24 hours with the Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro

Ah yes, finally Apple has released the first revision of the Intel-based MacBook Pro. It's an update I've been waiting for and I wasted no time getting one from the St. Louis Apple Store. This is not a full review of the new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro, but more of a first impression. I'll add that this is the first time that I've really sat down for more than a few minutes with any of the new Intel Macs. I should also add that my primary Mac has been a 1 GHZ 12" PowerBook (768 MB of RAM) purchased in late 2003 so that's what I'm comparing it to. I've also been using the 1.6 GHZ G5 iMac (1 GIG of RAM) though I use the iMac less often.

My MacBook Pro is the base model, 2.16 GHZ Core 2 Duo and 1 GIG of RAM. My first reaction was not at all surprising: WOW. This is one very fast machine. FAST! Tasks such as opening a RapidWeaver site that previously took 15-20 seconds, now take only 2-3 seconds. Most applications open up in 1 bounce. It is a bit bizarre to look up at MenuMeters and see 2 processor indicators! Thus far I've been using my usual apps: Safari, Vienna, iChat, Mail, iCal, Remote Desktop, iTunes, RapidWeaver, Smultron, FileMaker Pro, and iPhoto. Most of those are open at this very moment and the computer is cool and silent. What I've seen as that the processors are each staying at 7% or less. Compare that to the 12" PowerBook which had the processor consistently at 15 -35%. I have yet to notice the fan kick in. Lots of folks have discussed the heat generated by the MacBook and the MacBook Pro. I have no doubt that there are certain tasks that would kick the processor up and the fan would indeed come on but for my normal, day-to-day work I'm enjoying a rather cool MBP!

The keyboard is very nice and seems to be identical to the 12" PowerBook with the exception of the very cool background light. I wish there was a way to adjust when the background light comes on though. As it is it comes on in low light which means it is on quite alot. I'd rather it only come on in very low light. The speakers are very nice for a laptop though I don't expect to use them too often as I'll be using the old PB, now attached to the television and sound system as me media hub. The screen is bright and oh so nice! Not a single dead or stuck pixel. Last but not least is the built in iSight camera which is quite cool. We will eventually get a highspeed connection out in these woods and when we do I intend to use the iSight for video iChats with clients. At the moment the camera is, at the very least, fun to use with Photo Booth. I'd imagine that it would also prove useful for anyone interested in a videocast.

I have yet to notice any kind of exterior blemish or irregularity on the case of the MBP. The wireless connection to my Airport Express seems to be equal to that of the 12" PowerBook. I won't comment on battery life as I've not had enough time to condition/callibrate the battery.

The experience thus far: fantastic.


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