Let's Face It - MBPs are overpriced *&%@

[bousozoku]

I've only seen a couple of MacBook Pros at CompUSA, but they were sitting beside current PowerBook G4s and, while I couldn't hear anything specific, the MBP was far cooler than the PowerBooks.

It's rare that my 15.2 inch PowerBook is not rather warm. I expect that with both cores running in the MBP, it's somewhat warmer than my PB but not by much, even for the 2.16 GHz models. AltiVec runs hot in the G4s. (Of course, it's much better in the G3s. )

If everything is operating properly, I don't see that there is a problem with any of the new MBPs. They're great machines, even when they run WinXP.

 

[netdog]

You're quite proud of this post aren't you? I can only assume so as you've posted it on more than one Mac web forum.

See my response to this sort of pathetic response at the other forum. Fortunately, most people responded with useful information rather than getting their knickers in a twist that someone was questioning Apple -- and in two places no less. This may surprise you, but I posted in the two places where I thought I would get the most insightful responses.

To all of you who did give useful responses, many thanks! It sounds as if Apple has sorted this fairly quickly, and that some of the earlier reports that Apple was not fixinig these problems, but rather denying that they were problems, has changed. Apple was wise to decide to fix these problems in machines out there. Earlier posts had made me concerned, and we all remember how Apple handled the iPod battery fiasco.

Anyway, cheers, and I am glad to hear that people are increasingly satisfied with their MBPs. Once the MB comes out and I can compare which best suits my needs, I have no doubt that I will get one or the other, in part thanks to your feedback!

 

[netdog]

Oi! Just when I think it's safe to get an MBP, I read something like this:

Red Sweater Blog MBP Noise Report

What to do?

 

[generik]

Oi! Just when I think it's safe to get an MBP, I read something like this:

Red Sweater Blog MBP Noise Report

What to do?

Just buy it if you need it.

 

[Voidness]

How are MBPs overpriced? Let's go to Dell.com and see:

Inspiron E1505:

• Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz
• 15.4 inch UltraSharp Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife
• 512MB Shared Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM 533MHZ, 1 DIMM
• 80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
• 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
• 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory
• Intel® PRO 3945 and Dell 350 Bluetooth Internal Wireless Cards
• Integrated 10/100 Ethernet, Integrated v.92 56K capable modem
• 4x USB 2.0, 1x Firewire, Card Reader, RGB, 1x ExpressCard slot 54mm
• Stereo headphones/speakers mini-connector, microphone mini-connector
• Remote Control for Windows XP Media Center Edition
• Windows XP Media Center Edition

Price: $1,853 (with offers and rebates, originally $2,053)

15" Macbook Pro:

• Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz
• 15.4-inch (diagonal), 1440 x 900 resolution, TFT widescreen
• 512MB (single SODIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)
• 80GB Serial ATA/100; 5400 rpm
• 4x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128MB of GDDR3 SDRAM
• Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme (802.11g); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit)
• 2x USB 2.0, 1x Firewire, Dual-Link DVI, 1x ExpressCard/34 slot
• Combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/headphone out, stereo speakers, microphone
• Apple Remote; full-size, illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor
• Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, and can run Windows using Boot Camp.

Price: $1,999

 

[robert-a-hudson]

How are MBPs overpriced? Let's go to Dell.com and see:

Inspiron E1505:

• Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz
• 15.4 inch UltraSharp Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife
• 512MB Shared Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM 533MHZ, 1 DIMM
• 80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
• 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
• 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory
• Intel® PRO 3945 and Dell 350 Bluetooth Internal Wireless Cards
• Integrated 10/100 Ethernet, Integrated v.92 56K capable modem
• 4x USB 2.0, 1x Firewire, Card Reader, RGB, 1x ExpressCard slot 54mm
• Stereo headphones/speakers mini-connector, microphone mini-connector
• Remote Control for Windows XP Media Center Edition
• Windows XP Media Center Edition

Price: $1,853 (with offers and rebates, originally $2,053)

15" Macbook Pro:

• Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz
• 15.4-inch (diagonal), 1440 x 900 resolution, TFT widescreen
• 512MB (single SODIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)
• 80GB Serial ATA/100; 5400 rpm
• 4x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128MB of GDDR3 SDRAM
• Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme (802.11g); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit)
• 2x USB 2.0, 1x Firewire, Dual-Link DVI, 1x ExpressCard/34 slot
• Combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/headphone out, stereo speakers, microphone
• Apple Remote; full-size, illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor
• Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, and can run Windows using Boot Camp.

Price: $1,999

Right, so the price is about the same, but the dell has:

• a dual layer drive
• extra 128mb vram (yes i know more vram doesnt nescesarily = better)
• built in modem
• 2 more usb ports
• express 54mm not stupid 34
• card reader
• RGB

whilst the mbp has:

• faster ethernet card (not that i know anywhere that provides Gbit ethenet)
• DVI
• optical digital audio
• iSight
• beta version of bootcamp, which apple don't seem to like you to use (i.e. if you have a problem, and have had bootcamp, then tough)
• Tiger

 

[After G]

Don't forget about the illuminated keyboard, and the sudden motion sensor.

And I thought the MBP had +R dual layer ... ?

I seriously think the included software bundle and the peace of mind while computing is worth the $146 difference.

But rebates? If we're doing that why don't we throw in a $150 Amazon rebate for the MBP while we're at it?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006PK94Q/002-5274749-7852014?n=541966

And the educational discount if you are a student. Another nice chunk of change off.

Or you could get a refurb and save some money that way.

 

[SuperSnake2012]

Right, so the price is about the same, but the dell has:

• a dual layer drive
• extra 128mb vram (yes i know more vram doesnt nescesarily = better)
• built in modem
• 2 more usb ports
• express 54mm not stupid 34
• card reader
• RGB

whilst the mbp has:

• faster ethernet card (not that i know anywhere that provides Gbit ethenet)
• DVI
• optical digital audio
• iSight
• beta version of bootcamp, which apple don't seem to like you to use (i.e. if you have a problem, and have had bootcamp, then tough)
• Tiger

The VRAM means absolutely nothing in comparison. The Dell has an X1400 and the MBP has an X1600.

 

[robert-a-hudson]

Don't forget about the illuminated keyboard, and the sudden motion sensor.

And I thought the MBP had +R dual layer ... ?

I seriously think the included software bundle and the peace of mind while computing is worth the $146 difference.

But rebates? If we're doing that why don't we throw in a $150 Amazon rebate for the MBP while we're at it?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006PK94Q/002-5274749-7852014?n=541966

And the educational discount if you are a student. Another nice chunk of change off.

Or you could get a refurb and save some money that way.

oh yeah, forgot about the illuminated keyboard!
i thought nearly all laptops had sudden motion sensors nowadays (as in the keep the hard disc safe from a drop type?)

The dual layer +R is only on the 17 incher unfortunately

 

[WinterMute]

I can pick up a 17" MBP for £1650 (or thereabouts) with the HE discount...

There isn't a Dell built that can compare at that price, plus they don't run OSX.

Really, the bottom line is that Dell could release a 1/2" thick 21" screen 3lb quad processor laptop with a BJ slot and I'd still buy the MBP cos it runs OSX!

 

[jadekitty24]

Really, the bottom line is that Dell could release a 1/2" thick 21" screen 3lb quad processor laptop with a BJ slot and I'd still buy the MBP cos it runs OSX!

That, my friend, is CLASSIC!

 

[Marlon_JBT]

OK, you guys want MBP praises?

W8611 here, bought from the local Apple Store on the 22nd of April.

Heat? No... it feels MUCH cooler than my 12" PB ... with the fan on. The MBP's fan is almost never on. Even when it is, they are MUCH quieter than my PB!

Whine? Yup. I believe some of you are just overly sensitive! This is NOT bothersome to me... I just forget about it and move on. The only reason why I'm "hearing" it now is because I opened this thread, and remembered it. It's all mental folks!

AirPort? Never had an issue with it, even with 10.4.5, for the hour I ran it.

Screen? Nothing. Mine is perfect.... well after a hardware reset thanks to the Apple tech support folks...even though the guy sounded like he was about to fall asleep. I had a flickering issue before that. No problems now.

Speakers? Perfect.

Now that I'm done with that... I'm sorry but I still believe there's more people HAPPY with theirs than dissatisfied. Out of all the MBP's I've sold (4) out of my college's tiny computer store, NOBODY and I repeat NOBODY has ANY complaints. One is a switcher and doesn't even care about Boot Camp. He could care less about Windows now. Now remind me again, why should Apple recall these?

 

[BornAgainMac]

Really, the bottom line is that Dell could release a 1/2" thick 21" screen 3lb quad processor laptop with a BJ slot and I'd still buy the MBP cos it runs OSX!

Inspiron XL1703:
Intel Core Quad 2.23GHz
21 inch UltraSharp Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife
1 GB Shared Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM 533MHZ, 1 DIMM
80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory
Intel® PRO 3945 and Dell 350 Bluetooth Internal Wireless Cards
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet, Integrated v.92 56K capable modem
4x USB 2.0, 1x Firewire, Card Reader, RGB, 1x ExpressCard slot 54mm
Stereo headphones/speakers mini-connector, microphone mini-connector
Remote Control for Windows XP Media Center Edition
Windows XP Media Center Edition
BJ Express Slot

Yea, but it would get a lot of head[lines]. Nothing even comes close to those specs.

 

[jefhatfield]

OK, you guys want MBP praises?

W8611 here, bought from the local Apple Store on the 22nd of April.

Heat? No... it feels MUCH cooler than my 12" PB ... with the fan on. The MBP's fan is almost never on. Even when it is, they are MUCH quieter than my PB!

Whine? Yup. I believe some of you are just overly sensitive! This is NOT bothersome to me... I just forget about it and move on. The only reason why I'm "hearing" it now is because I opened this thread, and remembered it. It's all mental folks!

AirPort? Never had an issue with it, even with 10.4.5, for the hour I ran it.

Screen? Nothing. Mine is perfect.... well after a hardware reset thanks to the Apple tech support folks...even though the guy sounded like he was about to fall asleep. I had a flickering issue before that. No problems now.

Speakers? Perfect.

Now that I'm done with that... I'm sorry but I still believe there's more people HAPPY with theirs than dissatisfied. Out of all the MBP's I've sold (4) out of my college's tiny computer store, NOBODY and I repeat NOBODY has ANY complaints. One is a switcher and doesn't even care about Boot Camp. He could care less about Windows now. Now remind me again, why should Apple recall these?

your review is certainly more flattering than macworld's review in the may 2006 issue...maybe they should hire you

and btw...based on your review, the macbook pro should get six mice (out of a possible five)

 

[wmmk]

Inspiron XL1703:
Intel Core Quad 2.23GHz
21 inch UltraSharp Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife
1 GB Shared Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM 533MHZ, 1 DIMM
80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory
Intel® PRO 3945 and Dell 350 Bluetooth Internal Wireless Cards
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet, Integrated v.92 56K capable modem
4x USB 2.0, 1x Firewire, Card Reader, RGB, 1x ExpressCard slot 54mm
Stereo headphones/speakers mini-connector, microphone mini-connector
Remote Control for Windows XP Media Center Edition
Windows XP Media Center Edition
BJ Express Slot

Yea, but it would get a lot of head[lines]. Nothing even comes close to those specs.

um..is this a joke?

btw, if dell released a 21" quad portable, i'd just hack osx, put it on the dell, hack front row, put that on too, buy a griffin remote, hack it's driver to work with frontrow, overclock everything in the dell, add more ram and vram, put an aluminum shell on it (to look like the MBP), put on an apple sticker, stick in a webcamput in an apple keyboard w/ backlight, and have an über cool dellmac!

all i need is for dell to actually release this thing.

 

[BurtonCCC]

Inspiron XL1703:
Intel Core Quad 2.23GHz
21 inch UltraSharp Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife
1 GB Shared Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM 533MHZ, 1 DIMM
80GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory
Intel® PRO 3945 and Dell 350 Bluetooth Internal Wireless Cards
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet, Integrated v.92 56K capable modem
4x USB 2.0, 1x Firewire, Card Reader, RGB, 1x ExpressCard slot 54mm
Stereo headphones/speakers mini-connector, microphone mini-connector
Remote Control for Windows XP Media Center Edition
Windows XP Media Center Edition
BJ Express Slot

Yea, but it would get a lot of head[lines]. Nothing even comes close to those specs.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, you could have the best processor, RAM, etc. on the market, but if you're running Windows, you're going to have some serious drawbacks. I'm with the guy who would take a MacBook Pro any day because it runs OS X, so you know it's solid. Windows is like a degenerative disease, eventually, your Windows PC will just suck, but Macs live quite a long time. I don't know about you, but in school computer labs, I see quite a few G3 Macs that are still being used and running perfectly, yet all the Windows machines have to be replaced every two years. Hmm. That's a head scratcher.

Daniel.

 

[jefhatfield]

I see quite a few G3 Macs that are still being used and running perfectly, yet all the Windows machines have to be replaced every two years. Hmm. That's a head scratcher.

Daniel.

another head scratcher is that the college labs and classrooms and library here got rid of all their perfectly working macs and went dells all across campus (except for the one lone room where they teach photoshop/illustrator/quark)

they had to hire more techies, bad for the school and students, but great for the techies who get a high a$$ california state salary

 

[Marlon_JBT]

another head scratcher is that the college labs and classrooms and library here got rid of all their perfectly working macs and went dells all across campus (except for the one lone room where they teach photoshop/illustrator/quark)

they had to hire more techies, bad for the school and students, but great for the techies who get a high a$$ california state salary

Oh no...

I don't know what I'd do if my school got rid of all their Macs!

 

[MacsomJRR]

dumbest post ever...

I'm going to now complain about Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 because it doesn't have a backseat, gets crappy gas mileage and costs too much.

Oh yeah and I don't own one but I've read stuff online about it.

 

[mark!]

um..is this a joke?

btw, if dell released a 21" quad portable, i'd just hack osx, put it on the dell, hack front row, put that on too, buy a griffin remote, hack it's driver to work with frontrow, overclock everything in the dell, add more ram and vram, put an aluminum shell on it (to look like the MBP), put on an apple sticker, stick in a webcamput in an apple keyboard w/ backlight, and have an über cool dellmac!

all i need is for dell to actually release this thing.

With the grand total of $20,000.
now what's cheaper?

 

[mark!]

another head scratcher is that the college labs and classrooms and library here got rid of all their perfectly working macs and went dells all across campus (except for the one lone room where they teach photoshop/illustrator/quark)

they had to hire more techies, bad for the school and students, but great for the techies who get a high a$$ california state salary

We just got rid of all our Dells we got last year and replaced them with 17" iMacs (barebone).

 

[aristobrat]

Oi! Just when I think it's safe to get an MBP, I read something like this:

Red Sweater Blog MBP Noise Report

What to do?

Umm, be glad you didn't get one of the first batches of MacBook Pros?

 

[Voidness]

extra 128mb vram (yes i know more vram doesnt nescesarily = better)

Yeah, true. But also, Dell mentions "Hypermemory" in their specifications, and you know what that is? According to Wikipedia:

HyperMemory is ATI Technologies' method of using a PC's main system RAM as part of or all of the video card's framebuffer memory on their line of Radeon video cards and motherboard chipsets. It relies on new fast data transfer mechanisms within PCI Express.

Basically, it just eats up some of the RAM, just like the Intel GMA. So it's not actually 256MB.

Now Apple is looking better and better.

 

[steelfist]

macbook pros aren't as hot as most people think they are. i had a 266 pentium 2 dell laptop that was twice as heavy as an ibook, (really) and it runs hotter than a macbook pro. bought it around 1998 for 20,000 HK, around 2579 US. was fast for it's time, and whenever i think that a computer's heavy, expensive, slow, or hot, i think of that dell laptop that i had. it was so old that i can't play unreal tournament 1999 properly


now, i do agree with this: macbook pro's pricing is higher than the previous pricing of the g4 notebooks before, it is worth for it's price, but it sucks when the pricing wasen't consistant. it's like the graphics card market. or processer chip pricing nowdays. it gets faster, and more expensive. it's possible to have a gaming machine with a 1000 graphics solution. it used to be 399 for the best graphics card solution.

 

[aristobrat]

now, i do agree with this: macbook pro's pricing is higher than the previous pricing of the g4 notebooks before, it is worth for it's price, but it sucks when the pricing wasen't consistant.

What?

I've only been following Apple for around a year now, but I've alway seen the G4 PowerBooks priced at $1999 and $2499 (US), which is the same that the MacBook Pros are priced at.