We found the same Nvidia GeForce 9400M GPU as in the previous 13-inch MacBook, which gave us almost 60 frames per second in Quake 4 (admittedly not the most hardware-intensive game) at a 1,024x768-pixel resolution. Only the 15- and 17-inch versions offer the second, discrete GeForce 9600 GPU. But being able to play new games, even at lower resolutions, on this system is a major plus for casual gamers.
The new battery in the 13- and 15-inch Pros is non-removable, but Apple claims the system can last up to 7 hours while surfing the Web, and about half that for DVD playback. To assuage concerns about the sealed battery, the company says the new models are good for at least 1,000 full recharge cycles -- estimated to be about five years of use. We were able to run the system for 5 hours and 42 minutes in our video-playback battery-drain test, which is about 40 minutes longer than the current 15-inch Pro and more than an hour longer than the basic white MacBook -- the only model that Apple still offers with the older removable battery.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Conclusion
There are still a few items on our 13-inch MacBook Pro wish list -- a matte screen, mobile broadband options and a Blu-ray drive, for example -- but Apple has made some significant additions. By offering more features for less money, the 13-inch Pro remains one of the most universally useful laptops available.
Additional editing by Charles Kloet
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User reviews6
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Brian McCarville 3 December 2010
Good: dozens of little design and engineering touches that make this computer the only machine I have ever owned that actually *works*.
Bad: no blu ray at this price?
Comment: Let me tell you about the moment that I officially became a member of the Mac cult.
It was a moment that happened while unpacking the machine for the first time. The first thing that impressed me was that every unpacking nightmare had been avoided for me. The packaging was full of easy to tear out tabs and plastic wrapping that seemed to un pack itself the moment I touched it.
Things were clearly and helpfully labeled, and the computer came out of the box simply and easily by pulling one very well placed tab.
Then I noticed it.
I went to open one of the CD packets, expecting a long fight with one of those giant labelling stickers ( you know the ones I mean- the large round ones that always tear and leave a sticky mess behind)
and lo and behold it was *perforated* so that it split in half without any effort ... And no mess.
You know what? " Hi. I'm a Mac."
The thing that professional computer reviewers conceal when they review Macs alongside PCs is that they simply aren't comparable.
To wit, name me the PC that has...
1. The solid metal body 2.The magnetized power cord, 3. the adapter that lets you split the cord length in two (so you can use the length that's safer) and folds the prongs back into the unit to keep them from snapping, 4. The little posts that come on the adapter so you can safely wrap the cord around it to keep it out of harms way, 5. keyboards that light *automatically* when its dark, 6. A magnetized computer lip that keeps the unit closed instead of latch (or nothing) 7. The DVD drive that is just a little slot in the machine so there are no moving parts to break 8. Oh gosh I could go on, but isn't this enough?
And I haven't even mentioned the "multi-touch" ( which has to used to be believed) or the brilliant display.
But mostly, it just WORKS.
It doesn't break down, shut down, freeze or crash, and there are NO VIRUSES. EVER.
But I suppose now I've answered my own question. If reviewers didn't make it seem that Macs and PCs were somehow equivalent, then all they'd have to say in their reviews is " Buy a MAC."
And then they'd pretty much be out of a job, wouldn't they?
Narkaji Gurung 6 October 2010
Good: Pretty much everything
Bad: Nothing really
Comment: Best laptop I have owned...
Justin Hoile 15 September 2010
Good: design, screen quality great for playing multimedia, key pad, battery life
Bad: expensive
Comment: First apple laptop purchase for coming from windows.
Little bit of getting used too but its a great experience.
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