Apple has accustomed us to laptops very well finished. The 17-inch MacBook Pro is no exception to the rule. The design is still remarkable and all-aluminum (except the keyboard). A material which makes it robust, clean and pleasant to the touch. Whether you love Apple or not, we must recognize that the MacBook Pro is near flawless. The model we received is equipped with a mat slab, unlike other MacBook. This is an option charged 45 euros. In practice, it changes the appearance of the machine because there is more glass plate that covers the entire screen. The edges are aluminum, like the rest of the machine and the slab is slightly indented. The aesthetic result is good, although it is a matter of personal taste. We tend to prefer the convenience of the floor mat. This makes it possible to avoid glare and fingerprints. The closure of the magnetic screen is very well maintained and the machine closed.

The keyboard is very comfortable. Although it could be broader and include a keypad, the keys are still of good size (15 x 15 mm) and it quickly finds its mark. Typing is smooth and quiet. All keys are backlit and the brightness can be adjusted through 16 levels of intensity. The default setting is automatic and the intensity of the backlight (keyboard and screen) adapts according to ambient brightness. The touchpad is now what is the best on the market. Multi-touch (zoom, rotate, scroll to several fingers, etc..) Wide, clickable on more than half (lower) of its surface, it offers a very smooth glide, comfortable and precise. It regrets, however, the clicking noise that does not pass unnoticed. It is preferable to enable the click by touch when you’re in public.

Apple MacBook Pro 17 webcamlive webcam is very good. Fluidity is the appointment, as the contrast and sharpness. In the darkness, we continue to see clear enough, although the white balance is a bit of trouble with the artificial lights. Despite a processor clocked at 3.06 GHz, 2 graphics cards and a large fine, the MacBook Pro 17 inch is very quiet. Any breakdown occurs at the hinge of the screen (intake and exhaust). This is very convenient for the use on the lap without fear of overheating. Thank you to the aluminum shell that evacuates heat well. The fan speeds during heavy treatments (video encoding, 3D, advanced photo editing, etc.) without becoming really noisy either. The breakdown is audible, although quite tolerable. Like other Apple laptops, the connection remains the poor relation of the MacBook Pro. There are still three USB 2.0 ports, 1 RJ45, 1 FireWire 800, 1 ExpressCard, 1 headphone (with S / PDIF) and a microphone. The video output is provided by a mini DisplayPort, and therefore requires the purchase of an adapter if you want to connect to a DVI or HDMI screen. All these ports are located on the left edge of the machine, next to the magnetic power plug (always handy to avoid breaking the record). We would have liked to see more a memory card reader, an e-SATA port and an HDMI. Right side, we find that the connector lock and the DVD slot-in type (snap disc). It is very well integrated but unfortunately a lot of noise when loading discs and during software installations.



Effect of hull “unibody” there is no direct opening in the machine, including the battery is removable. However, it is still possible to dismantle the entire bottom, simply by removing eight small screws (our colleagues at iFixit have dismantled all).

You can start a section on the ergonomics of laptops Apple bypassing aesthetics. Once again, Apple hits hard: the laptop is very nice. The stars out of eyes, we can get down to business. The keyboard is spaced and comfortable to use. The buttons are large and quiet.
The touchpad is unique for 2 reasons. It is very large, clickable on almost all of its surface. He is not here to pat the area but to click by tapping. If you use regular notebook, you’ll be surprised originally laid. However, you’ll quickly fold. A video of use is available on the product page. Find the box entitled “A New Multi-Touch trackpad.

The interfaces available around the machine, unfortunately after the minimalist aspect of the whole: 2 USB, 1 FireWire 800, Mini DisplayPort output 1 and 2 mini-jacks. If you are not the happy possessor of a DisplayPort monitor, do not throw straight away your old monitor. Apple offers an option on its website Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter or DVI to 29 euros each. What connect your “old” 24 inch DVI monitor bought at exorbitant prices on the Apple store last year. Finally, to customize your machine, Apple also includes a port Express Card. The major absentees are the HDMI output, memory card reader and making e-SATA. Note the power port is magnetized. No risk of twisting the plug if you accidentally walk on the wire.
Sockets
DVD Recorder
Battery Indicator
Very large touchpad
The integrated speakers are of good quality. The sound does not cut the proposed low and the maximum volume is very comfortable to use for several people (watch out for glare if you look from the side). Keep still a helmet under his elbow, to really enjoy the soundtrack and do not disturb your neighbors train. The benchmark is the counterpart to XBench FutureMark tests for Apple notebooks. We used and compared the results with previous Apple products tested with 13-inch MacBook and the MacBook Air.

Compared to the MacBook 13-inch white, this model is distinguished by its real 3D capability. On all other tests, but before he finished a short head. Caution, this may hide another. Photoshop, from version CS4 uses the graphics card to accelerate calculations. For more information on this section, you can view the news Macworld between old and new MacBook and MacBook Pro. Do not miss it either, the news flow on the FireWire 800 compared to the USB interface which, abandoned by Apple Pro models not reached speeds equivalent to e-SATA read. The chipset and graphics card integrated into the notebook are two very good signs to start the game Thurs As mentioned in the news soon laptops 1st prize talent for gaming, Nvidia chipset provides more real and makes it possible the game on a machine with only this component. Here, it is not necessary since it is supported by a 9600 M GT. This card provides the power needed to run the latest 3D games in native resolution. Caution, do not expect to push all the graphics options to maximum. Another difficulty is that all games are not translated into Apple version. For the titles available, you can go to Games page for your Mac from the Apple store.



We’ve already touted the MacBook Pro independently in the news Test MacBook Pro: autonomy under Mac OS X and Vista. Mac OS X, laptop reached 199 minutes (3:19). This is an excellent score for a notebook. Now, we can not help but ogle for netbooks on this part.

Once is not custom, we are dealing with a machine very well finished, with a striking design. Whether you love Apple or not, we must recognize that their machines are still very strong on these points. Despite a hull full of plastic, the machine gives a very good impression of strength and quality. Admittedly, it remains far from class aluminum models, but all completely white all the same speed. Under the machine, the slip coating is soft to the touch, which is more pleasant and less “cold” than the plastic hull. But be careful since it is rather messy. The closure of the magnetic screen is very well maintained and the computer shut down, so much so it takes 2 hands to open it.

The keyboard is very comfortable. Although it is not particularly large, the keys are of good size (16 x 15 mm) and it quickly found its brands. Typing is smooth and quiet. With a backlight would have been even better. The glass touchpad is very large, much larger than what you find on a PC. The comfort is excellent, with a glide. Like other models, the touchpad is clickable for more than half (lower) surface. Since it is multi-touch, the possibilities are interesting (zoom, rotate, scroll two fingers, etc..). Apple Unibody MacBook 13 webcamlive webcam is very good. Fluidity is the appointment, as the contrast and sharpness. In the darkness, we continue to see clear enough, although the white balance is a bit of trouble with the artificial lights.

The new MacBook is a silence of a cathedral. It does not really mean, which is pretty impressive when one considers that it is fitted with a Core 2 Duo “classic” and a dedicated graphics card. It also virtually no heat, a sign of integration very well thought out. Major weakness of this model, connectivity is really poor. All ports are located on the left edge of the machine. There is the power connector, 1 RJ45, Mini DisplayPort video output, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a mini-jack port and a lock. While Apple has always done in moderation and ports are strategically placed, but we would have appreciated a little more capabilities (memory card reader, the third USB port). On the right side, a slot-in DVD burner has its place. It is very well integrated but unfortunately a lot of noise when loading discs, and the boot.



Effect of hull “unibody” there is no opening under the machine, including the battery is removable. However, this defect is also a great quality because it helps not having to worry about the obstruction of air inlets. It is completely smooth, the breakdown being from behind, at the hinge of the screen.
Apple Unibody MacBook 13 Apple MacBook 13 Unibody touchpad
Food, RJ45, Mini DisplayPort, 2 USB, headphone, burglar
Touchpad Glass
Apple Unibody MacBook 13 Apple MacBook 13 Unibody
Magnetic Power Cord
Slot-in DVD burner
Calculations: a good compromise, HD Video
Equipped with a dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 GHz, the new MacBook is generally better than the old, except in multi-tasking. Plenty of time to the office, and it is quite possible to use it for photo and video processing. The HD 1080p video playback (Blu-Ray equivalent) occurs without any problem with the processor. The CPU usage is 55% on average, for a consumption of 52 Watts.

Until now, Apple was conspicuously absent in the segment of ultra-portable. And to stand out, the manufacturer does not do things by halves. More than just a laptop, the MacBook Air is a work of modern art, and Apple has yet set the bar very high with a design to rival the competition. The fact is that beyond the look, it is primarily aimed at a specific target and it will accommodate some concessions.

The MacBook Air is a UFO in the world of ultra-portable. Very lightweight (1.36 kg), it is mostly a model of delicacy even on the thickest part of the chassis and despite the 13.3-inch screen. The aluminum hull is involved in design while ensuring a good resistance to shock. A word also on the impact of the MacBook Air on the environment. We recall that the builder had done pinning by Greenpeace environmental impact of its products unflattering.

As some manufacturers, Apple seems aware of its role in protecting the environment. Thus, in addition to recyclable aluminum that makes up the frame, the LCD is no mercury with arsenic-free glass. Finally, the internal cables are free of PVC and less bulky packaging is largely recyclable. A good thing for Apple.

If the ultra-portable computers are usually very practical for portable use, however they are sometimes handicapped by a relative comfort. Despite its innovative design and size of wasp, the MacBook Air is very pleasant to use. The keyboard is a model of its kind with wide spaced keys particularly comfortable. At most we can accuse him a key input a little narrow but it would sulk his pleasure. Better yet, the keyboard is backlit and ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness. A little more friendly and well done largely absent in most laptops even very high end and overpriced.

Very broadly, the touchpad is also different competing models. Featuring multi-touch technology, it offers innovative features that are reminiscent of the iPhone. Thus, by pinching your fingers, it is possible to zoom into an image or a text for example. Similarly, we can scroll the information with your fingertip as you turn the pages of a book. The system is compatible with key applications already installed on the computer and a tutorial video is integrated.

Given the extreme thinness of MacBook Air, we doubt that it had cut back on something and say that the connection is limited is an understatement. Cleverly concealed in a small hatch on the right side, connector therefore comes down to a headphone jack, a USB 2.0 jack and a micro DVI requires an adapter to connect the MacBook Air to a monitor. No optical drive or drive here and a USB hub is required when used sedentary office or at home.

The lack of drive can be mitigated by the acquisition of a self-powered external SuperDrive design also very sleek but sold about 90 euros anyway. Better yet, the MacBook Air plays the wireless card and the Remote app Disk can use the optical drive of any computer on the network as if it were an internal model. A laptop is also very useful to download the pictures of his unit. In this case, plan to have an external card reader or take the cable that came with your device.

Finally, fans of video editing from a DV or HDV camcorder will not complete the acquisition of tape with the MacBook Air, which is wholly taken Firewire (IEEE 1394). Anyway, they have every interest to opt for the MacBook Pro whose power is more suited to this type of use.

After a long wait, Apple has finally unveiled its new MacBook Pro. Finally, it is a simple update with only a change in the pattern now based on Intel Calpella platform. The design remains unchanged, however, rates increase substantially. You will find below the different configurations, to trade with the MacBook Pro 15 whose price starts at 1980 $:

15.4”LED tile (1440 x 900)
15.4 “LED (1680 x 1050)
15.4 “LED Anti-glare (1680 × 1050)
Intel Core i5-520M (2.4 GHz)
Intel Core i5-540m (2.53 GHz)
Intel Core i7-620M (2.66 GHz)
RAM Installed (Max) 4 GB DDR3 1066 MHz (8 GB max), 2 slots
Storage Space 320 GB SATA 5400RPM
500GB SATA 5400RPM
500GB SATA 7200 RPM
128GB SSD
256GB SSD
512 GB SSD
Graphics Card Nvidia Geforce GT 330M 256MB dedicated + Intel GMA HD
Optical Drive DVD Recorder
Audio System 2 Speakers
Webcam with microphone
Wi-Fi b / g / n + Gigabit Ethernet
Bluetooth Yes, 2.1 + EDR
Card Reader SD
Output (s) Mini Display Port video
Fingerprint Reader
Input (s) / Output (s) S / PDIF, Headphone, Microphone
ExpressCard
Firewire 800
USB 2 USB 2.0
OS Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
Battery
Autonomy announced until 9am
Dimensions (mm) 364 x 249 x 24
Weight 2.54 Kg
Warranty 1 year

As for the MacBook Pro 17, it has a similar setup but with a base rate of 2430 $:

Tile 17”Full HD LED (1920 x 1200)
17”Full HD LED Anti-glare (1920 × 1200)
Intel Core i5-540m (GHz 2.53)
Intel Core i7-620M (2.66 GHz)
RAM Installed (Max) 4 GB DDR3 1066 MHz (8 GB max), 2 slots
Space: 500GB SATA 5400RPM
500GB SATA 7200 RPM
128GB SSD
256GB SSD
512 GB SSD
Graphics Card Nvidia Geforce GT 330M 512MB dedicated + Intel GMA HD
Optical Drive DVD Recorder
Audio System 2 Speakers
Yes Webcam with microphone
Wi-Fi b / g / n + Gigabit Ethernet
Bluetooth, 2.1 + EDR
Card Reader SD
Output (s) Mini Display Port video
Fingerprint Reader
Input (s) / Output (s) S / PDIF, Headphone, Microphone
Yes ExpressCard, ExpressCard 34
Yes Firewire, Firewire 800
USB 3 USB 2.0
OS Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
Autonomy announced until 9am
Size (mm) 393 x 267 x 25
Weight 2.99 Kg
Warranty 1 year

Difficult to understand why Apple has waited so long (more than four months) to update their phones so that only the CPU has changed. Moreover, despite its premium positioning, the MacBook Pro 17 does not carry the Intel Core i7 Quad Core, so that these models provide significant additional flexibility for all users who need significant power, especially in multitasking …

The arrival of the new Intel Core i can still benefit from a slightly greater autonomy, particularly through the presence of a dual chipset. When needed, it is possible to switch automatically from integrated graphics to dedicated graphics card. The user thus continuously for best performance in terms of power / energy consumption. Apple says the MacBook Pro can receive a maximum range of nine hours. Mobile users will no doubt disappointed that the MacBook Pro 13 does not benefit from these new processors and retains models Core 2 Duo. Only change the graphics chip with the arrival of the Geforce 320M. The latter delivers performance similar to those offered by the GeForce 9400M but with consumption slightly forward. Consequently, according to Apple, MBP 13 provides a range of up to ten hours. To learn more details new MacBook Pro, visit the Apple Store. For an overview of the performance delivered by the new Intel Core i.