[MW Forums]

The first MacBook Pros have arrived, and Jason Snell has spent 24 hours taking this Intel-powered laptop out for a test spin. Find out his first impressions—and how the MacBook Pro performed in our Lab tests—in this first look. more

[jcurty]

I was just curious to know what the case of the MacBook is made of. Is it aluminum like the Powerbook's?

[Jason Snell]

It's exactly the same material as the PowerBook G4 -- aluminum, or for our British friends, "aluminium."

[coreymcl]

GOD I want one! Now I just have to find the money. Somebody want to buy a kidney? Just kidding, I guess I should look around and see what needs to be sold.

[Jason Snell]

Mmmm... Kidney...

[seattlemacuser]

Fast work Jason -- much appreciated.
In your preliminary battery test, was the battery in the G4 Powerbook new? (They do lose their capacity over time.) If not, your test may overstate how well the MacBook Pro performs.
Thanks.

[coreymcl]

What has Microsoft said about intel versions? What for the next full version? I know they said they would release some software updates in March, but did they say anything on the intel version of Office? Is it going to be free?

[Plecky]

Nice work! I just got my 2.16 MBP today, when will we get benchmarks that throw my machine into the mix? I'm more curious to see how it performs vs. those competitors (2.0 MBP, 1.67 G4, and 2.0 iMac Core Duo). Why'd you order 3 2.0's by the way? Why not some 2.16's so you could have one today like myself? It was the extra 300 huh? I understand... /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Jason Snell]

I suspect the Intel version of Office won't appear until the next full (for-pay) update to Office appears. My bet: later this year. But that's just an educated guess.

[Jason Snell]

I don't know how old the battery was -- I'll be sure to check the battery stats later this week. My impression is that it's relatively new.

[Jason Snell]

We actually didn't order 3 2.0's, but that's what we got. We do go through a lot of laptops here at Macworld, so we'll likely keep one for the Lab and put the other two into service as systems for people who work here.
We've got the other speeds coming as well.. but they haven't come yet.

[Plecky]

Sounds good, thanks for the quick and timely response. None the less, you did brighten up my day a little bit with the knowledge that I received a 2.16 before the more-worthy-than-I staff of MacWorld. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Anyways, if you don't mind me asking one more question... Do you think we'll see the reviews for these in the following months MacWorld Magazine? I doubt they'll make it to press in time for April's issue myself, but I'm always willing to be suprised. I say iMac reviews and maybe a little about the MacBook Pro's in April's, followed by a excellent May issue with first looks of whatever comes out of Feb. 28th's special event and quality MacWorld reviews of the MBP that you seriously can't get anywhere else. Your words and ratings lead my Apple/Mac buying decisions, your the first and last word and quality bathroom reading material... did I just say that out-loud? /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[smittst]

Interesting that the Unreal scores were identical. I was under the impression the macbook pro used the Radeon Mobility X1600 and the iMac used the standard Desktop version, Radeon X1600.
Since the scores are identical it would suggest the cards are identical too, and probably the mobility version.
Does the system profiler give any insight on the video differences (if there is any)?
Thanks,
Terry

[veggiedude]

Do you have the option to run the MacBook Pro at a slower processor speed to save battery power (like the PowerBook) and if so, I would like to see this tested vs the PowerBook in the same low power mode.