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December 24, 2008
Problems with "Unibody" MacBook Pro 2008
I have one. Don't get me wrong, overall I like it, but I have a few nits to pick... In case anyone at Apple is listening. *laugh*
1) The two USB ports are too close. If I plug in a device (e.g. my 16gig USB drive) to one port, I can't get anything into the other port. Is this more a problem with the 'wide' device, than the Mac? Maybe. But I have the same problem with my SD-card reader, and when multiple devices from multiple vendors have the same problem with the Mac, I have to blame the Mac. I would recommend having one USB port (preferably, a third!) on the right-hand side of the Mac.
2) The screen isn't tight enough, or is too heavy. If I extend the screen as far back as it goes, and lean the Mac up (e.g. when I'm reclining on the couch or in bed), the screen falls forward. I have to use one hand to wedge the screen in place while typing or scrolling with the other hand, which is just a little annoying... The screen 'should' stay in the position I leave it. Maybe this is unique to my specific machine, I haven't checked in the Apple store.
3) How do I get video out from the laptop onto my TV? And don't say "AppleTV" 'cause I want a cable I can toss in my bag, not a $300 brick. Seth and I figured that one possibility is Mini-DisplayPort to DVI cable, to a DVI to SVHS cable. I don't know if that exists, but sure, it'd work if it does... Sigh.
4) Not really a fan of the reflective screen. I spend most of my time in high-glare situations. :-) And I get fingerprints on the edges of the glass (see #2).
The good things about this machine are:
* Fast. I've had/used Core 2 Duo machines before, but this is the first C2D laptop I've had. I like.
* Big, pretty screen.
* Solid construction
* Seems to run cooler than my old Core Duo 2.0ghz MBP.
* Seems to get good battery life (I've only used it for a week or two but it seems good so far).
* It's a Mac. What more can I say? :-)
All in all, I'll get used to it and it'll be fine, but it wasn't the world's best first impression...
Posted by aland at December 24, 2008 11:50 AM
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