Apple MacBook Pro MB471LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop
Best Apple MacBook Pro MB471LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop Review
Facial appearance
- Redesigned MacBook with thin, strong aluminum unibody frame and 15-inch LED-backlit glass show
- New glass trackpad with 40 percent more tracking area and supports more Multi-Touch gestures
- 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB RAM (max), DVD/CD SuperDrive
- Dual NVIDIA graphics (integraed and discrete); Draft-N Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 2.1; Gigabit Ethernet; Mini DisplayPort video output
- Preloaded with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system and iLife ‘08 suite of applications
Best Apple MacBook Pro MB471LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop Review
Product Description
Machined from a single piece of aluminum, the new 15-inch MacBook Pro is thinner, more powerful, and years ahead of its time. The stunning, ultrathin LED-backlit show gives you instant full screen brightness. The NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT graphics processors provide the exact combination of power and efficiency for everyday tasks as well as 3D games and graphics-intensive applications like Aperture and Motion. And the all-new Multi-Touch trackpad has no separate button. The entire smooth glass surface is the button, so it’s clickable everywhere. This larger trackpad brings more room, more functionality, and more Multi-Touch gestures to fingers. At less than an inch thin and 5.5 pounds, it isn’t just the next-generation MacBook Pro, it’s the next generation of notebooks. Actual weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process. 21GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity less.Amazon.com Product Description
Redesigned with a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, the MacBook Pro is thinner and lighter than its predecessor as well as stronger and more durable. But Apple didn’t stop innovating with the body’s point. The MacBook Pro also includes a new 15-inch, LED-backlit glass show (instead of an LCD panel) and a glass trackpad that doesn’t include a button (for larger tracking area) and facial appearance includes Apple’s Multi-Touch equipment.
The redesigned MacBook Pro (see larger translation). |
Under the hood, the MacBook Pro is powered by a powerful 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (with 6 MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front-side bus), which runs applications quicker and more efficiently as well as helps to reduce power requirements and save on array life. And the MacBook Pro includes two video processors for ultimate flexibility: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics for fantastic everyday performance and NVIDIA 9600M GT discrete graphics for quick, smooth video–exact for 3D gaming.
It’s pre-loaded with Apple’s Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which enables simple backup of your most vital data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It also comes with the iLife ‘08 suite of applications–including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes–and the newest translation of the quick-loading Safari web browser. Other hardware facial appearance include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), an 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs), built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), FireWire 800 port, Mini DisplayPort video output (for DVI and VGA connections), and an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot for expansion solutions such as 3G wireless networking.
The New MacBook Pro Point
Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the new MacBook all of those parts with just one part–the breakthrough unibody enclosure. Every MacBook Pro starts its life as a single block of aluminum, which is precisely machined into the basic unibody point. Another pass and the unibody takes shape. Another, and the integrated keyboard emerges. When you pick up a new MacBook Pro, you immediately notice the entire enclosure is thinner and lighter. And it feels strong and durable–exact for life surrounded by (and outside) your briefcase or backpack.
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The standard aluminum electro-static trackpad has been replaced with a new glass Multi-Touch trackpad, which provides 40 percent more tracking area than before. Use two fingers to scroll up and down a page. Pinch to zoom in and out. Rotate an image with your fingertips. Swipe with three fingers to flip owing to your photo libraries. Swipe with four fingers to show your desktop, view all open windows, or switch applications. The entire trackpad surface is also a button, allowing you to both track and click effectively anywhere on the trackpad. And you can easily enable multiple virtual buttons in software, such as right-clicking.
The keyboard has also been improved, with the rigid aluminum keyboard webbing cut precisely to hold the keys, which are bent to perfectly fit fingers. And it’s illuminated, so when you’re in low-light settings, such as airplanes or conference rooms, you can always see what you’re typing.
The 15-inch show is made of edge-to-edge, uninterrupted glass for a smooth, seamless surface and facial appearance LED backlighting for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less energy than its predecessor. The ultra-thin displays provide crisp metaphors and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies
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Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and incredible array life with the 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which has a super-quick 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an extra-large 6 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system’s performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a quicker front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The new hafnium-infused circuitry–which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors–conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With 6 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.
Video Processing & Output
The new MacBook Pro combines the efficiency of an integrated graphics processor with the desktop-class performance of a discrete graphics processor thanks to the inclusion of both. Out of the box, it runs the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M processor, which provides plenty of performance for everyday use with up to 5 hours of array life. But when you need turbocharged performance for the most graphically intensive tasks, the discrete NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT processor delivers–such as for demanding 3D games like Quake, Call of Duty, and Spore. And thanks to a new graphics architecture, it’s simple to switch between these two processors. The 9400M graphics processor shares 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with main memory, while the 9600M provides 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 video memory.
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The MacBook Pro includes a next generation Mini DisplayPort, which delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen show. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, and is compatible with Apple’s 24-inch Cinema Show. Adapters are also available for using VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays
Hard Drive and Memory
The 320 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data–akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 4 GB of PC3-8500 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1024 MB) has an industry-leading 1066 MHz speed, and it maximizes capacity for this notebook.
Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it’s also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to converse with the a wide diversity of Wi-Fi resources. It facility seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless equipment to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.
Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the glass show is an iSight camera, which enables simple video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of physically and make video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a small clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to make a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.
Other Facial appearance
- Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800, ExpressCard/34 slot
- Mini DisplayPort compatible with DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI connectors (all optional)
- 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD±R; 4x DVD±R DL (double layer); 4x DVD±RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
- Built-in full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement)
- Internal omnidirectional microphone and built-in speakers
- Combined optical digital output/headphone out (minijack)
- Combined optical digital input/audio line in (minijack)
- 50-watt-hour lithium-polymer array providing up to 5 hours of array life using 9400M graphics (up to 4 hours using 9600M graphics)
- Kensington lock slot
- Measures 14.35 x 9.82 x 0.95 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.5 pounds (including array)
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Environtmental Considerations
The entire new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold and RoHS environmental standards, and leads the industry in the elimination of toxic chemicals by containing no brominated flame retardants, using only PVC-free internal cables and components, and using energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass.
Preloaded with Leopard and iLife ‘08
The largest Mac OS X upgrade ever, the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system facial appearance over 300 new facial appearance, including:
- Time Machine, an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac
- A redesigned Finder that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs
- Quick Look, a new way to instantly see files lacking opening an application
- Spaces, an intuitive new feature used to make groups of applications and instantly switch between them
- A strain new desktop with Stacks, a new way to easily access files from the Dock
- Major enhancements to Mail and iChat
Preloaded with Leopard, you’ll delight in enhanced productivity and a clutter-free desktop (thanks to the the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks). |
Leopard’s new desktop includes the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks, a new way to organize files for quick and simple access with just one click. Leopard automatically places web, email and other downloads in a Downloads stack to maintain a clutter-free desktop, and you can instantly fan the contents of this and other Stacks into an elegant arc right from the Dock. The updated Finder includes Cover Flow and a new sidebar with a dramatically simplified way to search for, browse and copy content from any PC or Mac on a local network.
Time Machine lets you easily back up all of the data on your Mac, find lost files and even restore all of the software on their Mac. With just a one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, you can search back owing to time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other digital media and then instantly restore the file.
The MacBook also comes with the iLife ‘08 suite of applications that make it simple to live the digital life. Use iPhoto to share entire high-res photo albums with anyone who’s got an email address. Record your own songs and podcasts with GarageBand. Break into indie filmmaking with iMovie and iDVD. Then take all the stuff you made on your MacBook and share it on the web in one click with iWeb.
Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Stall, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)
iLife ‘08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand)
Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Amazon.com has certified this product is Frustration Free. A Frustration-Free Package is simple-to-open and comes lacking hard plastic “clamshell” casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. It’s designed to be opened lacking the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging during shipping. Products with Frustration-Free Packaging can frequently be shipped in their own boxes, lacking the need for an additional shipping box. Learn more about Frustration-Free Packaging.
What’s in the Box
MacBook Pro, show cleaning cloth, lithium-polymer array, 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation
Buy Cheap Apple MacBook Pro MB471LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop Online with lowest Price
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one day, Amazon’s price for this computer is $1600. the next day, their price has gone to over $1850 — with “free” 1-year financing. free, that’s a laugh; don’t be fooled.
ps. my 1-star rating has only to do with the pricing, not the product (which i give 4 stars).
Rating: 1 / 5
I paid 1800.00 for this Notebook. I expected something that was worth every penny because all the Apple products I bought in the past, I would have paid double what I paid, because the point and functionality is so nice and it’s a quality product. The NEW Macbook Pro 15.4 inch does look nice, is high quality made, etc.
Pros:
1.Mousepad is very cool.
2.Point is very nice. It is pretty light.
3.Sound is pretty excellent.
4.Magnetic array plug is awesome.
5.Array life is incredible and can be exciting 1000 times.
6.Slot-loading DVD drive is fantastic.
7.Keypad is pretty nice and backlit.
8.Fantastic quality iCamera.
Cons: The reasons I am persistent this product.
1.When you type in wordpad, and try to print it, it is so small not even a magnifying glass could fix. I tried messing around with the word wrap and stuff, but with the price of this notebook, this is not right.
2.Price
3.Latch on back is nearly too simple to open and get to the hard drive, etc.
4.Only 2 USB Ports, what are they thinking?
5.No HDMI Port
6.Hardly any products are made for MAC still, they are all windows only.
7.Text in Safari is very hard to read just like Textedit.
I’ve read all the reviews on the laptop and I feel that most people are just Mac Fanboys and don’t give honest reviews. I am not one sided when it comes to computers because we have apple and microsoft products and I like them both for their own reasons. I am just disappointed with this Macbook Pro because, while the performance is pretty excellent, the Cons far outweigh the Pros for this notebook. I am getting a Dell XPS 16 which has like 4 usb ports, hdmi port, backlit keyboard, leather on the casing, finger scanner, protective case, HD SCreen. It just makes much more sense to get more quality of a product and have more things work with it. I paid about 1300.00 for the Dell XPS 16 and I paid 1800.00 for the Macbook Pro. While Apple makes fantastic products, Dell’s laptops feel just as nice for a much lower price. Maybe in the future Mac will fix a few issues and more things will work with it. Until that time, I am sticking with Windows. PS (This is an unbiased review, so read it with confidence that you are getting honest feedback). God likes you.
Rating: 2 / 5
OK so I have used both versions of Macbook pro and I can attest to the fact that there is no way in hell that this system is worth nearly 3000$. OS X is a so so OS, the system runs ok same as any other MAC I guess. I bought an ACER Extenza 2.2 GHZ, 4GB RAM, 320gb HD w. Vista Home Premium and it’s way quicker then the macbook pro. At which time I realized that the macbook pro had cost me three times as much for less performance and speed…plus no games and minimal apple only applications/software. For the price macbook pro’s should be a hell of alot quicker. Plus in a few years….excellent luck upgrading. The DVD/CD rom drive sucks because unlike my ACER or any PC/laptop it doesen’t have the eject button right on the dvd drive, so if your MAC locks up (which it will) there’s no way to eject the cd/dvd (yes I tried to keyboard eject button) with the mac locked up it’s a waste of time. I reckon all those that complain about VISTA should use a mac w. OS X and see how quick they run back to windows just to have the capatability and limitless computing options again and not be limited to only what comes from Apple. No MAC is worth the asking price, they are generally slower than any PC/Windows based Laptop I have ever compared it too and are severly limited compared to windows users. Save your cash, buy a high end windows laptop and a PC collectively for less then what Apple wants for their Macbooks. Next off, as stated this laptop is half as quick as an ACER Extanza or Gateway T-Series with the same specs. The pro gets boiling hot when running simple apps, and even gets so hot it could damn near start a fire, it’s hot enough that you can bearly stand to touch it near the array and under the screen/keyboard. It can’t run windows for crap, even with boot camp. I boot camped Windows XP and the mac pro had an extremely hard time running it, taking perpetually to boot up and shut down, im talking like 10 mins. That goes to show that windows based laptops (PC’s) are quicker and better. Small heat, top notch speed (really smoked the macbook pro easily). A mac runs OS X duh excellent but can’t even handle XP……sad. Mac sucks. Overpriced BS.
Rating: 1 / 5
A gorgeous but flawed product. Yes, it’s pretty. You can read the other reviews to hear the Apple fanboys gush. Generally, Apple products have excellent thoughts but poor engineering.
Negatives
- My spacebar stopped working a few weeks into really using this laptop. I had to pry it off so I can touch the sensor directly in order to type this review. If you look at how the keyboard was designed from the surrounded by, it’s not surprising that it has issues.
- The dual-link dvi cable (after waiting for months for it to come out after being on back order) wigs out and starts showing junk on 30″ monitors. Apple later confirmed retroactively that the cable will only work on Apple branded 30″ monitors. A lot of people are upset about this.
- Given the size of the screen, the screen real-estate (measured in pixels) is very small. Especially sucks if your 30″ monitor is dead in the water.
- The edges of the laptop are sharp.
- The laptop only opens to ~130 degrees,
- Runs hot.
- Fan goes crazy if the bottom is covered up.
- Optical drive makes noise everytime you wake the laptop.
Rating: 1 / 5
I gave this one star mainly to bring attention to a common MBP problem. My MBP arrived with a dead pixel(s) near the top. It would have been such a hassle to send it back I figured I would deal with it and maybe take it to a Mac store it became bothersome. I learned that Apple does not consider this to be “Materially Defective” because it is not in the main viewing area of the screen. If you go to the Mac Blogs and other threads you will see many people with this problem. My suggestion is to immediately see if the screen has any pixels that are either dead or stuck and return it to Amazon if you do. Amazon will treat you better than Apple. They will send you a shipping mark and replace the MBP where as Apple will not cover the defective screen as they do not consider it a defect. In all other ways I am very pleased with the MBP as I am a convert from Dell.
Rating: 1 / 5