Apple MacBook Pro – Review

The MacBook Pro is great for both the avid Mac and Windows user, making it a perfect match for anyone looking for a high end laptop. Its single block aluminium unibody shell just complements the true power deep inside this extensive machine. The MacBook Pro, brother of the original white and black MacBook’s (plastic unibody); sells hundreds and thousands of units per day. All MacBook Pro’s come in three optional sizes (chosen on checkout): 13”, 15” and 17” and can be customized online to get the perfect configuration to suit your needs.

Pro – A current Windows user?
This Mac laptop, out the box, is pre-installed with the latest version of Apples Mac OSx (Snow Leopard) Operating System. Many Windows users usually doubt the OSx Platform but when asked why, they can usually not give a valid reason as theoretically Windows could also be installed on the newer Mac’s, this is a process called dual-boot.

Con – Price!
Many people dislike the Apple product range because of the price! The steep price of the smallest (13”) MacBook Pro costs a minimum total of £999. However, you may redeem discounts if you are a student or educator. This brings the smallest (13”) MacBook Pro to just under £940

Pro – Mac OSx
Aswell as haters, there are many fans of the Mac OSx operating system (x, standing for 10). If you buy a Mac from the Apple store you will get the latest version of OSx pre-installed onto your machine and you will also get pre-installed the iLife suite (iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand) and also the iWork suite (Pages, Numbers and Keynote).

Con – Glossy Display
Glossy displays are great, usually giving a higher contrast ratio and generally just gives a more vibrant picture. However, in harsh lighting conditions glossy displays will reflect the light and it will be hard to make out what’s on the screen. This is not a major problem as you can get stick on anti-glare filters for most laptops or you can configure an anti-glare (matte) display when buying from the Apple Store for a yet, higher price.

Pro – Lightweight, Sleek Design
The MacBook Pro is a very light machine and relatively thin for it’s power compared to other laptop PC’s. It truly stands out with its shell that has been carved out of a single block of aluminium, making the machine’s shell seamless.

Con – Non swappable battery
With the MacBook Pro the battery is replaceable but has to be done by an Apple technician, this is because they did not provide a simple access point for regular users to swap the old battery out and new one back in. The cost of the new battery and having it fitted comes to £139. That is just over the price to buy the new square iPod Nano with touchscreen.
Conclusion
Overall, the MacBook Pro is a high power machine suited for most users, from a basic business man who needs to send email’s with attachments. And edit files effectively with ease. To the video editor that needs to run hard-processor applications (e.g. Final Cut Pro). It can also run windows with dual boot so your not missing your favourite Windows programs. Personally I think this is a great machine but much agree the price should drop down as not everyone has the budget for this kind of price point.