Review by KSBAY for Apple MacBook Pro MC374LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop
Rating:
The Macbook Pro has just been updated on April 13th 2010. There are some upgrades and a few changes between this year and last years model, detailed below.

UPGRADES

1) The MBP 13 now has 4 gb of ram standard (2 x 2 gb sticks). This allows you to multi-task easily without any issues ( last years model had only 2gb of ram which was inadequate) Now there’s no need to spend more money upgrading your ram UNLESS you’re really into heavy duty multimedia work

2) It also features the Nvidia GeForce 320M integrated graphics processor with 48 processing cores. This is an improvement compared to the Geforce 9400M graphics chip in last years model and will help in graphics and content creation.

3) The included hard drive is 250 gb (160gb in last years model).

4) Mini display port now supports video AND sound with a compatible Mini-DP to HDMI adapter (last years model only supported video)

STANDARD FEATURES – from last years 13 inch model (minor changes noted in brackets) are

An Aluminum unibody,

Core 2 Duo Processor ( 2.4 ghz – up from 2.26ghz ),

1280 x 800 resolution Glossy LED backlit screen,

iSight camera,

8x slot-loading SuperDrive dvd burner

Large glass multi-touch trackpad ( Intertial scrolling is now enabled ),

Backlit keyboard with comfortable chiclet keys

Magsafe power adapter (with redesigned tip to reduce stress on the cable)

1 Firewire 800 port,

2 USB 2.0 ports ,

SD Card slot,

Wi-Fi – 802.11n specification; 802.11a/b/g compatible, Bluetooth 2.1 and Gigabit Ethernet -10/100/1000.

Software included is OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and the iLife 09 suite of content creation tools. A 1 year warranty on parts and 90 day telephone technical support is standard.

The lack of the latest Intel Core i5 or i3 processors processors in this machine is disappointing ( Anybody paying $1200 for a notebook positioned as a pro product, would expect new rather than “old” processors to be part of the configuration ) but I’d still recommended the MBP 13 to people looking to buy the lightest and most portable Macbook Pro as well as a capable machine in it’s own right. Demanding applications like Skype, Photoshop, Lightroom, iMovie run smoothly.

I would also consider purchasing applecare – AppleCare Protection Plan MC258LL/A – For Portable Apple Computers 13.3 Inches and Below along with the notebook.

The truth is, Apple uses most of the same parts (hard drives, processors, dvd drives, wireless cards) that other laptop manufacturers use so their reliability is no worse or better than other laptop manufacturers. Unfortunately what most customers don’t know is that if a product / part malfunction occurs after the first year limited warranty has ended, Apple charges extremely high fees for repairing and replacing parts (when compared to other laptop manufacturers ) IF you don’t have Applecare.

Keep in mind, the A.P.P. only covers hardware failure – not accidental damage so it’s still expensive for what you get but it’s better than paying Apple’s prices for repair/replacement parts.

Another warranty extension option to consider is Squaretrade (which also includes damage protection). It’s better to pay once for Applecare or Squaretrade (whatever you prefer) and be covered for 2 more years after the first year is up than pay exorbitant repair/replacement fees if a part malfunctions.

About the battery, Apple advertises it as lasting for 9 to 10 hours of use. In reality, it allows you to be mobile for 3 to 6 hours – depending on what task you’re using the computer for. Also, it’s an inbuilt battery so once it’s exhausted, you will have to take your machine back to an Apple store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for replacement. However, Apple states that the battery will hold 80% of it’s charge for up to a 1000 charges which means approximately 3 to 4 years of daily use. So it should be a while before you have to go in for that battery replacement.

Also, Since the MBP has a mini display port, you’ll have to buy a MiniDP to VGA convertor or MiniDP to DVI convertor if you ever want to connect your MB Pro to a larger monitor – since Apple does not include it with the machine it will cost you $30 more IF you buy it from Apple. Here’s a cheaper option – Mini DisplayPort to DVI Female Adapter Cable for Apple Macbook, Macbook Pro, iMac, Macbook Air, Mac Mini Laptop

For those who are confused about whether they should purchase the $1199 MBP 13 or the $1499 MBP 13 – the only difference between this model and the higher priced model is processor speed and hard drive space – the $1199 MBP 13 has a 2.4 ghz processor and 250 gb hard drive and the $1499 MBP 13 has a 2.66ghz processor and 320 gb hard drive. Whether a 266 mhz (10% difference) and 70 gb more of hard drive space is worth 300 dollars more is your call. (Although you can purchase a 500 gb notebook hard drive for approximately $80 and install it yourself. Instructions are in the MBP 13 manual and you’ll need a Philips #00 screwdriver. Installation videos are also available online)

Hope this helps!

UPDATE – The MBP has a good quality screen but I have to add that it may not be for everybody. Online reports on Apple’s MB Pro support forums and personal experience indicate that the glossy LED screen causes tremendous eye strain and headaches for some people. A few users have said that they cannot use the computer for more than an hour at a time because of the eye strain and headaches.

Mine and other’s issues with the screen are individual cases but the possibility does exist that the screen may not suit you and cause eye strain and other health issues. At the same time, you may not face any of these issues. My advice would be to use the MB Pro as a notebook extensively within the fourteen day return window and if you face any of these issues, do not hesitate to return it. If you do not face any of these issues, then please enjoy using your MB Pro.

Review by nutjob for Apple MacBook Pro MC374LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop
Rating:
This is my umpteenth Mac and as usual, it’s a very satisfying purchase. Although the styling of this laptop, with the dark hinge and keyboard isn’t quite my cup of tea (and is a matter of taste), this machine is far and away the most solidly built. It feels like it would stop a bullet, and it probably could. It’s reassuring rigidity gives it a feeling of quality and sturdiness second to none. For someone who man handles his laptop all day every day, this is very important.

To be seen over the next months and years is if the reliability of the machine is as good as its build quality.

One final, off-topic note on delivery: Amazon service has been excellent. Yes, their systems are not perfect, but their customer service has made up for it. I originally got an inexplicable delivery date, but a call fixed that.

Review by J. Stacks for Apple MacBook Pro MC374LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop
Rating:
I am extremely satisfied with my new MacBook – glad I waited for the 2010 model. For those concerned about processor speed, the Core 2 Duo processor works very well – no need for the i5/i7. Battery life is great and the bottom of the computer stays cool to the touch – much cooler than my old HP laptop. Display looks great as well. The touchpad works very well – very similar to the iPhone touchscreen. Wish I would not have waited so long to switch to a Mac.

Edit: Just thought I’d share that full startup, not just wake from sleep, takes less than fifteen seconds and full shutdown takes less than five – much faster than any Windows PC I’ve had.

On the subject of shipping, I originally placed my order on Tuesday (4/13/2010) and received an email on 4/16 with a projected delivery date of 4/20. Being curious, I decided to check the delivery date for a new order placed on 4/16. The projected delivery date for an order placed on 4/16 was 4/17, so I canceled my original order and placed a new one at about 3:30 pm. UPS delivered the computer at 9 this morning – great turnaround time. Overall, I am very pleased with my MacBook and with Amazon.