Three day old Macbook pro, 15" 2.8 model...I am loving the switch from PC!

Question

Hello everyone. I just wanted to post some of my likes and dislikes of the Macbook Pro 15" 2.8 GHZ model for those searching this forum for reviews.
The computer I have is completely up-to-date, with the latest 10.6.1 OS, with Logic Express to boot. So far I have found the computer very responsive for my uses and fast. When I first received the computer, I thought it had Snow Leopard already installed. It wasn't until last night (I purchased the computer on Saturday) that I realized that I still had 10.5.7 Leopard installed. After installing Snow Leopard I am pleased to say I noticed a considerable improvement with Logic Express. Before, the computer randomly had warning pop-ups while using the software. I was a bit annoyed and did contact Apple about potential bugs with Logic. Of course, after installing Snow Leopard everything is running great.
As for the 5400 RPM drive, for my uses, it is very fast and very responsive. I don't think I will be upgrading in the future because any audio recording I do is on an external 7200 RPM hard drive. If the prices for SSD come down considerably, I may choose to upgrade my hard drive then, but for the time being I am very, very happy.
I will say that I am not as impressed with i-photo as I thought I would be. I really enjoy the easy slideshow modes that it features, but I don't find the "face-recognition" that responsive. Maybe I am doing something wrong though. As I said earlier, I am new to Mac, and have only had the computer for three days now.
I got the Anti-glare screen model as well, and let me tell you, that is the best part of the viewing experience. I don't understand how some of you out there love the glare screens. Too much reflection for my tastes and less motion-sickness. The anti-glare screen is very professional looking in my opinion as well, and does not reflect the light from the keyboard at all. Also, if you are looking to extend your battery life to the largest potential possible, the anti-glare screen is still usable with the screen dimmed. I noticed with the glare screens, the glare became very apparent when dimmed, which left me with no choice but to keep it at near-full brightness.
Fit and finish of the machine is amazing. Much better than my previous HP Pavilion DV6000!
I also bought a clear Speck hard-shell cover for the Macbook Pro too. I want to baby this computer and keep it in good shape. If I had to rate the Speck shell, I'd give it a 9-out-of-10. It works great, but allows some dust to come through, hence the 9 rating.
This laptop is also GREAT to use outdoors, in sunny conditions! I am guessing that is due to the anti-glare screen, and the highly bright, LED LCD display. I love it, and while that is cool, why use your laptop outdoors?
Anyways, so far, I am very happy with my Mac purchase. I felt obligated to write this because when I used to search these forums for advise, most of what I came across were horror stories and complaints, which really skewed and worried me. I want potential buyers to see some positives too.
PS: I have been trying to push my computer to get the dreaded beach-balling phenomenon that some users describe. I have had the beach-ball pop up, spinning in it's hyper color glory, but it lasts for the most a few seconds, and pops up when I load up a bunch of apps at once (like 6).
Have fun and be safe!
-Bud

Answer 1

Thanks !
Great comments Bud! Glad you got a kick out of my handle. ;o) I thought is was a fitting title considering how many Macintoshes I have around here! ;o)
I am sure that you will probably encounter some "issues" with using you new MBP, but I am pretty sure it will be related to "unlearning" the Windows way of doing things! lol!
I always tell people that the best part about a Mac is OSX! 10.6 is proving to be an EXCELLENT step forward in this great OS' long history! Being kind of a techy, I know how much "under the hood" improvements this new version has going on. Many of these improvements will benefit you as a musician as you start using your machine for music related purposes. Just wait until we start seeing more support for 64 bit! :o)
As for the screen debate... Yeah, I can't understand the appeal of the "GLOSSY" screen either. I guess when you don't consider these things as a TOOL, you are more concerned with the BLING factor than you are with accuracy and useability of the device itself.
I have read a lot of very flippant remarks on here and elsewhere aimed at those complaining about the previous lack of the Matte screen option. Some saying that the percentage of users who would want that version was in the single digits. Guess they didn't see all those POLLS on photography web sites, where the percentage of those preferring a MATTE screen was in the 90+ percent range. ;o)
I would remind those "consumers", that it was "Media Professionals" that kept Apple in business during the "dark" days when everyone was predicting the demise of the Mac and Apple as a company. It was nice to see Apple finally give a nod to these "Professionals" by finally offering the Matte screen option we NEED again on their "PRO" line of laptops.
Just checked my order and see that it is PREPARED FOR SHIPMENT! :o)
My only worry is the possibility of a STUCK PIXEL. I have never had a problem with this before, but it is always something I worry about every time I buy a new machine with an LCD screen. I am hoping that the MATTE screens get a better QC going over than the Glossy models do.
Thanks again for posting your thoughts! It is always rewarding to read the impressions of a recent convert!
Cheers. :o)