MacBook Pro - what I think after a summer of using it

 I picked up a MacBook Pro in early summer to start iphone development.  Because of issues with my desktop PC the Mac became my main computer.  Since I can't get away form Windows as a computer programmer I have Boot Camp installed.  Boot Camp is great other than Windows cannot control the fans.  You need to download Lubbo's Fan Control to do that.

As for OS X I like it but it isn't worth switching too form Windows 7.  They are both practically the same.  They just do the same tasks in different ways.

However, I am impressed by the hardware.  I especially like the trackpad.  The trackpad uses actual glass on the surface.  There's a video of it on the macbook features page.  What makes it awesome is the fact that it is glass so it is smooth and has stayed smooth all summer with now wear marks.  Also the entire pad is a physical button.  On a PC you have can tap the trackpad to click.  However, this can be annoying because you may tap it with the edge of your thumb while typing.  With the MacBook's touchpad you have to physically push it down, it is a giant button.  There is no accidental clicking.  I also like the multiple touch recognition.  Using two fingers to scroll and zoom is natural.

I also love the slot load dvd drive.  This should be standard on all laptops.  On my cheap PC laptop the drive tray is busted from hitting it with my knee.

I also like the keyboard.  If you see a new Macbook type on it for a bit.  It's different.  There's feedback but no clicks.  The key style is different.  My only complaint here would be it is hard to clean it.  So I use a keyboard protector.  Surprisingly the keyboard protector I bought doesn't affect the typing that much.  It fits the keyboard perfectly.  The backlighting is awesome!

I don't like the usb ports.  They are too close together.  I can not fit two of my usb jump drives next to each other.  I am also mad that the top of the line MacBook does not have an esata port.  

The aluminum body can be seen as a positive and a negative.  That body is the reason the Macbook is so thin.  Aluminum conducts heat very well - in fact many CPU heatsinks are aluminum.  Apple basically made the case the heatsink.  There are two fans, one on each side of the keyboard.  The air is sucked in there and vented out the back.  However, since this is aluminum you feel any bit of heat generated.  What you normally wouldn't feel on a typical plastic laptop you will easily feel on this.  This means your lap gets really warm.  It also means the best way to keep it cool is to keep it off your lap.  Using a lap board with grooves in it for air flow is recommended.

I had an issue with the power plug.  On Macbooks the power plug is held in place by magnets.  This way if someone trips over the cord the laptop doesn't go flying.  However. I had the cable casing separate from the plug exposing the wires inside.  Some hot glue fixed that.  I've also had the rubber foot on the back left side come off.  My assumption is due tot he CPU and GPU being near there the glue got warm enough to stop working.

I am running Windows 7 through boot camp.  A warning for you guys, Windows can not control the fans, you need that fan control software.  Also Windows only uses the Nvidia 9600 so even at idle the laptop is hot.  The laptop has an integrated 9400 and a separate 9600.  In OS X you can specify which one to use.  When you are playing games expect the GPU and CPU to heat up to 80-85C.  With it being an aluminum case I use a usb keyboard and mouse.  That much heat is annoying to type one.  Other than that it runs games great.  I can run Counter Strike Source, TF2, Left4Dead, and Shadowrun at the native 1900x1200 with not problems.  I was able to try Far Cry on the system and it runs decent.  I couldn't use AA or some of the high end effects.  I am sure you WoW fans would love it.  On the mac side I do have a couple of games - Open Arena and City of Heroes.  Well, I no longer subscribe to City of Heroes.

When you see those PC ads that are responding to the Mac ads they are mostly right.  Macs are expensive for what you get.  I am surprised the Macbook only has a 9600 in it and not a 9800.  However, I assume that a 9800 would have required a thicker laptop.  That's the problem with Apple, they put looks above performance.  I think you could have looks and performance, you just need to be realistic on what you are going to make.

For you iphone users.  I hope to have a storefront up within a month.  I am about done with one of my programs.  I have the 2o2p app done as far as I can take it right now.  I hope dsmooth can make some of the changes I suggested to the RSS feeds.  I really think it needs a NSFW flag.  Once I get the storefront up I will get some people to beta test the 2o2p app to get feedback on improvements or suggestions.