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"13 inch gets Sandybridge refresh."
2.5 starson by nascarlurgPros: New processor is the strong point for sure and the addition of Thunderbolt technology.
Cons: left only an integrated option with the GPU and do not offer 1440 X 900 upgrade on the high end model.
Summary: The Apple 13 inch remains a great portable size for the same price with nice upgrades to its processing power. However, with the lack of a better GPU option along with the screen resolution, I was definitely pushed to the 15 inch high end version as the 6490M was also to weak for me. Now the 6490M would have probably been fine for a 13 inch...but the 15 deserves something like the 6570 with 1GB GDDR5.
That may have been Apples intention to push the higher end machines...but I think they really left a lot of 13 inch laptop fans in the dark here... including Dan. I wanted to be a fan of the 13, however I just couldn't get myself to pull that trigger and opted for the semi desktop replacement model.
As far as the 15 inch high end....I couldn't be happier with the configuration there. I think it will be a really powerful machine and should run a little cooler than the previous version.....at least i hope!
- 2 replies to this review
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I do not understand how you can have a REVIEW of this laptop if u instead bought a 15 inch version, now if u had bought the 13 inch on, and then returned it and traded for a higher end 15 inch one i would understand but tht is not the case here. While you did not mean any harm, please only review the products that you personally own and can identify the strengths and weaknesse of in full AND back them up with a reason why. Other wise it skews the rating of the product and doesnt really help potentional laptop buyer's like me.
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My thoughts exactly! I've been waiting for the new macbook pro for the past 5 months, hoping for a 13 inch that would satisfy my photography and video editing needs while on the road. The speed is pretty darn good...I tried out the base model 13inch at the store. The screen is a photographer's/designer's/gamer's/normal person's worst nightmare. Only suitable to use in caves!
In the end I bought the second level 15 inch with the antiglare screen. I tried this version at the store and was blown away by the speed. I opened up almost every application at the same time on the computer and within a couple of seconds everything was up and running. Super smooth! The detail on the screen was great for my editing needs.
While I am upset with the upgrades...this computer will last me for a few years!
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