Goodbye Desktop, Hello Portable
For several years I’ve gone by the theory that it’s best to invest as much money as you can into a powerful and reliable desktop machine, while spending any leftover money on a less expensive notebook. This mindset was reinforced by my decision to purchase a Mac Pro earlier this year.
Having my new Santa Rosa MacBook Pro in hand, I’ve officially unsubscribed from this theory. I don’t see myself going back to the desktop platform in a hurry, if at all. The advantages of having a laptop which can pull its weight far outweigh any advantages the desktop machine holds over it.
I’ve now got the ability to pick up one technological item weighing under 5 pounds, walk out the door, and have half of my life in my hands - literally. No moving data to external drives, no worries about keeping files synchronized - just pure bliss. Pure bliss of having everything ‘under the lid’ of a MacBook Pro.
Punchiness
The Santa Rosa MacBook Pro packs a punch in terms of performance. When you leave behind a 4 core desktop machine fitted out with 9GB of RAM, of course you’ll be taking a performance hit - I didn’t expect it to be so insignificant.
A clean transition moving to a portable platform has been reinforced by the way the MacBook Pro reacts to both day-to-day and processor intensive tasks.
I’ve currently got 2GB of RAM installed which will be bumped to 4GB later this week. Applications launch very quickly and the system feels very responsive when running a dozen applications simultaneously.
Editing in Aperture on 2GB is acceptable once closing all other open applications, I expect it to improve drastically with the extra 2GB. The image adjustment sliders are very responsive taking advantage of the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics card, I can safely say that this card feels much quicker than the NVIDIA 7300 GT shipping with the base model Mac Pro (as of 12th November 07).
Light & Bright
Apple has done a great job on keeping its higher end customers happy with superb attention to fine details on their pro products. The MacBook Pro is no exception.
There are a few small things which are greatly emphasized on the exterior of the MacBook Pro. Although useless in some situations, the keyboard backlighting is a nice touch when using the notebook in dark situations. It eliminates typing errors previously caused by dim lighting.
The 15.4-inch LED display is bright. There’s no delay from the time of powering the machine on to the display hitting full brightness, it’s practically instantaneous. I’m a guy who likes to keep his displays at full brightness 100% of the time, the Santa Rosa MacBook Pro has pushed me away from this habit, I’ve found myself leaving the screen dimmed to around 50% of full brightness for general use.
Toning it down for a second on the topic of attention to detail, how could Apple have left out a magnetic lid latch? The MacBook has one, why not the MacBook Pro? This is a rather minuscule point to complain about, but I don’t see how Apple could have left it out when they’re so design conscious and have an eye for the small details.
Restrictions
One area I’ve felt somewhat restricted in is storage. 750GB of internal storage vs 160GB is quite a difference and takes some adapting to.
As of publishing this piece, Activity Monitor reports space utilized on the HDD as 131.08GB, with space remaining at 17.65GB. This however includes my 30GB iTunes library (music only), and 60GB Aperture library I refuse to go without when I’m commuting.
I sense a purchase of a 160GB FW400 portable hard-drive in the near future to house the Aperture library - it’s growing at a rapid pace and shows no sign of decreasing.
I’ve been blown away by the power and elegance of the new MacBook Pro. As stated above, I’ve officially unsubscribed from the theory of purchasing an expensive desktop and a cheap laptop - it’s all portable for me from here on in. I’m thoroughly looking forward to Quad Core Intel notebooks later next year.
#1
Daniel Brusilovsky → appleuniverse.mypodcast.com
I still can’t really switch to the full portable option…but I am really loving this PowerBook G4 with Leopard on it!
#2
ShreedhanWho gave you the MBP then? Congrats btw!
#3
Alex Killpartrick → www.firstofall.net
Since getting Leopard, the MacBook Pro has made the transition from a very, very good portable to a true desktop replacement, spaces notably improves productivity massively.
The MacBook Pro really is unique in that it’s a desktop replacement machine, but offers more portability than most other laptops on the market. It’s not big (smaller than a 15″ non-widescreen laptop), and smaller than most ~15″ widescreen laptops.
I’ll be upgrading the HDD to 320 GB once I get some feedback on the reliability of these new drives.
One piece of advise I would give, is to avoid using an external hard drive at ALL costs. You’ll put something on there and forget, and then when it comes to wanting it on the road, you’re stuck. External HDDs should be used for archiving/backing up, not main data storage.
As for portable external HDDs, the Lacie Porsche design drives are fantastic. I have a portable 100 gb model, FW and USB, and it’s great. Doesn’t work over a single USB, but Firewire is great even when working on music projects.
#4
Ondra SoukupSo…welcome aboard. Having laptop only for over 4 years and networked drives to store the excessive mess, I have all the stuff I need everywhere I go :)
Working on something at home ? Suddenly realized you’re late for work ? Close the lid and resume your session at work. Having files in sync is nice. But doesn’t help to keep your ideas flowing…
#5
Julian Schrader → julianschrader.de
With Leopard on it even my older Core Duo 2,16GHz MacBook Pro (17″) with 2GB of RAM runs faster again and needs way less RAM.
I’ve had 3 GB swapfiles all the time on Tiger — now it’s 512MB or 1GB and everything feels way snappier.
I skipped my plans to go for a Mac Pro and will purchase another MacBook Pro when there’s a new and more powerful model…
Mobile FTW!
#6
Joshua Bryant → joshuabryant.com
You can pick up a 320GB internal drive for $200. I’ve already ordered mine. Only takes about 30 minutes to swap it out.
#7
Taylor Olson → www.lockergnome.com/taylorolson
Great post, Glenn. I was feeling kind of bad for not getting an iMac instead of the MacBook Pro, because I am at my desk the majority of the time, but now that I read this, I agree, being able to just pick up and leave is a great feature. I am going to bookmark this and read it everytime I feel regretfull for getting a MacBook Pro. Thanks!
#8
Charlie Styr → www.theapblog.com
I used to have a very powerful Windows desktop, and my first Mac seems to be the one you have. The 2.4GHz MacBook Pro! I must say it has been an awesome transition, and I don’t expect I’ll be moving away from the MacBook Pro platform for a long time!
Also, with the current price of RAM, I’m probably going to invest in 4GB too, and sell the old 2GB on to make back some of the money.
My only nitpick with the MBP is the difficulty of getting to the HDD, I mean, when nice large SSDs come out, I’m definitely going to want to trade out, and it’s going to be somewhat more difficult than the consumer MacBooks unusually enough, and furthermore it voids the warranty. (Of course, you can just switch back if for some reason you need to return to Apple.
All in all, the MBP has probably been my best purchase in the computer world, ever, and I won’t be switching away for a long while, it’s amazing having so much more power than my desktop, and completely portable too. Coupled with a FW800 MyBook external drive, it’s perfection in design, I’m incredibly happy.
I hope you enjoy yours too!!
Charlie -
http://www.theapblog.com/
#9
Alec Feld → alecfeld.com
Once again, ditch Aperture. It’s a memory and processor hog, and is honestly a terribly written app. Lightroom is speedy, and in my opinion, does a better job at editing than Aperture, which is extremely overrated.
The backlit keyboard is the biggest piece of shit and is probably the most useless feature they’ve thrown into this machine. If anything, it’s harder to type with it on. If where I’m using the MBP is dark, the light from the display usually lights up the keyboard enough for me to see it, if I even need to see it. The backlit keyboard is annoying and distracting.
#10
Arthus Erea → myfla.ws
Congrats on the MBP! I’ve been loving mine ever since I made the switch this August. Where are you getting your RAM? I’ve been thinking about upgrading mine to pack in a little more punch. I think you’ll love being portable… I certainly have.
#11
artic5693Beautiful pictures Glenn, I assume you used your XTi, with a macro lens.
Alec I have to disagree with you on the topic of backlit keyboards. I can not tell you how many times I have been typing in lower than optimal lighting conditions and found myself in need of a backlit keyboard (When using both a desktop and a laptop).
@All of the people suggesting 320 GB drives
Aren’t those drives currently 4200 or 5400 rpm? If you are constantly moving around data or accessing large files you will notice a pretty significant performance gap.
#12
NichM → nichm.com
My dad just got a new iMac and just as Macbook Pro the the screen is awfully bright.
Congratz on our new purchase, its always fun to setup a new Mac and it seem you enjoyed setting up this one as well!
#13
Brian Amerige → brianamerige.com
Funny, this is exactly what I told you to do instead of the Mac Pro, a year ago ;-)
#14
NitRam Den GaleI have been a laptop user since before I switched to the Mac back in 2005, and I am still loving every minute of being mobile. I currently own a MacBook Pro 1.gen with 128MB VRAM X1600 graphics, 2GB of RAM, 160GB HD and 1,83GHz processor. The only issue with performance I ever have is when, as you say, running Aperture with other applications open at the same time. Welcome to the laptop world Glenn!
#15
VLKCongrats Glenn!.. but I have a question.
Why you chose the MBP and not the MB? The both are now with “santa rosa” and 13″ MB is more portable than 15″ MBP. You need bigger display? or is there something more?
VLK
#16
Alex Killpartrick → www.firstofall.net
@artic5693
The problem with fitting a 7200 rpm drive in the 15″ MacBook Pro and indeed the even smaller MacBook is the heat produced. That’s why Apple stopped doing the 15″ MBP with a 7200 rpm drive in the end, people were complaining of the heat.
Fine in the 17″ model though, the larger casing dissipates heat better.
I’ll be getting myself a 5400 rpm 320 gb drive soon, they’re quite fast. quiet, don’t produce much heat and I see no reason why it should be less reliable.
#17
Roddy → www.koerner-co.de
Bye bye to Gelns cable free and tidy desktop pictures. That’s what I dislike about laptop computers: All the cables and wires you constantly have to plug in and out…
Have fun w/ the MBP!
#18
Grant → www.grantmc.co.uk
yea this is awesome!
Glenn i want to know what you think of teh macbook? I can’t afford to buy a macbook pro so i am getting the balck macbook!
Do you think the screen is big enough? Or will i need a desktop aswell?
Its great you got that laptop for free thou well dont mate.
- Grant
http://www.grantmc.co.uk
#19
Dawson Jones → jonester.com
Nice! I miss your display and such. That laptop was probably was practically free after selling the desktop and monitor.
P.S. You need to update at least once a day. You lost 200 readers in one day…
#20
Glenn Wolsey → www.glennwolsey.com
I didn’t sell the display, as stated in the last post, I kept the 30″ Apple Cinema Display. I only sold the Mac Pro - so the display will not be missed.
The laptop was free - it was sponsored (as stated in last post again). Check out the posts titled “Jumping Ship” for all the details of the sale.
The reader count always drops over the weekend before picking back up again on Monday. Feedburner counts a reader as someone who has accessed the feed once within 24 hours. Less people are online on the weekends which halts a few readers accessing the feed, therefore decreasing the count. Watch it go back up over the course of this week before dropping back down on the weekend. Rinse and repeat.
#21
jayp80Nice post. Well it would be nice to be completely mobile, all the time. I have to say once you have a laptop it’s hard to go back. Which is why I just bought myself a toshiba 13 inch laptop. I know it’s not a mac, but i needed the windows platform anyways and it was 1/3 the cost of the lowest pricing macbook. I love having a laptop that weighs next to nothing. Sure transferring files is annoying but it all depends on how you work. And with a little preplanning it’s not that hard to setup a laptop to go on the road. Besides if it’s something your going to be working on at different locations wouldn’t it make more sense to just leave the files on the laptop. In my case, I’m going to use the laptop for blogging so all the files i’ll need will be on the laptop all the time.
#22
Omer Zach → mactips.org
Typo: In the third paragraph you wrote “weighting” instead of “weighing.”
#23
Brendan → www.advertisehereforever.com
Actually Dawson, Glenn has gained readers in the last week.
#24
AnthonyI don’t think aperture can take advantage of your GPU. I think that Pixelmator is the only graphics editor that can take advantage of your GPU.
#25
Glenn Wolsey → www.glennwolsey.com
Aperture primarily uses the GPU. Why would Pixelmator be the only app? After all, Pixelmator is just using Apple’s excellent Core Image tools to use the GPU.
http://www.bagelturf.com/files/b2f0046b3fd9cfba68122d08482f36c7-659.html
#26
Noel Hurtley → noelhurtley.com
I (like others) would recommend giving the new WD 320GB drives (fetches for $200) a serious consideration. People have absolutely raved about them.
Welcome to the posse ;-).
#27
Glenn Wolsey → www.glennwolsey.com
No new MacBook Pro for you at the moment then? Where did you order the drive? :-)
#28
Loren Morris → www.r3fresh.com
I’ll be getting a Macbook Pro in a few months and I can’t wait. The Macbook is great and all, but it can run pro tools as well as I want it too.
#29
JohnThat laptop is just 100% pure love!.. wish i had one..
#30
liui’m a chinese,i know you from the youtube,i have the MBP 2.2GHZ 2GRAM,but i think the mac pro is awosome..why sell it…
#31
chogeThe regular Macbooks can’t drive the 30″ display at native res- That alone would be worth the extra cost to me.
#32
Glenn Wolsey → www.glennwolsey.com
Go to the homepage and read the post titled “Jumping Ship.”
#33
Private BugI wouldn’t get my hopes on the Quad Core Macbook Pro, Glenn.
The processors are really expensive ($800+) and they are going to ship in the second half of 2008…
They also need a larger-than-normal cooling equipment given the rough state of the processor and we all know that Apple doesn’t like ugly and clumsy products.
Anyway, enjoy the freedom of being mobile.
source: http://www.macrumors.com/2007/10/15/intel-demos-next-generation-mobile-processor/
#34
artic5693Fix from above post: Glenn uses a Canon 350D not a Rebel XTi
@choge
Although you are technically right in what you posted, a 30″ display requires a Dual Link DVI-Out, where as the MacBook only has a Mini DVI-Out. So, in the event that he purchased a MacBook, he would rendered his oh so expensive Apple Cinema Display utterly useless.
#35
Glenn Wolsey → www.glennwolsey.com
This is why I said late 2008 - I’ve looked at the processor roadmap and come to the conclusion we won’t be seeing them until late 08 (WWDC?).
#36
ob81 → Www.ob81.tumblr.com
I went mobile a while ago. After a while, I needed a desktop. You will be back. :)
#37
FishGlenn, WWDC is mid 2008. Late 2008 means like this time next year. I agree that we won’t see them in Laptops for a while. Anyway, you are actually making me think about selling my Mac Pro and get a fully loaded 15″ MBP. The only problem for me is that I have way too much stuff that I would like to keep with me and it simply wouldn’t work. My iTunes and Lightroom alone would occupy a 200GB drive at the moment, and both are growing rapidly. I’m going to be sticking with my Mac Pro for now I think, but I might add a base MBP at some point to compliment it.
#38
RyanIt seems to be the trend now, using laptops in place of desktops. Even at work, we’ve setup some of the VIPs with laptop stands.
Everyone is always on the move.
I like the desktop model better not only for the higher storage capacity, but also for its lack of mobility. I like the fact that I can leave my work in its designated area and not worry about it until the next work day. Maybe I’m not as committed as most people, but some of the VIPs here just never stop. They take their work home with them, then come in the next day to work more.
They are some of the most stressed out people I know.
Not saying I rule out laptops all together, I do have a nice black MacBook that I love to death. I just make sure none of my work is on it. Having a laptop workstation would give me too much incentive to bring something home, “just to finish it up.” I’m afraid I’ll end up like those workaholics at my job.
And I really don’t want to be one of those people.
But I guess if you really love what you do (which seems to be your case, Glenn) then it’s a good move. As for me, I don’t love my job, but hopefully I’ll love my career when I get there.
I hope you enjoy your laptop!
#39
JaydenAlthough you may love the “freedom” felt from switching to a notebook, let me assure you the pleasure simply won’t. I myself an excessive sucker to technology; Apple products mostly, current own a Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, MacBook and iMac. I blame my excessive consumerism on how much choice we have.
Sure switching from a desktop to notebook is fun for the first part; although soon enough you feel your work requires structure and thus you begin to long for a solid machine which sits on a desk. Personally i couldn’t cope with only a notebook as i get frustrated with the flimsy case.
The ultimate mobility of a notebook is definately an aspect although you’ll want your desktop back soon enough. If you’re like me then you’ll have your Mac Pro for gaming and putting hardware to the test, the iMac to do your everyday work on and love to look at, the MacBook Pro to lay on the bed with and use iChat and then the MacBook to take to university for its small design. I personally don’t believe one machine can make you truly content, soon enough you’ll be bidding you Mac Pro back.
#40
Jehad → jchandab.wordpress.com
I also found a restriction with the hard-drive capacity, although mine shipped with a 250GB hard-drive it lacked the speed of 7200rpm although the difference between 5400rpm is un-noticeable.
#41
Dustin → www.dustincook.ca
I think you could also blame that on lack of self control….
#42
Jehad → jchandab.wordpress.com
Agreed, Dustin is entirely correct. You are directly in control of what you purchase, although Apple’s products ARE super enticing :)
#43
Chris → fluidmarkup.com
“It eliminates typing errors previously caused by dim lighting.”
While adjusting to a new keyboard layout, maybe. But if you need to see each individual key, you should spend some of your money on some good typing practice software.
#44
Hector A. Henry S. → www.blinkyit.com
Goood men portable its be best right know and the thing its that no matter were you are and of course if its charge and you are inspired you could write and if the a hotspot it will be better.
I have a portable its not apple and am happy and proud of it, but sometime i don’t carry out in stead i use rent pc and a portable version of my more usual programs true my USB. They function good and sometime its take of from me the stress to carry the laptop on my back all around.
Bye I keeping in touch whit you page.
By from the seven color sea.
#45
Tiger!Good on you!
I did the same, though I kept my 30″ display! Best setup ever IMHO!
#46
Tomas NihlénHi!
First - great videopodcast, very usefull.
I’m seriously thinking about upgrading from a Macbook to a Macbook Pro and I have four questions:
1. Do you think Apple will release another more powerful MBP in Januarii 08 or will this new model that you have be the best alternative for a while?
2. Did you go for the glossy or not glossy monitor? And what are your thoughts on this?
3. I heard that it is pretty difficult to change the HDD on these modells, is that true? Will you do this and tape it for us to see? :)
4. Which processor did you get? And how much difference does this make in say for instance video editing.
Would be very greatful for some answers.. :)
Maybe another video about this transition fron the Pro to the MBP?
Kind Regards
Tomas
#47
Glenn Wolsey → www.glennwolsey.com
1. Yes, we will see an update son - but it will be later than January.
2. I went for Mate (non GLossy) and love it.
3. It is very difficult to change the HDD. If I change it out in the future, I will record a video.
4. 2.4Ghz, and it feels very snappy. Not as quick as Quad Core Xeon chips as expected, but very snappy to say the least.
#48
Gordon Swaby → www.godonswaby.com
No post about recent hack?
#49
Loren Morris → www.r3fresh.com
oh good, you’re back.
#50
AppleFagism → www.omgapple.com
OMG APPLE APPLE APPLE!!@#!@# I SHOVE APPLES UP MY ASS CAUSE I LOVE APPLE!@#!@# OMGG APPLE BOIYYYY!@#!@#!
#51
JustinYes glennwolsey.com is back!
Should I sell my iMac and go with a MBP?
#52
EDIT-XTREEM → iappblog.com
Glenn,
Good to see the site back up, any clue what happened?
#53
MichaelIt would be nice to have a post on what happened =)
#54
trentGlad to see you back, mate. Keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t worry about the Apple haters!
#55
NathanI’m an apple hater but still I read glenn’s blog all the time… why? I don’t know
#56
shadownight → thomasgvl.50webs.com
Um, no word on what happened? It’s not like it went unnoticed… As Michael said, it’d be nice to know what happened… that’s really what everybody’s interested in at this point.
#57
Joe Jacobs → www.thejoejacobs.com/blog
Did you guys ever stop to think that Glenn might not even be able to get back into his website? The hacker may have changed his password.
#58
Nathanit is sunday here in NZ and starting to get late at night :)
#59
Grant → www.grantmc.co.uk
Hi glenn, i see that recently you got hacked. what do you plan to do about this?
Will you continue your apple fanboyish ways?
Also when are you announcing who sponsored the laptop, and why did they sponsor you with it?
Cheers,
Grant
#60
Bill Gates → Microsoft.com
Great site. I learned of it because some asshole said he was going to hack your website. What a douchebag.
Keep up the good work. Your website is great. Like others, I like technology and Apple is one of the only companies to get it right and serve their customers well. If you don’t believe me read the latest issue of PC Magazine where customers rated Apple the highest IN ALL CATEGORIES.
I think the hacker is jealous because he got a piece of crap Dell.
#61
Grant → www.grantmc.co.uk
@William or bill
he has been haced you missed it mate, was funny thou!
#62
Hector A. Henry S. → www.blinkyit.com
Hey for real its make me think its bill jajajaj i dont imagine see him here in a web page dedicated to Apple.
Funny
#63
Zach → www.zachkollegger.com
I’m going to get a MBP soon. Of course then I have to through in a 30″ display, otherwise it wouldn’t be complete. :-)
#64
Blair BeckwithPLEASE TELL US WHO SPONSORED YOU! Lol. I’m sure many are curious.
#65
Glenn Wolsey : Blog Archive : Doing Away With The Pixels → www.glennwolsey.com/2008/02/01/doing-away-with-the-pixels
[...] I missed it? Not at all. The MacBook Pro paired with Spaces has been a perfect solution to losing my large display. I feel so much more [...]