Contemplating on making a jump to MacBook Pro

Hi there,

I am currently using pc but am thinking of upgrading my laptop to MacBook Pro. But would like to find out few things from those who have used the newly updated MBP.

how long does the battery last? as my current one only lasts 20 mins!! and its only just over 2 years old...

i hear a bit about its hot/warm temperature while using over a long period of time... how hot are we talking about?

and what would you recommend for the finish on the screen? matt finish or gloss?? the purpose of the laptop is to run some architectural programes such as archicad and autocad as i am an architect.....

some comments on these matters would be much appreciated.

thanks.

 

I went from a Dell Inspiron 9300 which is 17" and also had a 1920 x 1200 screen, it had a glossy finish, on my 17" MBP with the hi res screen I went with matte - I like the matte better. No glare is soooo nice for me. As far as heat goes, it does get warm at the back (near the hinge of the screen) but mine doesn't get too hot, some have reported they do though. Depending on what you are doing and the configuration of the machine, battery time will vary - figure 3-5 hours depending.

 

Right... well thanks for that information...
I am hoping to go and have a look at the shop to purchase it any day now! well will either be tomorrow or the next day at max....
cant hardly wait.. but would appreciate your thoughts on matt or glossy...
the current laptop i have now is glossy but was wondering how good matt is... ?? as i will be mainly using it for doing architectural programmes and photoshop images....

and battery life???

 

I'm wondering the exact same thing you are and I plan to order later today also. I've heard that matte finish is better for editing/design programs because glossy can be a bit deceiving with its colors. The glare thing is a big issue too, one of the reasons I'm really considering matte. I hope this helps your decision somewhat.

 

yeah i agree with you... i am planning on buying matte screen... however i cant seem to be able to get it just this time round... as i am in australia at the mo on holiday and was hoping to get it while i am on holiday... in order to make the most of exchange rates but there are none available at the mo... so am not too sure! if i dont get it now.. i will probably get it during xmas when i am back in australia..... sigh... fingers crossed that its here tomorrow!!

 

Hey everyone...
I somehow managed to get hold of a shop on friday and got myself a BRAND SPANKING NEW MBP!!!!
its so good... i am so in love with the new top of mine... am getting used to the whole new environment and enjoying every second of it...
am waiting for my windows to get delivered to try out the bootcamp....
but for now... the switch has been great!
awesome battery life....
and the lcd screen is a beauty! and also its so fast!

any comments??

 

LED screen ; )

 

Yeah, it's a great time to buy. My new 2.4 Ghz whooped up on my old 2.33 MBP with about twice the frame rates in Oblivion. Though you did not mention it in your list of priorities, there are probably some gamers out there interested in my findings. The glossy screen is so bright compared to my 2.33 hz that I turn it down a few notches. Fabulous.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o41/AshleyT99/GoldieRedo2.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o41/AshleyT99/TRINITY10.jpg

 

damnn shes hella fine ; )

 

i hope this is ok to post in because i did not want to create another thread. but i am also looking for my first laptop for college and i was considering a sony fz that just came out because i am somewhat of a gamer... but ive been hearing so many good things about macs that i may just want to get one. could someone explain the parallels or bootcamp program? i play games such as halo and flight simulator and i am wondering if those games would be possible to play on a mac. any comments are appreciated!!

 

These games can be played through Boot Camp or Parallels.

The difference between Boot Camp and Parallels is that one boots Windows natively and the other boots Windows inside Mac OS X.

Boot Camp allows you to use your Mac exactly like a PC. Parallels is slightly different because in Parallels you use Windows in a window on Mac OS X. This is good because some like to use a program in Mac and another program in Windows at the same time. However, running Parallels requires more resources than running Windows via Boot Camp, because the computer has to run Windows virtually while running Mac OS X.

I'd say if you're going to play those games on a Mac, go with Boot Camp over Parallels. You won't need as much power that way.

Basically this is Boot Camp:



And this is Parallels:



So you see how Parallels runs Windows in a Window inside Mac OS X, while Boot Camp runs Windows natively, like any other PC.

Original Poster

The MacBook Pro will have at least 3 hours of battery life, I'm not sure of the actual amount but it will last you quite a while.

The temperature may get warm, but only when plugged in. When its not plugged in the MacBook Pro doesn't get very warm. I've heard this from multiple accounts.

I'd recommend matte screen over glossy screen for your tasks...you can work in more places, such as outside or in the office without reflections, and you can see the "true" colour you used, rather a nicer colour that glossy created for you.

 

thank you so much for that reply. i think i am really hooked on a macbook pro! so that means i would have to buy a version of windows? and with bootcamp... do i have a choice between booting up windows or osx? also, do you think bootcamp makes the mac slower while running or you cant tell a difference?

 

Yes, you hold down a key (I'm not sure, I think its the Option key) while your Mac is starting up, and it will bring up two icons, one for Mac OS X and one for Windows. Just pick the one you want. If you don't hold down that key while starting up the Mac then it will just boot into Mac OS X.

And running Windows natively won't slow down the Mac. All the resources are basically concentrated on running Windows, so it won't run slower.

And if you have any more questions I'd say start a thread . We shouldn't divert away from the original post. Thanks!

 

thanks for that info!! i actually have one now...and am a proud switcher!! and love every moment of it thus far! its great! dont know why i did not get this earlier! hehehe...
the temperature has not been a problem so far and as for the battery life... its been great... easily over 4.5 hours... although this depends on how you use the laptop and the type of work you are using it for... so far so good!

now have to wait till the launch of iphone! although for me...will have to wait till next year as i live in good old nz!

 

Congrats scho047! Mac OS X is full of keyboard shortcuts...you should look at this "database" to familiarize yourself with different keyboard shortcuts:

http://guides.macrumors.com/Keyboard_shortcuts

Enjoy your new Mac!

 

hey Sam... thank you for that info! much appreciated

 

no, actually it is an LCD screen as the prior poster stated.

the backlight is done with LEDs.

 

Do as the pointer sisters have done before you and "Make the jump"
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the boot camp on my new mbp is just amazing... its running to smooth and fast that i cant really believe it! hehehe..
have to say i am over th moon with the switch i have made...
and recomemend it to anyone who is considering such a move

 

Which screen did you get in the end? Matt or Glossy?

 

hi, i got matte at the end... as it was best opyion for me at the end of the day and uts amazing