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stars
"Looks nice, zero expandability" on by mbenedict
Pros: As with most Apple products, premium emphasis on looks. GeForce 9400M integrated graphics is an improvement than crappy Intel GMA.
Cons: No firewire, no pcmcia or expresscard. Glass + aluminum components == concern for heavy travel. Glossy screen detrimental to image quality. Usual Apple flash over substance. Way overpriced compared to others laptops in this class.
Summary: No firewire AND still no pcmcia or expresscard to add insult to injury, so it's a non-starter for any kind of music application. In particular I record with M-Audio FW410 which would be useless on this laptop. This is a dealbreaker for me.
Since I do pro travel photography work on the side, I prefer using CompactFlash via pcmcia (or expresscard) and this would not be an option either. Instead I'd have to carry an external USB CF reader -- as if my camera isn't full already.
The glossy screen is a concern for photography as well. Lastly the glass LCD is going to be a concern while traveling. I don't know if the Aluminum casing could flex enough to absorb shocks, or if it would be transmitted to the glass or other sensitive components like the hard drive.
- 26 replies to this review
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Apple comps don't last!
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I have this and think it's awesome for what i do, mostly school and amatuer photography and music. why would you be using a basic 13 in. macbook for photo editing. the screen is way too small for that. i'm pretty sure apple thought about everything when they had the idea to make the screen out of glass, they wouldn't make a notebook the would completely shatter if dropped(hence the sudden motion sensor to protect your hard drive when you drop it...) a macbook pro would solve most of your problems. you even have the anti-glare option on the pro. it also has a firewire 800 port. you probably don't even own this macbook either, so come back when you get the right macbook for your needs(suggesting a 15 in. Macbook Pro) and leave a valid review.
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To me, it's not the weight that matters but the improper distribution of it. The lid that houses the glass-covered display is way too heavy. Try holding it on your lap while on a train or bus and you'll see how any sudden move, even a slight one, will cause it to turn over.
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its 3.5 lbs. Your concerned about weight? wow. firewire is not that important and the majority of devices are usb anyways. If you need firewire buy the cheaper macbook. The glass is not the glass you would find in a car, its not ment to shater. It will flex. Im pretty sure the people at apple would think about that when they made the product. Some people, you, just dont get it.
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Two thumbs up!
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Clearly you don't own one so don't post review...find an anti-apple forum.
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Expandability (or the lack thereof) is the biggest problem with this laptop.
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I absolutely agree with this reviewer. The Macbook delivers on the looks but fails miserably on practicality.
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While I can't comment on the professional photography rigors of this computer, I can say that first of all, it is a glass LED not LCD (big difference). As for traveling, I fly with my laptop frequently and it really isn't an issue. The aluminum is sturdy and I think it would have no problem absorbing any type of shock. I also have no fear of the glass display cracking as it is well protected within the laptop when it is closed. My friend dropped her laptop and there's a dent on the outside but the screen survived.
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Most balanced review I have read so far, and better then Cnet reviewer. Great post!
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Good review. Succinct and to the point.
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I couldn't resist replying to this non-review. I shoot weddings on occasion because I enjoy shooting them and don't mind the extra money. When I first started out about 2 years ago I was using a decently spec'd dell. After fighting with CS3 and lightroom freezing and running slow I couldn't stand it, so I bought this computer. It is fantastic! Regarding price a 13" dell costs 1300 with a 2.5ghz processor (making up for FSB) and you are stuck with vista and no other useful extra software.
No - I don't spend much time editing pictures on the smaller screen, I have an external monitor for that which makes it nice to have lightroom open on the little screen and photoshop on the external (are you really editing photos on a 13" screen in the middle of the day outside?)
I can see there being a problem for the sound editing, but if you really are doing that much pro stuff on your computer shouldn't you be using a high end system that doesn't freeze every time you use it? -
I second. Glass isn't travel-friendly for sure.
Nootie.F -
I have seen this and in broad daylight there is almost no way the screen can be seen properly. Also, someone made the stereotype that all good photographers use Macs. Yeah, not true. There are plenty of PC alternatives out there for photography professionals that are equal to, or even better than Macs.
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For me Apple has taken a wrong turn with the latest laptops for pretty much all the reasons given, It still is a fine computer though. for OSX and the design language. and at this (macbook not pro) price, with a 15 non reflective screen screen, Absolutely it would be a hit.
The problem for me even as a "fanboy" is that my 15" powerbook needs replacing and although I would love another, the price is way to high, Being brutally honest I can get a Dell that wiil do what I need and save at least £500 -
I think that most replies here are nothing but the usual Mac fanboy thing. Like yelling that whatever is made by Apple is the best and insulting others who don't think so.
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@rnaoncfixd
I can evaluate a lot of things without actually buying them. Besides, one can spend hours in an apple store and try out a lot of their fare. Your argument, 'he does not even own the product,' is therefore weak. Regards. -
Hahahaha
"Pro photographer"
Did you know I happen to be Santa Claus? Yes, the north pole has internet access. -
I am very much prompted to reply to this specific review because this appears to be the most helpful, when this person doesn't even own the product and is mostly speculating.
If he is a so called photographer that travels a lot, then he would know that for the size, customizable color correction/accuracy ability built in, and power that you're getting vs. size, it is worth the price.
To anyone really concerned about durability, I have two macbook pros, both made out of aluminum. They are both pretty durable considering that I have dropped them both from about waist high. This new laptop is supposed to be stronger from that because of the way the new construction process is.
The glossy screen does pose a problem, I'm not going to lie about that. I do a lot of pro video editing and I'm not happy about this either.
I'd like to end this reply, by saying, if he's doing pro things, he should be using pro equipment (i.e the macbook pro). -
@BaobamaAndBidet2008
are you an idiot. It is made of aircraft grade aluminum. Just because it is made of the same material as the shell of an airplane does not mean its an airplane. Most dell pcs are made of the same plastic that makes trash cans. Does that mean Dell are carved out of trash cans, obviously no. Also where did I say anything about me seeing them being made at an apple store. I said that I went to an apple store and used it for a bit and felt it was very sturdy. The macbooks are made in a factory like any other computer. The reason I posted my experience here instead of in a actual review is because I dont own the product and wont scoop to the level of reviewing a product I dont own. I have high doubts that this reviewer owns the product either. Also their is no such thing as firewire 410. Their is firewire 400, 800, and 1600 (next gen). -
better than something != good
good != value and cost-effectivness -
Um but this is actually a half pound lighter than the prevous macbook
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So a pro photographer can find something to criticize? Well, DUH!
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Wayy overpriced? Erm, no, do notebooks at the MacBook price uses full aluminum and part glass? No. And since you are a pro photographer, you would likely to have your own matte external monitor because notebook monitors won't be as good as external monitors that is build for its own specific purpose.
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@random truth: So they now carve those unibodies from airplane frames in the Apple stores? Really, what not people won't do to sell that stuff...
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The aluminum is the same kind used in airplanes and is reinforced. I saw the thing at the apple store. The Aluminum has no chance of flexing it is very solid. I was surprised that it had less of a glare than my white macbook, the backlight can easily overpower any glare. I dont know what your problem is but every professional photographer I know uses a glossy screen. Even the ones for family photos in malls and such. Also what good photographer does not use a mac?
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