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68 Comments
- kkapoor, on 10/12/2007, -3/+49There is nothing remotely fanboyish about this article and Ars does very in depth and respectible reviews.
- clintology, on 10/12/2007, -10/+33Please don't mark this as a duplicate, this story *was* submitted twice this morning and the two groups of diggers each "duped" the other into oblivion, so lets keep this as the official digg submission for this review :D
- dgrgich, on 10/12/2007, -2/+23Reviews of PC hardware don't get posted because they are all the same AND because Apple releases are far and few between. Additionally, the iBook was introduced several years ago and since this replaces the iBook, there you go. Finally, you will not be seeing reviews of every processor iteration - just milestone releases like this one.
- blueigloo, on 10/12/2007, -6/+26Great review - Ars Technica gave it a 9 - but I am considerably worried about the temperature being 80C - I mean, the melting point of my AMD desktop CPU is 90C... :-/
- mossrockss, on 10/12/2007, -2/+20Great review - makes me consider getting a MacBook instead of the Pro I was planning on getting a few months down the road... That keyboard sure looks neat, too!
- CatfishJones, on 10/12/2007, -1/+16I'm buying mine sight-unseen and keyboard un-touched. I've never been very comfortable with any keyboard out of the gate but after a couple of weeks I can adapt. I'd say roughly four out of five of my computers have "felt weird" for the first couple of weeks. To me, it's just part of breaking in a new computer.
- nathos, on 10/12/2007, -3/+18Actually if you look at the benchmarks, the Intel GMA950 in the MacBook does surprisingly well compared to the MacBook Pro's dedicated 128MB ATI X1600.
Perhaps this is a good day for integrated graphics? - brentz0r, on 10/12/2007, -1/+16I got my macbook yesterday and it doesn't get nearly as hot as the MBP's i've played with... I'm VERY satisfied with this little guy :)
- rodzilla, on 10/12/2007, -0/+14Well that review closed the deal for me, this will be my first Mac. off to ebay I go to sell my two old laptops.
- Ramble, on 10/12/2007, -2/+15Actually the melting point of silicon is somewhere near 2000C.
You're talking about the point at which your CPU dies. - MetalGod, on 10/12/2007, -0/+12It's sealed. I'm getting a MacBook instead of a MacBook Pro. The performance of the Pro version isn't good enough to justify the the huge increase in price.
Great review! - zakharm, on 10/12/2007, -2/+13"When holding two fingers on the track pad, the click can be interpreted as a right-click instead of a left-click."
Can this featured be used in Windows via a Boot Camp install ? - threepio, on 10/12/2007, -2/+13Personally I don't require that my fingers plunge into the depths of the notebook frame in order to facilitate an acceptable keyboarding experience.
Chacun son gout (that's "to each his own" - loosely translated) but perhaps a lighter touch isn't remiss given the nature of repetitive stress injuries and the like. I've had the opportunity to try out our photo demo here and I found the keys to be responsive and easy to type on. It solidified my decision that the Macbook is my next notebook. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+12The most interesting parts of this review are the benchmark results, specifically how the MacBook outperformed the Pro in some cases (due to slightly faster processor) and completely trounced the iBook, particularly in the graphics tests.
To quote:
"What surprised me greatly, however, is that the MacBook with its integrated GMA950 video chip set, beat the MacBook Pro and its ATI Mobility Radeon X1600. Looking specifically at the OpenGL graphics test, you'll see that the GMA950's score on the MacBook was significantly better than the X1600 on the MacBook Pro. On the Quartz Graphics Test, however, the scores were much more similar, 51.21 and 57.20 for the MBP and MB respectively"
"The graphics on the MacBooks and especially the MacBook Pro really shine in the Cinebench tests. The slightly faster processor on the MacBook results in the software lighting numbers to win here, but the MacBook Pro's graphics hardware is clearly superior, and the hardware rendering numbers bear that out. A comparison with the iBook's ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 is embarrassing, to say the least. The scores were clearly not even in the same league, and I'm certain that casual gamers will be pleased with the performance of the MacBooks, in general."
It seems the concerns about MacBook's integrated graphics chipset were a little unfounded. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+11I believe this is a feature of the trackpad driver, not the hardware itself, and I don't believe there is a specific Apple trackpad driver for Windows, so no. (Not that someone, maybe Apple, couldn't write a trackpad driver for Windows)
- DonLapre, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10The keys feel fine. They dont move anymore or less than a regular ibook or powerbook and your fingers arn't sinking into the frame to push them.
- MetalGod, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9I just bought my first Mac 9 months ago, an iBook G4. OS X is amazing. You won't miss windows at all unless you're a hardcore gamer. Also, Mac apps are generally better than their windows counterparts once you get used to them.
- ZombieFlanders, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9I am pleased by this review; it justifies my judgement-sans-an-actual-review-before-purchase. I bought a 2 GHz white MB a couple days ago, and cannot be happier with it. While OSX sees 64 megs for video RAM (apparently..I don't really know how to check as I've never used OSX until this comp, but that's what the tech specs say at apple.com), in Windows when I checked the DirectX diagnostics application, it saw 128 megs on the video RAM side. With CoD 1 and CoD UO, at 1024x768 without touching any other settings, I was getting about 33 FPS, and it would go up to the low 50's at parts... all in all fluid enough to play online and still pwn noobs : ) RTCWolfenstein and RTCW Enemy Territory run at 75+ FPS with full settings. I am content to play these somewhat older 3D games on my lappy. I have a gaming rig for my home to play the new ones.
I set Windows to a 30 gig partition, and OSX to also 30 gigs, but formatted the Win side as FAT32, so OSX can see all 60 gigs minus whatever I fill up on the windows side. Also, OSX sees my Win-formatted iPod just fine (obviously Win does too). So I have really won out on all counts with this computer, and could not be happier. I could have payed the extra grand for gaming ability with an MBP, but this little machine is perfect for my 2-3 day road trips, as I can live with older games and emulators. The comp is powerful enough to allow me to play back a 18-track tune in Nuendo with compression on every track, and reverb and delay on a few. I have enough CPU left to probably put 5-6 more tracks like that in the project without any slowdown. I'd say that's pretty sweet for what it costs, and hell if it doesn't look as slick as a banana peel : P
I got the computer stock, and am going right now to get 2 gigs of RAM to swap in, and may upgrade the hard drive eventually. The extra RAM will definitely improve things and maybe even let Windows use all 256 megs that the GMA950 is capable of. I totally made out like a bandit with this comp and my workflow needs.
Also, up until two days ago, I used to make fun of my friends with Apple computers, but really what got me with this comp is that it looks slick as sh!% and can run my windows games and audio programs. I could afford the extra cost of Apple branding, but really, this comp does a heck of a lot for it's price. - deadbaby, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9Me too. Anyone wanna buy a crappy PC laptop? It's got broken screen hinges, broken DVD drive (doesn't read -RW or +RW, seems to do OK on pressed disks) and best of all the LCD flickers non-stop. Uh yea, nevermind...
- maxplanar, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7When it's ready, stop partitioning your disk and switch to Parallels - that split disk will bite you in the ass some day in the not too distant future. Otherwise sounds like it's working out great for you.
- pinetec, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10I just picked up a Black MacBook on Wednesday and I just love it. I espcially like the keyboard. I find it very easy to type on.
I know some people are going to say I'm a fool for paying the extra money for the black, but I just couldn't resist when I saw them sitting next to the white ones. Besides, I already have a white G4 iBook. - deadbaby, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Yea but it rasies some concerns about the MacBook Pro's hardware. How can a GMa950 possibly beat a 1600? They must have the GPU clocked down to nothing?
- kkapoor, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7They do indeed. You can find out the actual clock speed under XP (Boot Camp) I believe it is around 390 MHz whereas on other PC notebooks it is around 450-470 MHz. I safely overclock mine to 500 MHz on my MBP and it never crashes. But boy do the fans run, it sounds like a jet engine! Great piece of hardware nonetheless.
- pevensen, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6In he review he states: "From Adium to the included "Big Bang" games suite, it's always interesting to see how the iSight is being put to use for utility and entertainment."
Adium does NOT support video. I don't know what he is talking about. Maybe he is thinking of another software package? - stealthboy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8Have you tried an older iBook or PowerBook? Just curious... The keys on the PowerBook are subtle in their travel; I personally like it because it makes for an easier time of extended typing and makes absolutely no sound.
- ASUmusicMAN, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5The review briefly goes over how the MB still gets hot, but what about those of you who already have one. Is it really that bad?
- arthurbarnhouse, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Sorry, I've read the article, but for some reason I thought the graphical benchmarks were for 2d rather than 3d.
- deadbaby, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Probably don't want to void their warranty or possibly it was an Apple supplied review unit.
- chad78, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5awesome review. I am definately getting one now!
- osxmusic, on 10/12/2007, -3/+7Not bad review.
- fohat, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6"It sucks for people without the extra moolah to blow"
I couldn't help snickering at that line... - $cirisme, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5@Angostura,
Battery-life is mentioned under the second benchmark page. Try to read the article before criticizing it. - deepsub, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5OS X is more -useful- than Windows, on many levels.
Of course, I like Macs (have for 20 years), so I am biased.
Less time spent making it work == more time doing stuff. - inane, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I'm glad to hear some feedback about the keyboard. All notebook keyboards take some getting used to and none can match Apple's USB keyboard which is why when I'm home the MacBook Pro is on a stand with a keyboard plugged in. And all these people complaining about the integrated graphics- this is a mid-level portable. It's not meant to be used for really graphics intensive apps. Get the Pro if you want to do that. I'm sure the MacBook does just fine with iPhoto and the other iLife apps. I suspect the people complaining are mostly people who wouldn't buy a Mac to begin with.
- Boondoggle, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4There are more differences between MB and MBP than just graphics. Express Card slot, Aluminum case, backlit keyboard, light sensing / screen dimming, larger, higher resolution displays, better speakers, inertia sensing drives...
If you want to use an EVDO card or an external SATA drive, you're out of luck with the MB. Those are more or less pro features though and the MB is a good value IMHO. I've got a Powerbook G4 15 inch, and I'm probably going to get the MB (black) for my next system.
- deepsub, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6*rubs eyes*
When I submitted the reply, I could've sworn the osxmusic said it was a bad review... - deadbaby, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Adium lets you use iSight to take a picture of yourself as a buddy icon but yea, he probably meant iChat.
- generic109, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3The iBook G3s and G4s are famous for their wireless reception. (plastic case)
- tedc, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2One thing I noticed in comparing my PowerBook G4 to my brother's iBook G4 was that he was getting much better wireless reception. He could see networks I could not, and his signal strength was always higher. Given both machines use the same Airport Extreme card, I think perhaps the metal enclosure on the PowerBook is attenuating the signal. I wonder if this continues to be a problem with the MacBook Pro versus the basic MacBook?
- clintology, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Yes, I was referring to the fact that you can use the iSight to set your profile picture.
- Justus, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2@geekee
There isn't a review every time a new Dell, HP, Compaq, etc is released for the same reason that not everyone freaks out when one of the aforementioned brands has some kind of problem: everyone manufactors Windows computers, and only Apple makes Mac.
Apple Vs. (almost) every other computer manufacturer in the world. They have a lot to live up to. - mck9235, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Now, I just need to wait until December to get one of these babies. The review only made me want it more, which is totally unfair. It's just shocking how you can set up a MacBook with nearly the same configuration as the MBP, minus the graphics, and pay hundreds less.
God, they're going to get so many people, including me, to go for the black version and pay the extra $150 just becuase it's cooler. - errer, on 10/12/2007, -6/+7I have one of the first white iBooks, and although the keyboard never really "locked in" the case (because the keyboard was removeable), I felt that typing on it was more comfortable. It might have something I'd have to get used to, but it definitely reduced it from "impulse buy" to "I'll think about it."
- arthurbarnhouse, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1There reviews of OSes and programs are usually fairly technical. This is par for the course for their computer examination, however. I guess you'd like them to take it apart, but that isn't unusually how they do it. There are other sites available that do, however.
- inane, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2kkpoor, you are a brave soul indeed! Overclocking your already molten MacBook Pro, I salute you!
- deepsub, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Hey nice write up there...
"(apparently..I don't really know how to check as I've never used OSX until this comp, but that's what the tech specs say at apple.com)"
Run /Applications/Utilities/System Profiler and click on 'Graphics Displays'.
You should see something like this (I have a 12" PBG4)
GeForce FX Go5200:
Chipset Model: GeForce FX Go5200
Type: Display
Bus: AGP
VRAM (Total): 64 MB
Vendor: nVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0329
Revision ID: 0x00b1
ROM Revision: 2122
Displays:
Color LCD:
Display Type: LCD
Resolution: 1024 x 768
Depth: 32-bit Color
Built-In: Yes
Core Image: Supported
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Display:
Status: No display connected - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Am I the only one just holding off until there is a black MacBook Pro? ah man, that will be nail in the coffin to get me to ebay my 1yo Powerbook... with 3 year apple care at that.. yes, I am an Apple whore...
- Cheeseness, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Damn.
I was like "They've put video support into Adium now??? How come I knew nothing of this??" - bradleyland, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Heat seems to be an issue plaguing Apple as of late. My iMac 20" will climb to 78C under load as well. It concerns me. Thank god for AppleCare.
- ZombieFlanders, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Right on. I get:
Intel GMA 950:
Chipset Model: GMA 950
Type: Display
Bus: Built-In
VRAM (Total): 64 MB of shared system memory
Vendor: Intel (0x8086)
Device ID: 0x27a2
Revision ID: 0x0003
Displays:
Color LCD:
Display Type: LCD
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Depth: 32-bit Color
Built-In: Yes
Core Image: Supported
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Display:
Status: No display connected
So 64 megabytes it is. -
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