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.

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:

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 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 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 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

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 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.

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.

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%).

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.

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.

Until now, all notebooks were designed in the same way: by assembling multiple pieces to create a single enclosure. But the integration of all parts needed increased dimensions, weight, complexity and risks of failure. Solving this problem required a more gradual change. It required a breakthrough. To create the new MacBook Pro, the design teams and engineering have devised a way to replace these multiple pieces by one. This unique piece is called the unibody. This is a case in one piece, cut from a single block of aluminum.

There was only one way to achieve this level of precision: it had cut the unibody from a solid block of aluminum using CNC (Computer Numerical Control for CNC machines), the type used by the aerospace industry to make strategic components of spacecraft.

The thickness of a notebook depends on the technology that integrates: LCDs typically use cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) to create a light source and projecting an image on a screen. But that poses two problems. First, these lamps require more space, so the screen can not win with finesse.

Secondly, like the fluorescent lights in your home or office, those that fit a screen backlight CCFL take time to warm up before reaching their full luminosity. In sum, a lose-lose situation. That’s why Apple engineers chose the technology with LED backlight for the new MacBook.

But where’s the button? The amazing new trackpad also serves button: press anywhere and feel that you have clicked. The lack of a separate button allows you to identify 39 percent more space: much space to walk your fingers won on the glass surface to soft. Now that Multi-Touch manipulation can be performed on a MacBook, you have all the functions at your fingertips. Use two fingers to scroll a page vertically.

Simply wonderful. The screen LED-backlit MacBook does not shine only by its superb design seamless, a remarkable finesse. Open your MacBook and you are instantly greeted by a wonderful light from the screen. The aluminum enclosure is perfectly integrated into the glass screen, so that the image of perfect clarity, appears larger and more striking than ever. Everything you look, including the glossy widescreen display itself, proves spectacular. The backlit LED operates more energy, which translates to greater autonomy. And since it contains no mercury or arsenic, it is greener than ever.

Of course, such a compact requires restricting connections. It is equally minimalist dimensions: a small pivoting door to discover the jack audio connector for an external monitor (with DVI and VGA adapters supplied), and the single USB port. No Ethernet jack, or Firewire. A USB to Ethernet adapter is optional, but lost a good portion of the flow of Ethernet as to meet the 802.11n WiFi team that this notebook. It supports 802.11 a, b and g, and with the preliminary version of n (which is still not finalized at present). It goes without saying that it is primarily the single USB to us grieve. A second would have been welcome.

The connection interfaces are proposed: one FireWire 400, two USB, one Gigabit and one mini-DVI out (without sound). A final point on the ergonomics of the product: making connection to the current magnet. The force exerted by the magnetic field is large enough that it does not come off permanently. However, if someone were to walk on the wire, it disconnects and avoids sending the laptop to land: ingenious.

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.

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.