Macbook Pro Review From A Loyal Windows User

Macbook Pro Review From A Longtime Windows User

After reading the post title you are probably already thinking how much is this guy going to bash Mac? Well, I have to tell you that if I was writing this review a few years ago I would have a completely different opinion on Macs then I do today. I don’t know why, maybe I was misinformed or just didn’t have much experience working with the Mac operating system but to be honest, I just didn’t like them. So, now you already can guess that this is a happy Mac review and almost a full 100% convert from Windows.

What Are The Specs?

The Macbook Pro this article is written about is my personal Macbook Pro 13-inch early 2011 and 2012 (Yes I have both). Both versions are very identical in design except internally the specs sold on the 2012 release are obviously greater but not by much i.e. (larger hard drive, slightly faster processor).

My Macbook Pro Specifications:

• Macbook Pro 13-inch
• 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor
• 500 Gb Hard drive
• 8Gb Ram (4Gb standard – I upgraded)
• Mac OS X Lion 10.7.2

More Not So Important Details:

• Up to 7 hrs battery life
• MagSafe power port
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• FireWire 800 port (up to 800 Mbps)
• Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps)
• Thunderbolt port (up to 10 Gbps)
• Audio in/out
• SDXC card slot
• Kensington lock slot

more info at Apple.com

Review On Performance And Functionality

Coming from decades using the Windows OS, I was obviously lost working with a Mac. In fact, being a computer technician I knew how to repair Macs because the internal components are very similar if not identical to what you would find in a PC. But, it is sad to admit that general use of the Mac OS I was completely lost and had to find my way around. Once I got use to where everything was at (i.e. system preference, finder, applications, documents, dock and safari) I found myself a Mac pro in no time! Granted I had a small learning curve but nothing that was disabling or too frustrating that I wanted to look into their return policy.

Performance wise this system flew! I mean, it was a HUGE upgrade coming from my Windows PC. Yes, I know there are several variables into the equation but let’s say if we were to put both a Windows and Mac system side-by-side with similar specs, I believe the Mac would out perform the PC launching applications and performing basic tasks. I believe this Mac can handle it all. For instance, launching and quitting applications is a breeze in Mac and graphic design is amazing! Not to mention, any of you looking to game on a Mac it’s actually not all that bad. Tested and reviewed (review coming soon) on Team Fortress 2 from Steam.

Functionality was pretty standard. You get the basics of having a desktop, task bar, and dock launcher. Similar to most popular Linux distros if you’re familiar with them. Did I mention Mac OS X is Unix based?! Any geeks will find this amazing – getting best of both worlds Unix and Mac! Battery life on this Mac is roughly 4 – 6 hours depending on what you’re doing. Yes, it could reach 7 hours sitting in idle but that would be useless! So realistically, the battery life with moderate to heavy use (streaming, chatting, internet, mild game-play on Facebook) I got a good 5 hours before I needed a charge. This.. coming from a Windows computer was AMAZING! I have owned several Windows-based PC’s and never have I experienced over 4 hours of battery life.

Review On Mac Cosmetic and Design

This Mac is solid. The look and feel are complete in design and there is nothing cheap about it. Even un-boxing the computer was a sight! The packaging it came in was very high quality although I was a bit upset that it didn’t include a black turtle neck sweater. The feel of the keyboard is smooth. Typing on it very quiet and precise. The screen is glossy which I didn’t care too much for. I mean, the glossy screen is prettier than the matte finish BUT glare is definitely an issue if you’re like me and use your computer outdoors sometimes. But again, this is more personal preference (15 and 17 inch can be ordered in matte screens). Aluminum uni-body design is very high quality. The aluminum body gives the computer a durable feel to it. I’m sure if it dropped, it would stay intact with little to no damage (if you’re concerned about this then there are some pretty nice cases for them). Some people may complain its a bit heavy but I would suggest you lug around a Toshiba PC for a while in your messenger bag and see how your shoulder feels in a year! The weight is nothing uncomfortable at least not for me it wasn’t.

Overall Review

Coming from a Windows PC to a Macbook Pro was change. Not a huge change and nothing that isn’t too unreasonable. If you’re familiar with an iPhone or even the iPad you shouldn’t have a big issue learning the Mac OS. Even if you don’t have experience with these other Apple products, just find 2 – 3 hours of play time and get to know your new computer. Find out where everything is and how to get around. Do your Google research and checkout YouTube. There are several how-to’s, videos, training tutorials, books, eBooks, and more on the Mac operating system. Apple basics are pretty simple to figure out just being brave enough to explore the operating system. Coming from a PC I am happy to report that I am almost a 100% full Mac convert. Now, this doesn’t mean that I don’t use Windows anymore, but it means that I am completely sold and love my Mac. Simple. I still have a Windows machine for work because there are several things I prefer to do in Windows work related.

Final Thought

Don’t be afraid to make the Mac change. They are extremely powerful, fun, and easy to use systems and if you’re patient and eager to learn, you should have no problems exploring them. Do I still love Windows? Of course! Am I now a Mac fan boy? No! I love all computers and operating systems. The purpose of this review was to educate and encourage the end-user to not be afraid to explore Macs. Yes, I know that Windows spoils us and we are so used to it but ultimately it all depends on the end-user and their preference. How would you know if you didn’t like Macs if you haven’t even used one? My advice, give it a shot. Start off with a Macbook Pro for fun. Something for misc. use, fun, school, light work, internet, email, chat, etc. and see how you like it. Worst case scenario, Macs retain their value in terms of resale and they depreciate A LOT slower than any PC. So with that being said, buy a Mac. You probably won’t regret it and if you do.. don’t blame me!

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