Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Reviews, Macbook Pro, MacBook
TUAW Review: MacBook Pro (Late 2008)
As many TUAW readers know, I was dealt a bad hand with the last generation MacBook Pros, so I met the new MBPs with open arms. My first impression of the new machines: the new MacBook Pros are absolutely amazing, but not all of the changes are good (we'll get to those in the second half of the review). Read on as I tackle each of the new features.
The New Design
I think Apple made a big improvement with the new laptop design. Overall, it is sleek and beautiful – the design is reminiscent of the MacBook Air, only thicker. Previous MacBook Pro generations had a physical latch mechanism for opening/closing the screen, but Apple has moved to the newer magnetic latch that can be found on both the MacBook Air and MacBook models.
Earlier generations of the MBP had two USB ports, but on opposite sides of the case. When you have cables coming out of both sides, it makes the system almost unusable as a notebook, and makes it look less attractive. Apple has changed this by moving all the ports to the left side of the machine, while the SuperDrive has been moved from the front to the right side. This is a big improvement.
How many people do you know who have successfully upgraded their MacBook Pros hard drive? On previous generations, this task was almost impossible due to the fact that you needed to disassemble the entire machine to reach the drive. Apple now has a door on the bottom that, when opened, gives you instant access to the removable battery and hard drive. You do have to remove the back of the machine to reach the RAM, but it only has a couple of screws.
The new casing feels sturdier when you pick it up; you can definitely feel a difference in the quality of material used to make the new MacBooks. This is largely due to Apple using the new "brick" manufacturing method. In addition, this casing makes the entire computer run cooler ... in previous models, you could (almost) fry an egg on the back of the machine, but I haven't noticed much heat being produced on the new machine.
Continue reading for the full review and pictures...
Gallery: MacBook Pro (Late 2008) Review
The Screen
This is where most of the fuss has been about the new MBPs. Apple has decided to stop manufacturing matte screens in favor of the new glass/glossy screen. Many imaging and video professionals who prefer matte screens feel that the glossy screens don't do their work justice (they don't provide accurate color, or accurate contrast). Before upgrading to the new MacBook Pro, I was a matte screen guy – I had never owned a notebook with a glossy screen before, and I was a bit skeptical about upgrading with the X-factor of the glossy screen. That being said, I've grown to like the glossy screen over time. It reminds me of the old CRT monitors that everyone used before LCDs were popular. There are still problems with the glossy screens. Depending on the environment that you are in, you might occasionally see a reflection out of the corner of your eye. The screen doesn't work the best when you are using it outdoors, or indoors with a lot of light. However, the new screens definitely make the colors "pop." If you are in a low-light condition, the screen looks beautiful. The black bezel around the screen also makes things look brighter.
If you are a pro user and need a matte screen, Apple is still selling the matte Cinema displays – however, that will set you back even more money. When you look at the MBP screen, it gives you a sense that you're using a smaller iMac, so if you're used to that look, you might have a better time adjusting to the MB/MBP glossy screen.
The Trackpad
If you are accustomed to using trackpads on older Apple notebooks, then you probably already know how to use the new trackpads. However, if you are a new Mac notebook user, then you might have to adjust to the new feel of the trackpad. The trackpad is definitely slicker than the previous generations – your finger slides a little more easily across it, which makes it easier to use. In addition, the trackpad is also larger, which is due mainly to Apple removing the hard button in favor of the 'button is the trackpad' click-sensitive surface. Yes, the button is gone, but as other reviews have noted the clicking experience is still the same -- if you have muscle memory of a previous MacBook Pro trackpad, your thumbs will know what to do with this one. The nicest thing about this trackpad is the ability to wipe off dirt without the possibility of ruining the trackpad. The 'trackpad is the button' concept is quite nice, because it allows you to drag and drop files easier. You can also depress the trackpad anywhere to perform a click; the closer you are to the top of the trackpad, the harder it is to press, which encourages you to keep the same click habits as you would use on the older models.
Apple has provided a ton of useful gestures that can be used on the new trackpads. Some of the gestures were available on the previous generation MBPs, but most of them are new. For instance, you can use four fingers to swipe upwards -- this will activate Exposé and allow you to see your entire desktop. These gestures are nice time savers.
The New Keyboard
If you haven't tried out Apples new "Chiclet-style" keyboards, then you must, because they are a pleasure to type on. If you have used the wired/wireless aluminum Apple keyboards then you will feel right at home; otherwise, you will probably have to get adjusted to the new look/feel. Despite the new keyboard design, Apple kept the backlit keys – the "new" MB/MBP keyboard is basically the same thing as the MacBook Air keyboard. The keyboard is recessed so that it's flush with the base. This keeps the keyboard from touching the screen while the lid is closed – a nice design feature that will keep the glossy screen from becoming smudgy.
MacBook Pro Missteps
Apple definitely took a few shortcuts on the new MacBook Pro that might end up being deal-breakers for some pro users. Here's a couple of them:
- Apple has done away with FireWire 400 on the MBP, leaving one FireWire 800 port. Apple has left MacBook users without any FireWire ports, so if you use FireWire, your only upgrade path is the MacBook Pro. Cables to connect FW400 devices to an 800 port are readily available; however, if you previously segregated your 400 and 800 devices onto their own busses for maximum speed, you can't do that with the new model anymore.
- There is no longer a matte option for the MacBook Pro. This misstep is huge, considering how many creative pros demand matte screens for color accuracy. Giving users the option on the pro line would be a nice touch, but it looks like Apple will not be giving into customer demands any time soon.
- The new MiniDisplay port is now the only option you have for connecting an additional monitor. Apple says that they will be moving the entire line of computers to this new "standard." Apple claims that it can power a 30" Cinema display. But what if you don't want to purchase a new display for your new notebook? Well, you must purchase one of the three new adapters for the MacBook line. That's right, Apple wasn't generous enough to include a VGA or DVI adapter in the box – even though there is a cut-out space for them inside the box (maybe for orders that include a display or display adapter, or maybe a last-minute cost cutting choice).
Final Thoughts
Overall, the new MacBook Pro is amazing – if you can get over the caveats. It is slowly winning me over to become my favorite Mac notebook I've owned. If you are thinking about purchasing one of the new machines then I suggest you test-drive one in an Apple (or third-party) store. If you want to see more in-depth pictures of the MacBook Pro, check out our gallery.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
autoy said 9:54AM on 10-27-2008
Actually, AFAIK, the old FW800/400 where placed on the same bus, so that if you plugged a 400 device your 800 would throttle to that same speed. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but that was the common knowledge among audio users.
Reply
Michael Rose said 10:24AM on 10-27-2008
That's what it says in the post.
jeff said 11:05AM on 10-27-2008
I was going to point that out as well. Connecting a 400 device slows the whole bus down, and both ports are on it.
autoy said 11:47PM on 10-27-2008
@Michael: "If you previously segregated your 400 and 800 devices onto their own busses for maximum speed, you can't do that with the new model anymore"
Dan S. said 11:35AM on 10-27-2008
>> If you are a pro user and need a matte
>> screen, Apple is still selling the matte
>> Cinema displays – however, that will set
>> you back even more money.
What an asinine statement.
If you're a pro user and need a laptop, what good does an AC-powered desktop display do for you? If you're a pro user and need a desktop machine, why would you be considering a laptop, when the Mac Pro isn't that much more?
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Isaac said 11:58AM on 10-27-2008
I think the original statement is somewhat reasonable. Many people need a portable machine but spend most of their time at a desk. If someone requires a matte screen for graphical work only at their desk, they could buy an Apple Cinema display (or any other brand monitor they like).
"why would you be considering a laptop, when the Mac Pro isn't that much more?"
Because some people need portability and don't have the money to buy *two* apple computers.
Adam S said 12:01PM on 10-27-2008
I'm a pro user and I work from home and travel. I want the ability to take my notebook somewhere, but at home, where I do most work, I want the new 24" LED cinema display.
jpf said 12:03PM on 10-27-2008
Take it easy.
This is a common arrangement -- I know lots of photogs and freelancers, including myself, who have MBPs so they can work on site or on location, and have a nice big Cinema display for color accuracy and extra screen real estate when they're working from their own desk. It's a great way to work, and it makes perfect sense. Lots of flexibility, great display quality.
The shame of it is, if you had to have one glossy and one matte screen, it would be better to have them the other way around -- you're more likely to be able to position your desktop display to avoid glare with a glossy screen and enjoy its benefits, and have the laptop be more useful in a variety of conditions with a matte screen, when you're working outdoors, or in a cafe or unfamiliar office.
Oh well. I'll be curious to see how these screens look if/when third party anti-glare coatings come out for the new models.
Justin said 12:22PM on 10-27-2008
Speaking of asinine...
An incredible amount of people use their laptop as a desktop when they get back to their office/studio. It's also hand-in-hand and I wouldn't doubt this as the reason for the Display Port. Being mobile is imperative and powering a cinema display WITHOUT additional AC power cables is ingenious.
Go visit an on-location set for photographers, live event broadcasters or film sets and you'll usually find both laptops and cinema displays in tandem. Well, for Apple centric crews anyway.
Eric said 10:06AM on 10-27-2008
I own the new Macbook Pro and I do NOT like it a bit.
Three big reasons. THE TRACKPAD clicks loudly like a party clicker. My wife was using it in the other room and when you depress the trackpad it makes a loud click. Not soft like the button from the 2007 model.
THE SCREEN - I don't like glossy but that is NOT the issue. The issue is the HUGE bezel around the edge. It looks 1995. The entire dimensions of the Macbook Pro have been increased to accommodate the new 1/2" bezel. It looks cheap.
Lastly, the KEYBOARD. I love the chicklet style KB of my imac. THe white and aluminum style. It's fast to type on. THIS keyboard is not like that. The keys are about 2mm taller and the depression distance is greater. You actually have to press the keys down farther to reach the bottom. Feels cheap and the light from beneath shines out the spaces between the keys too much. (not a big deal, but strange).
The aluminum case is the only improvement.
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PiperSon said 4:34PM on 10-27-2008
You want to swap for my early 2008 15" 2.5 250GB MBP?
prospervic said 5:04PM on 10-27-2008
@Eric,
if you're not happy with your new MBP, I'll gladly trade you my Feb. 2008 MBP, 2.4ghz, 4gb RAM, 320gb HD running at 7200 rpm - really fast, desktop-level performance.
Mr Lizard said 6:41PM on 10-27-2008
Erm... WHY did you buy the new MacBook Pro then?!!!
solarpos said 10:13AM on 10-27-2008
I have the Original 1.83MBP, I recently upgraded my HDD from 80 to 250 and my wifi from a/b/g to n with a MacPro 2-prong card. This allows me to put off 'needing' a new MBP. I too like certain aspects of the older model, isn't it WEIRD that a MacBook is OLD? The keyboard, I love the chiclets, my wife has a MB and the separate keys are maddening to me. Like bicycle saddles, it's very personal.
I never have issues with my latch, why does it bother some?
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gozer said 10:14AM on 10-27-2008
eric, i'll take issue with your comment of the keyboard felling cheap.
i have the bt keyboard, a macbook and just got rid of the previous macbook pro. this is the most solid feeling scissor-style keyboard i've used. love it.
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eric said 10:51AM on 10-27-2008
Gozer - Regarding the keyboard, we'll just have to disagree. I think the desktop chiclet feels great, but not the macbook. The throw is just not short enough, feels like a slightly improved version of the PC Junior or Timex Sinclair from 1980 :)
OK (joking), not that bad, but not solid and sweet like the white and aluminum desktop version.
Just my opinion, I actually prefer the 2007 macbook pro kb to the current MBP, but I prefer the desktop chiclet to all of them.
James Donevan said 10:14AM on 10-27-2008
The lack of firewire is simply market evolution (think SCSI).
The lack of a matte screen option is similarly market evolution. There are various reasons (production, scratch durability, economics, green) to transition to glass, and you can rest assured within five years matte screens will be nothing but a memory across all manufacturers.
The lack of a display adapter is bad judgement. For a few pennies, they could cushioned the transition to this new standard and bought considerable good will.
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Trevis said 10:33AM on 10-27-2008
I take issue to this. Firewire is NOT market evolution. There is a massive market for Firewire on the PRO level. In Video/Audio land Firewire is the way to go. They should be increasing their Firewire ports (two 800 or two 3200 please) not diminishing them. The Pro/Creative markets are what kept Apple (Computer) Inc. afloat during the bad years, it is not wise to leave them out in the dark like this.
KBeat said 12:32PM on 10-27-2008
You sort of supported Apple's take on this Trevis. They now maintain that Firewire is a "Pro" feature, not a consumer level feature. I would not be surprised to see Firewire dissapear from the iMac before too long, left only to the Mac Pro and MacBook Pro.
I don't happen to agree with this, as I think Firewire is superior to USB for hard drives and camcorders even at the consumer level, but they seem they're conceding the consumer market to USB.
Carlos Alberto Pinto Peixoto Bastos Santos said 2:43AM on 10-28-2008
I have to completely agree with you in the matter of adapters for connecting older interfaces with the Mini DisplayPort. Beyond paying a premium price for a hardware that is almost identical to it's consumer model, Apple doesn't even include an adapter for DVI and charges an exorbitant US$99 for dual link DVI: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571
And beyond that, many customers have reported problems to connecting their VGA monitors with the new laptops using the expensive VGA adaptwe http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB572
I'm very disappointed with this new MBP as some drawbacks are big deal for me, like only glossy screen, 1 firewire port and that bicolor design instead of the clean aluminium design of before.