The next thing to do is to open the MacBook Pro... Hmm.. This was a bit weird? Coming from the Windows side of things I am always used to a latch that actually holds the laptop closed. Not on this one, Apple has used a magnetic enclosure to keep the unit from opening. One would think it would not actually keep the screen closed but I can tell you it has a tight grip that takes some effort to open. As I slide the screen open I immediately hit the power button and booted up. The boot up time for me was no longer than 20 seconds.. I am not kidding! This baby is fast..

As you look at the side profile of the MacBook you will notice it is only 1 inch thick, Width: 14.1 inches, Depth: 9.6 inches, Weight: 5.6 pounds with battery and optical drive installed... This MacBook also offers some very nice options such as Built in I-Sight Video camera, Express Card slot, Firewire 400 port, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio input/line in, optical digital audio output/headphone out, DVI port, 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.0, Backlight keyboard and ambient light sensor... How many laptops out there pack this hard of a punch? Please tell me because the only one I am familiar with is Alienware but they still don't even come close!

One of the next things you will notice is the stylistic keyboard. How the heck can a keyboard be stylistic you ask? Well when you are dealing with Apple you always are amazed. The first thing you will notice is the beautiful backlit display enabling night time use; Where else can you find a backlit keyboard?

You'll also notice the MacBook Pro also has a built-in ambient light sensor that adjusts the brightness of both the keyboard and display for optimal visibility. I personally liked this functionality since it does have a sensor in the front of the unit that will automatically detect if someone is sitting in front of the MacBook. Nice job Apple..

So where do we go now? Battery power once of the most important things a laptop can offer. Apple has created a new Mag Safe connector for AC power. Apple uses magnetic connection instead of a physical one. So, tripping over a power cord won’t send MacBook Pro flying off a table or desk; the cord simply breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the system. As an added nicety, this means less wear on the connectors. Take a look for yourself and watch this little video now

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Magnetic? The latch looks very much like the old 12" G4 Powerbook I once had. Yes, it has a latch! It does have a magnet that flips the hook under the lid. My friend has a TR3, which has NO latch. The magnetic power cord is a good thing. I dropped my PB because I tripped over the cord! It survived the fall but the case's bent. I sold it - thank god just before they announced the IntelMac switch last summer. :) Well, even my old crook cooker has magnetic power cord so I should declare all laptops should have one. :) As for the camera, it's neat - nicely lifted from Sony TR series. With WiFi, video Skype is really fun! Well, it's a nice machine but 15" is just too big for true mobile use. It would be great to move from office to home and vice versa but it would be tough to use in the plane or trains or even starbuck's.

Posted by , Sunday, Feb. 26th, 2006

My old Vaio TR1 doesn't have a latch, doesn't need a latch, and I've never thought about it.

It got about 4-6 hours battery life when it was new, now that's down to about 2-4 depending on the application.

It weighs a bit over 2 pounds, and runs Emule and the K-Lite Codec Pack.

I'm tempted to get a powerbook though, because I'm tired of having uch a light notebook and want to restrict the number of applications I can run.

John

Posted by John Hooper, Thursday, Feb. 23rd, 2006

Ok.. You are incorrect... the latch is magnetically activated as per Apple's direct statement... So maybe you might want to drive to your local Apple store and check it out.. Its pretty cool!

Posted by David Ciccone, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

I... don't get it. I don't have an MBP yet, but based on, ya know, looking at the pictures, owning previous PowerBooks, and other hands-on experiences, I think I can confidently say...

"Coming from the Windows side of things I am always used to a latch that actually holds the laptop closed. Not on this one, Apple has used a magnetic enclosure to keep the unit from opening."

Magents? I'm sorry, but you see those two holes at the top of the LCD and the other two holes at the same points on the bottom casing? Those are latches. L-a-t-c-h-e-s. I can even see them doing their ol' latch-y thing in one of the photos you posted. Unless they're like, speed holes or something, those are the latches. That keep the damn thing closed. Hear that little "snap" when you hit the button? That's them latches snapping up and hiding from lame reviewers.

Can't believe that this is like the third "review" I've seen of the MBP where people said "Heh, the thing is held shut with magnets!" That's not magnets, that's Apple pwning you because you can't get around the assumption that if you don't see latches, it must be held close by magic, or The Spice or something. Nope, just Apple engineering the crap out of a mobile electronic.

Sheesh, do I sound bitter? Pay me to do a review, I'll actually, ya know, be accurate.

Posted by Invader J, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

I appreciate the feedback but if you read the title it is basically my first impressions.. Which are the first 24 hours with the laptop.. Normally we handle reviews this way with a laptop. Once we continue to use it we will publish a full blown video podcast..I also welcome you both to Mobility Today since I noticed you both registered today..

Posted by David Ciccone, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

I would have to agree with ElMongo. Stop gushing over the thing and put it through its paces please. And by paces, I mean jam it full of those real life Rosetta-dependent apps open as many as you can and start using them thoroughly at the same time, and THEN tell us what a great laptop it is. There are thousands waiting to know if they should consider buying or wait 6-12 months until developers are up to speed and even faster Books are out with software that is ready for prime-time Intel compatibility. Now get back to work and produce something informative like a good rev-A beta tester should!

Posted by ch7, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

So next time could we try actually reviewing the notebook, instead regurgitating the press release? i mean, I realize you were excited and everything, but the only thing I learned was that it took 24 seconds to boot up. All of the other specifications you mentioned were in the old PBooks, any interesting thing to know about the MacBoook would be performance-based.

Posted by , Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

I love it - it is usually those little extras that set Apple apart from the rest. The magnetic AC adapter is plain genius.
A dual boot would be great just for us weary "must-use-Windows" for some apps folks.

Posted by acjif98, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

WOW - sounds good, but more importantly - it looks good (jk).

Posted by Laura, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

I just passed the 1 year mark with m Powerbook G4 1.67Ghz and now I really want to upgrade. But I will resist the urge, maybe next year just can't switch laptops already.

Posted by PPCMD, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

Nice candidate for a video review! ;)

Posted by JNGold, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

I think Intel Based Macs are a great idea. I'd love to be able to eventually dual boot XP/Vista and OSX so I can benefit from the integrated media stuff on the Mac side.

Posted by CHSpera, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006

Dave,

Nice review. I am jealous my next unit is going to be one of these.

Posted by agent680, Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, 2006