NOTE: This review is from someone who knows very little about computers.
Although I really enjoy computers and will still continue to hold and use my laptop, I felt it was time for a change. It took several minutes to upload videos and photos and I was getting very frustrated with the whole process. I had not thought about buying a MacBook Pro before, because I felt that the costs would not be worth it. I have spent over a month researching and reading and watching reviews. I took the last step. The following describes the features of the MacBook Pro, which I think are important for an everyday user.
Appearance: I sometimes look at the laptop and get amazed at how thin it is. But when I lift it up, I am surprised again at how heavy it is. Apple has done a fantastic job of creating a laptop that thrives on external simplicity. The cold aluminum feels strong and almost indestructible. MagSafe adapter is a great feature to have, especially if you need to connect your laptop and sit further away. A trip over a cord slightly different adapter from the laptop, and nothing is damaged. At first I was surprised that there were only two USB ports, but I can not imagine a time when I will need more than two. The difference I noticed from my other laptop is that there is a shortage of ports that can add that it has a very simple design and that it only uses what it needs. What it thrives on is what is inside.
Screen: I was originally thinking of getting a big screen to the MacBook Pro, so I could easily edit documents and photos. It's not worth it. Also see Youtube video looks good. I looked at the pictures taken at a single point and shoot camera, and they looked phenomenal on-screen as well. But the glossy screen seem like a mirror sometimes and can get incredibly annoying. 15.4 inches is ideal for anyone considering making the MacBook their primary computer at home.
iLife and other applications: I have not been using iLife as much as I would like, but I could look at the Mac App Store, and I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of these programs. If you love writing, Scrivener is a good idea to prepare stories, novels, screenplays and poetry. iWork is also available in the App Store. Each sold separately for $ 20.00 each, which is cheaper than buying iWork hero! Pages and Numbers is incredibly intuitive, and they really compete with Microsoft Word and Excel. As the App Store for iPod Touch, iPhone, iPhone, there's something for everyone. There are programs for work, play, and everything in between.
Speed: From the opening Safari to open applications, there is a bug in speed. When I start editing the film, I will update if it changes, but if not, means that it still works amazingly. I've played a few games and not just the graphics are amazing, but there is no stop or start.
Finder: I did not think it would be very well until I downloaded a program and had no idea where it went. Finder (obviously) not every single thing on the MacBook Pro, but it does it with speed.
Trackpad: I was not sure if I want a touchpad. I did not like the default settings, but when I changed it, I do not even consider getting a mouse. It's fun to experiment with it at the beginning and learn the various proposals on their own. The touchpad has made surfing the web easier than before.
Keyboard: I was hesitant for a backlit keyboard. I love that I can write at night, but I'm used keys closer together. It took a couple hours getting used to, but when I did it significantly improved my writing speed. Spaces between the letters helped, and the fact that the keys are not raised high definitely helps. Even better? The keys are almost silent.
Heat: I had read reviews about how hot the MacBook Pro, but after a week, I have not noticed any extreme heat. Again, I have not done anything extreme, so I will update if it changes.
Transfer: If you choose to take the laptop around, I would recommend getting a case for it. It is prone to scratches and dents, so any protection helps. I carry the laptop in my backpack and the weight is quite noticeable. I think it's something I will get used to, but I am still amazed at its weight. However, it is a great device to carry around, but if I wanted it for true portability, I could have gone 13.3 inches, or possibly a MacBook Air. Since this is my primary device used at home, I prefer to keep it there if I know I will definitely need it.
The hard drive and RAM are completely replaced. People were disappointed at the slow performing 5400 RPM drives, but I honestly do not see a difference in speed. If there is a big problem, again, it can easily be upgraded. I have plans to upgrade the RAM to 8GB cards. My first benchmark test showed a score of 8843, so I am glad to learn what the score is after the upgrade.
If there are any major changes with the laptop, should I update.
UPDATE:
The first thing I want to update it, the battery life. Battery life of Macbook Pro is really good. I no longer have to worry about during lectures or take it to work. I average about six hours to go on the internet, watch some movies and writing.
For the second game on this machine is fantastic. I'm Left 4 Dead 2 in a couple of hours with a friend. There were maybe one or two times where the game was slipping, but it would be for a split second. Other than that it looks incredibly clear. Upload the game is fast. As soon as my game started, I would ask my friend where he was and he was still only halfway loaded. Playing with the touchpad is very responsive and quite fun. When the game is the fan loud and the laptop gets very hot. But it's not as hot as my 2009 Toshiba laptop.
I was very worried about how hot the unit gets after some time. After reading many reviews, I noticed that one of the biggest problems was the laptops become so hot it will burn someone's lap. But I noticed that it was more a problem with the previous-generation MacBook Pro and I have yet to find a real problem with it.
The speaker quality is amazing. I originally would have separate speakers and a mouse for the laptop, but it's not really worth it.
The good thing about this laptop is that it is small enough to take anywhere you need it, but it is powerful enough to use as a regular desktop.
Update # 2 - 1 month later:
I thought I would give a final update. Since people generally give ratings shortly after they receive a product that I think it would be good to give people an idea of how a product is running a month and a half of ownership
The first thing I would mention, is the layers of time. A few times I have experienced significant delays while attempting to perform certain tasks. Once or twice it would happen while I tried to play a game. Or I'll try to replace the windows and the infamous beach ball appears. What I want to mention, is not about to fall, but the results after it happens. Every time I experience it, I was tempted to press CTRL + ALT + DELETE (in typical Windows fashion), but after waiting a few seconds, my program would run as usual. I do not need to restart or worry about my files are corrupted. No computer is free from hiccups, but I would like to mention that this laptop is good to handle them. I no longer have to cross your fingers and close your eyes for five minutes while it restarts. It just works.
If you like to create short movies or YouTube videos, the speed of creating and uploading movies are incredibly quick and easy. After playing with iMovie and iPhoto, I'm glad they are in addition to the preinstalled software. Although not exactly a review of the laptop itself, I like the built-in programs and how they integrate easily with the MacBook Pro. The lack of bloatware is also very refreshing. When I first buy a laptop, I spend the first hour or two attempts to erase the free samples.
As someone who has used both PCs and Macs over the past decade, the choice is really up to the consumer. Honestly, I feel that both are very simple user interface and both are good for all projects that may come up. Why I chose a Mac over the purchase of another computer? I think I was ready for anything, I was not accustomed to in my own home. I have two laptops that failed less than two years of my persistent aggression. I also wanted to impeccable design quality. I would not have anything as good. I wanted it to be both functional and durable. The only way that the design of the MacBook Pro fits everything perfectly.
I hope this helps.
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