Apple MacBook Pro Review

“Don't get me wrong, I'm writing this review on a...”

Written on: 09/10/2006 by zharca (8 reviews written)

Good Points
Easy setup
Potential performance
Looks cool for giving presentations on

Bad Points
Important Pro software hasn't caught up
Heavy to lug around
Cheaper Macbook just as useful and lighter

General Comments
Don't get me wrong, I'm writing this review on a Macbook Pro, so it must do something right, and it does. The computer has all of the usual Apple advantages - style of both software and hardware, foolproof set up and ease of use.



But it's a computer that's waiting for the industry to catch up. It's called "Pro", but in the main professional markets where Apple retains a presence, the all-important software hasn't yet been rewritten for the Intel processor. In short, Adobe CS II suite currently runs in emulation and runs like a dog. When doing real work with InDesign 4.0.4, I find the Macbook struggles at maybe half the performance of the little flat-panel RISC-processor iMacs, let alone a desktop G5. It's a problem that Apple are only too aware of, and it's noticeable that the changeover of the desktop G5's to the Intel platform has been delayed to let the software catch up.



So the only "Pro" applications that can make use of all that "Pro" processing power are severely hampered by not actually running at "Pro" speeds right now.



Does it get a recommendation? Yes, certainly if you want it for all the home computer tasks that Apple are so strong in. The iLife/iTunes/iPhoto suite may be all the software you need. One of the huge minuses to running OS X platform at home - losing the huge pool of Windows software and games - has been overcome by the ability to now run Windows as well, though actually setting that up is harder than an Apple owner might think. Best leave it to your dealer as part of the sale deal.



But for "Pro" use, in graphics, media, video or music you may see no advantage over an RISC-processor Mac until Intel-native releases of the software come along in 2007.