Apple MacBook Pro MB766LL/A 17-Inch Laptop (2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Slot Loading SuperDrive) | 
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| Brand: Apple
Category: Personal Computer
List Price: $2,499.00
Buy New: $2,494.00
You Save: $5.00
New (4) from $2,494.00
Rating:  48 reviews
Sales Rank: 534
Media: Personal Computers
Operating System: Apple MacOS X 10.5
CPU Manufacturer: Intel
CPU Speed: 2.5
CPU Type: Intel Core Duo
Processors: 2
System Bus Speed: 800
System Memory: 4000
Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive Size: 320
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Graphics RAM: 512
Modem: None
Display Size: 17
Shipping Weight (lbs): 11.4
Dimensions (in): 20.3 x 19.2 x 5.6
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: MB766LL/A
Model: MB766LL/A
UPC: 718908999196
EAN: 0885909261994
ASIN: B0013FJNCM
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 3 to 5 weeks
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| Features:
| • | 2.5GHz Intel Core Duo | | • | 4GB Memory | | • | 320GB hard drive | | • | Double-layer SuperDrive |
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Product Description
The latest Intel processor, a bigger hard drive, plenty of memory, and even more new features all fit inside just one liberating inch. The MacBook Pro has the performance, power, and connectivity of a desktop computer. Without the desk part.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 43 more reviews...
 Beautiful computer, some mixed feelings January 9, 2009
Jacek R. Ambroziak (Cambridge, MA, USA)
This is my first Apple computer ever. I am a software developer who mostly used Unix (Solaris) and Linux, rarely venturing into Windows land mostly for Nikon Scan and Photoshop. For a long time I believed Macs were for graphics/video designers, rather than hard core developers. The fact that I've seen lots of MacBooks at conferences such as Web 2.0 in SF, did not convince me enough: I attributed the widespread use of them to a fad, a certain "style" as in clothing. For me a computer is a "knowledge worker's tool" not a fashion statement. Another reason to stay away from Apple products has been high margin pricing. CPUs, GPUs, memory, disks, are quickly getting cheaper, and yet Apple sells these commodities like luxury goods. One can configure a beautiful Lenovo laptop with more horsepower for much cheaper (I've done it recently for a friend).
So why do it?
Here are MY reasons. 1) I needed MAC OS X to port some of my applications to the Mac, maybe go into iPhone development too. 2) I needed *some* laptop (for mobility) to replace my historic trusty Dell Inspiron 8000. Most of my work happens on a custom built desktop. 3) I am not much of a Windows fan and I am a bit tired of Linuxes; I wanted inspiration from something I haven't used before: to learn and expand knowledge/experience horizons.
So that's where I am coming from...
After 3 weeks of usage I can say the following (you will notice the mixed feelings from the title of this review)
This is a computer of *stunning* beauty! It is a work of art: the screen, the keyboard, the body; it belongs on a permanent exibition at the MoMA. As such it is a joy to use and have around, it brightens my daily experience. And yet... why such a small screen resolution (1440x900) for a 15 inch screen?! Even my historic Dell from 2001 sported 1600x1200, great for working with text and hi-res photos. For this kind of money we should be getting higher resolution. I am not talking about numbers for numbers' sake: the font characters (even as I write this) are far from print quality, issues with anti-aliasing software may have something to do with this. Within the first couple of hours I practically decided to return the laptop because of how text looks 70% of the time. It is difficult to understand why Apple is saving on pixels here and impairs an otherwise great product. Is it because higher resolutions are reserved for even pricier models? Apart from the not-so-great-a-resolution (you may google around for other people's opinions on that), pricing is somewhat annoying too (and also discussed in many places on the Web). To connect an external monitor you need a $30 or $100 additional cable. To upgrade to a much more reasonable 4GB of RAM you'll need $100+ (or $300 if you want this commodity to have Apple sign on it :-) )
But... I decided to keep the laptop. It is too beautiful, and I find MAC OS "Leopard" intriguing and a good experience. Then there are other pluses: the keyboard (back-lit w/ smooth key action), great network connectivity, convenient weight and dimensions, glossy screen (I don't have issues with reflections other reviewers mention). From the developer's perspective, I learn some good things and some not so good: apparently I can't just download my Java from Sun (say 32-bit Java 6); I have to live with what Apple endorses :-(
Amazon/UPS delivery was fantastic, packaging is beautiful too: they both made for a very pleasant and exciting experience.
Summary: I am not returning the laptop, I enjoy its beauty and functionality, but if I didn't need MAC OS for my planned work, I would have stayed in the higher value priced PC-land (eg. Lenovo + Ubuntu) where you can customize parameters better and avoid hefty margins.
 Macbook Pro - Totally awesome January 7, 2009
Gettin better (Aliso viejo, CA)
I got the laptop about a month ago to replace my old Windows notebook and have been amazingly surprised with how little (nothing) I miss about the Windows environment. I use it at Client sites on Windows networks and have no issues. I bought VMware Fusion and it is flawless. I haven't used all the software yet but I love the integrated camera and speakers are surprisingly solid. The screen is great for movies on the plane. I also have used the Airline adapter each week for 6 hour plane ride (on American Airlines) and it allows me to work/watch movies as much as I want to. Has made my Ipod touch pretty useless on the plane since I have unlimited battery. The airline adapter does NOT charge the battery but does run the laptop and allows it to charge my Itouch without any problem.
Great computer January 6, 2009
Zachary Siegel
This is a powerful, elegant computer that can do pretty much anything I want it to do.
Mac Is The BOMB!!!! January 6, 2009
Derek Slaughter (Columbus, MS)
This particular item was a absolute deal, with $400.00 down and the remaining $1500.00 was put on my amazon store card with NO INTEREST for 24 months. The computer is FAST AS HELL, it arrived a week AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, and was completely set up in 3 minutes. Fast, intuitive, and beautiful I recommend this computer to all technology lovers. ***And to anyone worried about switching to Mac, don't worry about it almost every program works with Mac, and all those little annoying things that you thought were normal on all computers, they are all gone on a mac, stream-line and fast as lightening. Death to PC, Long Live the MAC!!!***
Made me into an Apple Convert from Windows December 31, 2008
Eagle Vision (Southeastern United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I purchased this notebook to replace my pre-existing Windows XP based laptop. Whenever I watched a movie and saw a celebrity working on a computer, it was always on a Mac. When you buy a notebook like this, you are buying a Hollywood Superstar.
WHAT IS IN THE BOX
Notebook
Instructions
AC Adapter
SETUP
When you turn on the notebook, there is an initialization process to register your notebook and allow you to password protect the computer. Right out of the box, the Macbook Pro works well. It is accompanied by iLife and iTunes. I initially updated iTunes and updated the operating system after placing my information to work wirelessly.
Operation
The notebook is so easy to operate. As a Windows operator since the Windows 1.0 inception, it was not a steep learning curve. In lieu of the Control button, you push the Command button.
The touchpad is generous and the various mouse gestures are a welcome addition. The keyboard is full-sized and buttons are extremely comfortable.
The hard drive is quiet. There is no screen flex or wrist pad flex, either. The function keys control contrast, volume and screen brightness. Being used to a Dell Latitude D620, I am used to about a 50% brightness. Configured with a 320 GB hard drive that is a lot of space to store my 120 GB of music and over 100 GB of photos/videos. The hard drive appears to run fast at 5400 RPM (for what I do a 7200 RPM HD was not worth it).
I do not game but I wanted the option given the video capabilities. However, to conserve energy I use the integrated memmory card. If I decide one day to play video games, this notebook will afford me that ability.
Installation of programs have never been easier for me on a Mac than my previous 5 generations of Windows based notebooks (ranging from Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq). I was able to install my printer software and drivers in 1/3 of the time of XP and 1/5 of the time from Vista. Password protecting the notebook, ensured that only I would be able to install ANYTHING onto my notebook. It is so frustrating when someone uses your computer only to find junky software installed into your notebook which add spyware and run your computer less efficiently.
Construction
The solid construction by the aluminum body is elegant and durable. The glass screen is highly reflective but at the angle by which I operate the notebook, I find no problems. It is so easy to wipe off. I have read that viewing angles were limited but I don't find that to be the case for me (with regular positioning and use).
For the size of a widescreen 15.4" notebook, this design is thin and lightweight (5.5 lbs) which matches the weight of many notebooks at the 14.1" size of Windows based notebooks.
I use this notebook on a table or my lap. It does not get hot like prior generations of Macbook Pros which got very uncomfortably hot.
The plug attaches by a magnetic type interface which is easy to use and more durable than other notebook interfaces that tend to dislodge from regular use (My old Gateway and an older model Compaq).
There are 2 USB ports, a Firewire 800 port, earphone and microphone jacks, and a monitor port. A slot for the optical drive is convenient and is software/hardware driven. It is relatively quiet for its operation. I do not even hear the cooling fan when it runs.
Integrated webcam with very good field of view and resolution for its size. Using the camera it is easy to do videoconferencing or video chatting (iChat). The video chat also works with Google's Chat interface.
Batteries
The battery is unlike the batteries of its predecessors. I ordered the older battery and obviously, it would not fit.
Battery life is decent with WIFI and Bluetooth inactivated and brightness set to lower levels, allowing me about 3 hours and 45 minutes. I love how you can display batter life as a percentage or absolute time.
Wifi and Bluetooth activation are easy to operate (at the upper right hand corner of the screen).
Programs
Armed with the Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools) and iLife '08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand), you can do a lot with the notebook right out of the box. I did purchase extra software for more versatility:
Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Special Media Edition
Final Cut Express 4
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 (Mac)
I had Windows XP before and syncing the IPOD with that system was well, buggy. With the Macbook Pro, as soon as I turned on the notebook, the updates ran seamlessly and did not affect the performance of the machine. I also decided to sync my notebook with the Macbook Pro which was very easy and I had not one error. I also found it faster to sync with my IPOD when compared to my Windows based predecessor. Overall, it was a more positive experience for me.
PROS
Lightweight for the size of the screen
Thin profile
Next generation trackpad (works similar to an iPhone/IPOD Touch
Ease of operation and installation of programs
Good base of programs installed
Virtually no BLOATWARE
Simplicity of design
Can run windows
Dual video card configuration
CONS
Cost
Average battery life
No matte screen option
I also added the Applecare Protection Plan (3 year duration) which I was advised will be worth the price for technical support and repairs (if necessary). I highly recommend getting the Protection Plan:
AppleCare Protection Plan MA515LL/A for MacBook Pro (w/ or w/o display)
One peripheral that I thought was very useful was the Apple Remote which I found new on the Amazon Marketplace for $5:
Apple Remote Control for iPod (White)
Conclusion
Overall, this is a solid notebook with the capabilities to run Windows (but why?). The design is simple and easy to use.
It has made an Apple convert out of me, out of all of these years (23 years - am I that old?) of PC computing from the IBM AT/XT days (monochrome screens, 5 inch floppy drives, 2400 baud modems, noisy dot matrix printers and clicky keyboards).
I highly recommend this product. It made an Apple Mac OS X convert out of me!
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