Apple announcements usually make a splash and the release of the new MacBook Pro was no exception.
There have been, however, a few issues with its design that has given it a few thumbs-down.
How about you?
The first big issue is that of RAM.
You can order it in 8 or 16GBs, but it’s soldered directly to the motherboard. So when you order your MacBook Pro, don’t think about upgrading later. You get what you get.
Another issue has to do with the battery.
If you ever need to replace your battery, you’ll have to send it in to Apple.
They glued it in:
In fact, in this complete teardown by ifixit, they not only found it easy to damage other components, but they also had to pry the battery off from the glue.
Finally, as with most laptops, be careful with the Retina display LCD. If you have anything go bad with it, it looks as though you’ll have to replace the entire assembly, which includes the iSight Camera, WiFi antennas and Bluetooth antennas.
I understand the direction Apple’s gone with the MacBook Pro. It’s following the footsteps of the MacBook Air. I’ve always thought of the MacBook Pro as just that, Pro. With all of this soldering, glue and difficulty replacing parts, it seems more like a disposable toy.
What do you think about the new MacBook Pro?
Will the new design keep you away?
[via ifixit]
Adam Shields says
The price makes it clear it is not a toy. But if you want a computer that is 0.71 inches thick you have to make some compromises.
I know how to swap out my ram and drive and some other components, but even on a pro machine I bet that the vast majority of people never do.
Eric Dye says
This is true.
Vajaah says
Though I am excited by the slim form factor and retina display, the new MacBook Pro has me feeling more and more locked into ‘extras’. With a pro, I expect to be a portable powerhouse. I would hate to find myself envying the ‘entertainment PC’ next to me because I need an optical drive or miscellaneous peripherals.
Being able to replace my battery, upgrade my RAM and swap out my hard drive has been my lifeline with extending the usability of my MacBook, taking those options away to lose some weight, doesn’t seem worth it. That’s why the Air rocks.
Chris Ruddell says
I’ll be skipping this one … even though it does make me very envious! Not being able to upgrade it in the future and the price point make this an unwise investment imo. For $2200, you’re really close to the Mac Pro price, and can get TWO 13″ macbook pro’s. Would the speed increase be nice? Yes. But I’m not going to pay double for it.
Eric Dye says
No kidding. That kind of money for a laptop makes me nervous.
Eric Dye says
That’s what I was thinking.
Chandos says
I don’t think you can do any of those things on the Airs either?
Josh says
At this point, it’s almost expected that users will upgrade their hardware every 2 to 3 years. Now, whether that’s because of the jump in hardware every year or just a colossal money-grab, it’s caught on somewhat and companies like Apple are running with it.
And, if you only expect to have your Macbook for a couple years, you’d probably not worry about upgrading pieces even if you could.
Reba says
Very true about the not upgrading. But if I pay $3000 for a laptop I want to keep it a little longer than a few years.
Eric Dye says
Indeed. I think this is Apple reacting the majority of their customers.
Paul Clifford says
I think glueing the batteries in was a mistake. Other than that, it’s so thin that I’m not sure how you can make the ram swappable or add an optical drive.
Here’s what people should be worried about. 2880×1800. It’s almost a 2k screen in your lap. That means that web designers must think about how they design web pages. I just designed a 1440 wide background that can repeat seamlessly so that anyone who has the full resolution enabled can see the webpage without 12 repeats of the torn paper background. Not easy, but it works.
Eric Dye says
Yeah. That’s a lot of screen.
Reba says
I admit it when Apple announced it I was drooling and wanted one. But once reviews came in I decided to hold off. I want to see where they take this model and if next generation or two hold up.
I did price out that one I would get at a staggering $3000 w/o applecare. I think my 13″ air will be great for now along with my 27″ iMac.
My money will be saved for the next version of the iPad!
Reba
Eric Dye says
Good move. I’ve thought the same thing.
Brad Caldwell says
I think it looks great, minus the fact that you can’t upgrade anything yourself.
The big question now is how can I convince the church that we “need” one?
Eric Dye says
LOL! Wow. “Need.”
Chandos says
I went and looked at them in store, and I wasn’t terribly impressed. It could be that I had my two-year-old with me though…