Review: MacBook Pro (15-inch, late 2008)
Still a great portable from Apple in spite of some quirks. (October 26th, 2008)
The Good
- Sturdier, cooler, thinner aluminum chassis.
- Still the performance champion; option for power-saving graphics a boon.
- Trackpad a more effective use of space.
- Colors 'pop' on the display.
- Good notebook-class speakers.
The Bad
- No FireWire 400.
- Glossy screen a potential distraction with no matte option.
- Can't use both GPUs at once like that coming for Windows notebooks.
- Expansion, screen still used to push users to a system they may otherwise not need.
The MacBook Pro has always been the bigger, faster, more advanced (and more expensive) version of the MacBook. While most people will likely find the $1,299 MacBook suitable for everyday work, some people might need or prefer the pricier MacBook Pro. While there has often been a persuasive case to use either, the switch to aluminum casing and an entirely new mobile graphics platform may leave you wondering which one you should choose.
Physically, the MacBook Pro is heftier than the MacBook. While the height remains the same (0.95 inches), the MacBook Pro is wider (14.35 inches vs. 12.78 inches), longer (9.82 inches vs. 8.94 inches), and heavier (5.5 pounds vs. 4.5 pounds). Despite these minor differences in size, the MacBook Pro adopts Apple's reduced packaging that crams the computer in a box that contains two plastic, recyclable trays. The first tray holds the computer while the second tray holds just a power adapter and installation DVDs -- the bare minimum needed to run the system.
The MacBook Pro and power adapter are tightly packed in a tiny box.
If you frequently carry a laptop, you'll notice the larger size and heavier weight right away. Despite sharing a similar aluminum case, the MacBook Pro definitely feels bulkier. Still, the MacBook's size and weight puts it in the lighter end of most competing laptops. While you might not think twice about taking a MacBook everywhere you go, you might hesitate to bring your MacBook Pro as often.