Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop (NEWEST VERSION)
5 star: (29)
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1 star: (3)
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59 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars I REALLY want to give it five
stars... but. (UPDATED), November 8, 2011
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Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
Let me start with the good:
So awesome. Great OS, fabulous improvements to the existing line bumping up the processor speed and adding the thunderbolt port. This is my second MacBook. The first one I had was a 2006 model, not the Pro. I fell in love with it. This one has had the same effect. I had upgraded my old MacBook to Lion, so I kind of knew what I was getting, but hadn't been able to enjoy some of the awesome new multi-touch features. The improvements to the OS have been relatively gradual, but substantive. The feel of this machine compared to the old MacBook is far superior. The Unibody construction is solid, sleek and beautiful. It is everything I'd hoped it would be from a look and feel standpoint, but somehow a bit more sturdy. For the not so good, I got the stock screen - which is VERY glossy. I mean ... REALLY glossy. It's still beautiful and has better color reproduction than I could ever expect from a notebook. The reflectiveness of the display is only a minor inconvenience if you work in a controlled-lighting environment like me (I prefer it dark) or if you can crank up the brightness. My real problem with it? The statement of 7 hour battery life is not just mere exaggeration -- it's a lie. I challenge anyone to show proof that through anywhere near normal use can get more than 2.5 hrs out of it. I've got the brightness all the way down to just one notch above 'off' and the keyboard backlight off. The first full charge of this battery got me only about 2 full hours. Enabling the battery timer is useless. The "Time remaining" goes from 4 hours plus to less than 2 hours over the span of about 10 minutes. It's a joke. It's so bad that I'm thinking I only got half a battery or something. I have an extended battery on a Dell notebook that gives me 7.5 hrs of regular use, and had an extra "slice" battery that attached to a Compaq elitebook that gave me 7-8 hrs. I know what 7 hrs of battery looks like. This ain't it. My only other complaint is that it gets really hot. There's a reason they aren't called laptops. :-) If you buy this - don't go into it expecting 7 hrs of battery life, and you'll be perfectly satisfied. All that being said, I think I'm done buying Windows PCs. UPDATE: With the help of some responders to my original review, I am seeing much better results from the battery - close to 5 hrs + of normal use. Leaving the original text of the review intact, but updating the rating to the 5 stars the product deserves. I'm extremely satisfied. Very happy Mac owner. :-D
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Macbook Experience for
Everything! (no joke), December 5, 2011
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Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD322LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
(Over three years of experience in
IT with Mac Products)
-=[750GB Version]=- I've been maintaining/repairing computers for ten years but the product that has made a huge impact on my life is the Mac. After working with Windows NT, 98, 2000, and XP. I'm glad that I was introduced to the Mac line when the White/Black Macbook was just coming out. Since then, once you go Mac, you can't go back. Apple is a great company, many people think they've overrated and overcharge for their products. The main product you're paying premium for is their operating system and customer support. The operating system is what makes the Mac run so smoothly and safely. You can see the OS works very well with the right specifications, and worry free in regards to getting a virus. How often do you hear about a Mac user running into a virus issue, rarely. I've worked with the old Macbook Pro 15" with the i7 Dual Core. This is a huge upgrade from that, it has a performance score twice as much as last years model. This is one of the latest processor in a laptop market today. This is an i7 Quad Processor, and of course I am happy that this is an Intel processor and not AMD. I upgraded to Corsair 8GB 1333mhz Ram. Together with the processor makes this a great buy for multitasking. The screen is very reflective. When I use this outdoor it proves a problem to see and I end up squinting at times. But if you're majorly using the screen indoor (like I do), you will only see how beautiful this screen lights up. It's really instant on thanks to being LED and you can see how thin that screen is. The resolution on this Macbook is a big improvement over the last years model as well, thanks to the 1GB graphic card. Now you're probably wondering, why I mention this Macbook is for everything. Three simple reasons, it has the graphics card (1GB) that can make it do the most intensive graphic program, we've reached the time when programs are being made for both Windows and Mac, and lastly it can have Windows 7 installed as well. The graphics has amazed me. I've played Starcraft 2, Day of Defeat Source, Team Fortress 2, and Grand Theft Auto IV on high settings. I even can play Battlefield 3 as well while on Medium setting and the quality is beautiful (installed on Windows). The graphics card plays an additional role in the speed of the computer. You can have a great processor and a large amount of ram. But when it comes to watching HD videos, video editing, or playing games, the graphic card has to be good a well. 1GB I guarantee you will have plenty and is just on par with a desktop gaming computer. Most games that are graphic intensive recommends 1GB, looks like this Macbook is prepared! Many people say, "Mac's are not made for gaming". You can definitely prove them wrong now, you have a 1GB card and that saying is old now. There are many games out available for Mac and they work stunningly great on it. I am surprise myself that Battlefield 3 ran so great! You can get AutoCad, Photoshop, and so much more. But if there's a certain window product you need to install, well here's my third reason. You now can feel like you paid for TWO laptops and operating systems, thanks to Boot Camp. You can install Windows 7 on this laptop thanks to boot camp. Just hold down the ALT key upon boot up after you install it and choose either Mac or Windows to use. Apple has a built in program that walks you through it just like turning on a computer. It's so simple. you'll have Windows 7 on this laptop in an hour, thats how long it took me. Thanks to having Windows installed, I can install any program I want. This has a 750GB hard drive so there is a large amount of space for both OS. This Macbook is now definitely made for everything. Sorry to say but the battery life is not the rated seven hours unless you plan to only do word documents, light internet surfing, and brightness all the way down. If you play games, browse the web heavily, socialize, webcam, and brightness all the way up, you'd get most likely 3-4 hours only. This is ok for me because I can adjust accordingly of how much power I need. If I'm in class, I'll be having my brightness level down and the battery can last long just fine. As for gaming, I'll make sure to be at a desk and with my power adapter handy. Battery life doesn't affect me whatsoever, and comparing Mac to other 15.4 inch laptops, the Mac has a great power management built in the OS that makes sure it uses next to no battery usage while on standby. Overall for the price, you're not paying for just the cool factor of Apple, but for the customer support as well. If you have a problem with the Mac, there's a Genius Bar in the Apple Store there with experts to help you out. Within the first year after purchasing it's free help. Even after the one year they will not mind taking a look to see what the problem is. But with warranty, whatever problems occur they will help you step by step and take the right actions to make sure you leave the Apple Store satisfied in solving your problem. I do not work for Apple, but if I did I'm sure I'd enjoy sharing my experience with why Mac is far more superior at Windows. I used Windows for years but a Mac is so much easier to use in comparison, I've converted many of my family/friends into using it, and they now feel the same way I do about what their next laptop should always be.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars 20+ year former IT guy makes the
switch, and can't believe he waited this long, December 3, 2011
By
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
(This review was typed on this
machine).
I researched this purchase EXTENSIVELY via Amazon, Best Buy, other retailers, and my local university (with educational pricing for staff/students/faculty). In the end, I ended up purchasing this machine from Best Buy as the price was the same and I had a line of credit (although I had to pay tax: hey, someone has to help pay for our roads, right?) In short, I can't say enough positive things about this purchase. This machine is INCREDIBLY fast, the interface is slick (although it takes some getting used to coming from the Windows world - especially window minimizing and the function keys), and with an iPhone 4S and iPad 2, iTunes syncing is a DREAM compared to Windows (on purpose, El Steve?). The screen is plenty big (if you're waffling between 15" and 17", go to a local Best Buy or Apple Store and play around with each - the 17" has better resolution, but lift them up and check the weight - I prefer the 15" for portability and weight, but you're choice will depend on use), and I ordered the 8GB memory package from Amazon (which should show up any day now). Regarding memory I will say: 4GB is just enough; the OS and apps eat up just about every bit, so I'm looking forward to 8GB. The backlit keyboard is a dream to type on, the magnetic charger is kid-proof, and the multi-touch trackpad alone is well worth the price (I'm a big fan of the two-finger "reverse scrolling", the back-and-forth swiping in Safari is SO convenient, and the 3/4 finger swiping to bring up LaunchPad and the like is great). My sole complaint is the lack of USB ports, but only because I'm using a Logitech M305 wireless mouse. If I had a true Mac-compatible Bluetooth mouse this wouldn't be an issue, but in hooking up an external USB drive for Time Machine backups (a Western Digital 2TB) and the Logitech dongle, I'm out of USB ports when I have to sync my iPhone or iPad. But hey, with everything else being incredibly integrated, I'm not complaining THAT much. Taking and syncing videos and pictures via my iPhone (the local Christmas parade!) is flawless, and iTiVo is a must for those with TiVos. Regarding apps, take a look at Moom, Alfred, DaisyDisk, AppTrap (for uninstalling apps), and Handbrake. I may end up getting the Applecare plan (part # MD012LL/A), but if I do, I'll get it elsewhere ($244 from other sites vs. $335 from Amazon, just do a search on Google Shopping for the aforementioned part number). In summary, this machine is already making my life easier with regard to home pictures and video, expanding my family's use of our iPad, and backups. Good-bye Windows, Hello Mac!
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20 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Mac Book Pro FTW!!, November 4,
2011
By
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
I've had this MacBook Pro for
about a few weeks now and I feel that its a really outstanding machine! The
last PC I had was was a HP Desktop on Windows XP and I didn't know whether to
change to Mac OS. Well, I took the chance and I don't regret it at all. If
your ever in the need to run Windows on your Mac look up VMware Fusion 4,
really outstanding piece of software. Overall, I believe that in this case
(even though it was pretty expensive), you get what you pay for....simply
put....BEAST!
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Love the Experience, November
12, 2011
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This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
Switched over and my first mac
beginning of the year.. fantastic user experience, quick boots..great
interface..fantastic programs ... from personal stuff to work - its the
best..
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent laptop - Long time mac
user, December 8, 2011
By
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
I was little concern about the
battery and heat before my purchase because all reports that has been posted
on the internet. I finally received this new macbook pro 2.2Ghz and after few
days I can tell this is an excellent computer.
The computer doesn't overheat running light stuff like Safari, iTunes, Spotify, etc.. so It is running OK for me. About the battery, yes, it is true.. I can get round 3 o 4 hours depending of my use. I installed gfxCardStatus to force the HD3000 when running on battery and it has improved it a little bit. Compared to my previous macbook pro (old 2007 Santa Rosa), The only thing I miss is the keyboard of my old computer; this one feels "cheap", but you'll get use to it after few days. I would definitely buy it again; the computer is extremely fast; I only need to buy a SSD to make it the even better.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Pleased... long time windows
converted MAC fan, December 5, 2011
By
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
I've debated switching to Mac for
many years and am very happy with the Macbook Pro 15" I purchased. I've
been a windows user for 20+ years and thought about the switch but never
could convince myself to make the change. The Mac Book Pro is handsdown the best
laptop I've ever used, and the Mac OS x operating system is also great. The
switch wasn't nearly as painful as I expected and I still haven't mastered
all of the quirks that are different between mac & windows; command v.
control for example. From the initial setup on this has been the best
computer experience I've had. Migrated info from my pc very easily including
outlook email and calender info and all of my pictures. It also detected and
setup the two hp printers we have on our home network. It took me 30 min to
set up the HP printer on my wife's laptop when she brought a second printer
for work. The macbook detected it, asked if I wanted to install and viola i
was able to print. It just does so many things easy than the pc and I didn't
think it would. The battery life is not as great as claimed but I expected
that being an iphone, ipad user apple always exaggerates battery life. it
does get hot and fan can be loud, but i think the reviews that gripe about
that aren't factoring in that all laptops are like that, it's not just a
symptom of the macbook.
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12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Laptop but..., November
20, 2011
By
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
This is a great laptop first of
all. The trackpad and battery are such great conveniences especially since
I'm using mine for college. It looks great, runs great, and EXCELLENT
customer service from Apple.
Alright I've spent 30 minutes trying to think of other things that I like about this laptop. Now here's the thing, it's probably just me, but I don't see anything that makes this laptop better than a PC. My main reason of getting this laptop was to see how great it was, since everyone was talking about it, and recommending it to me. I've had it for 4 months now, and I have no clear idea of how it could beat a laptop that's half its price. I love playing Starcraft 2, but I have to run it on the lowest settings, while my PC with the same specifications can run it on high. So either right now, there's nothing different, or I'm not utilizing my Macbook Pro to its fullest potential. If I am, someone please comment so I could get a better experience with this. Don't get me wrong, it's still a great laptop, and I love the thing, but I do regret switching. I swear I'm not a troll looking to start a PC vs Mac war, I just want to state my opinions, and hopefully someone tells me whether I'm wrong or right with a reason why. EDIT: Let's make this clear, I didn't buy this laptop for gaming. I bought it mainly based on recommendations, battery life, and durability. Thanks Nathan and Geib, I just ordered the 8 GB RAM, and it should be here soon. I don't think I would've searched for them since, I didn't think they'd be that cheap (well... not cheap, but a low price compared to what I was thinking haha). As for viruses, I never got them with my PC, but it's nice to know that it's not just luck that I'm not getting them lol.
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16 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, November 13, 2011
By
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
Having started using PC since late
80s I have owned at least 20+ PCs and this is my first MAC. I am a software
developer and like others who said, I am never going back.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Where have you been all my life!!!!!,
December 10, 2011
By
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
Let me say... I have been using a
pc since DOS and Windows 3.1. I think I have used almost every version since.
Just a bit of trivia, my first upgrade was from 4MB of RAM to 8MB and it cost
me $400.
I am slowly getting more and more use to my Mac. I was not eligible for an upgrade for my internet access until this week, so my Mac was just a laptop for the past month, which was ok, I needed the time to more and more familiar with it Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop (NEWEST VERSION). These past few days though have been the most wonderful experience. The internet is a totally different experience and I love it. The graphics are amazing, the speed, connectivity, it just seems more intuitive of what I want to accomplish. To anyone thinking about switching over, do your homework first and make your decision. |
2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars only because I can't give it a ZERO,
January 3, 2012
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This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
This computer lasted me a total of
four months before the hard drive crashed and over 5000 pictures were not
recoverable. I found the staff at the Apple store (self proclaimed
"geniuses") to be arrogant, useless and quite indifferent to you
once they have your money. I called customer care and I guess this attitude
is company policy. I would have to say I rate this company as despicable. Needless
to say I will never buy another Apple product. I'll save 65% of my money next
time and get a product that will last at least 3 years.
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12 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Overrated., December 7, 2011
By
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
The edges of the laptop cuts my
wrists, and the laptop itself runs very hot when bootcamping Windows 7 or
running anything semi-intensive on the Mac OS. The Mac OS also crashed upon
using bootcamp to install Windows 7 (I had to re-install the entire Mac OS).
I was recommended Macbooks for being the best Windows laptops (even though I
did not purchase it for that reason entirely), however this is very far from
the truth.
Most users of these Macbooks will not tell you the serious heating issues these laptops bring. It is almost required to download a fan manager for your mac because it is believed that the manufacturers did not set the speeds appropriately. However, the downside to raising the speed of your fan is that you're degrading the integrity of your system greatly. The monitor has serious glare issues and is set so low on the Macbook it can cause neck pains for anyone at 6-foot. Also, these laptops are NOT durable by any means. I have scratches all over mine from just placing it into my bag. And please do not pick it up with a cd/dvd inside the system, else you can very easily get it stuck. Not to mention knock the alignment off of your hard-drive (done it countless times and froze the OS). The keyboard feels cheaply made. The keys are flimsy and takes some time getting used to. The macbook also comes with a very small amount of peripherals. No SD card slot, HDMI, VGA, and lack of any ability to get a bluray player into it. Also, the USB slots are terribly placed (some USB components will block the other USB ports). The Macbooks sacrifice their comfort for looking pretty. And to be honest, I rather have my computer be comfortable and work as a tool for my advantage, than to make it look pretty. Maybe you have to be a metrosexual man to get into this brand, I don't know... There are many more dependable and less expensive brands out there that would meet the needs of everyone who is good with their money (Lenovo, Sager, etc.).
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4 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Worst Mac EVER, December 9, 2011
By
This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MD318LL/A 15.4-Inch
Laptop (NEWEST VERSION) (Personal Computers)
Putting it honestly, I hate
everything about this computer. I've used macs since 1988. The is the worst
one ever. Speed is slow, apps (even native apple ones) constantly crash.
Apple went in the wrong direction. My next computer will be a PC.
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