There are all sorts of rumors and whispers that soon, but nobody really knows when, there will be a MacBook Pro that uses an Intel Core i7 processor. It seems that this model, called MacBook Pro 6.1 has been recently tested and it was fitted with an Intel Core i7 M 620 processor, a central processing unit at 2.66 GHz and 4 GB of RAM memory.

Could this mean that Apple is ready for the new generation of Mac laptop computers? Knowing the products and Mac laptop computers made so far by this highly competitive company, I would say that this is no surprise, but I would prefer to wait until I am sure before extrapolating my views on this issue.

The test I mentioned earlier was aimed at the capacities of the processor and of the memory, and MacBook Pro 6.1 got a score almost one third higher than the current mac laptop computers that use Core 2 Duo processors (this new piece of hardware was 32% faster). This is not a surprise either, given the well known fact that the new Core i processors come equipped with two new and impressive technologies: Hyperthreading (through which the dual core processor is perfectly capable of mimicking the outstanding performance of a quad core processor without any glitches, bugs or problems) and Intel TurboBoost, (which allows the use to overclock the computer in a controlled manner reaching a whopping 3.33 Ghz if the situation requires it).

Another interesting piece of news which could confirm the appearance of new and improved models form Apple is the fact that some of the online retailers seem very eager to empty out their stocks and get rid of the old MacBook Pro models from their inventories, in order to make room and welcome with arms wide open the new and highly anticipated model from the Mac series, the latest addition to the range of mac laptop computers.

Everyone everywhere and users across the entire planet seem to be trembling with anticipation in waiting for these new mac laptop computers with i5 and i7 processors and perhaps some newer graphic solutions, such as NVIDIA GeForce 300M or ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5000 which would be the icing on this royal cake and would bring the performance of these new pieces of hardware to new and never before seen heights. However, it remains to be seen if these rumors will come true or not. In this respect, Apple is with laptops like Blizzard is with games.

They drop a rumor, wait for it to brew, then they let the anticipation grow and bring the product to the market in a dramatic and climactic launch that causes sales in retailers to skyrocket. I for one am looking forward to buying this new laptop and I have buyers ready for all my old computers and laptops in the house, because this one will be worth scrapping all my other stuff and “going steady” with one, deserving, piece of high performance machinery.

This MacBook Pro form Apple with a 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo processor-equipped tester brought in many more power than the predecessor model with G4 processor. Only not as a universal binary available programs (which are not translated for the Intel processor and with the Rosetta emulation layer running automatically) were on average about one third slower. Who still mainly works with the software are not available as a Universal Binary, should the transition possibly wait a bit.

The ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 is only 310 MHz (instead of the usual up to 450 MHz) core clock clocked and is therefore only an average of something like a faster X1400.

In the Time Demo “demo1″ reached this model of Apple MackBook Pro an average of 41.7 fps. The similarly equipped Toshiba Satellite A100 – 153 (with weaker Core Duo) reached 53 fps for comparison. There is still room for either driver optimizations or Mac OS X “eats” more than Windows away (but we go out of the former). Here, the new notebook from Apple’s predecessor to 61 to 45 points are evident. Also on the 1.83 GHz model with 8 points, the distance is relatively large. Here are the benchmark results from our test in detail:

In the Cinebench rendering benchmark performance of processors (even more) and video card tested. When rendering the MacBook Pro also takes the Toshiba them clearly. In the OpenGL Hardware Test Lightning we see again a clear weakness of MacBook Pro (MacOS X?), Just as it did in Doom 3 Here are the detailed results of the benchmark:

Volume is probably the wrong word – Leisestärke would be more appropriate. The Applebook convinced by a measured maximum volume of very quiet 33.7 dB. Interestingly probably the minimum volume with 33.5 dB 0.2 dB quieter.

Unfortunately, at the very low volume audible to many users uncomfortable buzz. This on the Internet as “whining” was known whirring for a second test device more audible than in our notebook, and is quieter (or dumb) when the device operates without electricity or turn off one core of the processor with the developer tools.

The second device is a second striking noise was apparent. If you are dims the display a clearly audible hum detectable.

Some users indicated that the two sounds to be very uncomfortable, while others it hardly bothers again. Here is an explanation in a blog where these sounds come – should> Mooing Sound Identified (English)

The small stereo speakers play much louder than the G4 Powerbook. Nevertheless, the maximum volume is not really convincing. Also one notices a direct comparison with the Powerbook a unique quality step forward. They clearly play, but its construction only with low bass, overdrive even at maximum volume is not.

The analog and digital audio outputs provide superior quality and are suitable therefore ideal for connecting an external system.
Battery life

The battery life is above average up to almost 1.5 hours under full load well. Lt. Apple is also calibrated the battery by means of a complicated procedure, the full power to achieve. You may therefore have longer terms are possible. Here are the exact test ratings

The no-load power consumption is a very good value compared to the tested until now notebooks. Even under load is still below average consumption.

The MacBook Pro is the first Apple laptop with an Intel processor. How well the transition has fast can you read the following review.

The toll-designed Alunotebook convinced and quality finish. Creaking, uneven gaps or sagging body parts are for the MacBook Pro is a foreign word. The only negative small thing – the lid wobbles slightly when closed – is hardly worth mentioning.

It is striking that the 2.5 kg light unit is designed very flat. For this was no need for a conventional slim DVD burner and a slow-Ultra Slim drive installed.

The large centrally located display hinge is very sturdy and durable makes an impression, however, can not move very far to the rear. This can be for “sofa surfers” with bent legs possibly a little too little. Among the large hinge is the fan output. Here would be also worth mentioning that the Apple laptop is one of the few systems where the air is not sucked from the bottom – very enjoyable!

The connection options are on the contrary, the processing is not perfect. While the Apple MacBook Pro satisfied with Bluetooth, dual-link DVI output and infrared remote control interface included – but are only 2 USB ports, no TV output and Firewire 400 something little. be saved here was probably due to the flat design.

The new MagSafe power connector baptized magnetic Gimick is a great and works great. He would stop ripping down the notebook by the plug is only attracted to a magnet.

The full-size for a 15 “notebook keyboard has a very pleasant, soft touch, shaking little and is very quiet. Our testers, it has fallen without exception. The key arrangements are optimized for MacOS X, and therefore for Windows Newcomers get used (eg Alt + Q = quit program instead of @ – characters in Windows). Only the somewhat small Enter key gives rise to criticism. A special Gimik is controlled by light sensor backlighting of the keyboard – very classy and helpful!

The touchpad has grown compared to the previous device can be operated clear and precise. However, as is usual with MacOs devices it has only one large button (although Mac OS X is a right mouse button tolerate “). The convenient scrolling with two fingers works fine here.
Display

One anticipates that the new 15.2-inch display next to the Intel processor is probably the most outstanding innovation. It clearly belongs to the current class of notebooks.

The horizontal viewing angle were very good. From above and below the panel, however, lost Notebooktypisch faster the colors.

The MacBook Pro 2.0 GHz Core Duo heated by itself because of the very rare and slow-running fan sometimes felt on the bottom and at the small edge above the keyboard. With max. 43 ° C is measured as part of the whole, the DVD test it warmed up but still significantly more (was a bit uncomfortable on the lap).

The Macbook Pro 17-inch Apple is probably one of the 17-inch laptop’s most expensive market. Is it worth the trouble? In fact everything depends on your needs and your means. On the design side, we must admit that Apple stands out among its competitors with an aluminum very attractive.

The finish is exceptional with the unibody carved directly into a block. There is therefore no assembly or visible screws and the whole is more rigid. Furthermore, the release button of the screen that adorned the front edge of the old models disappears in favor of a magnetic system more practical and solid. To top it all, the Macbook Pro 17 is undoubtedly the computer’s thinnest 17-inch market. It is therefore possible to carry for trips as far as we can possibly fit into a bag dedicated to a 15 inch. Although its weight is consistent with nearly three kilos on the scales.

Finally, it is interesting to note that with the MacBook Pro 17-inch, Apple continues to resist (for now) to the allure of 16 / 9. It will therefore be with the black bars top and bottom of the screen during playback of videos, but in return we gain vertical display surface. If the MacBook Pro is generally silent thanks to the thermal diffusion induced by the aluminum chassis, the CPU fan is still sometimes be heard without it being embarrassing either. However, the heating is very noticeable after a few hours of use especially during demanding operations such as encoding video in high definition. In this case rather than put it on your lap, consider acquiring a suitable support.

The backlit keyboard of the Macbook Pro 17 Apple is a model of its kind and we forgive him the lack of keypad. The buttons are large and spaced and the text entry is not a problem. Adjusting the backlight can be accessed directly via the function keys while an ambient light sensor can automatically control the brightness. On both sides of the keyboard are integrated speakers whose gates are again directly molded into the unibody. The wrist rest is very wide which adds to the comfort of the seizure.

Like the 15-inch Macbook Pro touchpad 17 Apple is now devoid of a button. Very broadly, it is sufficiently sensitive and responds perfectly to the slightest pressure of the finger. Coupled with better operating system Mac OS X, you can use one, two, three or even four fingers.

For example, by pinching two fingers on the touchpad, you can make zoom in on photos or web page. Dragging two fingers up and down, there is no need to use elevators to scroll through the pages in any application. On the other hand, a clean sweep of the fingers can browse images in your library. Finally, using four fingers you can see at a glance all the windows open or show the desktop (no need therefore shortcut). And of course, if the default right click is not available, a detour through the system settings is enough to activate. As such, he must praise the efforts of Apple offers video tutorials really well made directly in the preferences of the operating system Mac OS X. In few minutes the touchpad has no secrets for you so that one regrets such a system truly practical and innovative in our good old PC.

Indeed, the glass of the display is arsenic free now while mercury has completely disappeared as the PVC internal cables. In addition, the packaging is also experiencing weight loss with a consequent reduction in size (34%).

The keyboard is comfortable with keys that are well sized. The resistance to pressure is balanced, and unlike some competitors, it does not sag at a pressure a little high on the keys. It may still blame him a bit small arrows and enter key too narrow.

Remains that it will soon with a little practice. Last important point, Apple is the only manufacturer with its keyboard and ambient light sensors with a backlight. If like me you are sometimes forced and forced to tilt the screen to illuminate your laptop keyboard to enter text in the dark, here is the kind of detail that is truly welcome. The light sensor also adjusts the brightness of the screen.

The wrist rest is very wide which adds to the comfort of the seizure. It’s the same for the touchpad and mouse button are generously sized. In office use, the MacBook Pro is so quiet that you might think off. The large ventilation grids are cleverly concealed in the hinge of the screen and the heater is imperceptible. It remains equally discreet in a more intensive use.

Despite its thinness, the MacBook Pro embeds all the connections we are entitled to expect a high-end laptop. Apple has chosen to integrate a DVD burner type snap disc (slot in) on the front. This allows us to save space compared to traditional drawer. Just next door is an infrared sensor to control multimedia applications using the remote control is provided.

On the right spine are a USB port, an Ethernet jack (RJ45), a DVI port and two FireWire (IEEE 1394). As such, the MacBook Pro is the only computer we have tested two FireWire 400 and 800 which provide data rates of 400 and 800 Mbit / s. Owners of compatible hard drives will appreciate. There’s no HDMI port even if a DVI-HDMI suffice to overcome this shortcoming. However, the sound does not channeled through that connection and will therefore require a different cable in the event of a connection to a TV for example. Another notable absentee, no memory card reader is integrated. A peak for a computer to charge high prices. To end this tour of the left edge loads a second USB port, microphone and headphone jacks, an ExpressCard slot and power jack. It deserves attention because the system MagSafe is both original and practical. Indeed, just near the magnetic connector located at the end of the cable so that it is positioned correctly. Moreover, it is appreciated that the power supply is so compact, a detail that Toshiba would do well to learn as we have seen here. Finally, the height of refinement, the battery has a charging indicator light.



The screen was excellent. In addition to a high definition compared to its size of 15.4 inches (1440 x 900 pixels), it still retains the color and contrast is high. Despite some light reflections, it remains legible even in direct sunlight. Finally, the viewing angles are very wide. Note also that the screen seems bigger than it really is thanks to a relatively late. As we said above, the keyboard features ambient light sensor to automatically adjust the brightness of the screen.

The speakers are placed on either side of the keyboard for a good stereo effect. If the sound is once again the pride of the acute, it is especially pleasant and less tiring than on competing models.