New MacBook and MacBook Pros now available

[aphex]

I have no use for the larger HD of the blackbook so for $50 more all im getting is the color....

Worth it?

 

[manly]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
Dang, that refurb blackbook is $200 less than I got it for a week ago. :shocked:

Send yours back or beg for some money?

The last PowerBook G4 was no substantial update. Stagnant mobile G4s was precisely why Apple correctly switched to Intel processors. Although the iPod halo effect was (arguably) at the time propping up Mac sales, I think the Intel switch saved their Mac business. Not only are Macs selling like gangbusters now, but the G4/G5 roadmap was going nowhere 2 years ago.

I never used my Apple remote until I got an EyeTV.

I haven't looked at Intel's price list but Apple should just stick the 2.6 GHz CPU into the 17" MBP. Offering a (pricey) 100 MHz option is just silly.

 

[Megatomic]

Nah, I'm plenty happy with my blackbook. Saving $200 would be good but this kind of stuff is to be expected from the computer business.

 

[Tyranicus]

Originally posted by: scootermaster

• First Intel rev: This machine was crap. They took all the ports off the last G4, took out the dual-layer, lowered the resolution, but tried to distract us by gaving us a webcam, Magsafe and Front Row. That's actually not a bad haul, if they hadn't otherwise crippled the machine.

Um, my first gen MBP has a 1440x900 screen and a dual-layer burner. (Both of those were standard on all MBP, except the 17", which was 1680x1050.) As to the ports, the Core 2 update added FireWire 800 (How many people actually use that?) and a third USB port, not exactly anything substantial.

 

[aphex]

so now i need to decide;

2.2ghz Macbook Refurb - $1000
2.4ghz Macbook Penryn - $1225
2.2ghz MBP LED - $1449

Or wait for a LED MB

 

[Megatomic]

Blackbook refurb for $1049 is what I'd go for aphex. I put 2GB of memory in mine and it is plenty fast. I'm guessing that there is very little difference in end user experience between the 2.2 refurb and the 2.4 Penryn.

And only god knows when the MB will actually get the LED update...

 

[scootermaster]

Originally posted by: Tyranicus

Originally posted by: scootermaster

• First Intel rev: This machine was crap. They took all the ports off the last G4, took out the dual-layer, lowered the resolution, but tried to distract us by gaving us a webcam, Magsafe and Front Row. That's actually not a bad haul, if they hadn't otherwise crippled the machine.

Um, my first gen MBP has a 1440x900 screen and a dual-layer burner. (Both of those were standard on all MBP, except the 17", which was 1680x1050.) As to the ports, the Core 2 update added FireWire 800 (How many people actually use that?) and a third USB port, not exactly anything substantial.

It's possible I'm wrong, but I distinctly remember them not [initially] supporting dual layer because "slim" drives weren't available. (It's possible this was with the next revision, when they slimmed it down). And as for the ports, they took off the FW 800, svideo, modem, and possibly something else I'm forgetting. And, finally, the rez on a last-gen G4 is 1440x960 which is, as I said, more than the first Intel.

So yes, you can argue all those of those are inconsequential, but that's an opinion. It is my opinion that when they first shifted from PPC to Intel, the machine was pretty weak. When the refreshed the intel chips, only then did they bring it back to what the last Gen G4 was. And then only with the NEXT refresh did they introduce anything new (LED LCDs, and, apparently, bringing back Dual layer). So I guess the good news is, we're now 2 for 2 on refreshes that "added" something, with the LED followed up by multitouch.

So I still hold that other than speed increases, the only new things we've seen since they introduced the iSight and Magsafe, over two years ago, (and frontrow, which they just took out!) are the Multitouch and the LED screen.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: KeithP
One improvement that I think is overdue is adding esata to the MacBook Pro. It is at least as common as FW800 and performs better. Another option would that would be nice to have is the ability to opt for an external optical and allowing the vacated space to be use for a second internal HD.

-KeithP

eSATA = ExpressCard add-on. Internal second hard drive = MCEtech:

http://www.mcetech.com/optibay/

 

[Parasitic]

I think the real deal is the previous generation MBP's. I picked up a brand new base MBP (2.2GHz, 2GB memory, 120GBHDD, 128MB 8600GT) for $1499 with education discount.
They didn't have the new MBPs with the multitouch pad on display so didn't get to play with it, but since it's going to be a DTR for me I'm going to be hooking up a mouse and keyboard anyways, no need for that.

I couldn't believe it myself when I called and half-jokingly asked if there were discounts on the discontinued MBP's.

 

[dschmierer]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
Nah, I'm plenty happy with my blackbook. Saving $200 would be good but this kind of stuff is to be expected from the computer business.

If you're within the 14 day return window you can use Apple's price protection policy. I am in the same boat as you in that I just got a refurb blackbook last week. I called today and they credited back the $250 difference between what I paid and the current price. No hassling or anything -- they were perfectly happy to do it. It's not like we're trying to scam Apple or anything -- price protection is a stated policy on their website. Don't get me wrong, I thought $1299 for a blackbook was a fine price but $1049 is a great deal and we would be crazy not to try to take advantage of it.

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: Parasitic
I think the real deal is the previous generation MBP's. I picked up a brand new base MBP (2.2GHz, 2GB memory, 120GBHDD, 128MB 8600GT) for $1499 with education discount.
They didn't have the new MBPs with the multitouch pad on display so didn't get to play with it, but since it's going to be a DTR for me I'm going to be hooking up a mouse and keyboard anyways, no need for that.

I couldn't believe it myself when I called and half-jokingly asked if there were discounts on the discontinued MBP's.

thats still the best bang for the buck macbook pro. i just upped the ram and hard drive myself and its basically the perfect laptop. these updates were honestly lackluster (screw the 8600, give us the 9600!) but now it gives me more hope to upgrade in the summer when the refresh them.

 

[Tyranicus]

Originally posted by: scootermaster
It's possible I'm wrong, but I distinctly remember them not [initially] supporting dual layer because "slim" drives weren't available. (It's possible this was with the next revision, when they slimmed it down). And as for the ports, they took off the FW 800, svideo, modem, and possibly something else I'm forgetting. And, finally, the rez on a last-gen G4 is 1440x960 which is, as I said, more than the first Intel.

So yes, you can argue all those of those are inconsequential, but that's an opinion. It is my opinion that when they first shifted from PPC to Intel, the machine was pretty weak. When the refreshed the intel chips, only then did they bring it back to what the last Gen G4 was. And then only with the NEXT refresh did they introduce anything new (LED LCDs, and, apparently, bringing back Dual layer). So I guess the good news is, we're now 2 for 2 on refreshes that "added" something, with the LED followed up by multitouch.

So I still hold that other than speed increases, the only new things we've seen since they introduced the iSight and Magsafe, over two years ago, (and frontrow, which they just took out!) are the Multitouch and the LED screen.

Alright. The first Intel model does have the slim SuperDrive, and it is only 4x, but it does support dual layer burning. The reason the MBP has a 1440x900 res instead of the PB's 1440x960 was to give it a 16:10 ratio which has become the standard for fullscreen apps like games. Apple removed the modem because it's an outdated and dying technology like the floppy drive, which was removed a few years back. They do still sell a USB modem. Apple also does sell an inexpensive video adapter that outputs in both S-Video and composite. As to FrontRow, it's included in all Leopard installations. You bring it up without a remote by pressing Command+Escape.

Originally posted by: secretanchitman
These updates were honestly lackluster (screw the 8600, give us the 9600!) but now it gives me more hope to upgrade in the summer when the refresh them.

There is no way that Apple could have included a 9600 in the new MBP. nVidia only just released the desktop card. There is NO mobile 9 series GPU at this time.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Tyranicus
Alright. The reason the MBP has a 1440x900 res instead of the PB's 1440x960 was to give it a 16:10 ratio which has become the standard for fullscreen apps like games. Apple removed the modem because it's an outdated and dying technology like the floppy drive, which was removed a few years back. They do still sell a USB modem. Apple also does sell an inexpensive video adapter that outputs in both S-Video and composite. As to FrontRow, it's included in all Leopard installations. You bring it up without a remote by pressing Command+Escape.

There is no way that Apple could have included a 9600 in the new MBP. nVidia only just released the desktop card. There is NO mobile 9 series GPU at this time.

I think the remote is under-used and outdated. It's IR instead of RF, so you need line of sight - not good for presentations. Neither I nor my wife use our Apple remotes. I don't really know anyone who does, except for people who use their Macs for their HTPCs.

 

[TheStu]

I will use my remote on occasion, but it is not that big of a deal for me. Would I pay $19 for it? No...

 

[Kadarin]

The only thing I've used the remote for is to show people the spiffy remote I got.

 

[Tyranicus]

I take my MBP to work sometimes and play music or videos across the room. I also use it to advance to the next song in iTunes if I have another app open on top. However, I don't really find it essential. If I didn't have one, I wouldn't pay $19 for it. Although, if I ever get a new MacBook or MBP, I will keep the remotes I have now (I also have the one from my mom's MacBook - She never used it) to use with it.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Tyranicus
Alright. The reason the MBP has a 1440x900 res instead of the PB's 1440x960 was to give it a 16:10 ratio which has become the standard for fullscreen apps like games. Apple removed the modem because it's an outdated and dying technology like the floppy drive, which was removed a few years back. They do still sell a USB modem. Apple also does sell an inexpensive video adapter that outputs in both S-Video and composite. As to FrontRow, it's included in all Leopard installations. You bring it up without a remote by pressing Command+Escape.

There is no way that Apple could have included a 9600 in the new MBP. nVidia only just released the desktop card. There is NO mobile 9 series GPU at this time.

I think the remote is under-used and outdated. It's IR instead of RF, so you need line of sight - not good for presentations. Neither I nor my wife use our Apple remotes. I don't really know anyone who does, except for people who use their Macs for their HTPCs.

If that thing were RF.. then it'd be a whole other story. But still, I think it'd be a niche market and warrant apple charging $19 for it (but if it were RF.. they'd more likely make it BT and charge $50+)

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Tyranicus
Alright. The reason the MBP has a 1440x900 res instead of the PB's 1440x960 was to give it a 16:10 ratio which has become the standard for fullscreen apps like games. Apple removed the modem because it's an outdated and dying technology like the floppy drive, which was removed a few years back. They do still sell a USB modem. Apple also does sell an inexpensive video adapter that outputs in both S-Video and composite. As to FrontRow, it's included in all Leopard installations. You bring it up without a remote by pressing Command+Escape.

There is no way that Apple could have included a 9600 in the new MBP. nVidia only just released the desktop card. There is NO mobile 9 series GPU at this time.

I think the remote is under-used and outdated. It's IR instead of RF, so you need line of sight - not good for presentations. Neither I nor my wife use our Apple remotes. I don't really know anyone who does, except for people who use their Macs for their HTPCs.

If that thing were RF.. then it'd be a whole other story. But still, I think it'd be a niche market and warrant apple charging $19 for it (but if it were RF.. they'd more likely make it BT and charge $50+)

I picked up this Keyspan remote:

http://www.keyspan.com/products/errf1/

It's $30 on Amazon and Buy.com. It's RF and works directly with Front Row, but you can also use it with PowerPoint and Keynote. It works well for Front Row, but it's really nice for doing presentations with because you don't have to aim it at the computer or angle the laptop towards you. Plus it's really cool with Keynote's "Presenter View" feature:

http://www.amazon.com/Remote-F...Mac-Only/dp/B000FBK3RE

 

[KeithP]

Originally posted by: aphex
so now i need to decide;

2.2ghz Macbook Refurb - $1000
2.4ghz Macbook Penryn - $1225
2.2ghz MBP LED - $1449

Or wait for a LED MB

I was trying to make the exact same decision, except that I really didn't want a white MacBook. I ended up ordering the refurb BlackBook for $1049. I also ordered 4GB of RAM and a 320GB WD 2.5 HD from Other World Computing (macsales.com) for under $300 shipped. I think this system should be sufficient for my needs until Apple completely revamps the MacBook Pro and has its first refresh after that.

-KeithP

 

[Parasitic]

Originally posted by: aphex
so now i need to decide;

2.2ghz Macbook Refurb - $1000
2.4ghz Macbook Penryn - $1225
2.2ghz MBP LED - $1449

Or wait for a LED MB

Well the choice is easy - get the MBP

 

[Modeps]

Oh goddammit. I JUST got a new Macbook for my wife... like I've had it about 2 weeks.

 

[MrTransistorm]

Originally posted by: aphex
so now i need to decide;

2.2ghz Macbook Refurb - $1000
2.4ghz Macbook Penryn - $1225
2.2ghz MBP LED - $1449

Or wait for a LED MB

Unless you need pro features (dual-link DVI, ExpressCard, FW800, etc.), then get a MB.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: Modeps
Oh goddammit. I JUST got a new Macbook for my wife... like I've had it about 2 weeks.

I knew there could only be one Modeps. I saw you make this comment over at TUAW. Don't feel too bad man, I just got my blackbook last Monday.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Megatomic

Originally posted by: Modeps
Oh goddammit. I JUST got a new Macbook for my wife... like I've had it about 2 weeks.

I knew there could only be one Modeps. I saw you make this comment over at TUAW. Don't feel too bad man, I just got my blackbook last Monday.

I don't think you need to feel to bad if you're outside of the return period...the improvement is really only in the processor, which is only a small incremental upgrade - nothing major. If it had been an LED + Multi-touch upgrade, I would tell you to take it back.

If you do return yours, be sure to talk to a manager. If you raise enough fuss, you can usually get your way. For example, last summer I picked up a pair of iPhones and a 15" MacBook Pro; 2 months later they dropped the price by $200. I called the manager and complained and she gave me a full refund for the price drop difference. YMMV!

 

[Megatomic]

I'm not complaining about my computer at all, I love it and I'm not sure I'd feel the difference in a 2.4GHz chip w/ 3MB of cache and a 2.2GHz chip w/ 4MB of cache. The $200 difference in price in a week's time is typical of the way things work in the computer industry. I've long since gotten used to being burned like that.