So I have realized that the iPad does have limits, and the more I use it, the more I realize this. As such, I decided to get a new computer, and wanted an Apple computer because I heard they last a looong time. The upfront cost is more, but the overall value is impressively large. So I bought a Macbook Pro last night. Now I'm wondering if it was a good idea. I need a computer, but should I wait a little longer before I buy a Macbook? I heard something about impending new models that have Ivy Bridge chips. Is it worth waiting for those? I was scared of the impending ones because I want an in-built optical drive and don't want a USB one, and judging from the current pattern, I was worried the new models would lack an optical drive. So long story short, should I keep my Macbook Pro? Or should I return it? Please put your bias for Apple products aside, if you can haha
From what I read, Ivy Bridge will only offer minimal advances in terms of processing power. The largest improvement will come from the implementation in graphics tech. So if you don't want it to play games, you should be fine with what you have - unless you want the latest and greatest.
Biggest difference would be a retina display, and anyone including myself can tell you Apple put awesome displays into their products.
I think you should return it, because it is not only about the new Ivy Bridge, it's also just the rumors of apple giving the MBP a major redesign. Still, since its not for sure, if you really feel you need the computer, then use it, if not, you could return it, and even if the new model is nothing special you'd still be able to buy the one you have now at a lower cost.
Not trying to start anything... But I'd return it- mainly because it's a MacBook. Every MacBook I've ever had ended up having bad crashes and hard drive failures. Every time it has happened, I lost something important too. From my experience, iMacs are more reliable (but they still have issues too). I'd probably go with a Sony or a Dell, but that's mainly because I've never had any issues with their computers.
I've been using the same iMac since 2007 and I plan to get about three more years of use out of it. I say just open the MacBook and be happy with it. Sounds like a random fluke or you're using it with the lid closed for long periods of time. I have a 2006 MacBook and it's still functions perfectly though I did once have a keyboard completely fall apart on a Powerbook.
I bought a Mac last month and I'm totally in love with it. I doubt Mac will even get redesigned for a while. Look how long the iPhone has been the same..well pretty much anyway..very minor changes nothing drastic.. There is rumors they are going to merge the MacBook air and MacBook pro..but I don't really like the sound of that..I like my MacBook pro the way it is, and I want the disc drive..they want to remove the disc drive! So yeah..I'd keep it if I were you instead of holding off for something that probably won't even happen..retina MIGHT happen..but I couldn't give a crap about retina personally..I have never understood the fascinations with resolution..I always resize my photos to like 100kbs I HATE PIXELS! and hd..things don't have to be so damn crisp dammmitt! Not everyone has to see every single pore and blemish on every single persons face god dammit! *throws ccomputer through the window** f**k the free world! /rant.
There is always a single universal answer for any such queries. You buy a computer when u need one. you can't have he best computer ever. It'll always be updated in 6-10 months with faster processors/new designs no matter what. The current mbps will easily last you 3+ years before even showing any signs of ageing. And unless you abuse it too much, it'll last you another 3 years. My white plastic bodied MacBook lasted 5.5 years and even after that it died coz I had dropped it on the floor countless times. Held it together with duct tape for last 3 years. Even then it never felt slow until the day it went blank on me.
I just talked to an expert dude about Ivy Bridge in Windows PCs and he said the upgrade won't even matter to computers that are higher-end currently. Only things like netbooks or PCs with integrated video cards will see the most noticeable effect. So unless you want to chase a redesign that badly, stick with what you have.
My work sped up tenfold when I got my iMac... I still use Windows machines alongside it (wanted to save money when I got my laptop) but the Mac has more than paid for itself and it continues to run like a dream years later, and I can see it continuing to be great for years to come. I'd be having to upgrade a Windows device by now. There's also the advantage of software like iTunes and QuickTime actually working well, as these two programs are a nightmare on Windows. You mentioned you own an iPad, Macs have a whole other level of integration and synchronicity with iDevices, way beyond what you get from iTunes for Windows. So I'd say absolutely keep it. It's a great bit of kit. If all else fails and you can't get along with OSX (it's very intuitive but some people are too used to Windows that it's like learning another language, nothing wrong with that), you can install Windows on it and it'll still be a very sturdy, lastable machine. As for your concerns, Apple have always rolled their important updates out to older devices, these things last so long and a lot of their brand integrity comes from the satisfaction rate of their customers who get their money's worth out of the products for a long time. I'd also say you should probably keep it if you want an optical drive, it's already been removed from the Mac Mini and Apple clearly want to phase the medium out just like they did Flash. Think about it - the fewer DVDs and CDs sold, the more purchases made on iTunes. Everybody but Sony are looking towards killing off physical media where possible. The majority of their money comes from digital downloads these days, even introducing the Mac app store and putting their entire OS's on it so to them the sooner they sever physical media the better. There'll always be USB disk drives but you'd do well to keep this device if you want to use DVDs etc.
Thank you so much for all the help, everyone I decided to open it, based on your comments, and I am loving it so far. Really fun to edit videos on, but I wish I could afford Final Cut Pro X haha. The one thing that's worrying me is the battery life. It claims a 7 hour battery life, but is that with everything at the lowest setting, and just surfing the web? Because I played a bit of Counter Strike and it was already at 38% battery (from 74) within twenty minutes it felt like. So the battery life is a bit worrying, but eh. I'm sure I just answered my own question in that term.
Congratulations! You'll love the MacBook Pro. I am still using my late 2008 MBP every day and it is a dream computer. It always works and works well. If you should have a problem, Apple's customer service is superb. Since it is a laptop, I would advise you to buy AppleCare to extend the warranty for an additional two years. You probably won't ever use it but it will give you peace of mind for three years. Shop around for a really good price or get $100 off if you can use an educational discount.
Yeah, battery life is through "general use" which doesn't include things like rendering 3D objects, huge graphic files, intensive movie-editing, etc. The good news is that's -still- better than the majority of laptops out there. Nothing to worry about, just get into a nice routine of plugging in when necessary
