Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro (mid-2009) - The Definitive Review

[pedrosantossilva1]

Is it cool for playing games?

[jordy350]

where would i find this model on the web other than ebay because alot of thing on ebay are over priced

[veronicapmarcos]

thank you so much for the fast reply! and I'm actually getting it in US Base here near London do you think I should?

[davomrmac]

@veronicapmarcos Hard one to call. If you pay no VAT it is a bargain, but legally you need to declare ;)

[veronicapmarcos]

do you think I should get a mac book pro from the us? cause you can save hundreds of pounds when you buy one from the us. what do you think? thanks you in advance :)

[davomrmac]

@veronicapmarcos You can save, but remember you pay sales tax on top & possibly VAT when you come back into the UK.

[souro19]

KICK THE MAC BOOK !

[mckt007]

British people a are so well spoken.

[davomrmac]

@TIRanald Well I would start at about £500 if it was my money.

[TIRanald]

@davomrmac Hi Dave, if someone was selling one of these for about £650 now, would it still be worth it for a primary machine?

[davomrmac]

@TIRanald That is an average price, plus a more than capable computer.

[davomrmac]

@BettyMHernandezie feel free to tweet a link to my video to your followers, that would be awesome :)

[94cona]

would a macbook with (4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB) and (500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm) be good for a student who will be using it for music production and graphic design (photoshop,fireworks) or would i need to get a macbook pro?

[mrsubscribe11]

How much does it weigh?

[TheSDavies93]

Would you recommend this computer to a camera guy (editing) and some video editing, also a possibility of writing news story (journalist)

[davomrmac]

@TheSDavies93 Totally. New ones coming soon though, maybe even this week.

[SuperComputerinfo]

great review

[JSantana319]

I have a question for you Dave, does this Macbook Pro have the same exact color gamut as the current one?

[davomrmac]

@JSantana319 Probably not, but very similar.

[Danceallnightbabe]

your videos are so professional,so worth the watch

Thank you so much

[davomrmac]

@Danceallnightbabe Thanks.

[aidyanimal]

can you turn off the noise it makes when your turning up the volume ?

[davomrmac]

@aidyanimal Good question, not sure, anyone know? Maybe there is an app or utility that does that.

[bonchbonch]

@aidyanimal @davomrmac Hold shift while pressing the volume buttons.

[davomrmac]

@bonchbonch I learn something every day, thank you.

[muteternal1234]

Im getting this tomorrow. However, how do i get the 8gb memory? all i see online is the 4gb

[davomrmac]

@muteternal1234 When you select it and go to the next stage you will have tick boxes (or radio buttons) to select how much memory you want. The other option is to buy it from somewhere like Crucial Technology and do it yourself, you normally save some money too.

[luckymirai]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and for taking the time to upload this tutorial video.It is very helpful. I just got my Macbook Pro today 15 inch :)

[davomrmac]

@luckymirai Thanks for watching.

[renanmorrison]

Thank you so much for giving your time to give us this great review. I'll get mine in january, when i go to L.A

[davomrmac]

@renanmorrison I bet you are looking forward to getting it. Thanks for watching.

[lunafringe10]

Already history

[pp2devane]

Great review! Hope to get one for christmas

[davomrmac]

@pp2devane That would be an awesome present.

[robgotchords]

Great vid man... I am watching this as mine is in the mail and supposed to be delivered today. However, what is the light (on the front, bottom, right side)? Is this a battery light of some sorts?

[davomrmac]

@robgotchords This is the sleep indicator.

[lrossi888]

Bad graphics cards are bad. T_T

If they put in a better graphics card for the primary, I could justify the price.

[davomrmac]

@lrossi888 Yes, they could definitely work in this area.

[dtgfh]

@lrossi888

the new one with the 330m arnt bad though

[Niko1313x911]

thanks for the help and would u mind telling me if 5400rpm is good enough and if u recommend the high res screen

[davomrmac]

@Niko1313x911 5400RPM is good enough unless you are editing video, then you need 7200RPM. The high res screen is awesome, gives you pin sharp text and is very worthwhile.

[Niko1313x911]

play games, browse internet andfor school(taking notes)

[davomrmac]

@Niko1313x911 I would stick with 4GB RAM, this will be plenty enough for what you describe.

[Niko1313x911]

should i get 4gb ram or 8gb ram

[KaloAngelTV]

@Niko1313x911 no need for 8gb, 4 is perfect!

[jgarale]

MAC STINKS!!!!

[KaloAngelTV]

@jgarale YOU STINK!!!!

[AsILayDyingOWNS77]

Buying one in 19 days!

[davomrmac]

@AsILayDyingOWNS77 Good luck with that.

[AsILayDyingOWNS77]

@davomrmac Is this laced with intentional sarcasm? Or are you really wishing me luck? Haha.

[davomrmac]

@AsILayDyingOWNS77 No, totally gen, I like the fact you are a viewer and really think you will get a lot of enjoyment from your new purchase ;)

[AsILayDyingOWNS77]

@davomrmac Haha thanks. Yea I've seen tons of macbook pro reviews becasue I was contemplating weather to get the 13 inch or the 15 inch. If it was worth my money you know. This video was the best I found and really makes me feel safe on getting the 15 inch.

[toprobone]

I purchased a MacBookPro 15 last summer the H/D failed, the time mahcine back-up failed, Apple sent me a box to return it under warranty, Fed X lost it and I have been given the run around, it's gone, all data gone, Apple has been very courteous but I have nothing positive to say about an $1,800 intro level lap top failing within the 1 year warranty, loosing it in their system and not getting a replacement, beware apple has faults!

[M34nPuppyDog]

for a first time mac user should i go with the 15" or 30" for gamming & school work?

[randomrazr]

do u think its worth spending 600 more for the 15 over the 13?

[davomrmac]

@randomrazr If you need the larger screen then yes, totally.

[lucas199400]

Apple almost convinced me to get this Macbook Pro with the i5.

Just one question, how smooth is the editing with HD (720p or 1080p) footage with Final Cut? Many stutters or is it smooth?

Thanks in advance,

Lucas

[davomrmac]

@lucas199400 No stutters at all.

[DaveKraft400]

I'm thinking about getting either the 13" or 15", but is it true that they're refreshing the 13" in September with i3/i5? Thanks.

[davomrmac]

@DaveKraft400 I doubt it.

[pingpang11]

Nice laptop

[VictoriaNorths]

nice video

[davomrmac]

@VictoriaNorths Thanks.

[SyaaaWeirdo]

Hmm, shall i get the 15 inch or 13 inch? Is there any latest mac coming  out soon or somethin?

[davomrmac]

@SyaaaWeirdo This is mid-product cycle, so you might see a small update in a couple of months. As for which size you should get, what will you be using it for?

[SyaaaWeirdo]

@davomrmac oh, i see. For school, studies and all.

[davomrmac]

@SyaaaWeirdo Well, for general school studies a 13-inch would be more portable. However, if the extra size doesn't bother you the 15-inch will give you more screen room for things like photo editing and video work.

[SyaaaWeirdo]

@davomrmac ok thanks! :) 

[JAalacarrera]

when should they update

[kiashadowwave]

I paid a quarter of the price for a PC that has over twice the power of any Mac on the market. I do not get viruses because I am not incompetent like most Mac users who have switched from PCs. I can download and play real games. I can use every piece of (important) software including the Adobe collection, and it preforms even faster than on a Mac.

I used the thousands of dollars I saved on things that actually matter in life, like vacations for creating memories for my friends and family.

[randomrazr]

@kiashadowwave

i just went from a pc to macbook pro, just to try something new. its actully pretty cool. not ditching windows though, but i enjoy it for my needs.

[SkunkForce9]

@kiashadowwave

Cool story bro.

[davomrmac]

@Kolding0utlawz good luck with your purchase.

[fierwall5]

hope fully they put usb 3.o in it before next year because that is when i am gonna get one

[davomrmac]

@fierwall5 Yes, they should get USB 3 in there real soon.

[swagOnHaterzOut]

if it was not for you i would have never bought my mbp thanks alot

[davomrmac]

@swagOnHaterzOut Cool, glad you like it.

[swagOnHaterzOut]

i just got a 15inch pro

[davomrmac]

@swagOnHaterzOut Congrats!

[Theyoyosteveo]

couple of questions does the superdrive have a DVD rewriter, does it have built in wifi to connect to an internet

thanks

[davomrmac]

@Theyoyosteveo Yes the SuperDrive writes both CD's and DVD's. Yes, it has WiFi built in.

[atiamiyu1]

I'm on my new 15 inch unibody macbook pro now! It's GREAT!!!!

[davomrmac]

@atiamiyu1 Oh well done, congratulations, you are going to love it.

[davomrmac]

@atiamiyu1 Congrats!

[AppStorm]

Awesome! im getting mine soon! Hopefully i can order it tonight!

[davomrmac]

@AppStorm Congrats on your new purchase!

[pabuboi]

Chicken Run!

[davomrmac]

@pabuboi Yep.

[lennonlax96]

the 9400 isnt a graphics card. its integrated graphics

[ItsJayson]

Very good review, very fair.

[davomrmac]

@ItsJayson Cheers.

[memememe405]

I love this, I just bought one and my videos with ae and sv are awesome.

[ChasingShootinStars]

Is there a way that i can transfer my music and video from the itunes from my pc to the mac?cause i feel like if i buy the mac i would have to buy my videos and music agn or is there another way i can transfer them to the mac?i rlly wanna make a big leap from my RLLY OLD pc to the mac so just wanna ask around some question first and also can i change the GB in the 13" mac?

[davomrmac]

@ChasingShootinStars I think you can do a backup from iTunes to disk of your library then import into iTunes on the Mac. Check on the Apple Discussions forum to be sure.

[ChasingShootinStars]

@davomrmac oh my god tkx aloottt!! honestly im new to the whole itunes and ipod and stuff so tkx alot i just did it and it burned every song and video to the cd it has happened twice that i have to buy the same videos and songs twice tkx aloot now all i have to do is buy my mac and im ready for it

[SAMLAD2k6]

Why not buy a LINUX LAPTOP :O u can put windows on it if u want, but its so much cheaper for the same specs.. apples are for rich people or spoilt people, people who work average jobs and buy one of these are to be blunt, stupid.

[Foxtrott476]

at first i really enjoyed your review.

2nd: you seem to be a very good speaker. as i can see through the glossy display you always turn to the camcorder (audience). also i like the style you talk. its the correct speed and calm. you also use your hands to speak. do you normally speak infront of audiences?

i' going to buy one at the end of july with an i5 processor. can't wait to get it.

keep on doing those great reviews!

[davomrmac]

@Foxtrott476 Thanks for your kind comments. No public speaking I am terrible at it, though doing the reviews has helped a lot.

[TheLuckAndLove]

@davomrmac Would you recommend this or the iMac? I seem to use a little bit of storage with music, but today on this computer.. All the music I have purchased from iTunes, altogether is 10 GB. Since Apple has launched the new MacBook Pros, I've been deciding which one I want.. I really wanted the iMac because me and my mom are the ones who are using it, and it has a big display. But, I need the MacBook Pro 15" for power, portability, and it's display. But I may take up all the storage..

[davomrmac]

@TheLuckAndLove I would go for a MacBook Pro, then add a desktop external hard drive. That way when your Mum uses it she can use on the desk with the extra storage plugged in. When you use it, you have the portability.

[davomrmac]

@TheLuckAndLove You can also add an external display very cheaply.

[TheLuckAndLove]

@davomrmac Also, does the built-in AirPort Extreme need to be connected to an AirPort Base Station? I'm not the only one with a computer, and I'm getting my first Mac. So, my modem is connected to my D-Link adapter, and I'm not the one who is paying for the internet, (my brother is and he will get mad), so can the AirPort Extreme work with itself.. Or can I just get a base station and connect it to the adapter?

[davomrmac]

@TheLuckAndLove The MacBook pro has built in wireless, so it'll connect to any wireless router, or wired via Ethernet. If you buy a base station you have the added advantage of creating a separate wireless network. No speed advantage really.

Also when responding, please only do so once, I approve all comments, so I got loads from you each time unpunished the button.

Thanks for the comments though.

[TheLuckAndLove]

@davomrmac Sorry about, that. It kept denying it until it finally worked..

[machoBaller213]

hey devomrmac...how can you burn songs on the macbook pro..and whats the difference between the pro and air

[davomrmac]

@machoBaller213 You can burn songs using either iTunes or something like Roxio Toast. The Pro is Apple's high end laptop, the Air is built for being light and portable.

[98765Ahmed]

greatest video

[abyssrelm]

i love how apple spends no expense on their products. No cutting corners either

im bought

[zitianaki]

the 13 inch looks so tiny, imo the 15inch would be better.. is it worth buying one now ? or will apple likely release a new one in the summer?

[yorker54220]

they release new ones every summer...just like the iphones.

[TheGuitarSeb]

@zitianaki i think it is coming on tuesday the 30 march the new macbook pro, there is gonna be a conferens that day so...ye thats what i heart

[christhrasher]

I they add the new Intel i-series processors expect the price to jump even MORE than it already is. Those processors are AMAZING but expensive..

[Reedg333]

Thankyou for these videos!

[davomrmac]

You are welcome.

[Braummmm]

I am aware of a update arriving tomorrow or by next tuesday but I am curious about few things:

1. What will you predict it will hold?

2. Do you see an increase in price?

3. If they do put in Blu-ray, will it just be an option or will it be standard and no more normal drive for all of my plain DVDS?

I'm looking into buying one and I know I will have it before july or a couple days into July.

Anything else I should know?

oh hows the Webcam?

[davomrmac]

1. I think it will be i3 or i5 processors, maybe different graphics.

2. The price should stay the same, it normally does.

3. I don't predict blu-ray this time around.

iSight webcam is great.

[TechSmack]

@Braummmm the new macbook pro should be coming in april !

[curtismichael14]

yup CHECK OUT MY VIDEOS

[quest8899]

I hear Apple will be refreshing the macbook pro line by adding the i7 processor and an updated nvidia chip

[geoski24]

I hope apple won't increase so much the price....

[MasterPreview]

yeah... they are gonna do this,... hopefully in this year WWDC they may announce it!!!

[jacksonutton]

i hope you keep it and use it

[StephenNow12]

if the battery runs or starts to run out

what happens becuase i am getting 1 and still dont understand about the battery power

[davomrmac]

If the battery runs out you plug it in to charge it.... you can use it on the mains power whilst the battery is charging too. If after a few years the battery loses performance then Apple can replace the battery for a small charge.

[theCODFATHER1989]

you said 9600M GT comes with 256MB dedicated ram when its 512MB ;)

[a4g0t3nF1ght3r]

Wrong.

There are 2 versions of the 15''. One with 256, one with 512.

[slashgh31234]

does the macbook pro come with final cut studios

[SoloReviews]

@slashgh31234

NO!

[CharlieRonaldTwigg]

whats the main differences between the 15inch and the 17inch? oh and does this model have a built in webcam?

[camol92]

every macbook has a built in webcam

[zinckranize]

all macbook pros have webcams.. the only difference is that its bigger.

[OnlyRivvil]

Yes has a built in web cam, and the 17 inch screen is bigger and holds a bit more space

[SoloReviews]

@CharlieRonaldTwigg

Size and battery and the 17" has a hight resolution screen

[tipoomaster]

Anyone else bummed that they didn't upgrade the MBP lineup at the last Apple event? Its overdue for an upgrade, and most other laptops are moving towards i5's and i3's, some with hybrid switchable graphics with the Intel IGP and AMD discreet cards.

[nadinetplayer]

Great review really enjoyed it. I will be getting my 13 inch macbook in may, as im only going to use it for searching the web

[hamishlike]

you sound a bit like Marcus off Big Brother 10 :L

[bharathagain]

the 15 inch macbook pro..(2.66 & 2.8 ghz)..is the best laptop in the whole world right now....it's got everything anyone could ever ask for!....1. style with the slim unibody aluminium form...2. amazing screen..just too good to compare...

3. more than enough gaming performance...4. eco friendly = good battery 5. you get to run both windows 7 and Mac OS X..

jeez i want one soooo bad!! I could go on and on !!

[jcbdrzr]

Getting the 15" with the extra GPU is pointless for using Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/Indesign and they don't currently make use of graphics acceleration.

However the 9600GT models would be useful for video editing and gaming.

[SONYE328]

13 inch or 15 inch and why? i am contemplating whether i should get the 13 or 15 inch macbook pro. thanks guys

[thetrue23]

@SONYE328 it depends on what you do...if you work with photoshop and things involving graphics get a 15 inch for the space, the ram and the video card. If th only thing you do is surf the internet....then take the 13 inch.

[RandomDoomsday15]

get the 15 inch. bigger screen and louder speakers

[Braummmm]

13 is very basic so if your looking for small-ness and just websurfing then its for you

15 is more gaming lots more space and a bigger scrreen but still keeping a small enough body to be carryable

17 i would only purchase if i were to replace my desktop because its soo big! its not very logical to carry around.

[davomrmac]

Great response.

[pc121108]

did you upgraded your ram and hard drive if not is 320gb bigger enough for day to day basic

[Caolan96]

17" is way too big and heavy. ive got a 13" and am very happy with it , its perfect for video editing, software editing, and watching movies. i wouldnt mind a 15" but 17" inch is way too big and heavy, my 13" is very easy to carry round its small and light.

[JSantana319]

How are the speakers on your new Macbook Pro? I heard some people had a few issues with the right speaker emitting a high vibration and being louder than the left speaker.

[davomrmac]

Absolutely fine.

[fabiov0021]

really good video!!!

great job!!!!

[davomrmac]

Thank you. Why not try your chances at winning an Amazon Kindle or Sony eBook Reader in my video.

[Motown025]

was very helpful thank you

[JSantana319]

Great video review. I'm getting one without a doubt. I wanna switch from this 13 inch Macbook to the 15 inch Macbook Pro.

[itsstefpapadopoulos]

this or 13 inch

specs 1500 dollars 13 inch 2.53ghz 250gb hd 4gb ram 1700 dollars 2.53ghz 250gb hd 4gb ram

[gumballhotstuff]

Have the same spec book...it's a dream machine....

[PinknessQueen]

Fantastic review; very informative. Nice editing as well, thanks for posting it.

[rmbrown09]

lol 1500 pounds for a dual core and a 9600m gt??

yikes.

[MrLockerzdude]

Does this MacBook have a integrated Wireless Internet Connection finder?

Because I'm getting USB-ports short for internet and other things.

And can you put normal mouses, like a mouse from Microsoft in this MacBook?

[jstubbings]

Nice Video I give it 5 Stars, But are you David Beckham ?

[davomrmac]

maybe ;-)

[metalmanazer]

about how many years do these lads last?

[davomrmac]

I would expect to get 5-7 years of use. The way I play it 3-4 years as main computer, then 2-3 years as a backup computer.

[metalmanazer]

5-7 years?! WOW! thanks. cant decide though between dell inspiron 1545 and put mac osx on it or just buy a 13" 2.26 GHz macbook pro

[matteolegna]

you can't install mac osx on a computer that isn't a mac. (well, there are some non official ways but it is against the mac osx user agreement and the result may not work well)

[SuperNumber19]

Yeah maybe true matteolegna, but YOU* have to install windows 7 or vista or any other windows based os, in order to play 90% of the videogames the whole world play only for windows* if you're a gamer.. and there is no windows live either.. for mac. I love mac, but it's to held back from what everyone uses nowadays videogaming and messaging!

[cyrax752]

cane you record your own screen or how do you get the screen on the video

[davomrmac]

You need a screencasting app like Screenflow or Camtasia

[cyrax752]

thanks your beeing very helpfull

[davomrmac]

I should also add that with the latest Snow Leopard OS (10.6.x) you can use QuickTime X to record the screen. So now extra app needed.

[cyrax752]

thanks its my first mac ever, so i don't know much about it. I've ordered the 2.66 15" and i deed go with the 7200 harddrive like you adviced me for video editing

[EverythingISTech]

You can

[davomrmac]

Hi EverythingISTech... you beat me to it, commenting whilst I am typing is not allowed ;-) only joking.

[EverythingISTech]

Lol it's okay, you probably already answer many questions in a day

[salmanbioshock]

i bought mine two days ago the 2.8 one , but mines runs at 60C to 70C idle is it normal ??

please reply

[rodatv]

i want to get a 15" in early 2010, but i didnt know when any important updates will come out, like a blue-ray disc disc, can you help me out?

[davomrmac]

if we see blu-ray in the forthcoming iMacs, it may well filter to their laptops in 2010.

[rodatv]

so wait until the imacs get them, then the macbooks will fallow? and if you know of any other roomers that would be great!

[EverythingISTech]

Well, just wait until November and if there are noo updates then go buy one if you can!

[josephjskim]

which do you prefer - the matte anti-glare or the normal stock screen?

[davomrmac]

Normal stock gloss screen. The matte seems to be not as crisp, plus it is recessed, so an extra place for dust to collect.

[vh280495]

if you edit images you may prefer the matte for true color or buy a second monitor for the editing (as i will)

But if you dont go for gloss!

[bajanteen212]

can u hav full screen?

[davomrmac]

Yes you can.