Apple MacBook Pro 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo Notebook (2.0GHz Core Duo, 1GB DDR2, 100GB, DVD?RW/CD-RW, Mac OS X 10.4.4 Tiger, 15.4" TFT)

• Reviewed by: skiorules

  Strengths: screen brightness, keyboard, speed of computer, ease of use with programs, photo and video editing, mag safe power cord

  Weaknesses: buzzing noises sometimes, cd/dvd drive can be noisy

  Overall: overall we are very happy with this computer. we were going to get the powerbook but after comparing the specs we knew we had to go with this one. having the isight in the computer is a nice feature too. we also think the mag safe power adapter is great and will hopefully become used more widely in the future. this computer can be used easily with microsoft products as well which is nice since a lot of our family members use their software. This has been a great computer so far and now that we own a Mac we would buy another one in the future based on how this computer compares to others on the market today.

• Reviewed by: ramuman

  Strengths: Fast, great form factor

  Weaknesses: Ports, bugs, running Windows

  Overall: This laptop is an excellent entry in the 15 inch category with a few catchs. Price/performance wise, its about as good as an Apple laptop has gotten (though the latest 17" MacBook trumps it). The video card is adequete for medium gaming (mostly in Windows) and the processor flies. I have the 7200 RPM HD, which is fast enough, though I have little experience with 5400 RPM HD MacBooks. The new screen is gorgeous, but they all seem to suffer from less even backlighting than previous Powerbooks. Thats the good. The bad is the widespread reports of noise, screen flickering, Airport connectivity issues etc. You can chalk it up to first gen issues, but a $2500 laptop shouldn't have first gen issues this prevalent period. Also, its lacking in maybe 1 more USB port (an external mouse and thumb drive take up the 2 available ports) and for some, the FW 800 port will be missed. Battery life is good, comprable to that of the previous Powerbook, but not outstanding. For the first time, with Apple's official Boot Camp support, Windows runs on a Mac. It runs well, and Apple has supported most hardware with Boot Camp. I realize its a beta, but there are some quirks that are anonying. One is the lack of a true delete key, so you have to remap the keyboard to get delete functionality (something more important in Windows than in OS X). The other is the lack of a second mouse button. For some reason Apple remains defiant in this department - even the Mighty Mouse was half baked. This is a problem in both OS X and Windows, but more so in Windows.In the end, am I happy with it? Yes. Is it perfect? No. In other words, it embodies the Apple users have come to love and hate over the past five years. A good but certainly not flawless product.

• Reviewed by: jeffmilton

  Strengths: Sleek design, smooth feel, convenient built-in camera, beautiful bright screen, and practical magnetic power connection.

  Weaknesses: Runs hot, poor sound quality, and somewhat noisy when running CD-ROM/DVD.

  Overall: After almost a year of looking at the PowerBooks at the local Apple store, I finally decided to make the switch from PC to Mac when the MacBook Pro made its appearance. I was reluctant to be one of the first on board with a purchase as I thought there might be some bugs to be worked out with new Intel chip inside. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. Except for the few weaknesses listed above, I love everything about this computer. Specifically, the screen display is brilliantly bright, and the sleek design is impressive to say the least. Moreover, everything from the built-in camera to the new magnetic power connection is convenient and practical. Yes, it is expensive, and there are a myriad economical choices on the market, but I believe the MacBook Pro is definitely worth the price. No regrets; I love using the MacBook Pro, and I have certainly become the envy of many, if not most, of my friends still using PC laptops and PowerBooks.

• Reviewed by: wshah

  Strengths: Speed, cutting edge technology, built in iSite camera, backlit keyboard, 15.4" screen, cool remote control (but useless), and the overall cool factor.

  Weaknesses: Intel chip not backwards compatible, price, and too easy to scratch the case.

  Overall: Overall, I am very happy with the design, form factor, and built in features that this computer has to offer. However, I am quite bummed that it does not work with all of my favorite applications (ie Photoshop plus other adobe apps). In addition, I cannot seem to find third party accessory software. For example, I cannot use kensingtons mouseworks, and my cool wireless laser mouse. This is the case for almost every small third party app out there. Software has to be re-written in Universal binary for it to work on this machine. I feel like I did back when I went from my apple 68k processor to the powerPC. I am all for progress, but - apple seems to do this too often and quickly. I don't think that the rest of the world has even caught up to the PowerPC world - and apple has done it again. Back in the day, Berkley Systems (After Dark screen savers) dropped the Mac OS completely secondary to the "change" - lets hope we don't have the same problems this time around with software designers.

• Reviewed by: Mashiach Now !

  Strengths: Magnetic power adaptors, CD drive like the car.

  Weaknesses: Poor quality sound

  Overall: I Was very angry about this laptop when came, because came some defectives, the sound, keyboard fellow the shift key, and I was need to return for pc connection, its very thin. Wherever if you are a Mac lover you don?t have any option to buy another laptop, but this laptop I loved. You can buy it.