New MacBook / MacBook Pro unboxing and first impressions

We've had a chance to spend a little time with Apple's new laptop offerings, and we wanted to give you a taste of what's changed -- and stayed the same -- in the MacBook and MacBook Pro. Included after the break is a rundown of our impressions. We're going to be doing a longer, fuller, more exciting review in the very near future, but this should give you an idea of what to expect if you're planning on diving into one of these anytime soon. If you just want to get into the heavy stuff, you can hit the galleries below for a thorough look at the hardware.

If you're wondering why the color temperature seems to vary in the photos, we shot it at the Revision3 studios while filming a segment for Tekzilla and they kept changing the lights (lovely folks, lighting changes notwithstanding).

MacBook Pro unboxing

MacBook unboxing

While much of what you see on the outside here is the same as the MacBook Pros that you're used to, the construction is totally new, and you can feel it. Both the MacBooks and the MacBook Pros feel almost exactly like what they're made out of: solid slabs of high-grade aluminum. The overall construction feels amazingly tight and secure, and they've smoothed some of those hard edges, making them seem sleeker than before. While the MacBook has shaved off nearly a half-pound of weight from the previous iteration, the Pro has fattened up two-tenths of a pound over the earlier model.

Of course, the other big news is that Apple has traded up from the displays we've come to know and love in previous models for an iMac-esque super glossy, matted (but not matte -- we'll get to that) LCD screen. The company has also seen fit to remove the button from the trackpad altogether, making the entire surface a Storm-like single button, albeit one that can be tweaked via software for multi-finger gestures. But let's just get it out right here -- four finger gestures may be pushing it a little far.

The screen presents a particularly vexing problem; Steve Jobs has stated that this is the direction which Apple is going in for all new models (ostensibly based on the outpouring of love from consumers Phil Schiller mentioned at the event), and there aren't plans for non-glossy versions. Unfortunately, that doesn't work for everyone. In particular, users who take their work outdoors, or don't have full control of every lighting situation they're in will be left hanging -- to say nothing of people who just don't want to look at their reflection all day. It's not quite a deal-breaker, but it does annoy to know Apple isn't concerned with users who would prefer a less reflective surface.

The trackpad, on the other hand, is surprisingly usable. The click feels similar to the traditional button -- though slightly more resistive -- and you're able to right-click with either a two-finger gesture or by assigning one of the bottom corners. We prefer the latter technique, we just hope someone hacks that to expand the corner size. They tell us it's made of glass now, but it feels pretty much the way it always has. All-in-all, not a bad execution on something we were fairly worried about. You can see a video of it in action below.

Besides the big cosmetic changes, Apple has killed the Firewire 400 slot (there's an 800 present on the Pro), swapped the DVI port for a mini Display Port jack (adapter definitely required), and moved all the rest of the ports to the left side of the machines. They've also mercifully put that battery level on the side now, thus alleviating the need for flipping your computer over.

And speaking of the battery, Apple now puts it in an easy to access covered section along the bottom / back which also allows access to your hard drive. This definitely makes it easier to pop out your drive, but the RAM is actually a little harder to get at (you'll need a screwdriver). It works, though we wish they'd made changing the memory as easy as changing the disk. And in case you're wondering, the batteries aren't transferrable between the two systems. As before, MacBooks with MacBooks, and Pros with Pros.

Under the hood, there's been spec bumps galore, including faster CPUs for both (up to 2.8GHz for the MacBook Pros, up to 2.4GHz for the MacBooks), DDR3 RAM is now in play with both systems, and on the Pro you'll get that pair of NVIDIA graphics chips, the GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT. You can switch those up depending on your needs, but you'll have to logout to make the changes stick. The MacBooks just sport the 9400M, but if you're looking for a powerhouse, you're probably looking towards the Pro anyhow.

The software obviously remains the same besides new trackpad options, graphics chip switching, and other minor changes (that we've seen so far), though there are some odd tweaks. According to Jason Snell from Macworld, you can use your iPhone earbud button to control iTunes (pause / play, back and forward), and the microphone can be used as a... microphone. It's a strange but nice touch.

Overall, this is evolution, not revolution, but there are some very welcome updates here. We're still wishing for a few things, like EV-DO or HSDPA built-in, but we're not at all let down by what Apple is showing off. We'll tackle these in a longer review later, but for now you can enjoy these pics and the details we scraped together.

[Tony C Posted Oct 15th 2008 11:32AM]

Dual Link DVI is for the 30" Cinema Display (and other super-hi-res jobbies) that don't have the fancy new Mini Display Port.

[Rpie74 Posted Oct 15th 2008 11:35AM]

Can anyone tell me that if I go with the non-SSD drive, will I be able to later change it to an SSD drive?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 11:26AM]

you can easily get an adapter to transfer your firewire 800 = 400
though on the mbp it would be nice to see an extra fw port.

I think the screens are great! I've been using the imac for video editing well over a year (and sit near a window) and have no complaints - the picture is incredibly sharp & crisp.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 11:08PM]

FireWire can be daisy-chained; there'd be no point in adding more than one FireWire port.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 11:40AM]

Heart broken again. Not as bad as I was with the "Air" but still...
The entry level being $300 more then the previous generation
Glossy screen
No fire wire
Black keys
And I was still hoping for a 10-11" version but I guess that is never going to happen despite the obvious demand for smaller notebooks.
If there is ever an easy, idiot proof way of getting Mac OS X on my 10" netbook, I doubt Apple will be seeing anymore of my $$$
The obsession with thin and glossy, the refusal to make any price adjustments in view of the economy AND getting rid of popular features.
Trifecta :>(

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 2:07PM]

When comparing memory prices remember that you are starting out with 2 gigs of ram. So you have already paid for those 2 gigs, and to get the 4 gig spec you are actually paying for another 2 gigs.

So you could buy 4 gigs of ram online, and sell your original 2 gigs. You save plenty by doing it that way, even with the less overly expensive ram upgrade option.

And ram prices go down all the time.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 12:29PM]

Do they come with the new intel penryn core?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 12:50PM]

Of course no professional with buy these new Macbooks, because work is still done on a proper desktop with huge monitor for better workflow!

[Mr Bojangles Posted Oct 15th 2008 2:02PM]

1 - Do the screens on either MB or MB Pro tip back beyond 90 degrees? I am a tall guy and laptops are meant to be in laps, so it must have the ability to tip beyond vertical.

2 - The base new MB clocks in at 2.0 GHz - is this even fast enough to play & stream 1080p quality H.264 movies?

3 - Can the mini DisplayPort transmit lossless discrete audio along with video like HDMI can do? HDMI is ideal as it is one cable

4 - Firewire and 2" should not cost an additional $400! (no pun intended)

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 3:22PM]

I just picked up a black macbook. It's 2.4Ghz, 4GB of RAM, 320GB HDD and it works great! And after looking at apple's lineup, I put my money towards this mainly because they took off Firewire! The whole point of a mac consumer laptop was to be able to edit your iMovies and such but how you gonna do that now if you can't pull your DV off your camera!?! I know I can't import my footage on the current gen macbook, but instead would have to buy a macbook pro! I'm sorry Apple, but as a mac user, this sorely disappoints me. Better graphics, nicer screen and faster processors are definitely nice but with how much was lost in this new generation, I'm not going for it. Who knows, maybe apple will realize and we'll get firewire back! And maybe an expresscard/SD slot too, because you know, almost every laptop out in the market currently includes one...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 5:24PM]

Napolean Dynamite? Is that you?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 7:47PM]

Hmmm, anyone see the resemblance?

http://images.bestbuy.com:80/BestBuy_US/images/products/8892/8892996cv2a.jpg

http://images.apple.com/macbookpro/images/design-hero20081014.jpg

looks mighty familiar too me.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 22nd 2008 8:21PM]

Really expensive over sized portable DVD players. That's the only thing they are good for really. Real professionals need better matte screens and more ports. WTF apple. They now cater to facebook and twitter users.

[smakus Posted Oct 15th 2008 6:29PM]

Only stupid ass engadget would care about EV-DO or HSDPA built-in... dumb.

[calvinki Posted Oct 15th 2008 6:52PM]

It looks like a giant compact for ladies!

I am disappointed on the design. May be they will look better in person!?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 15th 2008 8:19PM]

I'd be really curious about what it is like to drag something (an icon or a window) with that trackpad. Do you have to push down on the whole pad while dragging (thus increasing the resistance from your finger)? If you just use your thumb to push the corner, does that screw with the tracking?

[BigFatDuck Posted Oct 16th 2008 1:17AM]

hans, you have a point but that isn't what i asked for. i asked, plainly and simply, for a laptop with the *same specs* to be *significantly cheaper*. instead you come up with configs that may have slightly better specs for pretty much the same price. find me the macbook pro, any of the 3, for cheaper. period.

[BigFatDuck Posted Oct 16th 2008 1:25PM]

hans, i don't have all day to configure all of the options you listed, but just taking the very first one you are dead wrong. i configured both to the exact same specs and the dell comes up over $100 more expensive.

Dell: $2256
My System Details
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8600 (2.40GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate SP1, With media
15.4” Wide WXGA (1280x800) Display
3 Year Basic Limited Warranty and 3 Year NBD On-Site Service
NVIDIA Quadro FX 770M, 512MB
2.0GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
320GB Hard Drive, 7200RPM with Free Fall Sensor
8X DVD+/-RW w/Roxio and Cyberlink Power DVD™
6 Cell Battery
Dell Wireless™ 1510 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card
Dell Wireless® 370 Bluetooth Module
Internal English Backlit Keyboard
No Fingerprint Reader
Integrated webcam with microphone
Resource DVD - Contains Diagnostics and Drivers
Free 19" UltraSharp™ 1908FPW Widescreen
My Accessories
130W 3P, A/C Adapter
My Software
No Intel® vPro™ Secure Advanced Hardware Enabled Systems Management
My Services & Warranties
No Onsite System Setup
Also Included
Black Wide Screen WXGA LCD Panel w/ Integrated Camera and Microphone
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Vista Premium Label

Macbook: $2099
base macbook has all comparable specs but upgraded to 320gig HD so that the 2 configs would be the same

so much for that point eh, hans?

[ticohans Posted Oct 16th 2008 11:03AM]

Devin,

Regarding your post of a Dell config, the reason you found a price difference is that you purposefully selected items for which there was a large cost to upgrade. You picked a config that included a monitor for "free" as opposed to one that includes discounts elsewhere (i.e. - you can either get a 4400 w/a free monitor and $100 cash back or with no monitor but $335 cash back). Does your Apple configuration include a monitor? And I don't see a 512MB graphics card on your MBP. You upgraded to a 320GB HD at Dell as opposed to going with the standard config on the MBP because Dell charges $300 to go from their 250GB to 320GB hard drive. Let's also ignore the different spindle speeds - Mac is 5400rpm and Dell is 7200rpm - that doesn't help your point, either. You snuck in an OS upgrade as opposed to just leaving it at Vista Business. You tacked $50 onto the price by purchasing a DVD burner with lame Roxio software as opposed to just going with the base DVD burner. You ignore the difference in warranties - throw an Apple Care package onto your MBP if you want to be consistent, you know, that warranty that costs an extra $350. With deliberate manipulations like this, your motive is clear.

You say you want something with the "exact" same configuration. Well, given that no one else is using the Nvidia chipset yet, you can't get an exact match on the config. So instead of that, I chose to show laptops with much better specs (not "slightly better" as you suggest - blu-ray, full HD display, double the graphics memory - these are not minor upgrades). And would you care to explain how the HP HDX16t, which costs $1525 is "pretty much the same price" as the MBP? If you think $2000 and $1525 are "pretty much the same price" (let alone the $2500 and $2800 variations of the MBP, which are much better comparisons for the HDX16t; see this link for statistical verification that the HP is approximately equal to the $2500 MBP: http://www.pcmag.com/image_popup/0,1871,iid=219440,00.asp), would you mind sending me a check for the difference? That $375 clearly doesn't matter to you. Again, your bias is clear.

If you really yearn for that "same" configuration (which, again, can't be done), I'll give you something as close to the base MBP as I can. Going back to the Dell, but this time WITHOUT that free monitor and without trying to nickel and dime it to death:

Precision Mobile M4400
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8400 (2.26GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Business Bonus-Windows XP Professional downgrade
2.0GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
Graphics NVIDIA Quadro FX 770M, 512MB
250GB Hard Drive, 7200RPM with Free Fall Sensor
15.4” UltraSharp™ Wide WXGA+ (1440x900) LED Display
Dell Wireless® 370 Bluetooth Module
8X DVD with Cyberlink Power DVD™
Integrated webcam with microphone
Dell Wireless™ 1510 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card
6 Cell Battery
3 Year Basic Limited Warranty and 3 Year NBD On-Site Service
TOTAL:$1,582.00

The base MBP has a better processor (for whatever reason, Dell wouldn't allow me to select the P8600), but this Dell has double the graphics memory; a larger, faster memory; and a 3-year warranty, for which Apple charges $350. If the processor is really important to you, than you can upgrade to the T9400 for an extra $130, and end up with a laptop that still out-specs the MBP while costing less. Using the P8400 was the closest thing to "same" as I could get, since it's the same processor class. And really, if you're so terribly concerned about "same," you should probably add the cost of the Apple Care warranty to the MBP, bringing that machine to $2348, versus the $1582 for the Dell. Even without the warranty, the price difference is $417. My point is made either way.

[miquonranger03 Posted Oct 16th 2008 3:42AM]

well, my 450 dollar Eee PC also has multitouch. It works better, and it has more functions. I'll be voted down for committing Apple heresy, but I just needed to say that.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 16th 2008 8:14AM]

i have seen that the micro isn't any more near the isight cam
now it is near the esc button !
i know from other brands which have the mic near the keyboard
that you can badly hear the cpu fan and the tipping on the keyboard over
skype!
i hope this isn't the same with the macbook !
is it possible to test these an blog it here ?

regards

[amang Posted Oct 16th 2008 7:45PM]

I hope someone compares Macbook with is the Sony VAIO SR series in their Macbook review. SR looks like a great laptop (review - http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/213993/sony-vaio-vgnsr19xn.html), but is not getting any attention. I have below a comparison, which shows that it really stands up to the new Macbook, maybe even betters it.

Common config:
Intel P8600 2.4 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB 5400rpm HDD, 3 year Support, no accessories

Config Differences:
Sony - ATI Radeon HD 3470, memory card slot, firewire, 100Mbps Ethernet, VGA port (last 2 can be remedied using available dock)
Apple - nVidia 9400M, no memory card slot, no firewire, Gigabit ethernet, DisplayPort

Design differences
Sony - 4.14 lbs, 0.99″ - 1.33″ thick
Apple - 4.5 lbs, 0.95″ thick

Other differences:
Sony - switch mode, Windows Vista Home Premium, 6 hrs battery life (claimed), offers a dock
Apple - New touchpad design, Mac OS Leopard, 5 hrs battery life (claimed), no dock available

Prices (direct selling):
Sony - $2000
Apple - $2100

My view: General performance, build quality and looks should be good for both laptops. Graphics performance and battery life needs testing. From above, Sony is missing an HD display output (I am sure many people find it useful, and would want it without the dock), and Apple is missing memory card slot (I do a lot of photography, and find it really useful). Sony is more suitable to be used as a desktop replacement, by offering a dock. Otherwise, both laptops are totally neck to neck, other than if someone is a die-hard Mac OS fan, in which case the whole comparison is useless.

[SOTEC Posted Oct 19th 2008 1:45PM]

I didn't even read the article.

Don't need to with ugly like that.

No full keyboard on the Pro (when there's obviously space for such) = lose
All black trim around screen = win
Price = Always an overwhelming LOSE
Not Windows = win
Linux = winner!

I don't disagree that Apple is putting a LOT of thought and creativity and innovation into their products, and maybe that's how they justify their enormous price tag, but you know what? I'll stick with a super fast, inexpensive PC that runs 64bit Ubuntu like a dream any day.

On the other hand, I'm ready to wait outside of the Walmart distribution center so that I can strategically place my Zune for maximum 18-wheeler-crushing playtime and replace it with an iPod, price notwithstanding.

I want ROCKBOX!!

[FishGuy Posted Oct 21st 2008 10:27AM]

Full review PLEASE?!?!? How can I stand not running out to buy this thing any longer yet how can I run out and buy this without Engadget's all important thumbs up?!!?! Discounted previous version or full price new pro?

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 12th 2008 11:25AM]

Quite simply, no matte screen = not pro and no purchase. I'm hoping Apple take on board that they've fricked-up big-time here and will be burning the midnight oil to be able to offer a matte build-to-order option on the 17" MBP when that is announced, which will quickly filter through to the 15". Surely they must be feeling the pressure to rectify this, or is the "creative professional" sector now a legacy inconvenience for Apple as they move on and try to sell laptops to every iPhone owner that doesn't already own a Mac?