Apple unveils 17-inch MacBook Pro

As expected, Apple has unveiled the new flagship of the MacBook Pro line, a 17-inch, 1680x1050, 2.16GHz Core Duo model. The new model comes standard with 1GB of RAM, an 8X dual-layer burner and a 120GB 5400 RPM hard drive, along with a FireWire 800 port, for $2,799. Maximum RAM is 2GB, and Apple also offers a 100GB 7200 RPM drive as an option. At the same time, Apple has removed the 17-inch PowerBook G4 from its lineup, leaving the 12-incher as the sole remaining option for customers willing to settle for last year's model (or who want a smaller-footprint portable). The pricing on the 17-incher actually matches that of the 2.16GHz 15-inch model, which makes this one a relative bargain -- especially given its larger hard drive, FireWire 800 and dual-layer burner. As previously noted, the launch was timed to coincide with the opening of the National Association of Broadcasters conference, which begins today. More pictures on the flip side.

[M @ Apr 24th 2006 11:33AM]

"BMWs cost a few times more than a civic, that doesnt stop people from buying bimmers does it?"

A Civic is not even in the same category as a BMW. The engineering and build quality of one is far superior to the other. I�ll tell you what, I will take my BMW around a 90 degree turn at 60mph and you take your civic. I�ll hug that turn like it�s its lover and the civic will spinning out of control. I will slam on my breaks and stop on a dime. The features over the civic are not even countable. These make a BMW a better car than a civic and you pay more for them. The parts that are on the MBPs are the same as any other company are putting in their laptops and a similarly equipped dell is almost $1200 cheaper� $1200!!!! Still, the MPBs are nice looking, but that�s a lot of money to spend to look nice and use OSX.  Cheers

[Jason @ Apr 24th 2006 12:03PM]

You can't compair PCs to Macs in the same light you would compair a BMW to a CIVIC... We are talking about what you get for your money... BMWs while they cost more still have MORE features than a CIVIC... The MBP DOESN'T have all the same features for the higher price that you can get for a lower price in a DELL or HP. If you want to pay MORE for FEWER features than buy a Mac... Like I said let Steve tell you what is important in a computer... don't think for yourself.

PC notebooks are available with MANY MORE features for a smaller price tag... period... who cares about a back light keyboard? That is cosmetic!!! just like the case!!! Cosmetic!!! Oh and build quality REALLY matters when we are talking about cars and something you put you and your families life into... I am all for paying for quaility when it comes to cars... like some others posted... with the MBP you are now using the exact same intel parts that are in those DELL and HP machines so there is nothing special about them being inside a Mac case!

[Ernest @ Apr 24th 2006 12:12PM]

First comment: lol, Ben.

[Adam @ Apr 24th 2006 12:21PM]

I"m sick of this price bickering:

Comparable Laptops on the market:
* Dell XPS M1710 Starting $3,000
* Lenovo ThinkPad T60 (closest at only 14.1" and no DL burner) $2,200
* Sony VAIO FE590PA (closest at 15.4", no DVI out, no dedicated VRAM, 512 RAM) $2,200
* Fujitsu N6410 (only dual 1.66, no bluetooth) $2,000

The Core Duo is expensive sorry to say. There is no mythical $900 out of the box Core Duo. Those are single core Pentium M machinem which can't hold a candle to a Core Duo. While the Macbook Pro 17" is by no means "cheap", its by no means extremely over priced.

You can't even compare strait out hardware prices. OS X has a developement cost, and it is not cheap. Dell doesn't have to write an OS. They just liscense it from Microsoft, pay a minimal fee, and move on. OS X is sold to many less people, so those people have to pay a little more to cover the developement costs. Same with iLife. These programs don't write themselves.

Oh yeah, and the whole
"Glad to see I am not the only person seeing Apple's plan to sell their piece of shit hardware as the "BMWs" of computers is back firing."
Explain to me how record sales last year and this for Apple is backfiring?

[byte @ Apr 24th 2006 12:23PM]

Ok, I'll be honest - I use Linux, not Mac. But, the few times I have used them, I noticed their v. fast. And if the intel systems are really faster, then they must be increadable! So, OS X must be highly optimised for the systems it runs on. Windows is not. So, until we can get a fully optimised version of windows, a fair comparison is IMMPOSSIBLE, since even a low-spec mac could (in some cases) outdo a mid-end Windows PC. So, dont stick up for any platform until the two can be compared fairly....

-- /usr/bin/byte

[J @ Apr 24th 2006 12:25PM]

"I�ll hug that turn like it�s its lover and the civic will spinning out of control."

Have you driven the new Civic Si? It cuts through the slalom almost as fast as a Corvette.

[Claude Filimenti @ Apr 24th 2006 12:29PM]

No need to shout about the "over priced" MacBook ProCPJ. Like many people, you just take the argument the wrong end.

When buying a portable computer are you buying a price or are you buying a solution.

Let me tell you about all the Win users out there with their constantly crashing computers, having to reinitialize their hard disk on a periodic basis. The poor slobs spend 30 to 50% of their time doing technical stuff instead of doing what they need or want to do.

I know, because I sell Macintosh computers for a living. And since a year, more and more customers are switchers (in fact, since last december, 60% of my sales are to those fed-up switchers.) And you know what CPJ? Not one of those switchers would return to using a Windows machine from what they tell me.

Considering the advantages inherent to the Mac line, the MacBook Pro is priced competitively. Nobody mentioned it in this thread, but the battery on a charge is nearly double that of any PC laptop. OK, you can get faster HDs out there, perhaps more powerful video cards or even a lightscribe DVD/CD drive. But what about the extra power requirements then? For a portable this is an essential part. Think of the MacBook Pro as a finely tuned machine. It's not just an assembly of components. Just like a Pontiac Sunfire or a Ford Focus is not a Volvo C70 nor a BMW Z4 nor a SAAB 93.

When you stare at your monitor a good part of the day (or evening, or night), it is nice to remember that the superior graphical interface of the Mac makes everything more readable, even in small type, and that since 1984. Because if you buy a MacBook Pro, you're not buying a toy. You are buying a serious and mean machine made for serious work (be that work serious or fun). Try to live with the excessive reflective surface of the new bright monitors with oversaturated colors (so cartoon like) now available in some portable PC. Not to mention the Fisher Price look of the XP interface�

Finally CPJ. and the others critical ones, just think about this. Why do 80% of people in Fine Arts choose the Mac as their computing tool? Because they want to create content, not become computer experts.

[Jason @ Apr 24th 2006 12:34PM]

Records sales last year and this year are because of the iPod (god only knows why... oh yeah... because EVERY kid in middle school HAS TO HAVE ONE!) Please... When you can change the entire architecture your systems run on and not have to worry about any 3rd party software developers updating there software in the process how important can you computers be? If you own an Apple most likly you only use Apple software which means you are missing out on all the real innovation in software out there. But hey... that OSX sure does look cool! And yeah I know... there are like 3 other companies that make real software for Apples... but the important one (Adobe) also makes all their software for Windows... You know... that POS operating system that EVERYONE in the corporate world and 95% of all consumers use??

Oh and lets not forget how much of a flop the iPod would be if they never made iTunes for Windows. If all those little kids had to convince their parents to buy them a $2800 computer and a $200 iPod they wouldn't have went over well with mommy and daddy.

[Claude Filimenti @ Apr 24th 2006 12:36PM]

Oh and I just forgot. A Mac average life is five to eight years. I mean by that, that it is not uncommon for an older Mac, sometimes very much older, capable to run the latest OS and the latest applications.

Try that for size with a PC older than three to four years old. Even on the Intel site they recommend that you change your PC every two to three years if you want to run the current OS and applications.

Better built is better value.

[MasterCKO @ Apr 24th 2006 12:37PM]

#38, I'm sorry, but I'm pretty sure you don't understand the usage of the phrase 'ignorance is bliss.'

#45, 46. Thank you. I dislike that silly Apple = BMW, Wintel = Civic analogy, and it's nice to see someone point out the flaw in it so nicely.

Look, all the Apple fans. Apples are overpriced. Deal with it. People say Wintel fans should compare with Sony, then it isn't actually that different. The only problem with that suggestion is that Wintel supporters KNOW and ACCEPT and ACKNOWLEDGE that Sony brand computers are overpriced. You guys should take the first step and admit it to yourselves, too. Anything else is a dilusion, plain and simple. People are using Dell because they're the biggest retailer in the Wintel crowd with a really good price/performance ratio. And while Apple may have good quality and extra features, that ratio is SIGNIFICANTLY worse than just about anything Dell makes.

For example, Lenovo (which isn't usually that cheap) makes a 15.4" Core Duo. Basically the same specs. It doesn't have some of the extra features of the Apple, but some of its specs are superior (like the screen resolution and HDD space, for example). $1249. Apple, $1999. What you have to ask yourself is: are the extra features (and somewhat handicapped core specs) worth an extra $750? I think that Wintel fans (and basically the rest of the free world) pretty much say no.

BTW, now that Apple wised up and started using Intel procs, it makes the comparison that much easier than the days of G4, when everyone could defend Apple with a good-ol' (and appropiately-worded) "comparing apples and oranges".

[CPJ @ Apr 24th 2006 12:38PM]

49

It's convenient how you left out the acer I posted in the above example. Also the laptops, like the dell and lenovo go on sale often. Its not rare to get a sweet deal, unlike the apple notebooks whose cost stay static up until they die. As far as development costs, that is a valid point. But the question is this:

Is the use of OSX, ilife, and so forth worth $500-$1000 more?

I believe the answer is no, especially since the whole apple hardware superiority is nothing more than a myth.

[Alex @ Apr 24th 2006 12:49PM]

Dell Inspiron 9400 is way cheaper than the 17in MBP?
Without the coupons, here's the specs. and price I got from a Dell, which I tried my best to match MBP and keep the price at minimum (which is why I went from XP Pro to XP Home):

Price: $2801

Here's what's supposedly identical with MBP:
Intel Core Duo 2.16GHz
1GB 667MHz DDR2 RAM (I hope this is not 2x512MB because MBP has 1x1GB)
120GB 5400RPM SATA HD
8x DVD burner
802.11g wireless card
VGA, DVI, S-Video out (MBP can do the same but with an adaptor)

Here's the difference:
80WHr 9-cell battery (MBP has a 68WHr battery)
256MB ATI X1400 HyperMemory (MBP has ATI X1600 with 256MB dedicated VRAM)
17in WUXGA (1920x1200, which is higher than MBP's 1680x1050)
XP Home (MBP comes with OSX)
No mentioning of Bluetooth and Gigabit Ethernet (MBP has both)
No built-in Webcam (MBP got it)
No backlit keyboard (MBP got it)
No bundled remote control and IR sensor (MBP comes with it)
Thicker and heavier than the 1" thick MBP (Just look at the specs page...)
No Firewire ports (MBP has both FW400 and FW800)
IEEE 1394 port (MBP doesn't seem to have it)
6-USB 2.0 (MBP only has 3)
5-in-1 removable memory card reader (not found on MBP)

Options I didn't choose, but you may want to know is available:
+$29 if you want Intel's 802.11a/g wireless card instead
+$120 if you want GeForce Go 7800 instead
+$149 if you want XP Pro instead
-$99 if you want the 53WHr 6-cell battery instead
-$149 if you want WXGA screen (1440x900) instead


If you choose to go with GeForce Go 7800 (still not dedicated VRAM) and XP Pro, then this Dell will be slightly over $3,000... So, as you guys can see, without discounts, a Dell is about the same price as an Apple.
In terms of discount... I don't know what kinds of deals you can get with Apple if you're not a teacher or a college student, but I think Dell often has rebates and discounts that are available to everybody, given that you know where to find the coupon codes and all.

[CPJ @ Apr 24th 2006 12:50PM]

#52

Spoken like a true salesman:

"Considering the advantages inherent to the Mac line, the MacBook Pro is priced competitively. Nobody mentioned it in this thread, but the battery on a charge is nearly double that of any PC laptop."

The charge is nearly double of any PC laptop? Who do you think you're fooling when you say that? Maybe someone who walks into the store not knowing anything about computers, but definitely not me.

"Finally CPJ. and the others critical ones, just think about this. Why do 80% of people in Fine Arts choose the Mac as their computing tool? Because they want to create content, not become computer experts."

That's cute, but I'm not an individual in fine arts and I have no interest in creating that sort of content.

"Let me tell you about all the Win users out there with their constantly crashing computers, having to reinitialize their hard disk on a periodic basis. The poor slobs spend 30 to 50% of their time doing technical stuff instead of doing what they need or want to do."

Let me tell you about the win users like myself who do not have any problems with their computers crashing, or problems with "reinitializing" their hard drives (do you mean reformatting?). Furthermore I'm curious as to why you think PC users are slobs?

Your post was nothing more than sales pitch, that assumes PCs are complete garbage, and that MACs are the ultimate solution that has come down from heaven. Which is why its invalid.

I'm not trying to deny the fact that mac books are great computers. They most definitely are. OSX is a great operating system, as is the software bundled with it. However, it is not worth a $500-$1000 premium. There is nothing on the hardware side that makes it superior to other PCs. Furthermore its foolish to say that PCs are total crap and vice versa.

[ItsTheGPU @ Apr 24th 2006 12:55PM]

is anyone taking into consideration the fact that the MacBook Pro has a dedicated ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 card? This is a pretty high-end graphics card, and can significantly add to the cost of a laptop. But the benefits are also great, with regards to UI graphics, video processing, and games.

You compare MBP with other brands of similar CPU and RAM, but with an inferior graphics chip.

Please compare MBP only with other X1600-equipped notebooks.

[Jason @ Apr 24th 2006 12:57PM]

#52... Why the hell would anyone want to buy a finely tuned machine for $2800??? If I am paying that much I don't want to have to buy a desktop PC to do a couple of the other little tasks that I NEED to do with my notebook. Nowadays you CAN buy a notebook to replace a PC... period... a 17" notebook is a desktop replacement... period... if you are doing video editing the hard drive speed should be a BIG concern to you...

Just keep letting Steve tell you what is important! Sorry about the fact that you sell Macs for a living... that must be tough...

Oh yeah... "a serious machine for serious work"??? You mean working with documents and databases that over 98% of the corporate world uses or working in workgroup software that 90% of the corporate world uses? Oh yeah you can still do that because MICROSOFT still makes a copy of Office for that crappy OSX of yours. If you think video editing and page layout is the only "serious work" done out there (which can all be done in the exact same programs on the PC) then you are just ignorant.

And if all those people switching over to your macs weren't using limewire, kazza, and bearshare to download free music off the internet they wouldn't need to reformat their hard drives every couple of months. You can have as many uneducated PC users as you want.

[Tom @ Apr 24th 2006 12:58PM]

Re#33 Lightscribe is so lame, dude. You have to be joking if you think that cheesy feature will be enough for someone to choose an hp.

[carl @ Apr 24th 2006 1:15PM]

I think the 2.16 Core Duo in this is overkill and contributes highly to the price. Give me the option to put a 1.66 or 1.83 processor in there, downgrade the HDD to 100 or 80 GB and subsequently chop the price down by $400-500, and I'd happily buy this.

[willyjsimmons @ Apr 24th 2006 1:15PM]

'Not to mention the Fisher Price look of the XP interface�'

Pot to Kettle:

'Did you know...YOU'RE BLACK!!!'

Oh the comedy!!!

Face it folks, you CAN buy a dell with very similar specs for cheaper. Just configured one myself. Inspiron E1705.

[Scoopster @ Apr 24th 2006 1:24PM]

Hello....warranty? I'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet.

Apple: standard warranty only 1 year, must return to retail location.

ThinkPad: 3years....global service...STANDARD. I should know -- I just got my fan replaced on a 2.5 year old, bought-in-USA, T41p. The fan was fixed within 2 hours in Taipei same-day, after the problem was diagnosed the previous afternoon in Shanghai.

ThinkPad -- now that's what I call "Pro" class service.

Apple -- A one year warranty where I have to return it to a retail location....for a machine costing more than $2500? An you call that Professional?

You want 3 year global service from Apple? Sorry...that's another $349. Now your 17" MBP costs over 3 grand.

If you're truly a pro user, and globe-trotting laptop owner, you actually do care greatly about this. It's far more important a lot of the things you guys are bickering over.

[Build a Robot @ Apr 24th 2006 1:27PM]

This is a very nice laptop, is it available in the UK.

[Gobba @ Apr 24th 2006 1:38PM]

Dear oh dear oh DEAR!!!!!

Do you people have nothing better to do than bitch and moan about what is just a computer? All this - "I can get a Dell for this price" and "Apple are da best. wOOt!" bu*lshit. Puh-lease . . . WHO CARES?!?!?!

If people want to buy a MBP then great - their perogative. If they want a PC from Dell or HP or whoever, then great - LET THEM! Half the people that frequent this site with their playground chants of "MY COMPUTERS BETTER THAN YOUR COMPUTER" crap should really, and I know it's a cliche, GET A LIFE! Or have a w*nk . . . release some tension huh?

I'm an Apple user myself and don't particulary like Windows and personally think a lot of the OEM PC manufacturers should take a leaf out of Apples design book because some of them are hideous but I'd never resort to al lthis crap.

Do something better with your time instead of this bickering codshite. You seem to believe the kind of computer you buy or money you spend on something you don't agree with reflects on you and everyone else must be stupid for not following your opinion or what you do.

Apple make some great products - anyone that denies that really doesn't hav a clue what they're on about and are merely haters - that reflects on you more.

But at the end of the day - they're all just tools. It's the end result you come up with that makes the difference and no one is going to ask you what you used to come up with your finished product . . .

. . . though all you children bickering about each others computers I fear are doing nothing with your lives other than frequenting message boards arguing 'my dad's bigger than your dad'.

Yes . . . . grow up little boys.

[kvocal @ Apr 24th 2006 2:02PM]

What are the idiots crying about. Price it out, and stop your lying. The dell is around the same price when you compare it feature for feature.

Inspiron E1705, Duo Processor 2.16GHz, Genuine Windows� XP Professional, 17 inch, 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 120GB 5400RPM Hard Drive, 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability, Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g, 256MB NVIDA� GeForce� Go 7800, Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem, 3 Year Limited Warranty plus 3 Year At-Home Service plus Nights and Weekend. PRCE, $2,767

[digitalsleep @ Apr 24th 2006 2:05PM]

I have both the 9400/E1705, and the new 15" Macbook Pro, well I sold the 9400 on ebay last week. I have to say the Macbook felt better then the 9400. And it ran faster, and aside from the higher res I am completely blow away with the Macbook pro. I feel empowered with this dual booting masterpiece. I know I paid a little more, but it was well worth it. and we always pay more for the little things. I do miss the go7800 256mb that my dell had. But I was not really digging the look or the feel of the dell. Now if we can just do somehting about the heat, it's gets pretty warm...

[SteveJ @ Apr 24th 2006 2:22PM]

Those espousing the values of having a numeric keypad on a "laptop" are all people that don't actually use their laptops as laptops. Most likely because they weigh 12 pounds. They have computers which they claim are laptops, but which never move off their desks, and that makes you wonder why they didn't just buy a desktop. If you did try to use one as a laptop you'd soon find how having the keyboard shifted to the left is a problem. When they jam a numeric keypad in they have to push the main keyboard off to the left and that's going to do some weird shit to your wrists, etc, if you try to use it while it's sitting on your lap, unless you like having your laptop teetering precariously off to the side. Indeed this numeric keypad thing is a great example of how Apple thinks designs through, whereas others seem to just put everything and the kitchen sink in, with little thought whatsoever.

[DJM @ Apr 24th 2006 2:36PM]

You people are freaks.

We have Apples and oranges here...

PCs are cheaper. Duh. They are also crap, worthless machines when it all comes down to it. I'll pay the extra price for a computer that works EVERY time I ask it to.

Oh, and BMW vs Honda. Really? You may "hug a corner like a lover" (lol, btw) but your car will be in the shop more than mine and that's comforting in and of itself.

[P @ Apr 24th 2006 2:48PM]

#47: A 14" Lenovo will be smaller and weigh less than a 17" MacBook Pro? Who woulda thunk it?

#49: Please describe these MANY MORE features that are available on the cheaper PC laptops you're referring to. I'm genuinely curious.

[AppleUser @ Apr 24th 2006 2:49PM]

you're compared MacBooks with Dells, HPs, Lenovos, your grandma's toaster, etc.

but let me ask you this...
can it run OS X?

tell you what. why don't you go ahead and buy those Dells and HPs that you obviously love so much, and try to install MacOS X on them.

while you're at it, i'm gonna head over to the Apple store and pick up the MacBook Pro, which already comes with OS X and runs it flawlessly.

[DJM @ Apr 24th 2006 2:49PM]

#61

Please learn what ignorant means prior to tossing it out there only to make it appear that you are in fact the ignorant one.

I've never met one Mac user that had to reformat their drive...meanwhile my work PC is on it 3rd or 4th. So much for your Limewire theory.

[Max @ Apr 24th 2006 2:58PM]

First of all, 80% of the people posting in these comments have never used a mac. You ask if I would be willing to pay $500 or $1000 more just to use OSX? The answer is yes. PC laptops and windows are such a joke. I take my 1999 powerbook g3 to class (running the latest OSX version with no issues) and connect to the wireless netowrk, everything is kosher. My friend has an inspiron 9400. I input the wifi information and oh lovely, "microsoft windows cannot connect to this network, the password must be between 8 and 32 ascii characters" which it WAS. Nobody with a windows laptop could connect. I hooked his up to a projector and hit the f5 key, and it worked OK. Then it wouldn't disconnect when I was done, so I unplugged it and the laptop screen went black. Had to restart it to get it back on. And don't even mention viruses and the need to be careful or use anti-virus apps. I don't WANT to be careful. I want to watch my porno and read engadget and download shareware without thinking about it.

What you also forget is that apple actually engineers their machines, and this costs money. Anybody can buy oem components and put them in a big plastic case and hey, it will be cheap! But if you compare a macbook/powerbook and any mass-market laptop, they just seem like a joke compared to it. Weird plastic bulges amd protruding vga ports, other ports that are "floating" in little plastic windows so they wiggle when you plug something in. The thickness, the weight. It's just silly. You know exactly where your money has gone when you buy a macbook, and you will never regret it.

If you want a budget computer please don't post about how apple is overpriced, because that's like saying alienware and boxx are overpriced. If you have known windows all your life and have no need for the feautures of mac OSX then shut up, go buy an acer, and be done with it. Don't complain that a computer you don't need is too expensive.

Also, with the screen resolution thing, have any of you ever used a 17" laptop with 1920x1200 resolution? I have, and it's impossible to read anything without squinting. 1680x1050 is the ideal resolution for that display size.

Mobile computing isn't about the fastest or the cheapest; it's about the most user friendly and the most reliable. It's not a bunch of components it is a system that must work together as one unit. And the macbook with OSX does.

[Niru @ Apr 24th 2006 3:00PM]

IBTL Seriously, at least there's a break so most people don't have to read this (mostly) pointless bashing. I like the design, i can figure out the keyboard right click, and its what i want, so i'll buy a macbook.

[Astro @ Apr 24th 2006 3:02PM]

1680x1050?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO :(

[Bjorn Olsson @ Apr 24th 2006 3:04PM]

All the comments I see about comparing price for various PC-laptops vs an Apple are missing the main selling point: Mac OS. The reason I buy Apple computers is not the hardware, it's the operating system. This advantage still applies for Intel-Macs. Even if I could run Mac OS on a hacked Dell, I wouldn't, since I want to make sure to support my favorite OS to ensure to have access to it in the future.
If I can run the occasional Windows-app that's fine, it saves me having to have to buy an HP or Dell in addition to my Macs.

[Nixta @ Apr 24th 2006 3:09PM]

You nutters have just wasted half an hour of my life. I know people like you. You have plastic slides on their sides in your back-yards propping up rusting old bicycles and a stove you might still use one day. Your demented dogs run amock chasing your neighbours' and your neighbours. There's no difference in your mind between a hedge and a fence.

The only reason I haven't bought one of these beauties is that I feel that the new 17-inch specs and price-points foreshadow an imminent upgrade for the 15.4-inchers. Oh, and I haven't quite decided yet if I *need* it.

[Matt G @ Apr 24th 2006 3:14PM]

Dell & HP are junk, they are plasticy thick pieces of trash with poor build quality. I work at a CompUSA and we see junky PC laptops come in all the time cause something breaks, common issue being the power connector cause it's so cheap and flimsy.

I configured a Dell system with required upgrades to match the MBP, with additional SystemWorks to help keep Windows up and running, along with an Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware package. Don't forget some Adobe Premiere and Photoshop elements software to (sorta) compensate for iLife. The price comes to $3,231. They talk about some %40 off deal through business or something, so the price would be $2,134 but I'm not sure how that works.

Regardless, it's still a huge, clunky, disgusting looking peice of oversized plastic with NO backlit keyboard, NO iSight camera, NO innovation, NO style. Period.

And the Backlit keyboard DOES COME IN HANDY! It's quite often I found myself using my PowerBook in the dark, it's excellent. If the other manufactures could have a backlit keyboard i'm sure they would, they're just not smart enough to integrate it into their products, and are always looking for ways to cut costs.

Apple is probably the only company that actually cares about the customer. The MBP is a good deal, even the 17" model at that price. Great bang for your buck, the computer should last at least four years.

[Matt G @ Apr 24th 2006 3:18PM]

# 46 - Armando

The statement Apple made about not having DL in the MBP 15" is that the new 8mm drive is thinner than the older 12mm drives and does not support DL burning (for now)... I don't know if they're using the regular 12mm drive in the new one (probably) or maybe they overcame the DL problem in the 8mm.

Since the 17" is the same thickness as the previous PowerBook 17" i'm assuming its the same disk drive, which is why its Dual-layer.

Whoever makes the drives (pioneer?) needs to come up with an 8mm DL drive, give them some time.

[John Hopper @ Apr 24th 2006 3:44PM]

Mac are more expensive, but I don't believe they are overpriced. There's a difference. The PCs may be cheaper, but they are usually heavier, uglier, made of crappy materials, and don't have some of the same features (Remote, camera, MagSafe, OS X, etc.) Some are willing to pay more for certain aspects of the Mac, some aren't.

There you go, debate settled.

[nah @ Apr 24th 2006 4:02PM]

to all the losers that claim Dell's 17in has better value, have you guys checked how heavy that is? 17in MBP weighs at 6.8lb, I am pretty sure that Dell's wont hit that mark. and Apple's MBP is 1" thick, Dell's is 1.6" thick, can you see the difference there?

[anon @ Apr 24th 2006 4:40PM]

How can you people be comparing the Dell to Apple?

for starters, Apple's high quality, top of the line hardware...

- comes with Bluetooth
- comes with 802.11 a/b/g
- comes with a larger HDD
- comes with 256MB video card
- comes with better battery (lithium polymer instead of littium ion)
- comes with MagSafe connector
- comes with Firewire 800 and ExpressCard/34 (keeping up with new trends in technology)
- comes with 10/100/1000 Ethernet
and most importantly of all, it...
- comes with OSX

When it comes down to it, if you are lookign for a less expensive computer, Apple is not the way to go. You will always find something cheaper. As close as i could make it, Dell's Inspiron 9400 was about 1,000 cheaper than Apple's 17" MBP. But there are many things Dell doesn't offer, like DVI port out, Gigabit Ethernet, FW800, EC/34, etc.

If you need older technology and are looking for a low cost with fewer option and less superior OS then a Dell/HP/Compaq PC is the way to go. The hardware setup, even if made to the same specs would be less durable save for Panasonic's Toughbook line.

BTW, for those that utilize OSX and WIndows, a new Intel Mac is not only the smart way to go, it's the most economical as you can dual boot or use Parallels, a great toold for testing web apps between OSs and browsers.

[David Smoot @ Apr 24th 2006 4:45PM]

Hilarious.

Mac lovers are propping up their egos justifying their choice.

Windows lovers are propping up their egos justifying their choice.

You know what? There is not a "best" choice. There is only a best for an individuals needs.

I've got a Powerbook G4 but I drive a civic so I guess that makes me confused?

I've got MS experience dating back to actually booting off a 5.25" dos floppy to install.

I've used a powerbook for about a year now. For me it meets my needs and makes me smile enough that its price point and feature set are a value for me.

But there is a huge population of computer users that are commodity users that need a commodity product with a commodity interface. No big deal.

There is a huge population of windows power users that like the windows pricepoint / feature set and wintel meets their needs.

I've got my bias. But I don't care if you think I'm overspending. My computer works for me and it works well. I don't find myself cursing the OS for its stupidity / opacity / instability like I used to with windows. Just never having to deal with a registry is worth a lot to me.

Linux has nearly all the functionality I want but the UI just lacks the polish and seamless integration of a production OS for me.

One last point. I know a lot of Mac users that came from the XP world and a few that still are tied to XP for their work machines. But I don't know a _single_ Mac user that has actually used a Mac and then decided to switch back to XP for their personal machine when they upgrade. So either every mac user I know is stupid or there is something about the user experience that makes people willing to pay. Occham's razor supports the latter.

David

[Doug @ Apr 24th 2006 4:58PM]

Hmmmm lets see... New processor, "Incredible New Innovations", blah blah % faster, basically SAME OLD SHIT, i have the 1.5 17incher and it looks the exact same execpt fot the isight, and the magical magnetic power adapter.....you think with the new Intel processors Apple would try to Update the DATED looking flagship.....on a side note it is the best piece of hardware ive owned, no problems whatsoever, but after taxes and upgrades, spending $3200+ for a notebook, I expect more.

[Steve Jobs @ Apr 24th 2006 5:12PM]

Honestly, every time I unveil a new machine, it's like casting pearls before f*cking swine.

[PowerMac @ Apr 24th 2006 5:14PM]

I'm just mad that this wasn't released on a TUESDAY!!!!!

COME ON APPLE! KEEP A SCHEDULE!

Everyone knows that Apple releases new products on Tuesdays, not Mondays!

[PM]

[tape @ Apr 24th 2006 5:39PM]

#14

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=E1705S2&s=dhs

configure all you want, then throw in a coupon code $750 off $2000 and you are all set. Premium Price is not BS.

[Spork bunny @ Apr 24th 2006 5:43PM]

... and still just one mouse button
17 incher with no numeric keypad
and more money than available substitutes.

pissweak!

[Jon @ Apr 24th 2006 5:49PM]

Yep, the Dell adds up to a much higher price just to try and match the hardware.

But with the MacBook Pro you get OSX and loads of great software for the cheaper price too.

You can't touch us. We're better than you in every way.

[tape @ Apr 24th 2006 5:54PM]

lol at #88 the dell is almost $1000 cheaper. Thats with a better NOT underclock video card and a tv tuner w. remote control.

also you can run osx, and you can get all the great free software you want. Although you dont have to pay the premium price.

[Jess @ Apr 24th 2006 6:04PM]

Okay, we all knew this was coming... now that we have a 15" and a 17", it's time for a 12", for those of us who have to lug our laptops around campuses on bicycles every day. I'm still walking crooked under the weight of an old Compaq Presario, and am ready to make the switch to Mac, but there's no way I'm buying last year's Powerbook when Apple's other two size options have just gotten upgrades. You know it's gotta be coming... anybody know if we can expect any more major announcements during this conference?

[arf @ Apr 24th 2006 6:05PM]

OK the dell with coupon codes around is $2,500
2.16ghz duo
17' ultra sharp (better resolution)
100gb sata 7200rpm hdd
2 gigs of ram
8x dual layer burner
intel pro wireless w. bluetooth
256mb geforce go 7800 (not underclocked like apples)
and you can run OSX and XP if you really wanted to.
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=E1705S2&s=dhs

The Apple similarly configured is $3,100.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/6314002/wo/wr45RdBt410r3UWvkIwzPHN2UKo/1.?p=0

So with the 17' there is a $600 difference, with the 15' it is closer to $1000

[Sam @ Apr 24th 2006 6:20PM]

Sorry, when it comes right down to it when I pull my MBP out in class EVERYONE looks at it. It is obviously a premium machine. I am willing to pay 1000 extra for the far superiour design and construction. This one doesn't blend into the crowd. Face it. Kmart makes shirts that are just as durable and serve their purpose just as well as something from Dolce and Gabbana doesnt mean people stop buying D&G, you get what I am saying?

[Iskra @ Apr 24th 2006 6:22PM]

#37: same here in Europe. I wrote to Apple a few weeks ago and they just kept sending me to "Find your local dealer" site, if I wasn't happy with the prices. They couldn't provide me with a reason why must everyone ouside the US pay 27 to 33% more than US citizens do.

So if anyone knows, pleas explain it to me, because I just dan't get it.