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There is no equivalent in the PC world for a Macbook Pro. Period.

Blanket statements like these don't get us anywhere. Particularly when they're completely incorrect. The Thinkpad line has been a staple in the high-end business world for as long as laptops have been used in the field. If you're in industry and you want a reliable, high-quality machine, you don't think twice; you get a Thinkpad. They're built to last, and they do. Please don't attempt to rewrite history by implying the MBP is the flagship of performance and reliability in portable computing, because it simply isn't. And no amount of fanboyism will change that.
 
Blanket statements like these don't get us anywhere. Particularly when they're completely incorrect. The Thinkpad line has been a staple in the high-end business world for as long as laptops have been used in the field. If you're in industry and you want a reliable, high-quality machine, you don't think twice; you get a Thinkpad. They're built to last, and they do. Please don't attempt to rewrite history by implying the MBP is the flagship of performance and reliability in portable computing, because it simply isn't. And no amount of fanboyism will change that.

Very well said. The only thing that sets the MBP hardware out from the rest of the PC world is its ability to run OSX and of course it does have a nice design. I do find ThinkPads look very 1980's though there is no doubting they are dam good machines
 
Can a Precision run my apps and my utilities on OS X? Do those utilities even exist for Windows? No.

Can I use it without running anti-malware apps? Do Macs have a registry to go haywire? Regressing is good, as long as we can have a laugh about it. :D ;)

Actually that's exactly what we were trying to do. However there are minor issues which means I feel more confident running the inferior Pros. I don't know what you use so I don't know if they exist - but I'll wager that a decent analog does.

We don't run antimalware apps on our workstations at work as everyone pretty much knows what they're doing and if machines start going screwy fingers are pointed pretty quickly once it's established it's not a hardware problem. I don't run resident antivirus tools on many of my PC's, although I do run an external web filter for drive-by threats... and have an occasional sweep every now and again which is no more onerous than say leaving Onyx to run. I can't speak for my colleagues but being a fairly competent user, I don't have registry problems in a way that I have to write about it.

:)

Very well said. The only thing that sets the MBP hardware out from the rest of the PC world is its ability to run OSX and of course it does have a nice design. I do find ThinkPads look very 1980's though there is no doubting they are dam good machines

The upside is that you can have one from the 90's and noone will notice ;)

I must say I pffft'd at the new Reserve Editions. "What shall we do to make our machines sexayier? I know, we'll hide it in acres of leather!" :D I must say that in the same vein I wish Dells wouldn't be so crashingly uninspired in their styling and that HP would be less boring. But these are traits I can trade off for a better quality machine more suited to the road. But for machines of mine which does actually hit the road on a regular basis I have the Sony's which are definitely much better screwed together than the Apples, engineered better and also don't look bad at all. I'm pretty happy with the choices I have on the Windows side. I am not at all happy with the choices I have on the OSX side, because apart from the class-leading looks and some minor performance enhancements on the subsystems, it's mediocre all the way.
 
May I ask why you didn't like the screen on the MBP? Did you have yellowing issues or was it just personal preference?

I love mine, it's so sharp and when you've got enough light the glossy display really comes to life with content like photos for example. I prefer it to the Macbooks I've seen in store, although calibration may have had something to do with it!

Iwent with a matte MBP the first had the yellowing and some gray marking about the screen it was glossy,2nd one was perfect, however I still prefer the screen of the macbook, maybe its the glossy, or less of a color issue, but now very happy...
 
Hope I'm NOT making a mistake buying a MBP

Hi guys, I need to know if all these problems: were they on the older MBP with ATI Mobility Radeon X1600,6 optical drive or even older or currrent nvidea 8600GT,8 optical drive..I want to buy a new or refurbished one.Please let me know.I was checking one out at the apple store and from hearing from co-workers and forums I'm convinced.Thing you can do with leopard blows windows away.Besides I'm tired of windows(I've built about 6 systems,troubleshooted friends systems)just tired of windows.Windows is only good for games in my opinion..What I don't like about Apple is the slotted dvd dive.I really wish they had a tray that comes out.
 
Ah come on, man!

Trust me, I'd want to be a fanboy before a troll. I just feel like I've been let down by a girl I spent all my school years lusting over. :)

It is a computer! Geesh!

I'd bet you have a shrine that you place your computer on every night after arriving home. You probably have spotlights focused on the spot for the computer and candles on either side. You probably built a clean bench around it. (the candles are on the outside of the clean bench)

Then you got a UPS/Surge surpressor for it. You have a box of moist wipes next to it so you can clean your fingers before touching it.

Give me a break.
 
I think if you look hard enough you can find any problem you want. After reading the thread about the yellowing issue on MBP's, I ran the test image on my MBP and on my PC monitor (Samsung syncmaster ...19"). Sure enough there is a little yellowing on my MBP, but on my Samsung monitor...wow.

And sure enough, if I never stumbled on this thread...I would have never noticed it on my PC monitor and I've had it over 1.5yrs. I guess if you try to look for it, eventually it gets in your head that there’s a problem. Plus those tests really make the issue stand out. Where in “normal” usage, you wouldn’t be looking at the screen like that.
 
.....Ratios, MBP with yellowing screens versus MBPs with non yellowing screens. if apple sells millions of 15 inch MBP's and less than a hundred thousand have this issue, then apple sees it as cheaper to ship u a new one and sell the old one refurbed than to fix the screen issue.....

.....apple has calculated that the screen problems are a minority in the screen population so it is more cost effective for them to sell the defective computer, and if it is exchanged or returned, fix it and resell it, that to actually fix the issues.......

I totally agree. From a business stand point this makes sense.

I totally hate to compare Apple to this company but it fits in this context.

Another large Hardware company is fixing bad hardware the exact same way.
How many people own an Xbox 360? How people have seen the 'Red Ring of Death'?

This is a perfect example of a company that knows there is a problem but it is cheaper to fix the issue when a customer complains then to perform a mass recall or destroy current stock. Microsoft even extended the warranty on the 360 for only the 'Red Ring of Death' to 3 years. I recently had my xbox display the 'Red Ring of Death' I called MS they shipped me a box, I shipped it back and I now have a working console that to this day has not given me a problem.

There will never be a product released that doesnt have an issue.
As technology continues to grow things get more complex the more complex things get the more chances for unforeseen problems to arise.

I am just happy that companies are willing to replace these defective units. I am going to be one of the first to order the new 15'' MBP (hopefully next month :) ) Will it function as designed I hope so but if it doesn't I know Apple will get me a unit that does.

If we are not perfect, how can we create a perfect product. Stuff happens life goes on. Enjoy the ride!!
 
Hi guys, I need to know if all these problems: were they on the older MBP with ATI Mobility Radeon X1600,6 optical drive or even older or currrent nvidea 8600GT,8 optical drive..

It's the newer 15" MBP's he's talking about because they're the ones that have the LED screens.

It is a computer! Geesh!

I'd bet you have a shrine that you place your computer on every night after arriving home. You probably have spotlights focused on the spot for the computer and candles on either side. You probably built a clean bench around it. (the candles are on the outside of the clean bench)

Then you got a UPS/Surge surpressor for it. You have a box of moist wipes next to it so you can clean your fingers before touching it.

Give me a break.

What the hell man, I don't know about anyone else but I wash my hands before I use my MBP and I make sure no one puts their damn greasy fingers on my screen. The keys and aluminium case feel so much smoother when you've just washed your hands. It's such a beautiful piece of machinery why wouldn't you treat it with the maximum respect that it deserves?

And if you've seen any of the "Post your Setup" threads in the Picture Gallery forum you'll see that for a lot of people their Macs take pride of place with desks and furniture being bought especially to complement them!

I can imagine you going to the toilet, not bothering to wash your hands, grabbing a burger, putting the crumbs all over your keyboard and wiping the screen with your sauce laden hands while spitting all over your Mac while still eating and attempting to talk at the same time. Please tell me I'm wrong. :eek:

EDIT: Wait you don't even have a Mac, you have as you say yourself, a "Dell C840 Piece of Crap". Nice. :rolleyes:
 
Can the mods make a sticky called: "I am pissed with my product and therefore every product Apple makes is flawed and no other company in the world has defective products" so that we don't get swamped with the redundant complaints about MacBook Pros?

Not that the OP doesn't have a right, just that it has been discussed many times before and the typical attitude doesn't change.
 
I just feel like I've been let down by a girl I spent all my school years lusting over. :)

C'mon man, give that girl a second chance. She likes you, really. She just has some issues of her own that she's trying to work through. If you stick with her during these tough times she'll be a loyal companion for life (or at least for the next 2-3 years when you replace her with a newer model).
 
Just to provide some closure to this from my perspective (I was the OP) and how my initial disappointment was reflected in my first post.

It wasn't my intention to "grandstand" or "to troll", but to share my thoughts and experience. This forum isn't called "Macfanboy" so I considered it safe to posit my opinions. You can take it or leave it as you please. If it amuses you to berate my polarized opinion, so be it.

Upon reflection and after reading the positive stories that others had offered I felt able to give Apple another chance (hence my change of heart later in the thread), but would prefer it to be with Mac hardware that I can rely upon (such as a Mac Pro) and doesn't absolutely require me to take Applecare out to ensure I won't be stung on day 366 of getting it home.

Do I feel foolish for turning down further money off and a replacement? Perhaps... a little. (I think I would have preferred to have free 3 year Applecare, though) But ultimately if you have a bad experience with new kit it can put you off investing time and money in it again.

For the record, Apple haven't treated me badly. Their customer service is probably some of the best I have ever come across. I look forward to doing business with them at some point in the future, but until January at least, my money will be staying with me. (Unless I find myself drunk on Christmas Eve in a local Comet or Currys. :) )
 
I just got my first macbook pro, after one ibook and two macbooks and this thing is beautiful...:D Just wanted to share that!!
 
My first MacBook Pro was a lemon. SOOO much went wrong with it (5 logic board replacements, casing warping/falling apart, bits failing left right and centre), Apple replaced it.

My new one is stunning. In fact it's the best computer I've ever owned.

Ill second this. My first MBp purchased in June 07 after the revision, was a NIGHTMARE of issues...Sound crackling...yellowing screen etc etc. I finally got it replaced and my replacement is perfection. not a single thing wrong with it.

Get the replacement and quit bitching...
 
I think it's harsh to accuse the OP of trolling. For him, buying the machine was an emotional investment and he felt let down. What's this forum for if it's not to vent in these circumstances?

I've felt similarly disappointed in similar circumstances. OK, perhaps cooling down and appreciating in context Apple's offer to put things right may have been the sensible thing, as he openly agrees on reflection, but I think he raises some reasonable points which have been picked up and developed as the thread has gone on. Which is what a good discussion forum is about, surely?

I saw no trolling, I saw a new user disappointed with their first purchase from Apple. First impressions count. And lots of other people concur they've had similar problems. I just can't see why we should expect machines to arrive as lemons and be delighted when they're not, which is the final (but not quite logical) extension of many arguments here. I think we've got a right as consumers to expect things to be right first time. And when they're not, the company should respond appropriately (as Apple generally does, to be fair).

But the question still remains - why is the QC on supposedly higher end laptops so poor? You don't get away with it in other areas of business, so why should computer manufacture be any different?
 
The yellow screen is not news and by all the reports, not uncommon. Apple know about it, but don't care enough to sort it out.

they 're a company like any other, Making money is the thing and they have to sell the stock.
anyway, how's the darkside treating you??
 
they 're a company like any other, Making money is the thing and they have to sell the stock.
anyway, how's the darkside treating you??

The dark side, as always, promises so much, but ultimately delivers so little. But it's cloak has been wrapped around me for a while now. It's warm, but tinged with guilt.
 
Ill second this. My first MBp purchased in June 07 after the revision, was a NIGHTMARE of issues...Sound crackling...yellowing screen etc etc. I finally got it replaced and my replacement is perfection. not a single thing wrong with it.

Get the replacement and quit bitching...
I bought a MBP in June and returned it because of the yellow gradient on the screen. The replacement was worse and had additional problems: a warped bottom and the case near the latch was bowed out. I returned that one and got a refund. This was my first Mac experience, and I'm back to ThinkPads which have been well built and very reliable. I haven't written off Apple, but I'm reluctant to buy another Mac until they fix the screens on these expensive computers.
 
I bought a MBP in June and returned it because of the yellow gradient on the screen. The replacement was worse and had additional problems: a warped bottom and the case near the latch was bowed out. I returned that one and got a refund. This was my first Mac experience, and I'm back to ThinkPads which have been well built and very reliable. I haven't written off Apple, but I'm reluctant to do so until they fix the screens on these expensive computers.

I understand how you feel. Thinkpads are *known* for their reliability, and have been for over a decade. There's a reason why they're the industry standard for people in business applications--they just work. And they don't break down. Personally, I've had plenty of success with Gateway computers, and each one I've gotten has gotten the job done. I can't imagine spending $2000 on a computer and having to return it once, twice, three times to get it to work, only to come onto a forum and be derided for not wishing to return it as many times as necessary to hit the lottery with a working machine. It's pretty amazing how defensive people can get in the face of such widespread complaints.
 
I've been watching and weighing since October last year, when I started considering seriously switching to Mac.

I own a 4 year old Alienware laptop and had my good and bad days with it. My theory is - invest in something that will see you running smoothly 3-5 years after you purchase it, so buy the best you can afford. I also spend a good amount of time investigating what I purchase in order to make as an informed decision as I possibly can. This means, being aware of all the negative issues which others experience. If one is patient enough, soon, a pattern emerges.

I have to admit, like a number of you I have built up fairly high expectations for a Mac product, largely based on the passionate number of fans' propaganda. What also contributed to it all was the cheek Mac has to run adds which pitch Mac against Windows, with the implication that Mac is better. In the final analysis, for me, I came down to two options Mac or IBM and given the significant number of problems which Mac owners experience, in comparison with IBM owners, it is a no brainer (and I mean comparing Mac dedicated forums with IBM dedicated forums) - IBM wins hands down.

However, what keeps me still in the Windows camp is the ... I am trying to be kind and fair to all concerned here ... brainwash \ hypnosis \ misleading ideology existent in some areas of the Mac camp, where despite all the obvious problems Mac users experience, there is still this 'Mac is superior to Windows' attitude. And this runs from the marketing department of the company to some of the fans.

I am a straight up guy and I will put my hand up when something is not right - that's probably the reason for which I am still sitting on the fence - but i really get hot under the collar whenever I read opinions which for example, on the one hand would consider a product to be of superior quality (and charge for it) and on the other, argue that one ought to go back to the manufacturer to exchange their machine until they hit a good one. It boggles my mind, really!

I feel with the good man who started this thread! I'm with you - I invest time and effort in making a good choice and when I am being let down it is disheartening. And I am still flabbergasted by the sheer number of Mac fans here who would encourage you to go back and pick another lottery ticket?!

Hang in there buddy - if Mac will not manage to come up with a machine that is really worth the money (and all the propaganda), there is always good old IBM.

(let the bombardment with criticism begin!)
 
I remember when I bought my house. There was some bad piping to the redactors. After that I was like "No more houses for me" and I am currently living on the street.

OK so maybe not, but I did get the pipes replaced. Its really silly to get one bad machine and write off the whole company, but I guess you'll soon realize that when your reinstalling your OS ever 2 days.
 
That presumably comes from someone unfamiliar with a Precision, and comparing Apples with... well, grapes...?
I've used HPs, Toshibas, Dells, and Sonys. I've done support for a lot more. Didn't really like any of them. My favorite was actually the original white iBook, and I wanted a MB, but I hate the video card. Got a good deal on a MBP, runs Windows in VM Ware better than my Inspiron (which I've given away) and I've been happy with it. That's just me though.

Hi guys, I need to know if all these problems: were they on the older MBP with ATI Mobility Radeon X1600,6 optical drive or even older or currrent nvidea 8600GT,8 optical drive..I want to buy a new or refurbished one.Please let me know.I was checking one out at the apple store and from hearing from co-workers and forums I'm convinced.Thing you can do with leopard blows windows away.Besides I'm tired of windows(I've built about 6 systems,troubleshooted friends systems)just tired of windows.Windows is only good for games in my opinion..What I don't like about Apple is the slotted dvd dive.I really wish they had a tray that comes out.
They're fine. If you get a bad one, send it back to be repaired or to be replaced. Don't base your decision on 1 post in a forum where you won't be hearing "everything's fine" as much as you'd hear about the issues.

I think it's harsh to accuse the OP of trolling.
I wouldn't say trolling, but it either seemed like he was looking for sympathy, or reinforcement of his decision. Neither of which happened, but I hesitate to use the term trolling now since he's actually been fairly nice in his responses and still considers a Mac for the future.

I haven't written off Apple, but I'm reluctant to do so until they fix the screens on these expensive computers.
You got screwed, but my screen is fine, as are most of the ones I deploy at work.
 
Mate, you've gone out to purchase a laptop which is chocked to the brim with the latest experimental technology - and you're surprised there are issues?

I'm sorry to say but I have no sympathy who go out and purchase things that are bleeding edge - you wonder why very few others have gone for LED LCD's? because it isn't mature technology yet.

I also question, why so many go for MBP given their requirements don't actually need a MBP - besides the need to have the boast factor of having a MBP.

I waited for a 2nd generation MBP, hoping some of the kinks would be worked out. I, unfortunately, got a lemon machine that has had to be continually repaired. Going by your (lack of) logic, I should have gotten myself a G3 PowerBook. Those are definitely sturdy machines.
 
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