Comment on Apple MacBook Pro MD322LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) by M. Zolikoff.
20+ year former IT guy makes the switch, and can’t believe he waited this long,
(This review was typed on this machine).
I researched this purchase EXTENSIVELY via Amazon, Best Buy, other retailers, and my local university (with educational pricing for staff/students/faculty). In the end, I ended up purchasing this machine from Best Buy as the price was the same and I had a line of credit (although I had to pay tax: hey, someone has to help pay for our roads, right?)
In short, I can’t say enough positive things about this purchase. This machine is INCREDIBLY fast, the interface is slick (although it takes some getting used to coming from the Windows world – especially window minimizing and the function keys), and with an iPhone 4S and iPad 2, iTunes syncing is a DREAM compared to Windows (on purpose, El Steve?).
The screen is plenty big (if you’re waffling between 15″ and 17″, go to a local Best Buy or Apple Store and play around with each – the 17″ has better resolution, but lift them up and check the weight – I prefer the 15″ for portability and weight, but you’re choice will depend on use), and I ordered the 8GB memory package from Amazon (which should show up any day now). Regarding memory I will say: 4GB is just enough; the OS and apps eat up just about every bit, so I’m looking forward to 8GB.
The backlit keyboard is a dream to type on, the magnetic charger is kid-proof, and the multi-touch trackpad alone is well worth the price (I’m a big fan of the two-finger “reverse scrolling”, the back-and-forth swiping in Safari is SO convenient, and the 3/4 finger swiping to bring up LaunchPad and the like is great).
My sole complaint is the lack of USB ports, but only because I’m using a Logitech M305 wireless mouse. If I had a true Mac-compatible Bluetooth mouse this wouldn’t be an issue, but in hooking up an external USB drive for Time Machine backups (a Western Digital 2TB) and the Logitech dongle, I’m out of USB ports when I have to sync my iPhone or iPad. But hey, with everything else being incredibly integrated, I’m not complaining THAT much.
Taking and syncing videos and pictures via my iPhone (the local Christmas parade!) is flawless, and iTiVo is a must for those with TiVos.
Regarding apps, take a look at Moom, Alfred, DaisyDisk, AppTrap (for uninstalling apps), and Handbrake.
I may end up getting the Applecare plan (part # MD012LL/A), but if I do, I’ll get it elsewhere ($244 from other sites vs. $335 from Amazon, just do a search on Google Shopping for the aforementioned part number).
In summary, this machine is already making my life easier with regard to home pictures and video, expanding my family’s use of our iPad, and backups. Good-bye Windows, Hello Mac!
Comment
