new user about to buy... quick questions about heat? is it a problem?

[tsim21]

I have for a while (around 6 months) been considering taking the plunge into mac. After using another persons mac over the past month i have decided the time is right. I had originally set myself on a 20" iMac, though seeing the new SR MBPs I am pretty sure i will go for one of these instead, due to the obvious advantage of portability, and the same specs.

Reading up about the MBP, and I realise these are about the previous models to the SRs, i keep coming across apparent reliability issues flagged. I have read in certain places of people having to return their new MBP multiple times in weeks, and others of an insane heat level which burns/melts your desk.

I am assuming these issues will only occur under heavy use, say, running a game or 3d rendering for and increased amount of time. Though I would like to clarify, is this a general issue under 'normal' use?

I fully understand, that is the SR MBPs are brand new, it is unliklely for people to have come across these problems so far, though if any have, please do let me know, I would assume/hope apple has ironed out most of these issues with the new model.

I am looking at the AppleCare program, which seems incredibly expensive £270 to add on the £1,500 of the 15" 2.4Ghz. Is it worth getting this care though? will reliability be a significant issue?

I am thinking of using my mac for heavy photo editing and 2d animation/ graphic design (eg illustrator), is this suitable, or would I be better off getting an iMac? or even the lower Macbook 2.2Ghz? (17-inch is just too big for a 'laptop/notebook' imo)

Thanks for your help, in advance.

 

[Imbalance]

You get a 1 year warranty with all Apple hardware. If you decide you can still upgrade to a total of 3 years (so an additional two after the first free one) any time in the first year. So if you are unsure, buy the Mac, then if its all going well you might want to think about it as it means it'll still be running in a few years time, no hassles.

I've just got a 2.4 MBP 15" and I picked up the Apple Care as I know it's a good service if you should need it. It also helps if you wish to resell after a few years.

I use my MBP for photo editing (Nikon raw from a D80) and it's really fast. Just connect it up to a big monitor when you are working, it's fine.

 

[tsim21]

thanks, didnt realise you could buy it later, makes sense.

But what about heat? is it a serious issue on the new MBPs as it seemed to be on the old?

 

[Igantius]

I fully understand, that is the SR MBPs are brand new, it is unliklely for people to have come across these problems so far, though if any have, please do let me know, I would assume/hope apple has ironed out most of these issues with the new model.

I am looking at the AppleCare program, which seems incredibly expensive £270 to add on the £1,500 of the 15" 2.4Ghz. Is it worth getting this care though? will reliability be a significant issue?

I am thinking of using my mac for heavy photo editing and 2d animation/ graphic design (eg illustrator), is this suitable, or would I be better off getting an iMac? or even the lower Macbook 2.2Ghz? (17-inch is just too big for a 'laptop/notebook' imo)

First revisions (like the new MBPs) are prone to teething problems - just like any tech product - whereas older problems are ironed out. That's not to say that you'll buy one of the new ones and definitely have trouble - just that like in so much in life, there are no guarantees.

Worth remembering people complain louder than they praise - the silent majority are enjoying trouble-free computing.

On a more prectical level, Macintouch is worth checking out (e.g. about the heat issue), as it has pretty good reader reports that are updated daily.

re: Applecare - simple answer is yes! Generally speaking, even those who don't get it for desktops, won't chance not getting it for laptops. Some posters have bought it via eBay quite cheaply - you get quite a few American sellers, as AC is cheaper in the States and thanks to the strong exchange rated, there are savings to be made...

In terms of what you're going to be using it for - you would be fine with the other machines, but I would go towards the MBP... especially as you like 'em so much!

 

[tsim21]

right, thanks, just got to go buy it now. thanks for all you help.

does apple care get registered to your machine? I mean, do they not notice that you have bought it from the USA if living in the UK?
Sounds almost too good to be true!

 

[Igantius]

does apple care get registered to your machine? I mean, do they not notice that you have bought it from the USA if living in the UK?

Yup, it gets registered to your Mac - you do that online. BTW, Applecare follows the machine, so if you did (for argument's sake) sell your machine, the Applecare will be transferred to the new owner (although you have to inform Apple).

Doesn't matter where Applecare is bought (I agree it does seem too good...)- but if you want extra piece of mind, this has been discussed on more than one thread, so do a search.

BTW another reason AC is a must for laptops, it gives you worldwide coverage, so if you were overseas and something went wrong, you wouldn't have to wait to get back home to get it fixed.

Anyway, enjoy - and don't blame us if you burn your legs

 

[BrianMR]

My MBP is cooler than other recent computers I've had. I also like using smcFanControl to ensure it stays that way. It can get hot when gaming, so I kick the fans up then.

 

[Atomic-Ed]

I have only had mine since yesterday but so far it is the coolet running laptop I have ever had. It is literally cool to the touch after hours of running. Now I am not doing anything taxing with it and it is on a desk, so maybe it will get a little warmer once I use it on my lap. Anyway it seems to be a very cool running machine so far.

 

[Killer Be]

Keep in mind that in Europe the mandatory (free) guarantee is 24 months.

I am going to buy a new MBP 2.4 as soon as they are available in Portugal, and will definitely NOT buy Apple Care.

the thing itself is already making my budget smoke...

 

[Megatron]

For light use (web surfing, chatting, emailing, itunes) I have found the SR MBP to run quite cool.