So I want a Pre (even more now that it’s proving to be so hackable) but Apple’s recent laptop update has got me wanting a new laptop too.
My MacBook Pro is a first gen and while it still performs the duties I ask of it without complaint I can’t help but look in envy at the new machines.
First there’s the new tech. Newer, more efficient CPU with 64-bit capability and VT instructions. The SD slot will come in more useful than the ExpressCard slot ever did.
Next is the battery life. Thanks to the LED backlight, new battery tech and more efficient parts these things get up to 8 hours of battery life.
The graphics are interesting. From what I can find, the 9400M GPU performs about on par with the X1600 I have now (possibly better since my first-gen machine uses an underclocked X1600). One of the reasons I could never consider moving to the MacBook was because of the drop in GPU performance that would bring. I’ve been enjoying playing games on my machine and while the X1600 isn’t extraordinary, it’s a world away from the Intel GPU performance the MacBooks were saddled with.
There is an option to get a 9600M GT on the 15" models but I can’t really see the point when that model is $500 more than the model without the 9600M GT. The 9400M isn’t going to be a downgrade and that’s good enough for me.
Given my preferences, I’m actually faced with a choice I didn’t expect to get from Apple. My target machine has a 2.53Ghz C2D CPU, 4GB RAM, 250GB HD and 9400M GPU. The choice I get is screen size. It’s amazing the two product lines have merged this far. I guess that’s why they’re calling the 13" machine a MacBook Pro now.
So what does a 15" screen cost you these days? $300. Here’s the thing though. Previously the MacBook had some advantages over the MacBook Pro (to offset the smaller screen). Battery life was better, wireless reception was better and the price was significantly lower. With the current lineup, the only advantages I can see to the 13" model are 0.5kg weight reduction and $300 cheaper. The downside is the that resolution drops. The physical screen being smaller isn’t a problem, just the loss of pixels. It’s not like the machine itself is significantly smaller, 2cm less depth and 4cm less width. I’m definitely leaning towards the 15" model.
Will this make a difference to me now? Probably not. Such a machine would be purchased primarily to take advantage of the new capabilities of Snow Leopard.
