How much do you love your MBP 13"??

Here's my dilemna.. I've been pining over the Macbook Pro 13" for a while now. Even before it's re-release earlier this year. My first Mac was in '06 when I got the black macbook as a freshman in college. But after about a year I just couldn't take how slow it was running and got a Toshiba. That laptop is dead now -.- I have a great PC desktop but I needed a laptop to carry to classes so I was looking into [FOR ABOUT 2 WKS STR8] MBP 13, HP ENVY 14, HP DM4 AND HP DV6. But today, I took the plunge and purchased the mbp @ micro center for $999. Now it's sitting in it's box taunting me because I'm sorry but I'm still not sure if I want to keep it. I made sure with MC that they would take a return and they said they would w/o a restocking fee so long as it isn't open.

My question to you guys is... how much do you love your MBP 13 [base] ? Aesthetically, I think it's beautiful.. hence the fact that I was pining over it for so long. Initially I was gonna get the 15" with some better specs but my budget now is only ~$1100 which is why I have to settle for the 13" base. But for the same money I could get an HP Envy with much better specs. And at this point, my options have narrowed down to either the envy or the mbp bc I want quality and since the envy is HP's "premier' line it trumps the dm4 and dv6.

In case you're wondering what I would need to do on the laptop, just your basic stuff... notes, writing, fB, Hw (international business and bio major), youtube, and photo work as my hobby is photography (photoshop). Oh and chatting... but I must say that I am a multi-tasking wh0re so I like to have multiple windows open and switch around. Can the mbp handle that?

Here's the specs for the HP envy 14:

• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-520M Dual Core processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.93GHz
• 6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI] - For Dual Core Processors
• 14.5" diagonal HD+ HP Radiance Infinity LED Display (1600x900)
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support (Slot Load)
• HP TrueVision HD Webcam and Dual Digital Integrated Microphones [For Radiance Infinity Display]
• Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
• Corel(R) PaintShop Photo(TM) Pro X3 + Corel(R) VideoStudio(R) Pro X3
• Backlit Keyboard
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
• No additional security software
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

Don't expect anyone to say they hate their machines. Ultimately, it's up to you. Do you want the higher specs? Do you want Windows? Do you want OSX? Are you willing to learn a new OS? Do you want lesser specs?
What's important to you? Do you want to sacrifice power for portability or portability for power (although the Envy is pretty portable).

The Envy will do all the things the MacBook does. Some things better than others. Mac-Enhanced applications will inherently run better on a Mac (though there's not many apps out there that the usual person uses).

I'm told Photoshop starts faster on a Mac but can't say from experience. It starts in 3 seconds on my machine, not sure how the Envy would do it. And besides, is it really important if the program starts in 3 seconds or 8?

Also remember that the MBP 13" is using a pretty old processor. My old laptop from 2008 has a C2D on it. Clock speeds aside, that's ancient for technology. The i5 however is relativly new and you shouldn't expect it to be obsolete any time soon.

You'll probably be happy with either. The Envy from what I've heard is a pretty good machine.

 

I love my MacBook Pro 13 a lot - but I'm sure you'd really like your HP Envy as well! You're right, the specs on the HP Envy are better - but I would also note that for the stuff you're doing, the better specs won't be really noticeable in everyday use!

Both choices are good, and Mac OS X is something to consider in this case - do you want to use OS X? Or are you fine with Windows and would prefer to stick to it? Its all up to you, both are excellent!

 

Well, lets put up a few pro and cons with both laptops. This list isnt exhaustive btw:

MBP 13 Pro:
Battery life
Smaller footprint
Lighter
Best in class global repair coverage service
Trackpad (up to 4 finger multitouch)
AC Charger with magnetic contact (small but for me it is a plus)

Envy 14:
Screen is incredible
Power in all categories


take note however, that in this comparison the points dont mean the same, so even tho the envy only has 2 "pros" compared to the MBP13 doesnt mean it is worse, some people value those 2 pros the highest. plus some of the MBP13 pros may be minor.

Really, it is a question of portability vs power, will u need to move around a lot and use the computer without access to charger or without an external mouse? Then go MBP13, if u only plan on having it sitting at home then go Envy 14.

I have consciously ignored the 2 different operating systems cause for the OP uses it has minimal consequence on his usability of the machine.

 

I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be happy with the MBP based on your uses. You already have some experience with OS X And it has improved quite a bit since your first MB. The MB is able to multi task quite nicely with expose and spaces using the touch pad is great. It looks like you are mostly concentrating on the looks of the MB which is not a good reason to buy and most likely why you are having second thoughts. You seemed happy with the toshiba so I'm sure the HP would be fine for you. There is more to a system than specs or looks so you really need to think about what is important to you.

 

Apple still does the magnetic power cord thing? That's a cool feature. The power plug wouldn't wear out after a few years like on my Dell.

 

I picked mine up from MC as well, but $899 it was an open box, looks and smells brand spanking new. I LOVE the hardware. I had an Envy15, as nice as it was for a PC there's still a certain bit of cheesiness to it (the bezel, the cheap sound it makes when you close the screen, the cheap looking and feeling bumpers that protect the screen, just to nitpick a couple of build quality related stuff). The MBP beats it quite handily in build quality.

If you don't have a specific program that's only in Windows, and are just doing regular tasks you listed, crack open that MBP and start enjoying it. OS X along with that awesome MBP touchpad is a joy to use for those everyday tasks. Windows' Aero task-switching is a joke compared to Expose. Task-switching with the four-finger Expose gesture is a joy in OS X. This is coming from a Windows guy (I still prefer Windows for the things I do, things I do on the PC I can't stand doing in OS X).

 

Engadget seems to like the Envy 14" . Except for a few complaint they said its a pretty good system.

 

If i was looking for a portable game system, I'd look heavily at the Envy... but I wouldn't give up my MBP 13"er, I love this machine.

 

To answer your question, yes it does! Has saved me a few times from a destroyed laptop, hehe!

 

You get so much more with that HP than the MacBook Pro that the MBP shouldn't even be a consideration.

I have the 2008 unibody MacBook. The system that eventually got rebranded "MacBook Pro". Before that I had two plastic MacBooks that got replaced due to build quality issues. Even this Mac had an issue with an optical drive firmware update in December killing it. Apple took care of it.

I've had a Mac now for about 3 and a half years. I wouldn't buy another one. For the same amount of money as a Mac, you can get so much more. Just look at the specs you posted.

The fact that you'd get Core i5 and dedicated graphics means that the HP will last well beyond the Mac's usable life. Don't forget that the Core 2 Duo line is now 4 years old, even if it has been revised throughout its life. Do you really want to spend so much money on such old and now weak technology when you could have something significantly more powerful that will have a much longer useful lifespan?

Like I said before, I've had a Mac now for about 3 and a half years. I would not buy another one. You just don't get your moneys worth out of it.

I do love my other Apple products though. I love my iPhone 4 (got it launch day, stood in line for 5 hours, never again). I love my iPad even though the lack of multi-tasking is really starting to kill it for me.

 

I'd say your experience isnt the norm. Didn't you buy a Mac because HP was fixing your new PC for the umpteenth time? Did you buy after hard research to see if a Mac was right for you or on a whim while pissed at HP? The reason I ask is that decisions made without much thought usually result in remorse.

The Envy has great specs and seems like a better match as the OP seems fixated on them. Perhaps purchasing a Mac wasn't thought out well there either.

 

@SauronMos: It'll take a while longer for the C2D to be considered weak. The fact that you think it now shows a lot more about your consumerism and your ability to be manipulated by Intel than it does your understanding of the C2D and i5 processors.

Obviously the i5 is the better processor between the two, but if C2D is now considered weak, than it'll take a year or less for the i5 to be considered weak as well (Sandy Bridge anyone?). Don't believe in the hype between the processing power between the two. It's not a Pentium D to C2D kind of difference. Just because something new came out doesn't mean the (relatively) old product isn't effective.

 

+1

Totally agree with this assessment. i5/i7 is merely just hip for the electronic consumer/computer enthusiasts.

 

photoshop on small screens very is annoying. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if you were just putting a curves adjustment layer down.. or something simple like that, but for full fledged work in photoshop both screens are way to small for me.

Also, my 2006 macbook pro is still going strong but only because i've been able to fix it. literally a month after it went out of warranty the thing "died." Mac store said bad logic board $700 (might as well buy a new one.) Reset the power system and replaced an $11 part used to power the light in the screen and it came back to life.

Also my iphone only has one working external speaker. Has been that way from day one. Would have gone and replaced it but the apple store is about 2 hours south of here.

apple has pretty good customer service, but my experience has been it's needed because their build quality isn't all that consistent. which is something to keep in mind.

and I won't even get started on HP cause my experience with them has been even worse. (last one i bought was a pentium 4 and swore I'd never buy another)

 

I agree with the HP part. Though I probably had bad luck- and the experience for most people would generally be positive- I personally received three straight duds that prompted me to go for Apple.

 

It depends on what you are doing. If you like to game, go for the HP.
But if you want a good all day computer I'd go for the Mac in a heartbeat!
I sold my mid 09 MBP 15 cause it had that awfull sata 2 bug. Bought the HP Elitebook 8540w with core i7-720 Quad-Core, 8GB Ram, a Quadro FX 1800m and put a Intel X25m 160GB SSD in it. On paper the perfekt machine, and it was fast. I did all thinks I use without slowdowns, a wait... my old Latitude E6400 did that too... mhh... but the HP got very hot, the fan ran all the time and battery life... pfff it was more a quick battery dying any time i plugged that thing off.

To make a long story short. 95% of the time using that beast of a machine I didn't used the power. I switched to a 15" MBP 2010 with core i5 and 8GB Ram and have a cool and quiet system. I'm even thinking of switching to the 13" MBP couse I never really need the dedicated graphics and with expose and spaces I often see my external monitor unplugged 'cause with spaces I don't have to move my head and have 4 virtual monitors

But to best thing on the Mac is Mac OS. I had a hard time to get used to it. I always tried to do it the windows way, but now I discover every week something I can do so much easier by doing it the Mac-way.

It's the same with phones, there are a lot very powerful phones, but the way you can use them sets the iphone on top.

 

Although I had a hard time understanding some parts, I agree overall with what you stated. That the MBP's are one of the best options for casual uses and the occasional gaming.

However, your comparisons are hardly fair. To compare the heat output and battery life of that beast of a notebook PC to the comparably tame MBP 15" isn't accurate. Obviously with that amount of power, then heat and battery life are going to be issues. If the MBP 15" had that amount of power, it would experience heat issues and battery issues on an even grander scale than your Elitebook (on Windows).

However, a comparison between an equally spec'd notebook would be more concise. Take for example the HP Envy 14. Battery life of up to 4.5 hours under Windows 7 doing light tasks is just about or even slightly better than the MBP's battery life in Windows 7 (however, if the MBP is on OS X than obviously it'll last slightly longer).

Also, for the record, MBP's run hotter than similarly spec'd notebook PC's, which is one of the trade-offs for a quiet system (slower fan).

 

To answer the question, I think that the HP Envy that definitely do a better job for you since you dont have to re-buy all the software that you had in and screen resolution in the HP is higher than the MBP13 base, so you can be more productive.

 

How much do I love my MBP 13" ... well normally I like it for light web reading in the evening .. today I hate it as my LCD went nuts and its on its way for repair again

 

Specs aside, no-one has mentioned reliability - HP have consistently been the least reliable of the mainstream manufacturers, just google reliability reports and you'll see what I mean. So there's not a great deal of difference between the two machines, but the Apple might just last a bit longer before some major component dies. It's possible that HP have improved with the latest models, but that's quite a gamble to take isn't it?

 

Though not directly to the OP, I have somewhat mentioned the unreliability of HP in a previous post. However, reliability reports aren't always a good indication of how good a manufacturer is due to the difference in diversity amongst their product profiles. HP is the largest manufacturer in the industry, due in no small part to their expansive product profile, with a multitude of low-end laptops. This will affect overall reliability, because for obvious reasons, low-end laptops won't last as long as those that cost more. HP builds laptops for all consumer bases, and with a price range as diverse as their's, then obviously a large amount will be 'cheap', both in price and quality.

HP's performance and premium line-ups are probably less susceptible to building/shipping out DOA's and lemons. However, due to the large amount of purchasers, the amount of dissatisfied customers will increase, giving the illusion that HP laptops are unreliable. Furthermore, due to high number of customers, more complaints would be made in public forums and reviews relative to other brands that do not sell as many laptops.

*Also, HP has an excellent no-questions-asked return policy that is effective within the first 21 days you've received your laptop.

Nevertheless, HP could work on their reliability. Given that they are the world's largest manufacturer, one would think that they have worked out the kinks with bad manufacturing.

 

Apple doesn't have the best track record either. Their older computers were a joke. Up until a few years ago, owning a Mac was tragically unhip.

Even lately, with the white MacBooks, there were tons of issues with overheating and case cracking. There's whole Wiki articles on MacBook and MacBook Pro issues. So saying Apple would be any better is a bit of a stretch. They aren't perfect and now-a-days, it usually comes down to luck on whether or not you get a good computer.

The point is, don't just judge a computer by the logo.

 

Don't judge any computer based on a logo, specs, reliability or cost alone. Look at the total picture and weigh the options carefully based on your uses. Since the OP uses Windows currently there may be a cost involved in buying Mac versions of software currently being used. It all depends on if the OP was going to upgrade to a new version with the new purchase. I've also heard of some companies offering replacement or lowering the cost of buying a Mac version of software already owned. Still its something to take into consideration.

 

Dang-nabbit. I broke my broom handle.

Why do you guys always get into fights over these things?

 

Sorry boss.

 

Considering what your using the laptop for, I'd definitely say get the MBP 13. Great battery life and usability, not to mention that magnetic AC adapter (but seriously it is a nice touch).

Your not gaming or using any 3d intensive programs so you don't need the 5650 in the Envy 14. And even if you decide to game on the off chance, the 320m can pull its own weight at lower resolutions.

I love my Envy 14, but I also own a MBP 13 and I'm not gonna lie, it's a pretty darn good machine despite its outdated C2D processor. If your worried about multitasking, 4 GB RAM and you should be set. Just don't try to play like 18 flash videos at a time

 

Thanks for the input everyone.

I decided to keep the MPB 13"... and i love it so far :]

seems to be able to handle everything i'm doing-- and OS X is pretty easy to get around in.

is there somewhere i could go to learn more about tips and tricks for the mpb?? other than the apple site, i've already watched those videos.

 

You can try the Mac switcher guide at the top of the forum page.

 

Weak is subjective. If you are not a power user, once you have a core 2 duo level processor and a decent graphics card (i say this because my integrated card on a $450 HP laptop can't play streaming 1080p, only on hard drive 1080p), you will not notice the difference greatly between i5 and core 2 duo. If you play games and are a power user you will notice a great difference, it all depends on how you use your computer. For web surfing and e-mail editing the 13" MBP is equal to HP Envy till the day it dies. For gaming, etc, its at a disadvantage the day you buy it.

As far as reliability, if you get Apple Care, then the mac is "more reliable", because at least for me I could drive 10 minutes and my computer is being fixed at the Apple Store. The HP has to ship back, this is a pain. Nobody really knows what the build quality of the Envy is, HP is low ranked, BUT the Envy is their premium product. Obviously a $450 computer will be worse quality.

 

Have you tried encoding HD video on a Core 2 Duo? On my MacBook (late 2008 aluminum, Core 2 Duo 2GHz) it can take 6 hours (in some cases, considerably longer) to encode a 720p H.264 video using high quality settings in handbrake. Core i7 can do it faster than real time. Encoding 1080p H.264 with high quality settings takes twice as long. Yet Core i7 can literally do it faster than real time, still.

Ever tried watching high quality HD video in software in OS X? Once you get above a certain bit-rate the video starts to drop frames. Doesn't happen on modern AMD and Intel processors, or in Windows when the video is offloaded to the GPU.

Theres a reason why Windows offloads all the video work (not just a very specific and small subset like OS X) to the GPU and why Adobe finally added true GPU acceleration to Flash.

 

Not everyone lives near an Apple Store. I live in southern California and the closest Apple Store to me is a good 70 mile round trip.

And depending on the part that fails, either the HDD or optical drive, the two parts most likely to fail, HP/Dell/etc. will send the part to me and I can fix it myself. Apple will not.

 

Great thread. I have a Envy 14 (my first laptop) and am still in the 21 day return period, though I have still been considering a MacPro 13. I have to admit to being a closet Mac fan because of their looks and their screens, and because I had it in my head that they were really reliable. From what I've read here, it seems that Mac is really no different when it comes to problematic laptops. I really like the looks of the Mac OS, though I've never used it before, but my software is all PC based, so it could get pricey to switch over. Plus, with the BCB I get on the Envy, my laptop only cost me a little over $800 with tax. So, it looks like I'm now convinced to keep the Envy. Next time though, maybe a MacPro.

 

The Envy looks like it was the best choice for you but please don't judge Apple's or any other company's reliability based on a user or two's comments. No system or manufacturer is perfect.

 

The Envy 14 in my opinion and 1-2 hour usage is that it is a copy of the Macbook Pro. It will never be as good in my opinion though.

Often duplicated, NEVER replicated.

 

If you're going to compare, try doing it with the newest MBP's instead of comparing a 2008 model with new 2010 PC's. You'll find that six hours will be quite hard to achieve.

@chris2k5: The Envy 14 is much more capable than 1-2 hours of usage. Seeing my friends E14 and under the same conditions I would use to get slightly over six hours on Windows 7, the E14 is capable of slightly over four hours without the slice.

 

I meant over me trying out the laptop for a solid 1-2 hours. I sure hope the Envy 14 can achieve higher than 1-2 hours of battery

 

Ah, I see. My bad.

But again it all depends on the user. I tried out the E14 and it was pretty amazing. The right balance between power and portability with a good amount of battery life.

Shoddy built quality when comparing the 'premium' aesthetics between the Envy's and the MBP's though. I own an E17, and it after receiving my MBP, it just makes the Envy's feel so flimsy.

 

for everyday used + starcraft II .. AWESOME I LOVE IT !

 

Ahhh, I think possibly you took my comments the wrong way. If not for the large savings I got using BCB, I most likely would have gone with the MBP 13 at the start. And in terms of brand reliability, ALL brands will have problems at various times, and Apple is no different. Some brands/models are just worse than others. And on the various forums, there are likely many more people posting about problems they are experiencing than touting how good their machine is. Certainly, neither myself nor anyone contemplating spending $1K plus on a laptop should ever make their purchase decision based "on a user or two's comments".

 

I've had my 2010 MacBook Pro 13 when it first came out. Upgraded to the Seagate Momentus XT Hybrid drive and am totally loving it. I was actually tempted in getting the new Sony Vaio Z but I like the build quality and battery life of the MacBook Pro a lot better.

This is no doubt the best overall 13" notebook out there at the moment!

 

I'm sorry, but I just have to chime in about this last sentence. This is definitely not true for people who like to look at price/performance ratios. The ASUS 13 inchers achieve much better scores and even battery life than the Macbook Pros and cost much less. Even the Toshiba Protege R705 and even the Acer achieve better scores. I have a MBP 13 myself, and I might have to give it up for an ASUS U35JC just because it gets too hot when I use it on my lap and it becomes unbearable. This is because the entire computer acts as a heatsink. I do have to say though that the MBP screen is slightly better and same with the audio. And also...OS X is so much fun to use, although I use W7 on my desktop which has been WONDERFULLY designed...albeit copying a lot from OS X.

 

i've had my MBP 13 since december of last year, just loving it, did a 500GB hd upgrade and i couldn't be more satisfied.

IMHO, best buy for a 13incher

 

I have a 13" 2010 MBP. First time Mac buyer and I'm loving it. It navigates very easily, and everything just works. Initially the change over was quite confusing and I still don't understand a majority of how the system works. However, I have all the apps I need now and even have bootcamped Windows 7 set up for other apps (e-tax, old school games).

One upgrade I am thinking of doing in the future is the HDD. 250GB seems like a lot but I'm running out of space relatively quickly with Win7 and apps + OSX and apps. What 500GB+ HDDs are recommended?

 

Nice looking rigs. But no backlit keyboard on either. Deal breaker, IMO.

Perhaps the next iteration of the ASUS and Toshiba will have them.

Also, the next MBP 13 will probably employ the i3.

 

Lookup seagate momentus xt. It's a hybrid drive with pretty good performance for the price.

 

But I want my i3 NAO! It is a shame it isn't in the current lineup. There is really no excuse for it either. Sure C2D isn't that bad for most users, but it's overpriced for the hardware as it is, why not at least attempt at giving people their monies worth.

 

Rumor has it that the i3 will be employed in September.

 

Any sources?

 

No. That's why it's a rumor. But the rumor is based off the fact that the 2 new Macbook Airs due out in the fall will have low voltage i-core processors which was reported by digitimes.