Wow, I am impressed with this little thing!

[840quadra]

I don't normally write excited raving reviews for computer equipment, as, well, I am a freelance automotive writer. However, this MacBook 1.83ghz C2D has impressed me to say the least!

I had been used to the speed and power of my iBook G4 (1.2Ghz) for use as my mobile photo editing, and writing station. While writing articles is a task that could easily be done on a Powerbook 5300cs, the way I work is quite processor intensive being that I like to get my information from multimedia press releases. In most cases when I am working on an Automotive related article, I have multiple programs open, and usually many instances of those given apps so that I can fully immerse myself in the subject I am working on.

Tonight while at a local coffee shop (favorite place for me to work), I was reviewing manufacturer provided video clips of the car I am writing about. In this case, I had over 12 videos downloaded, and was playing (looping) 6 at a time, all while working within my photo editing program, and listening to iTunes. The reason for all the videos, was for good footage of the car driving, and to occasionally listen in on a technical description of a given feature explained within a given clip.

Working in my previous setup, I was only able to have 3 videos open at one time, but it felt like I was reaching the limits of the system. The nice thing about my current setup, was the ability and power to fill my screen with videos, listen to itunes, and still feel that I had power to spare!

I now have a Powermac G5 equivalent of power with me when I am on the road! I am really looking forward to covering NAIAS 2007 with this computer, I feel that I will have an edge that I have never had before!


Thanks for reading

 

[freebooter]

Thanks for writing.
I find your example of use helpful. Currently debating on MB vs MBP, MB 1.83 vs MB 2.0.
How do you like the glossy screen?

 

[weckart]

In this case, I had over 12 videos downloaded, and was playing (looping) 6 at a time, all while working within my photo editing program, and listening to iTunes. The reason for all the videos, was for good footage of the car driving, and to occasionally listen in on a technical description of a given feature explained within a given clip.

Working in my previous setup, I was only able to have 3 videos open at one time, but it felt like I was reaching the limits of the system. The nice thing about my current setup, was the ability and power to fill my screen with videos, listen to itunes, and still feel that I had power to spare!
Thanks for reading

Watching 6 films looping, listening to the technical descriptions AND iTunes at the same time? That must have sounded wonderful. Your poor ears!

 

[840quadra]

Thanks for writing.
I find your example of use helpful. Currently debating on MB vs MBP, MB 1.83 vs MB 2.0.
How do you like the glossy screen?

So far I like the glossy screen. I really like how the Blacks look really rich and dark with this screen, and other colors appear to be more vibrant overall. I haven't used it outside yet, so I am not sure how good or bad the glare will be!

Watching 6 films looping, listening to the technical descriptions AND iTunes at the same time? That must have sounded wonderful. Your poor ears!

I use Quicktime with the factory settings that only allow one video to play audio at a time. The music I was listening to was soft jazz at low volume. So in all actuality I only had 2 sources of sound.

 

[coday182]

Thanks a lot, dude. You just helped me get over the hump in convincing myself that a macbook will be everything I need and i don't need to buy the Macbook Pro

 

[Romulus]

Watching 6 films looping, listening to the technical descriptions AND iTunes at the same time? That must have sounded wonderful. Your poor ears!

Actually, quicktime in background does not play sound if you set that up in preferences. Only the front window will play sound...

 

[Romulus]

I just tried that... I don't know how your 1.83 is able to do that... My 2Gh C2D with 2Gb RAM was not able to handle 6 Quicktimes with iTunes, Firefox, Adium, and iphoto... Close to it, 5 quictimes would run fine in expose... hehe...

According to activity monitor processor was at about 80% and the temperature was about 77C

 

[twoodcc]

thanks for sharing. nice to know

 

[twoodcc]

I just tried that... I don't know how your 1.83 is able to do that... My 2Gh C2D with 2Gb RAM was not able to handle 6 Quicktimes with iTunes, Firefox, Adium, and iphoto... Close to it, 5 quictimes would run fine in expose... hehe...

According to activity monitor processor was at about 80% and the temperature was about 77C

i'm sure it depends on what kind of video clips you're watching

 

[xPismo]

Great to hear you dig it. You should grab some pics at the next Press event you go to. I'd be interested to see and hear about the life of the freelance auto journo.

 

[840quadra]

i'm sure it depends on what kind of video clips you're watching

Indeed,

These files are relatively small on the screen (850x637) and tend to be coded in sorenson, so CPU load is not really high on a single video.

Great to hear you dig it. You should grab some pics at the next Press event you go to. I'd be interested to see and hear about the life of the freelance auto journo.

Sure thing!

 

[FF_productions]

Pretty cool. The only thing keeping me from a MB is the graphics card, but other than that, it is a little speed-demon.