Comments on: What readers hate about the new MacBooks

Highlights from CNET user opinions on Apple's new MacBooks.

[mdntcallr]

I applaud all the attention to the loss of Matte Screens, in favor of the Glass screen reflective nightmare for some.

But... Apple has chosen to also avoid Blu-Ray, even in the higher model, you can't order it as an option. Even as Blu-Ray sells discs with digital copies, for use on some laptops, many do not have this and it costs extra. why not have Macbook Pro's read BD discs and have an option for full Blu-Ray Superdrive?

Let the consumers have best of both worlds, digital downloads via itunes, and .... Blu-Ray reading drive.

[acerl310]

I'm choosing between the 15-inch Macbook Pro 2.5GHz and an Acer Gemstone...
which one is better?

[Phippsgroup]

We've now had our Macbook for a week. For the most part, couldn't be more delighted. The build quality seems excellent, the backlit keyboard is outstanding, and the screen is so bright and clear that I'm able to overlook the whole over-discussed glare issue. It's taking awhile to get used to the new trackpad (keep brushing it with my thumb, which can work mischief -- and the 1-2-3-4 finger commands don't seem to be working, but I may not be doing it right). But it's speedy and in many ways a much better machine than my 2003-vintage PowerBook G4, which I'm using to write this comment (my wife having confiscated the new MB). The PBG4 remains quite serviceable, despite a few bangs that have slightly distored the case - and a screen that's a bit on the dim side. It's underpowered for today's apps, however, and so it was an easy decision to replace my wife's desktop with the MacBook (okay, I shouldn't complain when she takes it with her). Today, my wife will be taking advantage of both the free workshop on iLife at the Apple Store and using her one-to-one visit for a familiarization tour. Bottom line, we're quite happy so far. The cost? A bit high compared with many Windows laptops, but in the same ballpark as a similarly equipped ThinkPad (which I consider it's nearest competitor from a cost, feature, quality, reliability, and support viewpoint).

[mdulcey]

I like the new NVidia graphics. I went to the Apple Store and tried out Second Life on it -- it may be integrated graphics but it takes them to a new level. Not a replacement for an NVidia 9700, but nobody is putting one of those in an under 5 pound machine.

Leaving out the media reader is hard to understand. Why, Apple? Couldn't find room for even one measly SD slot? I don't care about xD or Memory Stick; I refuse to buy anything that uses them. Sorry, Olympus, Fuji, and Sony; when I was buying a digital camera recently your products weren't even on the look-at list for that reason; SD is the dominant standard and you guys should just suck it up and switch to it.

The glossy screen has pros and cons. It's good for watching video in a darkened room; more contrast means a better picture. It's not so good for doing anything in a well-lit environment; let's hope that effective anti-glare treatments become available. And it is easier to clean effectively.

I don't like the flat keys, but they're not a dealbreaker.

I had trouble dealing with the no-button trackpad. But then I hate trackpads in general; I connect a mouse whenever I can. The new Logitech mice with the nano receivers totally rock, and they also make a Bluetooth mouse (no receiver at all!) if your laptop can handle it.

Lack of FireWire would be a pain for me, because I own two video cameras that use it, and replacing them with new HD cameras isn't going to happen this year. Not such a big deal for people just getting into the video game. It could also be a problem for people wanting to do semi-pro audio, because the good interfaces are for FireWire, not USB. It's not clear that will change either, because of USB's shortcomings in real-time applications. but USB should work well enough if the real-time device is the only thing connected to a given USB port.

The lack of FireWire sounds more like a problem for pro-level users, and Apple probably wants them to buy a MacBook Pro. But some people are looking for the smaller form factor and weight and don't need the extra screen real estate of an MBP, and were surely hoping that the new MacBook would fit their needs. Maybe Apple could have squeezed FireWire and SD into the $1599 version and made the upsell more appealing.

[splungekid]

Let's not forget that Apple, the "graphics leader" who was first to abandon CRT screens which could be calibrated for LCD screens which could not be calibrated, nor would Apple guarantee colors on their monitors to be correct, uses computers as a secondary product at best these days for their company. .Apple has been the champion of Firewire because it is so vastly better than the useless USB. (sic) Yet today, who cares that you have Firewire products which you would dearly love to attach to one of their new notebooks.
Apple's strength and deisires are for their iPhone and music products, for which they can thank for the noted financial standing of the company. Computers fpr several years have continued down the path of an annoying, but necessary for the moment item.

[jparkes1]

I was in the store, cash in hand, and though I love the new look, like the new trackpad, went home without one. 'Why' has been going through my head all day. I want firewire, I want a faster processor, and how much more is leopard going to cost me when it arrives. I think a second generation will show up with leopard, I hope so anyway. I recommend impulse control, besides, have you seen the price drops? not to mention the flood of used mac books that will be showing up for sale. Mac buyers are usually unconcerned about the price, It's the product we want. We all feel that pinch when we pull the trigger at the Apple store, but for me I think I'll keep my old mac book until Leopard shows up and hope for a second generation before pulling the trigger.

[jparkes1]

Yeah, sometimes when your on the soap box you miss the small things. I meant Snow Leopard. forgive the omission.

[jparkes1]

My second comment today is this;
Apple has been, and still is, a standard maker for the entire industry and right now, today, on this and other message boards around the world proves my theory. Apple products are the talk of the town, the world even. No other company engenders, or incites, as much passion, commentary, and dissection of their products by both Apple users and PC users alike. If you think PC manufacturers aren't watching, reading, are horribly jealous, and probably reverse engineering, your remarkably ignorant. Hell, even Microsoft is copying their television advertising. The only way PC manufacturers have to compete is to underprice Apple, even so, PC manufacturers are losing customers to Apple daily, and the numbers continue to grow.

[newboy123]

Been a pc boy for ever. Been wanting to make the change over to mac for years but never had the dough to do it nor the want to learn a whole new os. Got the 15" mac book pro a few days ago and now walk around with a smile on my face 24 hours a day. It does have the firewire I need, I love the track pad(yes a little need to used to) but once that's over its like driving a mercedes. All the new software puts me behind the curve but I got all of the books and after 4 days with this puppy "i'm gettin' my learn on real good". Love the screen have no complaints at all about it, bright, clear, vivid colors...beautiful. The extra vid chip will come in use w/snow leopard as part of the processing speed i'm told so that's a positive. 2 usb ports is a bit dumb but there are usb hubs out there that can handle that problem. Speakers sound great and battery life is off the charts from any other laptop I've ever owned. I'm also very very happy to be away from the windows ********. Still got laptops with vista on them and desktops with 2000 on them and will keep them for the small businesses that they run. I finally got me my dream laptop though and once I get this bad boy down I'l be a power user and I don't ever see myself going back,

[CMalburn]

I live in the UK and I can't go outside or near a window and use 1st gen Macbook with glossy screen at all because I get loads of screen glare. Now, where I live, I don't exactly get a lot of bright sun, but I can't use it outside because the only thing I can see in the screen is a reflection of myself. And the new Macbooks have even glossier screens? I don't like that. It's not as if there's even a choice between matte and glossy.

Also, I hate that they got rid of firewire on the 13" Macbooks. I bought a firewire external HD specifically for my Macbook, and now they get rid of firewire that they pushed so hard to spread? Luckily I don't have a firewire camera or expensive external display. Otherwise, I'd run out of characters to type.

I quite like the idea of the larger trackpad and the more scratch-resistant aluminium casing, though.

[eh20man]

I have been waiting with baited breath for the new books. I stopped by the Apple store and thought long and hard about it. I was torn between the MacBook and the Pro "15. Ultimately it was cost sealed the deal. Now granted I was not enthused about the missing firewire port. Then I started to think about how Apple removed the floppy drive back in the day. Controversy - indeed. I have a time capsule connected to my printer and my digital camera has a usb connection. I don't have a video camera but have given thought to the purchase of one. Yes the connection will become a factor. Bottom line I have to say that I really love the new MacBook. The brightness of the screen is amazing. The graphics card is noticeably better than the previous incarnation. It is slightly lighter than my plastic one and it does not get as hot as the latter. Really love the backlit keyboard. I was considering purchasing a new iMac when the upgrades come but after seeing a MacBook connected to the new 24" monitors, I am having second thoughts.

[grblade]

I've had a Dell laptop with a glossy screen for a couple of years. I debated a lot about getting it before I did. I'm very glad I did. What glare there is can easily be adjusted by tilting the screen, and now that I'm used to it I hardly ever even notice any glare. The glossy screens are brighter and more vivid than the matte screens. Other manufacturers have had glossy screens on laptops for years, so Apple fans just aren't used to them yet. Once they start buying them, you'll see these screen discussions taper of as it's not as big of an issue as it may seem before you have one. It really is quite beautiful.

[goshkruse]

I love the larger trackpad with enhanced finger gestures. The glossy screen is my choice, but if you need to use it outside, I see where it could be a problem.

[15inchmacbook]

I am typing this on my new 15 inch Macbook pro. 2.53 ghz - 320 GB 5200 RPM. 4 GB Ram.

I like the machine a lot. It preforms like any mac should. Its Zippy, and I have hardly put it down since I got it about a week ago.

Pros:

Unibody - It strong, It feels like a sturdy machine.
Trackpad - Takes a little getting use to, but works great. Gestures work flawlessly.
Nice and cool - Even playing games, and using photoshop, the mac stays a lot cooler then my Powerbook G4. You can actually use it on your lap.
Bootcamp - It just works
Keyboard - Nice and wide, easy to type on.


Cons -

Display - Glossy.....nuff said.
Auto adjusting display - I know you can turn it off, but it is constantly adjusting. If you even lean into the screen it dims... Kinda Annoying. Also, when the display is dim, mine flickers. especially if the backround is white. Not sure if its an issue with my pro's screen, or if its across the board.
Battery Life - Even when the graphics card isn't in GT mode, 4 Hours, Maybe

[wfayewilliams]

My issue is with the MacBook Pro. Why didn't they redesign the 17inch? I had the 17inch and now that I purchased the new MacBook Pro in the 15inch, It feels so small. Does Apple intend to match the design of the 17inch to the new MacBooks at a later date? It really makes me wonder should I have purchased the new MacBook Pro??

[15inchmacbook]

See

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/10/15/apples_next_gen_17_inch_macbook_pro_due_in_a_few_months.html

[askj113]

I have never owned a mac, but from what I've heard about the new model I'm going to have to give apple the thumbs up for making the components easier to get at. That's cool in my book

[askj113]

Also still no SD slot? Come on apple.

[FadedStars]

I WANT MY SECOND BUTTON!!!

[rgdrew]

I'm a diehard Apple fanboy and I have some serious problems with the new MacBook.

CONS
-No Firewire

-Touchpad limits functionality, makes it harder to use on the go, and I don't really think anyone thinks that the new Multi-Touch gestures will make anything monumentally easier. Multi-Touch is great on the iPhone, but Apple needs to think about just incorporating it into everything that they produce. I mean if you haven't tried it, it's bad.

-Mini DisplayPort creates another adapter to buy ($29)

-Now the MacBook and MacBook pro are basically indistinguishable

[rgdrew]

I'm a diehard Apple fanboy and I have some serious problems with the new MacBook.

CONS
-No Firewire

-Touchpad limits functionality, makes it harder to use on the go, and I don't really think anyone thinks that the new Multi-Touch gestures will make anything monumentally easier. Multi-Touch is great on the iPhone, but Apple needs to think about just incorporating it into everything that they produce. I mean if you haven't tried it, it's bad.

-Mini DisplayPort creates another adapter to buy ($29)

-Now the MacBook and MacBook pro are basically indistinguishable

[IwanBai]

got a total of 3:25 on battery under xp incl half an hour I didn't do anythign on it. Not impressed at all ... can't help but have second thoughts