.00.
From Gateway their is none comparable.
From compaq dido.
Did I miss any windows manufactures?
Wow, now maybe ill buy a macbook now.
Thank-you Raqnchie14 for challenging me to see how good of a deal the macbook was, I also believe it surpassed any of those laptops. Now tell me where again did you get your laptop from?

[stevendrs]

Random truth, seriously, have you ever shopped online? I don't have time to compare the new macbooks to Dells, but 3 days ago I compare the old macbook prices to Dells. Yes, I used the EXACT same configuration for both - processor cache, graphics, battery, etc. I got my Dell for under $850. (And don't say it'll break down. I've had mine for 3 years and I have never had a single problem once...the fools who put crap on their computers or don't take care of them get the problems).

Again, I have not compared the new macbooks for prices, but I can GUARANTEE that I can find an exact Dell laptop for less. You do know that there are online Dell discounts that get you $100-500 off the listed price, right?

In regards to ease of use, really, how hard is it to use a windows machine? I have used both macs and pcs for years and I think they both are really easy to use. It's like saying a manual transmission car is not user-friendly because I don't know how to drive stick. Seriously, just spend a few days and learn. Both windows and macs are pretty easy to use.

[zhakidd532]

Well not as much of a wow-factor as people as people had hoped, but it was solid nonetheless. I just bought a Macbook (and am loving this thing) so no upgrade for me for awhile. I don't see much in that is making me mad I bought this about 4 months before they came out with new ones. Beefed up a little, but nothing truly innovative user-wise.

Next laptop show around, however, in 2 years or whenever it will be, people will be expecting Tablet Macs.

[mjkphoto]

The Glass Display on the new MacBook Pro is a DEAL BREAKER for me. Apple's decision to abandon the matte finish display is disastrous! To say that a brightness adjustment or turning the notebook is an answer to glare and reflection is an arrogant position! Creative professionals prefer the matte display. Clearly Apple is targeting consumers while abandoning the creative professional. What a shame. I was ready to buy a new MacBook Pro today. But that won't happen. I'd get the previous MacBook Pro issued, but they are being recalled due to video chip problems. So where do I go now?

Creative professionals who are disappointed with Apple's new MacBook Pro with the glass display, please call Apple's Customer Relations Department NOW and file a complaint. A representative will take your comments and give you a case number. Hopefully Apple will get an earful from frustrated creative professionals who prefer the matte display! Maybe they'll change their mind and reinstate the matte finish option.

What are you thinking, Apple? What a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT.

[photog_7]

Glossy displays are AWFUL! mjkphoto is absolutely correct. I've owned two of those abominations, and I could hardly concentrate for all the glare. I'll stick with Dell Precision laptops with anti-glare displays. Apple really disappointed me with these high-glare displays.

[ashwinkn]

It's not as bad as you think it is. The main advantage of matte displays for creative professionals has been greater color accuracy. With the move to LED backlights, it makes almost no difference. I'm saying almost, because glare is still glare, but its not as bad as the glare on PC laptops with glossy screens.

From Apple Insider 14 Oct 08: ".....Build-to-order options for the 17-inch MacBook Pro include a 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, .... anti-glare display....."

[Dleon84]

Not true - matte doesn't give contrast and gives lame depth poor "blacks" on screen. Being a graphic designer and photographer I specifically prefer the glossy screen for better image handling.

[Regensburger]

Agreed. Why doesn't Apple make the glass removable for the minority of users who actually prefer them? If they can still innovate as they did with the integrated oversize trackpad/button, this shouldn't be too much of a "breakthrough" for them.

[azkobushi]

Any Apple laptop comes loaded with apps, etc. and ready to use 30 seconds after booting it up for the first time. Can you say the same thing for any Windows machine? Anyone who really wants a Mac isn't as concerned about the price as they are for it's ease of use and seamless operation. Anybody whining about the price should stick with DOS, er... uh... I mean Windows machines.

[rapier1]

Can you say the same about a windows machine? Sure. Depends on who the integrator is and what options you get.

[M_cKade]

I love the new Macbooks!!! I am going to buy the $1599, version as soon as the Apple store is back online!

[bestbuy4ever]

If you have some money to burn, go for it. Otherwise, don't be stupide!

[dkiriti]

really fantastic....but i dont think its fast enough.....good graphics......good design.....but too expensive

[random truth]

ya, Im bummed at the processor speed to.

[open-mind]

The new MacBooks look great to me, except for the removal of Firewire. I wish Apple would decide whether Firwire is a pro interface , a consumer interface, or a dieing interface.

Also was hoping for a 6"x9" iPod Touch Tablet "notebook" with USB. Oh well ... maybe next time.

[ReverendRob]

The MB Pros still have an FW800 port (it's backwards-compatible, so all you need for your FW400 external is a cable). I get the dropping of FW on the regular MB: consumers were never really into FW like the pros, and USB has been sufficient for them (and the $999 one will still have FW).

[sarb2008]

Apple you disappoint me. I was really hoping for new innovation instead i just ordered myself a brand new Dell XPS 1530 which will cost me the same price as the base 13 inch aluminum macbook but has 4Gb of memory, 320 GB hard drive, slot loading drive like the mac, built in webcam with creative FX suite and more ports then the Mac (HDMI) oh and its also made of aluminum. So why Apple? Apple might be up on top with innovation but there hardware is way back there. Oh and Vista Ultimate is just as good as Leopard.

[anilsudh]

What are you going to do with an HDMI port? Sleep over it?

[Composer_1777]

Yep, you are right. I got a sony full 1080p laptop with HDMI, why, gee so i could use it with my giant 50 inch HDTV thats why. Mac with no 1080p/hdmi support for over 1,000 $ = no way. Mac is for tools who buy into marketing ploys.

[Dalkorian]

"Oh and Vista Ultimate is just as good as Leopard."

ROFLMAO! There goes all credibility you thought you had. Now go tell Billy you have done his bidding, you shill. Maybe he'll pay you!

[Penguinisto]

$1k I can certainly live with... sure it's $100 more than the rumors, but no problems here - now to check the specs when they come out. :)

/P

[ctwendling]

Apple is awesome. Grip it and rip it.

[ssicomputers]

Hrm... was expecting a lot more from them on this one. Congrats, Apple, for finally bringing the Macbooks up to date.

[ssicomputers]

@bestbuy4ever

Unfortunately for you, the vast majority (and that includes Apple fans) are just as disappointed as I am. I'd consider their hardware if they actually gave me a reason to.

[zephryn]

"Note that the $999 model also lacks the new Nvidia chipset, the glass trackpad, and the edge-to-edge glass-covered display seen on the new Pros and more expensive 13-inch models."

Uh huh....interesting. So...what exactly makes this new macbook better than the current gen macbooks?

[myles taylor]

Nothing. They never said it was an upgrade. They are selling the same model as always.

[bestbuy4ever]

Seriously. NOTHING, MAN! W/ all that hype coming in, I was so disappointed.

[open-mind]

The new aluminum Macbooks have all the features you listed. The old white plastic Macbook is the same as before but $100 less expensive at $999.

[Dalkorian]

At least open-mind has demonstrated reading comprehension.

[ferretboy88]

Looks so so. Nothing great.

[fear_and_loathing]

What a disappointment!
First, I hate hate HATE, that keyboard! I have ever since they introduced it on the first MacBooks. Why do they want to look (and feel) like a cheap calculator? The black keys against the aluminum looks awful!
Second, I totally agree with mjkphoto on the glossy screen. Why should I have to angle my screen to keep from getting a glare. If memory serves, you used to have a choice between the matte and glossy screens on earlier MacBook Pros, I hope that option comes back.
Apple, your MacBook Pro is supposed to be the top of the line, instead, you've turned it into another cheap, PC looking knockoff, that would look more at home with the rest of the toys at Best Buy as opposed to a Mac store!

[george Blake]

One more time your review drips with how you are not impressed with Apple products. You say a few good things but always temper your remarks with flaws of some kind. If you have nothing good to say dont do Apple reviews

George Blake

[ferretboy88]

George,
You should go to macrumors.com or any other Apple forum and see how upset they are right now. Sure they love Apples but they wanted a matte screen and still have all the inputs.

[dj_erik]

George, That is about the most insane comment I've ever heard. Reviews should be as impartial as possible. I'm sure the journalist has their own opinions, but they should try and keep to the facts. If your so much of a fanboy to not understand what reviews are about, perhaps you should just stick to reading Apple's website.

[photog_7]

Glossy screens are strictly for beginners.
Bring back the anti-glare option or I'll buy Dells.

[Two More]

you are a loser

[thomcarl]

photog your the beginner, and a troll as well, although a poor one. I'm sure were all gonna lose sleep if you buy a Dell which would make your double looser.

[Dalkorian]

"Bring back the anti-glare option or I'll buy Dells."

Dude, you deserve a dell.