When I first heard that Apple was going to hold a Laptop event in October, I had no plans on getting a new laptop. However once they came out, I couldn't resist. This is mainly because it finally seemed like the perfect compromise in Apple laptops.
I had been wishing and waiting for a 13.3" MacBook Pro. The fact is that a 15" MacBook Pro was simply too large and too heavy. The MacBooks were underpowered and not quite as sexy. But then the new 2.4 Ghz Aluminum MacBook was announced, and I was smitten.
For me it is ideal. Small (not quite as small as the Air, of course) and powerful.
So, I took the plunge and got one of the new top-of-the-line Aluminum MacBooks. So far, so good! Now on to some specific features...
Fit & Finish
The round corners are a welcome change, and the unibody enclosure make it feel much more sturdy and compact when compared the old MacBook Pro. I always felt like the 15" MBP felt like it could break in half, so thats a welcome change. Of course it's larger and heavier than the Air, but so far I haven't been that phased by it. All the similarities in look and feel seem to be making up for the extra 1.5 lbs.
Screen
There have been some pretty strong complaints about the screen. It is certainly shiny. I ordered an anti-glare screen protector just incase, but I haven't felt the need to use it yet. Yet I do have to admit I am wondering what the long-term effects might be to my eyes...
Touchpad
The trackpad for the most part has been a non-issue for me. I was already well accustom to the whole idea of tapping and not clicking most of the time. I tend to only tap with my 4 fingers and only click with my thumb. So for me, it pretty much feels the same. So far I haven't noticed any clicking issues with the trackpad yet, but I don't always click, so...
The new gestures are pretty awesome and well thought out. The trouble I have is remembering to use them. After so many years using a trackpad without them, its going to be difficult to adjust. However, considering how second-nature two-finger scrolling is to me now, I'm sure it would be too long before I'm using the four-finger gestures all of the time.
Keyboard
Perhaps my favorite thing about my old MacBook Air was the keyboard. Luckily, the new Macbooks have the same keyboard, which is easily the best keyboard I've ever used. Bonus #1: the keyboard lights up! Those of us that had the old 12" PowerBooks will understand how cool this is. It was the only PowerBook on the block without the lit keyboard. I really appreciate that Apple has added it in. Bonus #2: the keys on the new black keyboards don't seem to smudge like the old MacBook Pro keys. That was such a pain in the neck. So, big win on the keybaord.
I haven't gotten a chance yet to extensively test the video card yet. I've used Photoshop for a few moments without any issue, though. Compared to the Air, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be happy. Plus, with the extra RAM (4 gigs) and storage (320 gigs) I am in a bit of upgrade heaven.
The only thing I've had any issue with is actually the MagSafe power adapter, and it isn't really an issue. It seems to detach from the laptop more easily than MagSafe adapters I've had in the past, but it certainly isn't a deal breaker.
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