One frustration remains about this entire process: switching between GPUs is simple, requiring only a button press on the power options menu, but the changeover isn't totally transparent. You have to log out and log back in, requiring you to close all your apps and save your data.
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 somewhat less 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 5 minutes in our video-playback battery-drain test, with the GPU set for the better battery life option. That's about an hour longer than last year's 15-inch Pro, and an impressive result.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Conclusion
Most users will be ably served by the less expensive 13-inch MacBook Pro, which starts as low as £900, but the combination of a faster CPU, better battery, larger 500GB hard drive, SD card slot, and price cut makes the new 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro a solid improvement over its predecessor.
Additional editing by Charles Kloet
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FunkMaster 5 January 2010
Good: It just works .... loads up and runs like a machine should!
Bad: Bit tricky to use when you never used it before
Comment: Great piece of kit, tad on the pricey side but well worth it. Speedy bootup time, no AV or FireWall needed, found my wireless in no time, auto-updates without issues .... love the small things that make it great (iPhoto, Spaces, Dock and that awesome track pad)
I can't flaw it .... but I've not had it long enough to judge it from end to end.
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