After seeing photos of the new MacBook I couldn't resist stopping by the Apple store on the way home to check out the new form factor, keyboard — kick the tires and such. When I got there a gaggle of males, ranging from nerds to closet nerds, were hovering over the different models but it was the black one that drew the most attention. Upon closer inspection I could see why, the new form factor wrapped in a dark-matte finish gave it immediate placement in the black bad-ass club who's rank and file includes Darth Vader, K.A.R.R., Snake Eyes, and Batman.
Apple has pumped so many glossy white or metallic silver products over the years that bringing black (the Powerbook line was black for a long time, don't ask me why I completely forgot about this a few days ago because I don't know, lack of sleep maybe) back into the fold makes this product pronounce a bad-boy, black-sheep image.
With that in mind it didn't take long before I decided that I had to have one. I call it DarthBook (not really but if I did 'name' my computers — like the wife has habit of doing — then this laptop would most definitely be named after Sith Lord if not THE Sith Lord).
I would leave it at that but a few friends and peers have noted their uncertainty about other changes made to the new Mac line (specifically the glossy screen and the keyboard) and having similar concerns — now put to rest — I thought I would share my experience thus far.
Speed, performance, and the packaging of the MacBooks have already been beat into the ground and I have nothing further to add to those subjects. If you want to learn more then read Daring Fireball and browse Flickr.
Glossy screens are new to the Mac world but they have been around for non-Mac users for quite some time. My Sony Vaio has it and I admit it took a bit of getting used to but now I hardly notice. The same is true for the MacBook. Sure the surface is more reflective than the matte finish we have all grown accustom to but I don't work outside or under retail lighting so the chance of that being a constant problem is slim to none. And the luminance of the screen is much, much brighter than any other Macintosh laptop that I have owned. The result is an image that shines past most reflections that you might encounter under common lighting. Of course if you're working in dark colors or watching a dark film then yes, you're likely going to see some ghostly pale image staring back at you. So to those goths who blog during their day shift at Dunkin Doughnuts and watch Anne Rice inspired flicks at night; the black MacBook might suit your underworld meme but the glossy screen will likely be frustrating.
The keyboard. It's not perfect (I should note here that in my opinion Mac keyboard perfection was reached during the bronze keyboard years of the old Powerbook G3 days), but it's nothing like the 'old' iBook ivories which was a cheap forgery of the superiorly engineered Powerbook keys. I know it has more to do with the keys but I'm not up on my keyboard assembly lingo so let's keep it simple here. The iBook keyboard has always felt weak to me. They are better than most PC keyboards but nothing like the Powerbook keys that I'm attuned too. Hell, it took weeks for me to get used to the feel of the Apple desktop keyboard (also not near as nice as the Powerbook) and I still don't like it as much.
I have it under good authority that a lot of sweat and tears went into the new MacBook keyboard, it wasn't a last minute detail that slipped under the quality control radar. And I appreciate that Apple found a solution that does not require the purchase and use of material that protects the screen from damage related to the keyboard as is the case with the old iBooks, Powerbooks and MacBook Pros.
More importantly the experience of typing on this new arrangement was easy to assimilate into. Of course it was a bit awkward at first but after an hour or so it feels second nature. It's still nothing like the bronze keyboard of yesteryear but it is leaps and bounds over the crap that passed for a keyboard on the iBooks.
In short, the keyboard is fine, better than pervious editions. Move on.
I do want to close with a few notes about the case. Again, unlike it's predecessor, the MacBook feels solid, more like a Powerbook than an iBook ever did. Picking it up you immediately notice the nicely packed density right away. Quality exudes from this product from the time you pick it up and on through it's use. I only wish it was as light as an old 12" Powerbook G4 but considering all of the new features that come with the MacBook it's an easy trade-off.
Join the fray by reading through and commenting at the end.
I haven't had a chance to check it out myself yet but I'm glad to hear your position on the screen which is much of what I expected. Wouldn't surprised though if some sort of mat screen protector is out soon for it.
Nice. I'm green with envy. I'm definitely, probably, almost, maybe going to get a MacBook myself. How's the heat on it? I've tried the MacBook Pro and it definitely get's way too hot for my liking.
I love the keyboard on my aluminum Powerbook. It's better than any keyboard I use, except for maybe a brand new Apple keyboard. It has to brand new because Apple keyboards start to suck after about a month of use.
I'm interested to try out the MacBook keyboard and see if it something I could type on.
The titanium shells have been around for a bit, and I wouldn't be surprised if Apple moved even the Macbook Pros to the white/black combo that has overrun thier iPod line. Personally, I think I prefer the white, though. :)
How's the heat on it? I've tried the MacBook Pro and it definitely get's way too hot for my liking.
I know of the lap melting heat you speak of and I can assure you the MacBook's composite material is cooler, think luke-luke warm at worst.
I'm glad to finally see somebody reviewing the new MacBook is a person who actually bought one. Most of the negative reviews I've read about the glossy screen and keyboard were from people who took the time to admire it from Apple's website.
How about trying the product before you actually review it...
Thanks for the review Greg.
Oh I can't wait to get mine. I've honestly been holding out on getting a new Mac until these came out. My new cell phone has a glossy screen and I've noticed that I can actually "read" the interface in direct sunlight. Something I was not able to do with my previous matte screen phone.
Great minds.
The only thing I don't like about it is that you have to pay $150 more just for the black finish. It should be the same price as the white.
Great, just yesterday I finnaly decided no I'm going to wait before getting a MacBook because my 12" PowerBook is still going strong. But I keep reading article after article, blog post after blog post about great these new machines are, I just have to have one.
Now I'm all anxious to get over and see one. Although I am a little concerned by this: http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=2397 Hopefully, it's just an isolated incident and not the norm. Any signs of this Greg??
Greg...have you noticed if the new MacBooks suffer from the keys touching the screen ala the old TiBooks? I always thought that was a major design flaw in those laptops. My 4 year old TiBook is still going strong, but when you look at the screen, you can clearly see where some wear has happened over the years as the keys rub up against the screen.
David:
My old TiBook flaked a lot too. Pissed me off at first, but I soon realized that 'hey, it's a laptop' and wear and tear are going to happen. My laptop now sports 3 dents, chipped paint along the front, and a missing 'foot' on the bottom. I just call it patina. ;o)
You can always get it repainted, too:
http://www.mobilewhack.com/reviews/ferrari_red_macbook_pro_-_color_me_red.html
David: no I have not seen any evidence of the black coating flaking. I did see some stress on the one at the Apple Store but that thing had been man handled something fierce because they only had one on the show room floor.
Darrel: "And I appreciate that Apple found a solution that does not require the purchase and use of material that protects the screen from damage related to the keyboard as is the case with the old iBooks, Powerbooks and MacBook Pros."
Greg:
Yeesh...I read that and completely missed that. So, that's good news!
I, too, was concerned about the keyboard and the screen, but after spending 5 minutes at The Apples Store, I realized that they were not a big deal. I got a white one to replace my 4 year old Ti Powerbook.
Go Microsoft! Yeah Vista!! Where's my Dell XPS laptop! Oops! Wrong blog topic!
It is nice to see a bunch of Mac nerds talk about a Apple product and not even bring up the hate for the great Mr. Gates once! LOL!
My biggest concern about the new Macbook (black ) was how much front side bus we were getting and video card type. Though this sounds 'geeky' (and I'm far from that), The 'front side bus' matches the Macbook Pro, which is great news however the 'video card & ram' is very very upsetting. It's poor compared to everything else in it's price range (PC) and is 'shared' with the main memory. This is bad for 3D apps, renderings and gamers.
Compare that to the Macbook Pro for $500 bucks more and you get ATI-128mb. $500 is a lot of money, I agree and I'm not sure if its work that. The White Macbook Pro is $200 less than Black and $700 less then the Pro. Big prices. Rumor has it that in August, Apple will introduce the processor upgrades. I'll wait and see.
Am I wrong? Your thoughts? Anyone?
Yes. But does it run Aperture?
Hmm, I read about some issue dealing with the "glossiness" of the screen...I bet it looks cool in the Apple Store, but wouldn't the glare really start to get old after awhile?
John, I have yet to test World of Warcraft on this baby but I'm not keeping my fingers crossed. Macs have never been gaming machines (mostly due to a lack of software) and I have other equipment dedicated for that function. That said a friend of mine did buy a MacBook Pro and the 256MB video card it came with is amazing.
Robert, I don't recall anyting about Apeture requiring Pro equipment.
Blake, it's the other way around. It looks like crap in the store but is fine in a more common setting (i.e. office or home). Re-read the sixth parargraph.
Looking forward to later in the year when I can finally pick one up. But this review, and others, will certainly make the selection much easier when it comes to models. So, thanks for that.
Thanks Greg, true, however with all the Apple marketing towards 'new video media' such as Front Row, iSight and the demographic of the people who puchase Macs --students, artists, creative, agencys-- I was looking forward to purchasing a 12"/13" MacBook 'Pro' featured laptop for graphics, media & games (Final Cut Pro/After Effects) for on the road. (a today's equivalent in power to what was the PowerbookG4) Patience. a lot of Patience.
I'm going to check it out over at the new Apple store opening on 5th ave today.
I wonder how this little thing can handle audio applications. I bet it's a winner for a hobbiest like me! Thanks for an excellent review, and I'm glad you didn't go into processor stuff.
Just thought I'd chime in & say that I love my new MacBook as well - though I just got the base white one. This is a calculated move on my part since I can no longer stand to come home to my old G3 iBook, but I don't want to spend the big bucks until Intel's Santa Rosa chipset is out spring next year (full-bandwidth 64-bit). Hopefully by that time Apple will have put together a 13" Pro model with a nice graphics card.
I love the screen - no problem with glare - it's just so bright - blows away my old iBook.
It's not as silent as my old iBook - it seems the fan runs more but as long as I don't work with my ear up to the vent it's not annoying.
It's just the right size, too - now I just need to wait for all the sleeve makers to play catch-up.
now I just need to wait for all the sleeve makers to play catch-up.
Here, here! I don't know what's taking so long, it's just an inch bigger from what they were making before.
FWIW Greg, I believe Waterfield will be the first with a sleeve ready in another week. I have a Waterfield for my old iBook & it's very nice, but this time I've decided to get something different.
There's supposed to be a RadTech Sleevz coming out shortly, but I'll be getting that temporarily, since it's not really padded, because I'm enamored with the Booq Vyper, which unfortunately won't be out until August.
I've been using a HP DV1000 notebook for a while now which shares identical dimensions. I use the great and CHEAP ($10) laptop sleeve offered by Mountain Equipment Coop in Canada. You need a $5 membership there, but it's worthwhile for this one purchase alone.
The whole white/black era of Apple products is really beginning to kick in. I hope the PowerMac line of desktops has an option for black when Apple finally starts rolling out Intel versions of the PowerMacs.
A friend of mine used to work in the printing and coating/finishing for ad agencies and retail automobile shops, respectively. Black finish is more costly for the seller.
Prior to the release of the MacBook, for a short period of time I had the idea of downgrading (half and half) to an iBook. I use a PowerBook G4 Ti. I bought it mid 2003. It's fine. Nothing wrong with it, but since I bought my PBTi, there have been so many major upgrades. Like the built-in iSight. I own an iSight. Plus, built-in wirelss. My PBTi didn't come with a built-in wireless card. It would of been nice to have it built in. The only thing that turns me off (and I haven't seen it in person yet) is the keyboard.
Is it wrong to not get excited about new apple products?
I'm not always excited about new products and services from Apple. It took a year for me to like the Titanium Powerbook, it always looked too boxy to me and I hated the hinges (who didn't?). The .mac service is so-so, nothing spectacular, but I don't use all the services it comes with and I recognize I am not the audience. And the Nano doesn't float my boat, never has, never will.
So Ray I guess the answer is no, it's not wrong at all. Question authority, question Apple!
Also, Christina, the new keyboard took about half a day to get used to but I find it faster to type than the Powerbook keyboard. I like both but I'm liking the MacBook layout and feel the more I use it.
This is so tempting. I adored my old G3 Wallstreet edition, with the black case, but when it died last year I replaced it with a titanium-cased G4 powerbook (that really does run way way too hot). If only I had held out a little longer I too could have had a Darthbook. Sigh.
Greg,
Well, Aperture is a Pro app, and the specs of the MacBook fall within the realm of the Aperture requirements. Except for the video card.
I'm just hoping that they'll play together. Really hoping.
I'm going to take the plunge at some point (possibly this Summer or sooner) and dive into the MacBook. Of course, I do have some reservations because I'd rather now get the most bang for my buck but money is definitely an issue. I'll get through paying off my car insurance (about the same as a MacBook) and see how I feel after.
Sharyn, you might be able to sell your Powerbook for the price of a MacBook. I can't explain it, but that's my experience with selling older units because you're going from "pro" to "basic".
Robert, I just noticed the video card requirements. I'm not sure why a photography app would need the extra beef from these card but if the needs are similar to what a game will require then no, Apeture is definately not going to work well with MacBook. I don't have a copy to test this out (I wouldn't know what to test to be honest) but none of the games I have tried were playable on this unit.
Cristina I would suspect there is a good chance that Apple will refresh the line before Christmas but if you get the opportunity to buy one know I can't think that you will be displeased.
Greg, thanks for the review. I'm inches away from taking the plunge. The thing that's keeping me those few inches away is the screen. One thing you imply in your review is that glossy screens won't perform as well outside as the matte screens. A friend told me that the opposite is true. Have you gotten a chance to perform a field test on this point?
It made me stop to check if I was right about what K.A.R.R. was.
Thanks for a real review, Greg!
Thank you for the description of this "tool', I was going to purchase it but had certain doubts. Now, I am absolutely sure I will buy it within next days to enjoy the glossy screen - I always dreamt about such one - and the keyboard ( you say it is more comfortable than the standard ones).
Thank you again!
Thanks for the review. Going to get a white macbook in the next week. The black looks cool, but it smudges very easily, and you have to have more money than brains to spend 150 on a color. (no offense)
Well-written review, Greg. Black is beautiful, but the real value in Apple-products lies in the content (as for blogs...)!
Ray wrote: "Is it wrong to not get excited about new apple products?"
Well Ray, no, it's not wrong, but it sure is difficult.
Re: the longboard - "Is it possible to ask the Red Coats to come back and burn Washington again?"
I think we'd want them to deal with all the rats infesting Westminster first. Once they've done that, they're all yours. :)
Best bang for the buck is to get a 2ghz white MacBook via Amazon ($100 rebate) and then get an after-market 120gb 7200rpm HD.
It's a cockbook
Thanks for the review.
So, I know you have a number of computers...is the plan for the Macbook to become your primary machine for work?
Greg, thanks for putting up with all our Macbook questions in here. I am also seriously considering to get one and have to make a decision in short notice (US trip soon = get it cheap), however I still have my reserves about the video memory, the glossy screen, and to a lesser degree, the keyboard.
My plan is to have the macbook as a computer for trips, so size etc is more than ok. I'm no gamer so I don't sweat much the video mem on that respect, but I am more concerned about the performance of apps like Photoshop. I've heard PS's performance doesn't jive very well with Mactel processors (until they get to release CS3 or similar). Have tried Photoshop on it? If PS can run on it without breaking a sweat, most every other app I have should.
I've heard so much FUD coming from blogs and other sites about the MacBook's performance and heat issues that I'm almost refraining to purchase it. (How many of these have actually used it anyway?) But it would be much to my dissapointment, since I need to get a laptop like right now.
Greg -
Great review. What's performance like with Rosetta? Most of the articles I've read tend to gloss over that aspect. I'm torn between upgrading now and waiting until the end of the year when, presumably, Adobe will release native apps and Apple will update the hardware at least a bit for the holdiays.
Right now I use a Dual 1.8ghz G5 at work doing print and web design work, but at home I'm on a dual 800mhz G4. My guess is that while running Quark and Adobe apps would be slower compared to the G5, it would probably still be a speed boost compared to the G4. I do most of my heavy lifting file-wise on the G5 anyway, and that won't change, so it's probably not a big deal, but any perspective you could give would help.
What's performance like with Rosetta? Most of the articles I've read tend to gloss over that aspect.
Good question. I'm waiting for extra RAM before giving my impressions of Rosetta performance as 512MB is not enough to run MacOS X smoothly. Of course apps take a bit longer to load in Rosetta while Universals pop-on very, very quickly. I have installed Adobe and it works okay but I think some additional RAM will help. I'll write more this week to give second thoughts on my experience thus far.
Greg -
How can you NOT name your computer? Around here the computers all have names, but I guess with six scattered around it's a matter of practicality. Easier to say "jeeves" and "pixel" than "the linux box" and "the Toshiba laptop".
Thanks for the insight. I can't justify the additional cost for a black one, but a white macbook is definitely in my future.
I really want one, but I don't know if I can part with iAgatha.
My last client had names for their servers: Wimpy and Hercules. Not sure I'm really into it though.
As a transplanted Bay Stater (traded one bay for another), I have to correct the "Dunkin Doughnuts" reference to "Dunkin Donuts" :)
A quick and unscientific test after I installed a 2GB memory kit.
I opened up a Photoshop doc I have been working on a few times both before & after installing the kit and actually it did not open noticably faster after I installed the 2GB kit (I timed it with my phone).
Maybe not suprisingly, the first time starting up Photoshop takes twice as long as subsequent startups. So apparently Rosetta has to load into memory the first time a non-universal app is opened.
I haven't worked enough with the 2GB kit installed to judge whether PS is faster during actual use or not.
The name of my MacBook for now is "Fuchikoma"
Grant, I will be waiting to hear what kind of text performance you get in PS. Since the dawn of CS2, the text objects have been miserably slow.
Try cutting a few paragraphs of "Lorem Ipsum" from a text file and pasting them into a text layer. Blech. Especially in an already big file.
When we got the new Intel iMacs here at the office, I did notice some improvement in this arena. Not sure why, but paste operation took about half the time to complete relative to the PPC sister machines.
Aperture has been reported to work just fine on the MacBook. This was reported by the lead Aperture developer on the Apple discussions boards, so it's a pretty good source. Got my white MacBook 2 days ago and agree with Greg's report. This is probably the highest value product that I've ever bought from Apple.
What are you guys carrying your mackbook in? I can't find anything on the market yet that fits.
Nothing yet. I went to the Apple Store over the weekend and the manager said they caught the suppliers off-guard and everyone is scrambling to get sleeves, bags, etc. to the stores. I don't see how they were surprised, the MacBook has to be one of the worst kept secrets in recent product launch history.