Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer
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Discontinued
The 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer from Apple is a powerful notebook computer with an innovative aluminum unibody design. It is loaded with advanced power management features, including an intelligent hybrid graphics system, which allow it to run for up to 9 hours on a single charge.
The computer's 15.4" display features a LED backlight and a glossy finish. Its 1440 x 900 native resolution gives you ample screen real estate with which to work. You'll be able to output to an external display at up to 2560 x 1600 resolution thanks to the computer's Mini DisplayPort output.
The system is powered by a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 and is loaded with 4GB of memory and a 320GB 5400rpm hard drive. The CPU can be overclocked to 2.93GHz using the Turbo Boost system. Graphics are handled by a hybrid system, which includes a discrete nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M GPU with 256MB of GDDR3 memory and integrated Intel HD graphics. The computer automatically switches between the two GPUs to best handle the task at hand, perfectly balancing performance and power consumption.
The computer features a comfortable backlit chiclet-style keyboard, which features space between each key for improved accuracy and comfort when typing. It also sports a glass Multi-Touch trackpad with a clickable design. Rather than having a separate button for mouse clicks, the entire surface of the pad is clickable. This increases the active surface area, and allows you to quickly click, even if your finger is near the top of the trackpad.
What's more, the smooth surface fully supports Multi-Touch gestures -- you can tap the trackpad with one finger to click, with two fingers to right click, scroll through documents using two fingers, pinch to zoom, navigate through Safari or iPhoto with three-finger left and right swipes, or use two fingers to rotate a photo or PDF.
iLife '11, a complete suite of digital creativity applications, is installed on the system. Easy enough for anyone to use, iLife will help you edit your home movies, organize digital photos, and compose original music.
The computer is loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system. The 64-bit OS features Time Machine backup, which automatically backs up system data to an external hard drive. It also features intuitive Cover Flow navigation, the powerful Spotlight search tool, and Quick Look document preview. You'll be able to use Boot Camp to run Windows on your Mac, or Front Row to turn your Mac into an impressive media player.
Features
- Aluminum Unibody Enclosure
- Carved from a single block of aluminum, the MacBook Pro is a true engineering achievement. Its patented unibody enclosure is the product of precise machining. From the thumbscoop to the now-you-see-it-now-you-don't sleep indicator, no detail is unaccounted for. The end result is a notebook that's not only breakthrough, but thin, light, polished, and refined. The unibody also makes MacBook Pro more durable than ever. So you can throw it in your briefcase or messenger bag and pull it out at an airport, at school, at the office, or on location without a second thought.
- All-Day Battery
- The energy-efficient architecture in every new MacBook Pro, along with automatic graphics switching, gives you dramatically longer battery life. On a single charge, the battery in the MacBook Pro lasts up to 9 hours. And you'll get up to 1000 full charge and discharge cycles -- that's nearly three times the lifespan of typical notebook batteries. Advanced chemistry and Adaptive Charging allow the battery to maintain charging capabilities longer and determine the optimal way to charge the battery's cells. Because the battery lasts up to five years, MacBook Pro uses just one battery in the same time a typical notebook uses three. That makes for less waste. And that, in turn, makes for one environmentally friendly battery.
- Hybrid Graphics System
- The MacBook Pro gives you even more power for graphics-intensive 3D games and pro applications, and longer battery life for everyday tasks like checking e-mail or browsing the web. Depending on which application you're running, the computer automatically switches between the blazingly fast discrete nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M processor and power-efficient integrated Intel HD Graphics. So you don't have to compromise performance for battery life -- and vice versa.
- LED Backlit Display
- Every MacBook Pro has a pristine LED backlit display with wide-angle viewing and a color gamut usually seen only on a desktop display. So whether you're watching a movie or making one, you've got the perfect canvas. The ultrathin, seamless glass enclosure makes the display strong and durable. And because it's power efficient and free of mercury and arsenic, this display is greener than ever.
- Chiclet Keyboard with Backlight
- The rigid aluminum keyboard webbing has been cut precisely to hold the keys. And the keys are curved to perfectly fit fingers. The result? Pure typing bliss. The keyboard is also illuminated, so when you're in low-light settings, such as airplanes or conference rooms, you can always see what you're typing.
- Multi-Touch Glass Trackpad
- The first thing you might notice -- or not notice -- about the MacBook Pro trackpad is the button. The entire trackpad is the button, so you can click anywhere. Without a separate button, the spacious trackpad gives your hands plenty of room to move on the large, silky glass surface. Use two fingers to scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling. Pinch to zoom in and out. Rotate an image with your fingertips. Swipe with three fingers to flip through your photo libraries. Swipe with four fingers to show your desktop, view all open windows, or switch applications. If you're coming from a right-click world, you can right-click with two fingers or configure a right-click area on the trackpad. The more you use the Multi-Touch trackpad, the more you'll wonder what you ever did without it.
- Spacious Hard Drive
- The MacBook Pro comes with a large hard drive offering 320GB of storage capacity, so there's plenty of room for your photo libraries, video projects, and files. The computer also features 4GB of high-speed 1066MHz DDR3 memory, so you can run more applications at once and quickly access your data and media.
- Intel Core i5 CPU
- The system is powered by a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 CPU, one of the fastest dual-core processors on the market. It supports Turbo Boost, which can increase its speed to 2.93GHz. The CPU features 3MB of shared L3 cache, allowing it to run applications up to 50% faster than before.
- Ports Aplenty
- The MacBook Pro is iPod, iPhone, digital camera, and external hard drive ready. If it has a cable, there's a place for it. You'll find two USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire-800 port for connecting faster peripherals. You'll be able to connect headphones and a microphone via the audio input and output ports, both of which support analog audio and S/PDIF digital audio. The computer also features a Gigabit Ethernet port and a Kensington security slot.
- Mini DisplayPort
- The Mini DisplayPort delivers a pure digital connection to external displays -- even large 30" displays -- quickly and easily. It gives you plug-and-play performance with the Apple LED Cinema Display and supports VGA and DVI via optional adapters, as well as the latest multimedia standards such as DisplayPort and HDMI.
- Secure Digital Card Slot
- Transfer your photos and videos to and from your MacBook Pro just as fast as you're able to take them. Built into the MacBook Pro is an SD card slot, so you can edit and share your photos and digital video on the spot.
- 802.11n AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
- With the latest 802.11n wireless technology built into MacBook Pro, you're always seamlessly and effortlessly connected to the wireless world out there, at home, and at work. MacBook Pro automatically finds available networks and allows you to join them with just one click. Bluetooth wireless technology is also built in, so brilliant accessories can become your wireless accomplices. With a built-in battery that lasts longer than ever before, you can do everything you need to do, where you need to do it.
- SuperDrive
- After editing and applying the finishing touches to your home movie masterpiece in iMovie and iDVD, use the ultrafast 8x SuperDrive on your MacBook Pro to burn it to DVD. And because the SuperDrive also writes to double-layer discs (DVDs with nearly 9GB of space), it's great for backing up data.
- iSight Camera
- Cleverly integrated -- almost hidden -- at the top of the MacBook Pro display is an iSight camera. Use it with iChat, and you can be anywhere without actually being there. Video chat with up to three of your friends, share a video with a colleague, or present to a client. Use iSight with Photo Booth for fun photo effects. And there's no need to waste valuable primping time installing software or configuring the camera. Like everything Mac, iSight just works.
- MagSafe Power Connection
- The MagSafe Power Adapter uses a magnetic connection rather than a physical one. If anyone happens to trip over your computer's power cord, they won't send the computer flying along with it. Rather, the cord will break cleanly away from the system, without damage. The cord even features a LED indicator that changes from amber to green when your computer is fully charged.
Performance
- Intel Core i5 CPU
- The Intel Core i5 processor boosts performance up to 50 percent over the previous generation. Based on Intel's latest 32-nanometer process technology, this is one of the fastest dual-core processors available and it sets an all-new benchmark for Mac notebooks.
- Turbo Boost
- The Intel Core i5 processor also features Turbo Boost. If you're using processor-intensive applications like Aperture 3 or Final Cut Pro that would benefit from an extra performance kick, Turbo Boost dynamically increases the speed of one or both cores, taking your MacBook Pro all the way up to 2.93GHz.
- Hyper-Threading
- Built-in Hyper-Threading allows two threads to run simultaneously on each core, so Mac OS X recognizes four virtual cores instead of just two. When you're running multiple applications at once, the Intel Core i5 processor spreads tasks more evenly across a greater number of cores -- so you can get more done, faster.
- Integrated Memory Controller
- Unlike systems that connect memory to the processor through a separate controller, the MacBook Pro uses an integrated memory controller to connect memory directly to the processor. In a sense, this cuts out the middleman. With faster access to memory, each core gets right to work on your data, rather than waiting for it to arrive. Together with 3MB of shared L3 cache, the integrated memory controller ensures MacBook Pro can keep up with you.
- Next-Generation Graphics
- Inside the MacBook Pro is the nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete graphics processor -- the fastest graphics ever in a Mac notebook. With 48 processing cores and 256MB of dedicated video memory, this graphics processor delivers even more horsepower than the previous generation. And you don't have to sacrifice efficiency for speed: The nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M is up to 30 percent more energy efficient than its predecessor. For even greater power savings, MacBook Pro also includes integrated Intel HD Graphics.
- On-Demand Performance; Off-the-Charts Efficiency
- The MacBook Pro comes standard with automatic graphics switching. It's a breakthrough technology from Apple that switches graphics processors on the fly to give you performance when you need it (when you're playing the latest 3D game, for example) and better battery efficiency when you don't (such as when you're reading e-mail). MacBook Pro transfers the workload between the powerful discrete nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics processor and integrated Intel HD Graphics so seamlessly, you won't even notice. Whether you're using applications like Aperture, Motion, or Final Cut Pro or just browsing the web, your MacBook Pro always knows which processor to use. You don't have to log out, shut down, or change your preferences. Automatic graphics switching does it all for you.
Design
- Aluminum Unibody Enclosure
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Until now, all notebooks were designed the same way: by assembling multiple pieces to create a single enclosure. But once you include all the necessary parts, you add size, weight, complexity, and more opportunities for failure. Solving a problem like this required more than an incremental change. It required a breakthrough. To create the MacBook Pro, the design and engineering teams devised a way to replace many parts with just one. That one part is called the unibody -- a seamless enclosure carved from a single piece of aluminum.
Of course, building only one part creates its own set of challenges. When you have multiple parts that are fastened together, tolerances don't need to be perfect. You have wiggle room, both literally and figuratively. But when one part is responsible for many functions, it's critical to manufacture that part with absolute precision, down to the micron. Every time. Millions of times over. There was only one way to achieve this level of precision: mill the unibody from a solid block of aluminum using computer numerical control, or CNC, machines -- the kind used by the aerospace industry to build mission-critical spacecraft components.
When you pick up a MacBook Pro, you immediately notice the difference. The entire enclosure is thin and light. It looks polished and refined. And it feels strong and durable -- perfect for life inside (and outside) your briefcase or backpack.
- LED Backlight
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The thickness of a notebook display depends on the technology inside. LCD displays typically use cold cathode fluorescent lamps, or CCFLs, to create light and project a picture onto a screen. But that poses two problems. First, these lamps require more space, so the display can be only so thin. Second, just like the fluorescent lights in your home or office, the ones inside a CCFL display take time to warm up before they reach full brightness. That's a lose-lose situation. And it's why Apple engineers chose LED backlight technology for the MacBook Pro.
A LED backlight creates the same amount of brightness in less space. So you can make the structure that houses a LED display much thinner. And unlike fluorescent lamps, a LED backlight reaches maximum brightness instantly.
Look at the MacBook Pro display and you'll see another big difference. Glass. That edge-to-edge, uninterrupted glass display does more than look good. It also adds structure to the LED display beneath it.
- Multi-Touch Trackpad
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The trackpad has no button because it is the button. That means there's more room to track, more room to click -- left, right, center, and everywhere in between -- and one less part. Apple designers and engineers spent countless hours considering things like sensitivity (how much pressure triggers a click?), audio feedback (what does the click sound like?), and friction over the smooth glass surface (what does it feel like?).
And that's just the hardware. Apple software engineers had a large part to play in the development of the trackpad, too. They incorporated Multi-Touch gestures -- including swipe, pinch, rotate, and four-finger swipe -- and even more natural inertial scrolling. The result is the largest, smartest, most ergonomic MacBook Pro trackpad ever. It's one of many details considered and reconsidered during the design process.
- Details Matter
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There's a story behind each part. Take the thumbscoop, for example. It's the indentation that allows you to open the display. If the scoop is too deep, you put too much pressure on the display to open it. If it's too shallow, you struggle to open the display. It may seem incidental, but if the thumbscoop is well designed, it makes the difference between a bad experience and a good one. The challenge of the thumbscoop was to create a crisply machined scoop that was still comfortable to use. The designers at Apple worked on hundreds of versions of the thumbscoop -- even examining them under an electron microscope -- to get it right.
Then there's the sleep indicator light. An indicator is functional only when it's indicating something. Look to the right of the thumbscoop. You see nothing. Until you close the display and your MacBook Pro goes to sleep. Then a LED glow appears from inside the enclosure. How? During the CNC process, a machine first thins out the aluminum. Then a laser drill creates small perforations for the LED light to shine through. These holes are so tiny that the aluminum appears seamless when the light is off.
- Efficient Design
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The marriage of electronics and mechanical design makes the MacBook Pro as advanced on the inside as it is on the outside. The internal architecture has been reengineered from the silicon up, with a cutting-edge logic board, chipset, and graphics architecture.
The MacBook Pro now delivers the perfect combination of graphics performance and long battery life, thanks to automatic graphics switching. For everyday tasks like e-mail and surfing the web, MacBook Pro uses integrated Intel HD Graphics. But for graphics-intensive 3D games and applications like Aperture and Motion, the MacBook Pro automatically switches to the nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete graphics processor for amazing performance. There's no need to log out or restart: The transition takes place behind the scenes, based on the applications you're running. So you don't have to lift a finger.
Because Apple designs both the hardware and the software for the MacBook Pro, it's easier to improve things like energy efficiency. Software tells the hard drive to spin down when it's not in use. It tells the display and battery indicator lights to dim in low-light conditions. And it helps decide whether the CPU or the graphics processor would be best suited to the task at hand. That's the kind of smart, integrated design that sets MacBook Pro apart from other notebooks.
- Top-to-Bottom Integration
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Top-to-bottom integration also makes MacBook Pro greener than ever. Complete control over how the MacBook Pro is designed, how it's manufactured, and how it's packaged gives Apple an environmental edge. Take the MacBook Pro display, for instance. Conventional CCFL displays use mercury to create a backlight and arsenic to prevent irregularities in the glass. The LED backlit display on the MacBook Pro, on the other hand, is both mercury- and arsenic-free. LED backlight technology also conserves energy: This display requires up to 30 percent less power than a CCFL display.
Just how green is the MacBook Pro? Every MacBook Pro model is ENERGY STAR 5.0 compliant, which means it meets the government standard for energy efficiency. And every MacBook Pro is shipped in packaging that's 34 to 41 percent smaller than the original generation. That translates to fewer trees used for boxes and less fuel used to transport more systems on fewer planes. And at the end of its long, productive life, you can recycle almost all of your MacBook Pro.
- Uniquely Apple
- Only Apple could make a notebook like this. Hardware and software. Design and engineering. Production and manufacturing. They're all part of a single process at Apple. When you start using your MacBook Pro, you'll discover what that means. The light and sturdy unibody protects the components inside. The LED backlit display -- along with the graphics processor that helps power it -- gives you faster games and a brilliant canvas for your photos, movies, and more. The glass Multi-Touch trackpad feels as good as it functions. From the smallest detail to the biggest engineering breakthrough, the MacBook Pro truly is the next generation of notebooks.
The Mac Experience
- Every Day Use
- Every Mac is designed to make your life easier, not more difficult. The system ships with Mac OS X "Snow Leopard," which gives you all the tools you need for e-mail, personal organization, Internet browsing, watching movies, and more. Its software and hardware are designed work to together seamlessly, eliminating the compatibility nightmares that often plague PC users. What's more, the MacBook can run Windows via Boot Camp, perfect for users who have a Windows-only application that they absolutely need to use.
- iLife '11
- The included iLife '11 suite is a suite of applications that help you organize your digital life. It includes iPhoto for photo management and editing, iMovie for HD video editing, iDVD to burn your movies to disc, GarageBand for music production, and iWeb for web publishing.
- Secure and Reliable
- Worried about viruses and malware? Don't be. The MacBook Pro isn't plagued by constant attacks from the outside world. It is designed to be secure out of the box, eliminating the need for additional software to protect your system from danger. OS X will warn you if a downloaded file is potentially dangerous, ensuring that you don't accidentally open a malicious application. Apple responds quickly to any security threats, prompting you to download updates that keep your Mac up to date and safe.
- Advanced Technology, Standard
- Powered by an Intel dual-core CPU, the MacBook Pro is fully loaded with 3D graphics, an iSight camera, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. You'll find features on this system that are foreign to the PC world, including the MagSafe power adapter design. A powerful 64-bit operating system built on a UNIX foundation, Snow Leopard, is pre-installed on the system.
- Environmentally Friendly Design
- Apple understands that the Earth is our most precious resource. They've worked to create a computer that is energy efficient, free of many toxins, and highly recyclable. Because Apple designs both hardware and software, the MacBook is able to use a highly efficient power supply that reduces wasted power. The computer is free of mercury and arsenic, and its internal components are free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). When the computer reaches the end of its long life, you can rest assured that it can be recycled. It is constructed from materials that are highly desirable to recyclers. The MacBook Pro has been awarded EPEAT Gold status for responsible manufacture, energy efficiency, and recyclability.
- Tech Support
- Have a problem with your Mac? Get support and advice at the Genius Bar, located at every Apple Retail Store. Apple also provides online tutorials, troubleshooting forums, and 90 days of phone support for users who aren't able to make it to an Apple store.
- Optional AppleCare
- Apple provides 90 days of free phone support and a 1-year limited hardware warranty on the computer. You can opt to add an AppleCare Protection Plan, at additional cost, which covers support and repairs for 3 years from the date of purchase. AppleCare can be purchased at any time within the first year of ownership of the computer.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-520M |
| Cache | L3: 3MB |
| System Bus | 2.5GT/s |
| Memory |
Slots: 2x SO-DIMM 204-Pin Type: PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM Installed: 4GB (2x2GB) Capacity: 8GB |
| Graphics Card |
Type: Hybrid Graphics System Installed: nVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 256MB GDDR3 SDRAM Dedicated; Intel GMA HD with 256MB DDR3 SDRAM Shared |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Type | Widescreen |
| Size | 15.4" |
| Backlight | LED |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 |
| Finish | Glossy |
| Native Resolution | 1440 x 900 |
| Supported Resolutions |
1440 x 900 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1280 x 800 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1152 x 720 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1024 x 640 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 800 x 500 at 16:10 Aspect Ratio 1024 x 768 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio 800 x 600 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio 640 x 480 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio 1024 x 768 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio Stretched 800 x 600 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio Stretched 640 x 480 at 4:3 Aspect Ratio Stretched 720 x 480 at 3:2 Aspect Ratio 720 x 480 at 3:2 Aspect Ratio Stretched |
| External Resolution | Up to 2560 x 1600 |
| Dual Display | Yes |
| Video Mirroring | Yes |
| Storage | |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive |
Bays: 1x Installed: 320GB 5400rpm Type: SATA |
| Optical Drive |
8x-Speed Slot-Load SuperDrive Reads DVD: 8x CD: 24x Writes DVD-R: 8x DVD-RW: 4x DVD-R DL: 4x DVD+R: 8x DVD+RW: 8x DVD+R DL: 4x CD-R: 24x CD-RW: 10x |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Ports |
2x USB 2.0 (A) 1x FireWire-800 (9-Pin) |
| Display Output |
1x Mini DisplayPort 1x DVI via optional cable 1x VGA via optional cable 1x Dual-Link DVI via optional cable 1x HDMI via optional cable |
| Audio |
Integrated Stereo Speakers with subwoofers Integrated Omnidirectional Microphone 1x Combo Analog Headphone/Optical Digital Audio Out 1x Combo Analog Line-In/Optical Digital Audio In |
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Flash Media Slot | 1x SD |
| Communications | |
|---|---|
| Network | 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n Airport Extreme |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.1+EDR |
| Webcam | Yes |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard |
| Security | Kensington Lock Slot |
| Keyboard |
Keys: 78 Type: Standard Notebook Keyboard Features: Backlight, Chiclet Style |
| Pointing Device | TouchPad with Double-Tap, Drag, Four-Finger Swipe, Inertial Scrolling, Multi-Touch Control, Pinch, Precise Cursor Control, Rotate, Tap, Three-Finger Swipe, Two-Finger Scrolling |
| Battery | Built-In Lithium-Polymer Providing up to 9 Hours per Charge (77Wh) |
| Power Requirements |
AC: 100-240 V AC, 50-60Hz Consumption: 85W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 14.35 x 0.95 x 9.82" / 36.45 x 2.41 x 24.94 cm |
| Weight | 5.6 lb / 2.54 kg |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 62 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast (51)
- Quality display (47)
- Quiet (45)
- Good power output (43)
- Long battery life (39)
Cons
- Too hot (5)
- Heavy (3)
Best Uses
- Graphics (39)
- Video (38)
- Web browsing (38)
- Music (31)
- Word processing (29)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (35), Multimedia professional (15), Technically challenged (9)
- Primary use:
- Personal (37), Business (23)
Most Liked Positive Review
A Cut Above...
I provide IT support to individuals and small businesses. I've been a PC guy from the beginning but the recent surge in popularity of the Mac platform has forced me to learn a little more...Read complete review
I provide IT support to individuals and small businesses. I've been a PC guy from the beginning but the recent surge in popularity of the Mac platform has forced me to learn a little more about them. Fortunately, Mac OSX is a great operating system. I've had little difficulty transitioning a number of my clients from PC to Mac and assisting them when they have questions.
Because of this, I decided it was time to get my feet wet with a Mac of my own. I decided to purchase a new unibody MBP (MacBook Pro) when Apple released the refresh that included the Arrandale chips from Intel (Core i5 & i7). I could not be happier with the performance of this laptop to date. It's very fast while remaining quiet and cool to the touch.
Apple's hardware and software design are top notch. There's not another laptop design like the MBP. It's sleek, smooth and beautiful but what do you expect from a perfectly crafted, solid piece of aluminum?
My favorite feature of the MBP has to be the touchpad. It is amazing what you can accomplish with multi-touch gestures and because of this I don't require an external mouse. I often find myself trying to use multi-touch gestures on PC touchpads now which leads to disappointment. The large touchpad also offers integrated click and can be customized in other ways as well via the System Preferences.
The screen is beautiful although because of the gloss finish it is highly reflective. The base resolution of 1440x900 is a little low too but not bad. A matte screen and higher resolution are upgrade options if purchased via the Apple Store.
The chiclet-style keyboard is one of my favorites. Typing is effortless and it just looks so cool with the lines of aluminum separating each key. The keyboard is also backlit providing for easy typing in dark environments. I couldn't believe the difference when I turned off the keyboard backlight in a dark environment. Definitely worth keeping it lit.
Battery life has so far proven to be excellent. I can't complain about being able to use the laptop for 5+ hours at a time. The power adapter design and magsafe charging tip are pure genius.
As for some of the cons, I find it to be a bit heavy at 5.6lbs. I had originally planned to get a 13" MBP until Apple decided not to grace them with the Arrandale chips. This was a deal breaker for me. Light weight is pretty important to me and while the 15" MBP is not unwieldy, the weight is noticeable.
I was also hoping that Apple would include USB 3.0 and Blu-ray support but apparently that wasn't in the stars for this refresh. I also wish Apple would add a third USB port to the 15" model. Hopefully those features won't be offered in the next refresh either so I don't end up with a big dose of buyer's remorse 8-)
My only other quip is that the edges of the palm rest are very sharp and dig into my hand and wrist while using the touchpad. I don't have an issue while typing but while using the touchpad I usually rest my hand on the edge and use all of my fingers to mouse around. The edges definitely present a problem for me. I've tried modifying how I utilize the touchpad but it ends up with my hand in awkward positions and causes equal discomfort. I'll probably look for some type of solution to this issue soon such as application of a protective film.
Overall, I love my new laptop. It's a cut above all others in terms of styling and refinement. Of course this is reflected in the price of the unit but it's worth the expense.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
It's okay
Not impressed I expected it to be much better than my 2.0 ghz, but it's not.
Not impressed I expected it to be much better than my 2.0 ghz, but it's not.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 62 customers
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Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Its a Mac
- Its not a PC
- Its stable
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
- No support NTSF drives
Best Uses
- Graphics
- Video
- Web Browsing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
I'm a film student and I do a lot of video editing on my PC. It was a pain in the neck because my PC kept crashing.
Ever since I bought this MacBook Pro, I was amazed how stable it was while I was editing my projects. I don't think I'll be going back to PC anytime soon.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- It just rocks
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
I use this for school and a few other things but it has been an awesome computer. I love that the battery has a very long life. The computer is light weight and durable. I heard that it was really hard to learn how to use so I was hesitant to purchase a Mac. However, it took me about 5hours to learn how to use the machine and has been easier than Windows. I much prefer this computer over every I have had which includes Dell, Acer, and Toshiba. I also prefer this over Windows.
- Primary use:
- Business
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
Nice machine, plenty fast.
Pros
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
I just bought this computer, for multiple uses- my one and only. I've only used it a few times. So far, so good. I haven't found anything wrong with it. (don't feel qualified to give it a 5, tho) The screen is nice to look at (big enough), and I love the back lit keys. I haven't checked out the free software it came with yet. It runs efficiently and has all the great mac features.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
- Sleek desirable look
Cons
Best Uses
- College
- Graphics
- Web Browsing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
After years of pleading and money saving…just a few days ago my dad bought me my new (and first ever) MacBook Pro! I love it. Everything downloads in seconds, in contrary to my old computer, which took light years to do anything. Because of its super sick processor I can run several programs at once. So while I'm catching up with Glee I can be rendering an image form Sketchup podium and working on autoCAD floor plans. This super fast, reliable computer has cut my architectural homework time in half! I love it I love it I love it!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
No need for anti-virus protection, has fast boot up time and is smooth moving from one window to the next. No need for disk clean up and defragmentation A little pricey but worth it.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Graphics
- Photo work flow
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
This has been set up for travel that involves editing and retouching of photo images. My digital-photo-lab for the road.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
as with all apple products, this laptop does not disappoint. after several windows based machines, making the jump was the best move i ever made. they cost more but are worth every extra penny.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Fast
- Powerful
- Quality Display
Cons
Best Uses
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
I love my new macbook pro. This is one of Apple's best, yet!! [...]. This is the second computer I've purchased from B&H. When it comes time to buy a third, I'll look to them first!!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
Great build, smart redesign and improvements.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
I bought my wife a 15.4" MacBook Pro to replace her aging Toshiba Win XP notebook. The Mac is a perfect fit for her, it just works. You don't have to be a computer geek to keep it running like you do with Microsoft products. Apple support is outstanding, they really know their products and they speak unstanderable English. However, I wish Apple would add an HDMI port and DVD-RAM support to the MacBook.[...]
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Long Battery Life
- Quality Display
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
Not impressed I expected it to be much better than my 2.0 ghz, but it's not.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
Easy to use! And cheaper here then anywhere else!!!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Fast
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
Home use.
Fast, easy to setup. Screen clarity is superb. track pad got some getting used to, but it's just like a mouse (need to use multiple fingers, but is easy once you get the hang of it).
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
This has to be the best computer out today. If you are thinking about a Mac I would get the 15.4" screen it is the right size. The hard drive size is big enough and the memory is fast enough. Greatest computer ever.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Long Battery Life
- Quality Display
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Video
- Web Browsing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
The product works perfect. I'm a film director & editor, that's why mac works perfect for editing my videos.
I'm very happy to have made this purchase.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Fast
- Powerful
- Quality Display
Cons
- Glare
Best Uses
- Graphics
- Music
- Photography
- Video
- Web Browsing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
I love Apple computers, they are durable and easy to use. The computer works great, I needed something that could handle photoshop and I got it :) The screen has a bit of a glare to it if you are working in a well lit situation but it isn't something that bothers me too much.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Business Use
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
I use this laptop for web, email, web design and photo cleanup. It's way faster than my previous laptop (PC) and comes with so much and ready to use out of the box. I love the ease of use and organization of the OS. I can write a novel here, but I'll finish by saying good bye to PC and hello to everything Mac.
So far I have nothing bad to say! Easy to use and it comes with a great deal of software to be productive with out of the box.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
- Web Browsing
- Word Processing
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
I'm a student/future architect and always been a PC user up until now. I am really glad I switched to mac it is so much faster and it allows you to work on many programs at the same time without decreasing speed. I still haven't experimented with a lot of programs but so far battery life and speed are a big pro.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Powerful
- Quality Display
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Graphics
- Music
- Video
Comments about Apple 15.4" MacBook Pro Notebook Computer:
Its a mac thats all
- Primary use:
- Business
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Cases
- Price: $39.95
Memory
- Price: $19.99
Drives & Storage
- Price: $139.77
Software
- Reg. Price: $119.95
- Discount: -$2.96
- Discount price: $116.99
- Limited supply at this price
Editing Software
- Price: $649.95
Networking
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Mice & Keyboards
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What's in the Box
- 85W MagSafe Power Adapter
- AC Wall Plug
- Power Cord
- Display Cleaning Cloth
-
Software DVDs
- Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (includes iTunes, Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)
- iLife '11 (includes iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand)
- Printed and Electronic Documentation
- 1-Year Limited Warranty with 90-Days Phone Support
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