Convince me to get an MBP 13

This is hilarious. I never thought I would be considering a Mac. I actually considered myself a Mac hater for a while.

But I'm kind of fed up with all this PC stuff. I was inches away from buying a totally specced out Dv6t with an SSD, ATI 5650, backlit keyboard... for around $1030 with a $300 coupon. And look at that, hours before buying it, the coupon dried up. And let me tell you, I got pretty pissed.

And now I'm looking at the Macbook Pro 13. Way lower specced.. but it's quite attractive to me.

Here are my needs for a computer, in order of importance:

1. It's gotta be slim 'n sexy. Small enough to take around with me to class, and it should look good and have good build quality.
2. The screen. It's gotta be a nice screen. I'm going to be using Photoshop and doing web design. I'm used to higher resolution screen (1680x1050 on a 15").. so the 1280x800 is gonna be a game changer for sure. Otherwise though, I'll just be using the internet and listening to music.
3. It should be pretty snappy.. kinda bummed about no i5 / SSD.
4. Reasonable price.
5. 2 games: Starcraft II and Civilization 5. I'm fine playing on medium settings.. so the 320m should handle these okay.

I have a sweet gaming laptop right now.. that I plan on selling really soon. I've realized I don't really game anymore.

What do you guys think? I know you're all probably biased.. but there is nothing that costs $1099 (with student discount) that's as small, sexy, with as good of build quality and as long of battery life as the MBP 13. But I'm sacrificing some performance and screen resolution.

I could just get a Dm4t from HP for cheaper with Core i5, and a slightly higher res screen.

 

Looks like you did your homework but left one question out: do you plan on using the Mac OS X Snow Leopard operating system?

Sidenote: It's not a good idea to have others try to "convince" you to get something. The final choice is yours, and instead you should stick with getting as many facts you'll need to make a sound decision.

 

Well it kind of dawned on me that what I might be looking for could just be a Mac. My friend brought his new Macbook Pro 13 over and I used it.. and it just felt nice. The keyboard felt great (my current laptop's is terrible), the multitouch actually worked, and the screen looked pretty nice.

I would be considering the Asus U30 line, but they just simply don't seem as well built.. not as good keyboards, screen.. etc.

Yeah, I don't really plan on using Windows. Completely switching everything, including all my trusted programs.

For the HP Dm4t, for example.. some peoples' get really hot, some have an issue with the sound, some build quality issues. I feel like those are much less common with a Mac. When I get it, I want it to work without doubt. It also ships much quicker.. 24hours instead of a week?

 

You could also take a look at the Envy series from HP if you hadn't already. The 14" is basically specced the same as the DV6T and starts at $1100 (minus the CPU upgrade I would do). If you're willing to go up a size, you could also look at the Envy 15, so much more hardware packed into the frame with a 1920x1080 screen for only $1425 (but you do lose the internal DVD drive, as configured is with the external). I'm sure you could also find a coupon to bring that down a few $$$ or try talking to a rep.

 

Macbook + Windows = suck

Envy 14 + Windows = BEAST

 

Already had an Envy 15.. really don't need the power, and it got hot on the bottom from doing practically nothing.

I'm sort of considering the Envy 14.. but it is basically the same size as the Envy 15. I'd wait for reviews / coupons for it.

My Envy 15 bricked within 2 weeks.. I think I trust Apple a bit more than HP.

the 13" size + small form factor is appealing.

I don't mind switching to OS X. Honestly. Both Starcraft II and Civ 5 are probably coming to OS X anyways.

 

I see, so you're looking to jump ship from Windows completely it seems. In that light, Starcraft 2 and Gal Civ should run fine on the MBP 13.

In terms of screen resolution, I agree that the MBP 13's is a bit limiting. To give a perspective, I'm a software developer and I wished that the MBP 13 had a higher resolution screen... something like 1440x900 would be perfect for me. However, I bought the MBP 13 for portability, and I'm usually around a monitor of some sort to plug in to if I need more screen real-estate.

You might want to consider a higher resolution screen when doing Photoshop and web design stuff though. The MBP 15 would be more ideal for using those.

 

Envy 14 vs. MBP 13 now.

With student discount, Envy 14 is $1,069.68 with tax and $30 rebate. It's got a i5-450m, 1600x900 screen (huge plus), ATI 5650 for gaming...

MBP 13 is $1,099.99 but with a free iPod touch.. though only 1280x800 screen, Core 2 Duo, and nVidia 320m.

This just got more difficult :/ They're both sexy.. but Envy is 5.2 lbs vs. 4.5, but almost as thin.

But you know what you're getting with the MBP13.. the Envy 14 is still mysterious.

 

Check the Envy14's Owner's thread. See the first posts as it has some good info compiled from several posters. There's also video and pics. Ought to help you make a decision. Plus you can ask Q's in the thread. It's very active and they've been debating MBP v. E14 recently.

 

Well battery life seems quite.. iffy right now. Envy 14 is looking at 4hrs (though no confirmation). MBP has a solid 8 hours at least.

If the MBP had a higher res screen.. like 1440x900, this would be no contest. Although, the actual pixel densities don't seem too different actually.. 1280x800 on a 13.3" screen vs. 1600x900 on 14.5" screen.

I'm just thinking for web design and art.. I don't really know what's adequate. I'm used to 1680x1050... but having a lower resolution screen could make it easier to design for the masses because most people don't have higher res laptop screens yet.

Lap heat is another concern of mine.. MBP 13 seems fine unless doing intensive tasks, but no real word for the Envy yet. The 21 day return policy worked wonders for me with my Envy 15.. something the MBP doesn't have unfortunately.

 

In real life usage for normal web browsing and music, you can't beat the MBP 13. Multitouch is the MOST UNDERRATED feature I've come across. I use it SOOO much more than I thought I would.

It is one of those features once you use, you'll take for granted and once its gone, you'll cry for mommy A LOT.

Also, free iPod AND free printer with the Mac. Could sell the iPod for $140 and printer for $50 easily. AND...HELL FREAKING YES IT LOOKS SEXY as HELL.

And if you are worried about performance, you can upgrade to SSD.
Core2Duo + SSD >> Core i3/i5 + Normal Drive

 

What state do you live in? You could get the 13" off of Amazon for $1140 with no tax. I would say that $30-40 in savings is worth a few days of waiting.

If you're truly worrying about those things, you should look into the Envy 14. It's going to be more powerful than any of the MBPs and any other HP consumer laptop. Also, the Radiance screen (1600x900 res, 14.5 inches) is supposedly kick-.

 

I'll keep playing with my friends Macbook Pro tomorrow and see if that's really what I want/need.

The Envy is tempting because if I like it, I keep it. But if I don't, then refund -> Macbook Pro time. But I could get the Mac sooner... plus I have an itch that the MBP is less likely to fail over time. Plus OS X would be a nice change / different programs to play with

I'll do a weighted tally:

Size: Macbook Pro +1
Sexiness: Tie
Battery: Macbook Pro +2
Screen: Envy 14 +2 (resolution-wise)
Keyboard: Tie
Touchpad: Macbook Pro +1
Performance: Envy 14 +2
Build quality: Macbook Pro +.5
Returns: Envy 14 +.5
Webcam + mic: Macbook Pro +.5
Gaming: Envy 14 +1

Urgh. I guess it really does depend what I need.

 

I just really want a product that is well-rounded. All PCs have a tendency to do a few things well and a few things badly. I would like a laptop that is good in all areas, but it doesn't need to outperform everything on the market. I'm willing to pay a premium for that well-roundedness.

 

I would get the Macbook Pro 15 if it weren't so expensive. That'd be ideal.. if it were $1200-1300 I'd be all over that. 330m perfect for my needs, 15" 1680x1050 screen.. thin and light. Man.

I'm just not yet sure how much I need the higher resolution / ability to play video games.. I've pretty much stopped recently, but I don't know if that will pick up again or not. Actually if I got a Mac, I'd certainly be less tempted to play games when I should be studying. Blessing or a curse.. hmm.

 

I'm in the same boat. I want the MBP quality, but the 13" screen is just a little low. If i could get the 15" MBP w/ 1080p screen for $1500 id be all over that. Drop another $400 on a good Intel 160gb SSD and have everything i want for under 2grand.

 

one more thing to note about gaming on the mac - the performance / hardware ratio is worse than on windows, so if you are using snow leopard for SC2, for example, you will need to lower the settings to keep the framerate high compared to running it on windows.

not that big of a deal, but something to note. i would STILL say jump on the mac. i prefer OS X to windows any day of the week.

 

The 15" is very ideal for you. Why don't you just save up a little more?

The 13" is $1099. You can get the 15" with the new Core i5 for $1699 brand new or $1529 refurbed! You'll be much happier for your needs.

 

$999 @ Microcenter until July 18th if you have one near you. hell of a price for the 2.4C2D with 320m. I've been debating between a MBP and an Envy 14 as well. Right now I have a sorta gaming laptop and I too realized I don't game as much now. Aside from WoW every othe month and SCII, I won't be requiring much gaming.. I've left my Xbox360 in the dust, but I realize I could just use that and get a laptop that would suit my other needs even better.

I'm with you on the 13" form factor. 14.5 still seems a bit large for me LOL I know pathetic, but I'm on an M11x now so there's a big difference. I owned the UMB when it first released and loved it. the ONLY reason I switched was for gaming. I got that good part of gaming out of me, and now I don't even game as much, so a MBP seems like a reasonable purchase. now with steam on mac and the "decent" 320m I could play a couple blizzard games ok.

Also I am thinking I should limit my gaming anyway since I may be starting up grad school in August.. already applied, just waiting. So it should be a responsibility thing since I don't use CPU/GPU power for much else.

 

This man speaks the truth! It makes me sad to go back to my windows pc and have to always hit the spacebar or page down key

To the OP I think your in a dilly of a pickle. You want so much from one machine it is tough to say what will really work the best for you.

 

Well fact is, I'm not sure exactly what I will need in the future. The Macbook Pro is perfect for writing papers, bringing to class, looking sexy, and the multitouch is plenty nice to use. The touchpad on the Envy 14 is wayy outclassed.. I remember rather disliking the Envy 15 touchpad.

However, I'm not sure yet how limiting the resolution or power will be, yet. I'm not sure yet if I'm going to get into gaming again, or how much resolution I'll need for web design and art. I'm very used to 1680x1050.

Though right now I'm using my mom's computer and it's 1280x800.. and I've been using it in lieu of my laptop, and I seem to be fine.

I'll try out my friends Macbook Pro some more tonight and see what I think.

I also am digging that $999 deal from Microcenter.. I have one right by my house, so I may just pick one up. Beats the student discount (though no iPod touch..) and I can have it tomorrow. Decisions decisions.. I wonder if they'll let me demo one

 

if you go to the apple store you get $100 off for being a student but you have to pay up front for the ipod touch and get a rebate later if that matters to you. so in the long run you'll save $100. But me, I'm having my brother PM me a MBP from Microcenter at Best Buy and ship me the MBP since I don't need ipod and it saves me $100 off the student discount. And I think it's pretty much final, as I'm leaving the PC world again and my gaming habits..

 

Hmm... I may pick it up tomorrow after work AFTER I ship off my old laptop

 

I had been considering the dm4t, envy 14, and MBP 13"

Sticking with Macbook because...

=I won't be gaming
=unbeatable, flush battery
=slip-in-a-backpack design
=I love Windows, but I think Mac OS X performs better for the simple student
=clickpad is second to none
=HP.... I don't trust their build-quality. At least, not yet. I will say that they have been turning it around recently.(if I were to go Windows, I'd go Thinkpad)
=Mac just really nailed the student demographic.

I would love Beats Audio, the extra ports, and extra graphics kick. But, I'll just have to make due with my peace-of-mind. Just my two cents

 

Well I'm almost definitely picking it up after work.. $999 from Microcenter is too good to beat. Sure I don't get an iPod touch, but I wouldn't use it, since I only use the shuffle.

 

For your needs I'd go with the macbook. Its even better if you can save up for a 15'' - the resolution difference is important.

As a side note, I haven't heard anything but I assume Civ V will not be on mac right away, going by past history. As others have said, Starcraft 2 runs worse on OSX (I have confirmed this as well).

 

Well I'd rather just get the smaller option. If I were to get a MBP 15.. honestly I'd probably just get the Envy 14. Costs less, more powerful, and similar everything else (except battery life). The MBP 13 is... $600-700 cheaper, smaller, and less powerful. Worth it IMO.

 

I'm having the same dillema here, except it is between the Asus U30JC and the MacBook Pro.

The thing that still makes me consider the MBP is that more durable battery with that "Adaptive Charging" thing, that Apple says it lasts up to 3x what the normal Lithium-Ion batteries do (not in battery life, but in lifespan). I'm just paranoid about batteries, and I would like to use it a lot unplugged, and Apple would make me feel more comfortable when doing that.

Maybe I'm just choosing it recklessly, because the MBP is way more expensive.

 

Considering the fact that the $1900 macbook (Screen upgrade) is a much, much better computer I would highly recommend starting there if you want to go Mac. The 13inch macbook is just not build well enough to me to warrant the high markup on the lackluster specs. The 13inch screen resolution is also lackluster (which you mentioned was important).

Also keep in mind no laptop screen is "good" for serious web/graphic design. I would highly suggest investing in a $400-500 or so 24inch professional monitor if you are serious about it. In fact the computer's speed or graphics really mean little. Your much better off getting a $700-800 pc and spending $500 on a good monitor than shelling out $1000+ for a mac 13, all things considered.

Don't get me wrong, but the 15inch macs with SSDs and the i5s are beautifully built machines with speed to back it up. Few PCs can match that form factor. But I don't think the 13inch is guna cut if for your needs. The 13inch is attractive but its more "budget" than the rest of the macs, to put it in simple terms. If I were you I'd ether save up for a 15inch, or get a PC. And I'd definitely consider the external monitor if you are serious about graphic and web design. Plus its just looks sweet on your desk.

Macs are great high end form factor laptops, but not really ideal if your on a budget. I own a 13inch macbook (2008), but only because I also have a desktop with two 24inchers. The 13inch is really nice for portability, but I couldn't imagine having that as my only computer, especially trying to do coding/graphic work on it! If its your only computer, I highly suggest a 15inch laptop, its a good compromise of screen size and portability.

 

Too late.. just bought it, sans regret. 15 inch costs too much, and the 13 will definitely be fast enough for me. It's more for college and portability than anything else.

 

Congrats! Hope you'll love the MBP 13 just as much as I do. Some minor annoyances that I fixed once I got my MBP:

1. COMMAND + C + V for copy&paste... Fixed it by going to System Preferences and then under Keyboard then Key modifiers...CHANGED IT TO CTRL + C + V !!!

2. Under mouse settings, I changed it so I can tap the mouse pad without pressing it physically down to make a selection.

3. Turned off the auto brightness. It was annoying when it constantly changed around. One second it was cloudy, the next it was sunny so it kept changing. Hurt my poor eyes!

 

Agreed with the Control-C thing.. command is not pinky accessible

I like the clicking.. so I'll keep that.

Auto-brightness is something I even noticed as annoying on my friends MBP 13. Already off.

 

Congrats on pulling the trigger. Best wishes with your new kit.

 

I wish that I could do the same, but I have sipped on the 15" Kool-aid. I wish could convince myself to buy the 13" right now rather than wait 3 weeks in order to save enough money up for the 15".

 

I think it is better if you have money to get the 15". The processor and graphics card are well worth it.

 

Question: the bottom cover on the middle-left area has some flex even with pretty light pressure.. I can press on it and it makes a tapping sound when it hits whatever stops it. The right side doesn't have this unless with a lot of pressure... is this normal? I've read online that the bottom should be pretty solid, and it doesn't really feel like it.

 

congrats on the purchase, i got the 2009 late model 13 MBP and i couldn't be happier with my purchase, converted apple mac user for life

 

Me too. I just don't see myself buying another PC forever. My MBP 13" will be replaced when a new generation of MBP 13" arrives.

I might consider trading up to a new MBP 13" if Apple includes a Core i3. Other than that, I will wait until they do something major because in the mean time, the 2010 unibody is great.

 

why would you be pressing in on the bottom? your probably puting too much pressure on the fan and stopping it.

 

As Steve Jobs would say:

"Don't push it there"

 

A bit late to this discussion, but no-one mentioned that HP have had the worst reliability rating of all the major laptop manufacturers for the last two years, so if you want it to keep working for a while, you made a good choice by steering clear of HP.

I love my new MBP, it may not be as hyper-fast as some, but it sure seems fast enough to me, and I can get an SSD if I feel its lacking by next year. And the colours/brightness on the display are far better than any other PC I tried recently, despite the modest resolution.

And finally, there's that battery, I just don't worry about running out of juice any more, no need to carry a power brick around!

 

Well I read that some people actually have this issues, and others don't. Fact is, if I buy a new laptop, it shouldn't feel flimsy like this. Some people said their MBP 13s feel completely solid on the bottom. Mine doesn't.

If I lift the computer up with both hands, the left hand makes it flex and creak. That's not an abnormal amount of pressure.. hell it's pretty normal, since people lift their laptops up a lot. I'll take it into an Apple store and see what they can do about it, because this is pretty silly. Actually I may just remove the bottom myself first and see if I can reseat a pad or something.

 

Agreed. You paid for a solid laptop. Just remove the bottom and reseat it. Make sure it is fitted back properly. If the issue occurs again, just bring it to Apple Store.

I would advise NOT to tell them that you took off the back. Say that you noticed this flex randomly. Telling them you took off the back will make them think you did something bad in which case they might say it is your fault and they won't fix it.

 

Just FYI, for gaming on native resolution, the Envy 14 performs about the same as the 13" Macbook.

 

really? where's the source for this? also which games were tested?

 

Anecdotal testing with a friend's mobile 5650 at 1600x900. Games ran a little better on the ATI card at the same settings but the difference wasn't really noticeable.

 

ah that's really interesting. maybe i'll get the mbp 13 then. what sorts of games were you testing? (like MMOs, RTS, FPS, old, new etc)

 

You only need to ask yourself 3 questions.

1. Do you need or use flash on a regular basis.
2. Does a hot running laptop bother you.
3. Most importantly, do you play games.

If you answer no to all 3 questions then there is no reason not to get a Mac. They are the three major issues with the hardware / software.

 

I don't necessarily agree with 1 or 3. For the most part, Apple has fixed the battery issues involving Flash. As for 3, you can just install windows.

 

I guess the third question should be reconstructed as:
Do you wish to play any of the latest games/play games on a regular basis?

Windows does run smooth (i've got Windows 7 running at the moment), but the laptop does get hot in the Windows environment without turning up the fan.