[vx211]

First off let me give you some background on me. This is my fourth Apple portable, I started with a Powerbook G3, then a TI Book G4, then the Alu Book G4 (1.67ghz) and now the new MacBook Pro. Each laptop has lasted me about 3 years, which I consider to be great for someone who loves having new anything. I am in my mid twenties and a IT/Medical professional. I was a Windows user through my second year in college when I made the switch and never looked back.

I debated for quite a while to make this upgrade, my Powerbook was just a great machine with no issues. I finally gave in. knowing this was a fresh upgrade and I will probably not having to upgrade for a long time. I bought a standard 2.53ghz model. My initial though was, holy crap they made the box small!

After opening everything I was very, very impressed before I even turned the machine on. While I think that the new design is beautiful, the first thing my wife said was "I like the old one better". So I guess for some people the silver keys and all silver look are still more appealing. After reading a lot of forums I found A lot of debate on the "new look". Looks are always going to be subjective but I love the new book.

Powering the machine on was a breeze and I connected my Powerbook and the new MacBook Pro with a firewire 800 cable. My entire ~60gig Powerbook was cloned into the new machine in less then an hour. This experiencing could not have been any better. I simply love the Migration assistant.

The new MBP runs circles around my powerbook, the simple speed difference in everyday tasks is night and day. I can tell that the 1.67ghz G4 was staring to slow with the latest OSX much more clearly now. I have not got into any intensive tasks yet, but in my first few days of use I could not be happier. Now, let me address some of the problems and issues I have read about and comment on them.

The hinge: I have read what seem to be horror stories about the new MBP's screen hinge. The major concern seems to be that when you start angling the machine up the screen will eventually begin to close on its own. Now on my Powerbook this could not happen, I could hold the keyboard vertical and the screen would stay open. The new MBP has a glass screen and it is much heavier. The most common complaint is that some people could no longer lay in bed with the machine up on there thighs without the screen closing. I have found this to be untrue. In order to get the screen to "fall" I have to elevate the machine well past 60 degrees. While I do not lay in bed or on a couch with the machine against my bent legs, I tried it and had no screen closing issues. Also, even if you tilt the machine too far the screen will not slam closed. Apple seems to have anticipated this problem an the screen will slow and stop before fully closing.

Heat issue: I have read many complaints about the heat. To state this simply I also had a heat issue. While surfing the net my CPU was heating up to nearly 60C and my GPU was heating into the 60's as well. This was all while the fans remained at idle (~2000rpm). I reset the SMU (PMU) and immediately the fans ramped up and my temps on both chipsets are now in the mid 40's and stay there. This problem was solved for me very quickly so don't let it scare you.

Charging issues: This is the last of the big complaints I have read about. Let me also say that I do have this problem. While typing this I let my battery run down to 82%, after plugging the AC back in, I am getting a 1:28 time quote till full recharge. This is obviously a problem. I fully drained by battery to calibrate it and the full recharge time was over 4 hours. My Powerbook would never take more then 2 hours to fully recharge. This is a problem that I am confident will be addressed with an update. I may even give Applecare a call today to see what they say, I'll keep you posted.

Overall I am very impressed with the new MBP. My upgrade could not have been easier. I am not one of the chicken little types that raves and goes crazy about every little nuance. I know this is a new machine and am confident Apple will address the "bugs" with updates. If you were still a G4 user like me, upgrade! The difference is night and day. I would recommend this machine to anyone, I love it.

-Ryan