Begin forwarded message:
Date: February 27, 2008 7:00:00 AM EST
Subject: The new MacBook (Pros): the fine print
Source: The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)
Author: Mat Lu
Filed under: Portables, Macbook Pro, MacBook
We finally got the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros we've all been
waiting for and now it time to dig into the fine print a little bit.
As we noted earlier the new machines are shipping without the $19
Apple remote, but there are also some other subtle changes worth
noting:
The processors are confirmed to be Intel's Penryn technology.
Only the MacBook Pro is getting the multi-touch trackpad
functionality of the MacBook Air. Apparently Apple is doing this
deliberately to differentiate the higher-end portables from the
MacBook line.
Only the Pros are getting LED backlights, and that's standard only
on the 15". LED backlighting is a $100 BTO option on the 17" and
simply not available on the MacBook. This despite Uncle Steve's
assurance that the entire Mac line would transition to LED
backlighting "when technically and economically feasible." I suppose
that Apple would say that it's not yet economically feasible in the
MacBook line.
The Pros feature a slightly new keyboard layout missing the virtual
number pad.
The Pros also have 3 USB ports now, instead of 2.
Perhaps most disturbing is that the official battery life estimates
have dropped noticeably. MacNN notes that "Apple's revised
projections falls to a maximum of 4.5 hours versus six [on the
MacBook]... from six hours to five [on the 15" MBP and]... from 5.75
hours of use to 4.5" [on the 17" MBP].
Now none of these things is that big of a deal (hence the fine
print), but there is some cause for concern, especially with the
reduced battery life estimates. We may hope that perhaps Apple is
being more realistic in their projections and that accounts for the
reductions. It's particularly confusing given that one of the
supposed advantages of the Penryn processor is energy efficiency. We
won't know for sure until third-party benchmarks are available.
Thanks to everyone who sent in tips!Read | Permalink | Email this |
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