Great Laptop at Good Price
Written: Dec 18 '07
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Pros: OS X Leopard, several great features and software included.
Cons: I would prefer a more traditional keyboard.
The Bottom Line: It's a Mac, no learning how to fix it because it doesn't have Window's tech issues, just turn it on, and it works. PERIOD!
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| clarkie_in_ct's Full Review: Apple MacBook 13.3 in. (MA701LL/A) Mac Notebook |
To be honest, I converted to Mac a little over 2 years ago, after utter frustration with Windows. I haven't looked back since. So when I wanted a Laptop, there was never any question that it would be a MacBook.
Let me break it down in the the obvious categories. Cost, Features and Quality. Cost, well I would say for the Macbook is middle of the road. It is slightly more expensive than the Dell Inspiron and several hundred less than HP with similar configurations. Not to mention that neither of these configurations come with a robust version of Vista, but the scaled back Home Edition. Neither come with Audio, Video, DVD Creation, Web Design, and Photo software. All of which are standard on the MacBook. The Macbook comes in a few flavors and two colors (depending on the model) The base MacBook has a 2.0GHz Processor and a CD RW drive, and 1GB RAM and 120GB, and comes only in white and prices at about $1099. The next level, is the same but upgrades the process to 2.2GHz and has a combo drive that allows you to burn DVD's. It also is only available in white, and is about $1300.
The next level upgrades the Hard Drive to 160GB. And comes in Black. Note you can upgrade the second tier White Macbook to the 160GB drive and it's still less money than the same configuration in black by nearly $125. The Black MacBook has a premium for it's color.
Features. My Macbook has a 2.2GHz CoreDuo processor, 1GB of RAM and a 120GB internal hard disk. It has a 13.5" cinematic display w/glossy finish that make viewing photos spectacular. While the display seemed small in the store, it was plenty big when I saw it at home. The keyboard is my biggest complaint, which was hard to get used to. I've become more proficient as I use it, but still would prefer a more traditional keyboard. The mouse is a touchpad with is very customizable and the overall size and weight of the Macbook is great! It also comes with a remote control to be used with Apple's Front Row, a media center for picture, movies, music and DVD's. The remote can also be used for PowerPoint, and Keynote (Apple's version of Powerpoint).
The Macbook is Bluetooth 2.0 equipped and connecting Apple's bluetooth Mighty Mouse was a cinch. It is also fully equipped with Wireless, with it's AirPort adapter built right in. It is fully compatible with all Wireless hubs, I've connected with both a TwoWire, and a Linksys router.
The adapters are on the side and included Power, EtherNet, Mini-DVI, Firewire 400, and two USB 2.0 slots. What's missing is Firewire 800, VGA and PCMCIA. You can buy adapters for the VGA and PCMCIA. One of the cooler features is the MagSafe Power Adapter. The power cord connect magnetically, nothing is inserted. This is great if you or someone else trips on the wire. It simply pop right off the Macbook and the Macbook doesn't even move a little. The last of the physical features is the built in iSight Camera and microphone, which is located just above the display. It's only about .5 sq. CM's
Those are the physical features, but all of those are left in the dust by the single biggest and best feature on the Macbook. OS X Leopard (10.5). OS X (pronounce OS 10) is what makes a Mac a Mac. OS X is rock solid nearly impenetrable to virus's and spyware, mostly because at it's root, OS X is UNIX. The other features include iLife Apple's suite of products that include: iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb. All of which are incredibly intuitive, and easy to use. Nearly everything is drag and drop, which makes moving things around or adding a picture to a document or web page easy. I'd go into more detail but that would be another review in itself.
The overall quality of the device is deceiving. I initially thought is was too light and perhaps flimsy, but I was wrong this Laptop is extremely well made and I'm very happy with the overall quality and performance of this device. I use it nearly every day and have not had any issues at all.
In the Box: Macbook, Power Adapter with extension, cleaning chamise and recovery disks.
All the setup was done nearly automatically, what wasn't was easy. I can't recommend this product enough, it's a great device
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1300
Operating System: Macintosh
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 13 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Epinions.com ID:
clarkie_in_ct
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Member: Stephen Clark
Location: United States
Reviews written: 35
Trusted by: 2 members
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