Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
When Apple introduced the MacBook in May , it bump the mainframe speed on its 15 - inch MacBook Pro model . This model meet its processor jumping to a 2GHz Intel Core Duo chip from 1.83GHz . Other than that change — plus a glistening screen option — it ’s the same mannikin we prove in our May 2006 reexamination .
It ’s got a new name on the outside and a unexampled processor on the interior , but the MacBook Pro is in many ways indistinguishable from its precursor , the 15 - in PowerBook G4 . Yes , these first MacBook Pro model are a vast footstep forward in many different way , but they also provide reassuring continuity for longtime PowerBook users .
As you ’d expect from the first exemplar of its form , the 15 - in MacBook Pro is a complicated beast . ( We examine both the 2GHz model and the 1.83GHz conformation . ) When it amount to run Universal applications , it ’s clearly faster than the PowerBook . Yet it also has some queerness , and actually incarcerate behind the PowerBook in some ironware and software system areas . Still , the MacBook Pro ’s vast potentiality ca n’t be fully realized until more programs are released that can take advantage of its strengths .
All scores are in minutes:seconds except for Unreal Tournament results, which are in frames per second. All systems were running Mac OS X 10.4.5 with 1GB of RAM. The Photoshop Suite test is a set of 14 scripted tasks using a 50MB file. Photoshop’s memory was set to 70 percent and History was set to Minimum. We rendered a project in Cinema4D. In the Finder, we duplicated a 500MB file. In Microsoft Word, we scrolled through a 500 page document. We recorded the amount of time it took for each system to start up. In iMovie, we applied the Aged video effect to a 1-minute movie. We converted 45 minutes of AAC audio files to MP3 using iTunes’ High Quality setting. We used Unreal Tournament 2004’s Antalus Botmatch average-frames-per-second score; we tested at a resolution of 1,024 by 768 pixels at the Maximum setting with both audio and graphics enabled. We created a Zip archive in the Finder from a 1GB folder.—Macworld Lab testing by James Galbraith and Jerry Jung
Making the migration
It ’s a potentially obvious point , but significant to note : these Intel - free-base Macs are still Macs through and through . We put a PowerBook G4 into FireWire Target mode and attached it to the MacBook Pro , transferred its files via Apple ’s built - in Migration Assistant usefulness , and had the new laptop computer up and run in a twosome of time of day with no major hitch . All desktop windows were in the right places , file icon were the right way strewn about the screen background — the Modern MacBook Pro felt on the button like the old PowerBook .
After the migration was complete , we know several annoying slowdowns , but a stumble to Apple ’s Activity Monitor service program revealed that the culprit was Spotlight , which had to index the MacBook Pro ’s hard drive after the Migration Assistant utility finish its transfer . Once Spotlight was done with its workplace , most common trading operations feel much more responsive than they had on the PowerBook . ( We did experience a few unexpected appearances of OS X ’s spinning rainbow cursor of doom , but they abated after we cast away several honest-to-goodness items , include Smart Crash Reports and SIMBL , that the Migration Utility had transferred to our InputManagers folder . )
Although several of the bread - and - butter diligence we used are n’t currently useable in Universal versions , we rarely perceived any serious slowness in those applications . Occasionally Microsoft Entourage got a bit gaol , and Microsoft Word seemed pretty confused when we tried to use the MacBook Pro ’s Scrolling Trackpad feature . But generally , applications running under Mac OS X ’s Rosetta code - rendering applied science , which converts instruction meant for PowerPC processors into those suited for Intel scrap , work quite well .
When it come to Universal app run natively on the MacBook Pro , they by all odds feel perkier than on the PowerBook — and the entire computation experience simplyfeltmore responsive than the 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 .
The speed’s the thing
As with the first edition of the Intel - based iMacs , the focus on these new MacBook Pro systems is going to be on their speed . For the retiring few years , PowerBook users have grip about the relatively small speed improvement in the Cartesian product strain . Since Apple first announced its switch to Intel chips , there ’s been intense speculation that Intel - based laptop would be able to perform at speeds that were simply unavailable to PowerBook G4 user .
And the MacBook Pro specs would seem to indicate that a major speed boost is in the offing : compare to the PowerBook G4 ’s comparatively scrimpy specs ( 167MHz arrangement jalopy , a exclusive 1.67GHz G4 processor , and a Mobility Radeon 9700 video card ) , the MacBook Pro ’s architecture ( 667MHz bus , double - inwardness 2.0GHz processor , and Mobility Radeon X1600 card ) makes it a potential speed devil .
So does the MacBook Pro fork out on its promise ? Unfortunately , there ’s no soft answer when it come to speed . Like the iMac Core Duo , the MacBook Pro is the first Mac system of its eccentric to feature a twofold - pith processor , the combining weight of two processors on a single chipping . As a result , gauging its factual speed is a whole wad more complicated than back in the day when C.P.U. clock speed alone dominated the discussion .
So yes , the MacBook Pro is loosely dissipated than the 15 - inch PowerBook G4 at running Universal covering . How much quicker depends on several factors , include how well - optimized for Intel processors the applications are , how much the applications take vantage of the MacBook Pro ’s fast video plug-in , and how well the software indorse multiple mainframe . ( For a much more in - deepness looking at these issues , see our story Inside Intel : Updated research laboratory Tests and Analysis . )
Some of our tests show major MacBook Pro amphetamine encouragement when compared with the PowerBook G4 . The 3 - D rendering plan Cinema 4D XL was 3.3 times as tight at rendering a prospect ; the graphics - intensive game Unreal Tournament 2004 had a frame pace of 2.2 times better ; and an iTunes encode was 1.3 times as fast . Other trial run of less processor - intensive undertaking , such as create a 1 GB Zip archive in the Finder , showed more modest amplification .
Given that the professional applications that are part of Apple ’s Final Cut Studio suite have long been designed to take advantage of Power Mac mannequin with multiple processors , we would anticipate that the cosmopolitan versions of those applications will see spectacular hurrying boosts on the MacBook Pro . Those applications are n’t await to arrive until next calendar month , so we were n’t able to essay them , and we did not receive the Universal Logic Pro 7.2 version in time to test it for this review article .
The other major software that many MacBook Pro users will require to take to the woods is Adobe Photoshop CS2 , and it may be a while before a Universal version get . In the interim , the MacBook Pro will take to the woods Photoshop via Rosetta . We found Photoshop to be quite usable on the MacBook Pro , but it does n’t campaign nearly as tight as it does on the most recent top - of - the - line of credit PowerBook . The 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 perform our suite of 14 scripted Photoshop labor 1.7 times faster than the 2GHz MacBook Pro . As a result , it ’s hard for us to recommend the MacBook Pro to grievous Photoshop exploiter until Adobe ships a Universal version . However , free-and-easy Photoshop users should be ok .
New Book, similar cover
In terms of strong-arm appearance , the MacBook Pro is almost superposable to the 15 - in PowerBook G4 . It ’s slimly wider and thinner , and weighs the same . The MacBook Pro ’s trackpad , mouse button , and front latch are also slightly wide-cut than the PowerBook ’s .
However , the MacBook Pro ’s screen is 60 pixels shorter than the most recent 15 - inch PowerBook G4 , offer a native resolve of 1440 by 900 pel . The screen is in spades brighter than the PowerBook ’s . nestle right above the screen is the MacBook Pro ’s built - in iSight camera , and next to it is a green light that comes on whenever the photographic camera is in use . ( The iSight work well in all the video Old World chat we try out , although because the MacBook Pro ’s microphone is embedded in the left loudspeaker grille , our iChat audio was qualify to the right speaker and sounded a bit too subdued . )
The MacBook Pro is Apple ’s first laptop mannequin to come in with an infrared remote ascendancy and Front Row software , and there ’s a corresponding infrared port on the front edge of the scheme , to the left of the latch . The version of Front rowing on these systems is fundamentally the same as the one on Apple ’s iMacs — and admit all the same limit , including a lack of racy music - swordplay feature and weak video- and slideshow - playback control .
That said , the combination of Front Row , a remote ascendance , and a humble Mac that can process external telecasting turnout make for some very interesting scenarios . For example , you may expend the MacBook Pro and a telecasting arranger to drive a idiot box in a home theatre of operations . Unfortunately , I was n’t able to simply shut the MacBook Pro , attach it to my TV set , and then recumb with the included remote — the MacBook Pro would n’t stay alert . Plugging a computer mouse into one of the MacBook ’s USB embrasure worked , but it would be courteous if it were easy to utilize the MacBook Pro as a TV or projector - playback arrangement .
user of the last - generation PowerBooks will notice that the MacBook Pro is also missing several feature regain on those fashion model . The S - Video port wine is go , although Apple ’s $ 19 DVI - to - video adaptor easily supervene upon it ; as with the iMac , the MacBook Pro has no modem , so those who need a simulation will need to vest $ 49 in Apple ’s USB modem ; and the PowerBook G4 ’s FireWire 800 port is also a toast .
Adding FireWire 800 to the MacBook Pro is potential , but it requires use of the ExpressCard slot , a novel expansion slot that replaces the PowerBook G4 ’s PC Card slot . The ExpressCard/34 slot Army of the Righteous cards run at full PCI Express speeds , but it ’s mismated with PC Cards ( as well as spacious ExpressCard/54 cards ) , and presently there are n’t very many ExpressCards on the market place . Still , we expect that the MacBook Pro will spur development of Mac - compatible ExpressCards , not only for FireWire 800 but for numerous other use , including support for other warehousing formats , expanded wireless connectivity , and video recording - out potentiality . However , we were unable to test any ExpressCard/34 card in the MacBook Pro .
Battery life
Unlike the datum accompanying old laptop model , Apple has forbear from making any call about the MacBook Pro ’s potential battery life . test battery life-time is extremely tricky , since different type of usance ( and different energy - saving preference ) can dramatically vary the results of battery life exam as well as real - world full electric battery life . In an all - out power waste pipe examination , in which we turned off all great power - saving options and wreak a DVD on both the MacBook Pro and the PowerBook G4 , the MacBook Pro died four mo earlier than the PowerBook — a trial that suggests the two manikin ’ shelling sprightliness will be similar . In regular use over several day with normal power options , we discover that we could get more than three - and - a - half hour ’ worth of piece of work done with charge to save . As a termination , we opine it ’s safe to say that while the MacBook Pro is n’t endure to gain ground any last - laptop - stand up assault and battery challenges , its battery lifetime will be in line with the preceding experience of PowerBook G4 drug user .
Power? It’s a snap
It ’s grueling to get people excited about a mightiness electric cord , but Apple did its best when it introduce the MagSafe connecter at Macworld Expo in January . The MacBook Pro ’s MagSafe larboard is a small orthogonal indentation at the rear of the computer ’s odd edge ; the orthogonal ending of the MacSafe force electric cord attach to it magnetically for a secure connection — but one that is easily broken under moderate force-out .
The mind behind MagSafe is that tripping over the laptop ’s ability cord wo n’t do something ugly like rip off the power jack or launch the computing equipment off your desk and onto a strong floor below . And it works as advertize : in several attack to tip the MacBook Pro , the MagSafe connector did its task , releasing its attachment to the computer and falling harmlessly to the floor .
The cable connect the MagSafe connector to the AC adapter ’s power brick is noticeably boneheaded and stiffer than the one on Apple ’s previous generation of laptop business leader cords , which is good intelligence for anyone who has rip up one after many calendar month of heavy use . The power adaptor ’s power brick is larger , more the size of an AirPort Express than the late - generation brick .
Hard - core PowerBook users ( and IT manager , for that matter ) will roll their eyes at the introduction of a new Apple power - cord style , because it will force them to buy more young adapters as supplements and extras . But it ’s been several years since the last time Apple switch adapter styles , and the advantage of the MagSafe connector are deserving the slight incommodiousness .
All features great and small
With a product as unexampled and heatedly anticipated as the MacBook Pro , there ’s an almost endless list of details that prospective buyers might be curious about . Here ’s a roundup of other items we noticed while test this system of rules :
Wireless range . In our observance , the MacBook Pro appear to have better wireless range than the PowerBook G4 . At the same distance , we were capable to see more bars in Apple ’s net Connect utility and a high signaling lastingness iniStumbleron the MacBook Pro . However , when we test an iBook in the same weather , its performance was notably better than the MacBook Pro ’s .
Heat . The MacBook Pro is definitely not a cool system . After an hour of use of goods and services , we found ours to be quite warm , specially on the left side toward the back . However , we did n’t find the oestrus level uncomfortable , and it seemed roughly in line with the heat generated by PowerBook G4 framework .
Noise . In general operation the MacBook Pro is fairly quiet . However , several users of the first batch of MacBook Pro models have reported a placid Harkat ul-Ansar emitted by the computer under sure circumstances . We did observe this on a few of the MacBook Pro model we look at , and while we did n’t find it especially distracting , it ’s deserving noting in event you ’re someone who is specially sensitive to dissonance and bring in a quiet surround .
Optical Drive . While the MacBook Pro massively improves most of the PowerBook G4 ’s specs there ’s one country with a serious backslide : the optic drive . Because the MacBook Pro is thinner than the PowerBook , Apple had to employ a unexampled optical drive that ’s approximately three millimetre thinner . So rather than the optical thrust in the previous - model PowerBook , which featured an 8x SuperDrive with dual - bed videodisc electrocution support , the MacBook only stop a 4x SuperDrive model that ca n’t burn dual - layer disk — hard - gist disc burner be warn .
MacBook Pro Models Tested
Best results inbold . Reference organisation initalics .
All score are in mo : seconds except for Unreal Tournament result , which are in anatomy per second . All systems were run Mac OS X 10.4.5 with 1 GB of RAM . The Photoshop Suite tryout is a curing of 14 scripted tasks using a 50 M file . Photoshop ’s computer storage was typeset to 70 percent and chronicle was place to Minimum . We rendered a task in Cinema4D. In the Finder , we duplicated a 500 megabyte file . In Microsoft Word , we scrolled through a 500 page papers . We recorded the amount of time it direct for each scheme to start up . In iMovie , we utilize the Aged video effect to a 1 - minute movie . We converted 45 minutes of AAC audio file to MP3 using iTunes ’ High Quality setting . We used Unreal Tournament 2004 ’s Antalus Botmatch middling - frames - per - irregular grudge ; we tested at a resolution of 1,024 by 768 pixels at the Maximum setting with both sound recording and art enabled . We created a Zip archive in the Finder from a 1 GB folder.—Macworld Lab examination by James Galbraith and Jerry Jung
Macworld’s buying advice
The MacBook Pro is a fitting heir to the PowerBook G4 . While its new internal architecture makes it observably quicker than its predecessor — and blazingly quicker in sure high - oddment tasks — it ’s still well a Mac laptop .
If most of the lotion you expend are useable in world-wide versions , or are comparatively scurvy - power programs running in Rosetta , buying a MacBook Pro will be to your advantage . If you ’re upgrade from a two- or three - year - old PowerBook G4 , you ’ll note a massive speed encouragement in Universal applications , while Rosetta applications will run at the speed you ’re used to .
However , if you rely on programs that wo n’t run in Rosetta ( for example , some of Apple ’s Final Cut Studio apps or Microsoft ’s practical PC ) , you should retard your leverage until Universal version of those programs become useable . And if you use a imagination - intensive program such as Photoshop CS2 , or you need to wring every last flake of carrying into action out of your organization when you ’re on the road , you ’ll likewise be well off waiting until your package has been updated before buying a MacBook Pro .
( For extra banknote and opinions about the MacBook Pro , see Jason Snell ’s MacBook Pro Reviewer ’s Notebook . )
[ Jason Snell isMacworld ’s editorial manager and has been using Mac portable since 1992 . ]
