Apple's new portable gaming beast
by Alan Rose 
{ Apr 24th 2006 at 4:30PM }
If you and your buddies like to disrupt the patrons at the local Panera with your free Wi-Fi gaming marathons, now you can do it in style with Apple's new 17" MacBook Pro. Just remember to bring the MagSafe AC adapter. The Intel Core Duo clocks in at 2.16 GHz, and is up to five times faster than the PowerPC G4 processor it replaces. Screen brightness has also been increased by 36%, and Apple added the Mobility Radeon X1600 PCI Express graphics card so you can see all the gory detail of your frag fests. Would you like some Strogg guts with that spinach and artichoke soufflé?
As usual, the Rolls Royce of portable computing doesn't come cheap, and will set you back $2,800. That's a lot of Xbox 360s.
See also: Apple's MacBook Pro product page
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mike @ Apr 24th 2006 4:40PM
erm, xbox 360 is not portable. Your comparing apples with oranges here. A better comparison would be alot of "PSPs" or "DS's"
Donutta @ Apr 24th 2006 4:42PM
Considering that I live in New Zealand, where Apple like to dick people up the ass, that is cheap. Even with our falling dollar, that's still a good price for what's in that machine. I was almost tempted to import, but then I realised that I don't like Macs.
rawker @ Apr 24th 2006 4:44PM
iits only a 2.16? for near $3000!!! wow what rip off.
Sabre @ Apr 24th 2006 4:50PM
@ rawker:
Are you new to the world of computers? It's a DUAL CORE CPU which means you actually have (2) 2.16Ghz CPUs in there.
However...for $3000 that is a bit steep. Just buy a Core Duo laptop and use the cash on games or accessories.
Pretty Obvious @ Apr 24th 2006 4:54PM
Main reason why console gaming is better then PC gaming.
arrakisman @ Apr 24th 2006 4:56PM
If its flexing laptop muscle you want, get that new dual vid board 19" monster from widow PC.
macman @ Apr 24th 2006 4:59PM
Comparing "apples" with oranges, I get it. hah hah!
Actually, Mike, that IS a good comparison because the PSP and DS are underpowered, last gen technology. Who uses a 17" for portability anyway? I use my 17" laptop as a desktop that happens to be easy to move for LAN parties, but not for gaming on a bus or train like with the PSP and DS. The 360 is the latest gaming tech, and so is the MacBook.
Cunbelin @ Apr 24th 2006 5:02PM
Cost wise it's actually not that bad, I don't have hard numbers on x1600 vs 7900 GS but the Dell XPS just announced goes for $3,100 with the 2.16Ghz Duo. The only two weak points are 2GB limit on RAM and a good but not killer graphics card. If I were looking for a gaming laptop I'd definitely consider this, especially if you are a windows user curious about the OS X experience.
The1 @ Apr 24th 2006 5:05PM
No way on earth would I pay that much for a laptop. Apple is on crack.
Darth Pixel @ Apr 24th 2006 5:11PM
MacBook Pros are plagued with problems.
Strange power circuits noises, poor wireless connectivity, screen buzzing, overheating issues, etc.
I had to return mine due to a headache-inducing whine that would come up when unplugged from AC.
Kasumi-Astra @ Apr 24th 2006 5:12PM
Think of "portability" in terms of a portable tv. It's not something you can take on the bus or train, but it's called portable because you can take it from house to house. The laptops that are supposed to be used whereever you go are ultra-portable. The new iBook replacement that's on the way or even a 12 inch screen MacBook is what I'm waiting for, especially if they can fit a competant graphics chip inside for a bit of Ocarina of Time on the way to work.
drcomp @ Apr 24th 2006 5:21PM
#9,
I have been enjoying my 15" MacBook Pro since the end of February without any of these problems. Apple acknowledged that a small percentage of the units have issues and are of course repairing/replacing at no charge. It's a small, elegant, powerful machine capable of running two mass-market OS's without any hacks or performance loss. I highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a portable! The 17" might be overkill - just too wide (not heavy or thick, though) to be 'every day' portable.
"MacBook Pros are plagued with problems. Strange power circuits noises, poor wireless connectivity, screen buzzing, overheating issues, etc."
Sabre @ Apr 24th 2006 5:23PM
The problem with PC laptops is that people (especially those who say they are "experienced" with computers) will buy themselves Dells, HPs, etc. Yet they fail to actually do some research and look around online. There are companies like powernotebooks.com, pctorque.com, etc. that sell ODM laptops. This meaning these laptops are coming from the same manufacturers that Dell, Sony, Asus, etc buy from...but you can get them WAY cheaper.
Example: When I bought my (Compal CL-56) P-M 1.8ghz/2GB RAM/80GB HDD/Radeon 9700 laptop a little over a year ago it cost me about $1900. Now the EXACT SAME LAPTOP from Falcon Northwest (one of Alienware's competitors) has it for about $3500.
Stoof @ Apr 24th 2006 5:48PM
I am ordering the 15.4" 1.80 GHz model with 1GB of RAM, a n Apple Mighty Mouse, and a leather case for $2300. I am also getting an iLap to dissipate the heat, and that's $65.
This'll be my first laptop and my first Apple comp. Go OSX! :D
Darth Pixel @ Apr 24th 2006 6:00PM
#11
I also thought it would not happen to me, but it did. Consider yourself lucky if yours works OK.
For people who are planning to buy, do yourself a service and read these sites before you buy:
http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/macbookpro/
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=190
I love the OS and I love the style, but Apple screwed up on the hardware.
devi8i @ Apr 24th 2006 6:02PM
It never fails to amaze me how people always try to compare teh price of an apple to taht of a dell. Its like comparing a Ford Taurus to a BMW 3 series.... Fit and finish alone are worth the price of admission. Ive owned more pcs and laptops then I care to admit (where does all the money go hehe) from desktops to laptops its really hard to compare dells to apples. Even with all the parts being equal the apple is far better. People can complain about a few minor issues with an apple laptop but there isnt a single manufacturer out there that doesnt have problems. My friends Alienware (to the tune of about $6300) has been replaced not once but TWICE because of issues. Please also ask my IS department why we buy the extended warranties on all dell equipment we buy. We have units shipping back and forth almost daily.
MaX PL and the 360 r4pe Tr4iN @ Apr 24th 2006 6:02PM
#12
I bought a DELL 9100- 3.2 P4,100gb HDD, 1gig ram, Radeon 9700, 1920 x 1200 re. 2 years ago for $2500.
you got ripped off buying a Compaq for $1900 a year ago.
Anders @ Apr 24th 2006 6:03PM
Only bad thing is the one-button track-pad. I have no idea why they make one-button laptops when they make a two-button OS. Anyway, everyone has a USB mouse to plug in.
Pseudo @ Apr 24th 2006 6:11PM
Given, I am a Mac fan, no doubt, but to those of you who say it's too much, or that the processor is too slow. Wake up.
A computer's ability to operate at high speeds actually has little to do with the processor clock speed - and a lot to do with inter-operability between graphics and CPU. Apple has got this connection down to a tee. You really can't find a better orchestrated collection of hardware in any machine than in a Mac.
PLUS, you can't run the Mac OS, Windows, AND Linux on any PCs I know of. Heck, the Mac runs Windows better than most PCs do! Show me a laptop with more power and capabilities than this 17" MacBook, that is less expensive.
Really, think about it. I can understand if you don't NEED a lot of features that you would go for something much cheaper, but nobody's really making that argument here.
Don't even get me STARTED on OS security. These Mac OS virus scares are a myth, folks. They're all applications that the user has to initiate (and enter a password) to activate. There ARE stupid Mac users out there, but not as many as there are stupid PC users. Anyway, this isn't about security...
SHOW me a PC Laptop that has more features and power, and I will show you an equal or greater price tag.
jay @ Apr 24th 2006 6:12PM
The1; um. It's not designed for you. It's a frikkin MacBook Pro. It's PowerBooks big brother, it's designer for PROFESSIONALS. Not kids. That's what iBooks are for; kids and poor people ;)
We have a bunch of 17" Powerbooks at our uni. Very powerful machines, or they were, I mean these Core Duo's are incredible. Definitely after a 15" MBP to replace my 12" PB. But I'll wait for the next big revision, maybe with that new CPU Intel have been speaking about.
God I'd love a MBP. "the Rolls Royce of portable computing..." Exactly. The 15" MBP I used was simply divine. Best portable computer to date.
SuperUser @ Apr 24th 2006 6:17PM
I gonna wait for the next Desktop-Line including OS X 10.6 to replace my 5 year old, still well running (just for work...), G4 466. And then as first I'm going to play F.E.A.R. and HL2.
Thank you Mr. Jobs for Bootcamp or whatever it will be called when it's included in OS X 10.6!!!
Sabre @ Apr 24th 2006 6:27PM
"you got ripped off buying a Compaq for $1900 a year ago."
Read what I wrote again...I said "COMPAL". Not "COMPAQ"
AoE @ Apr 24th 2006 6:38PM
Now, I realize that yes you can in fact play games on this computer, but this post seems a little out of place... did Apple hook you up with a free one or something?
The1 @ Apr 24th 2006 7:00PM
19. The1; um. It's not designed for you. It's a frikkin MacBook Pro. It's PowerBooks big brother, it's designer for PROFESSIONALS. Not kids. That's what iBooks are for; kids and poor people ;)
We have a bunch of 17" Powerbooks at our uni. Very powerful machines, or they were, I mean these Core Duo's are incredible. Definitely after a 15" MBP to replace my 12" PB. But I'll wait for the next big revision, maybe with that new CPU Intel have been speaking about.
--------------------------------------------
Like I said I would not buy this Apple PC. My financial status would amaze you. Trust me, I can afford it. If you want to look me up at AT&T and compare positions and pay let's do it. I am simply amazed at the people on this site with their assumptions. MORONS
Einhanderkiller @ Apr 24th 2006 7:02PM
"3. iits only a 2.16? for near $3000!!! wow what rip off."
It's an Intel Core Duo, which has two cores (that doesn't mean 4.32 GHz), and should have performance comparable to an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+.
Sabre @ Apr 24th 2006 7:16PM
"It's an Intel Core Duo, which has two cores (that doesn't mean 4.32 GHz)"
Uhh...no. You don't just add the speeds of the 2 chips together. What it means is that you can split processing tasks between the 2 processors and not have once CPU doing everything (like with non-dual core or dual CPU systems.)
Dave @ Apr 24th 2006 7:17PM
No thanks.
Oh, wait. You're not trying to sell me one?
jaemz @ Apr 24th 2006 7:20PM
For what you get, this machine is a good value... my iBook definately has some CPU envy right now. (thanks Jay, but I am neither kid nor poor ;)
My next machine will likely be the 20"iMac, but this is a serious contender. The only thing that turns me off from this machine is the screen resolution... I would like it to be a bit better than 1680x1050.
rawker @ Apr 24th 2006 7:23PM
ya but the x2 is 64 bit
Sabre @ Apr 24th 2006 7:29PM
"DELL 9100- 3.2 P4,100gb HDD, 1gig ram, Radeon 9700, 1920 x 1200 re. 2 years ago for $2500."
Forgot to mention...you enjoying that heavy laptop? The P-M 1.8ghz CPU I have is comparible to a 2.4-2.6Ghz P4 but causes less heat. My laptop (for the size and weight) is pretty powerful for the money I spent. It's about 6lbs. and (I believe) around 1.25" thick.
http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=24217
I use it for gaming (it runs HL2 and UT2004 silky smooth) as well as my Photoshop and 3D modeling work in 3dsmax.
Sabre @ Apr 24th 2006 7:32PM
"ya but the x2 is 64 bit"
True...but a 64-bit CPU with a 32-bit OS doesn't give you much of a boost. Sure you get some more stability and a slight performance boost but that's about it. Until 64-bit OSes become standard (or at least supported), the 64-bit part is useless. (I have a AMD Dual Core 3800+ desktop btw.)
BlackYoshi @ Apr 24th 2006 8:34PM
If you are buying a MacBook to play games on and use as a desktop, why wouldnt you just save like $800 dollars and just buy a regular desktop? Or do you feel you need to be cool and trendy and carry your ugly white Mac around?
Xeres @ Apr 24th 2006 9:36PM
I bought myself a shiny new MacBook Pro, and I loved the machine... Until I went and accidentally 'pwned' it with my Xbox 360 controller, and broke the screen.
So, while I wait on my $880 (Cdn) repair bill for my stupidity, I'd like to assess some of the problems with my MacBook Pro.
- The heat is pretty bad on mine, which is a first-gen model. Thankfully, Apple seems to have fixed this problem... But the tech at the Apple Store I went to was totally unaware of Apple's policy regarding the laptops that were running hot. After I get it repaired, I'll hopefully have the heat issue fixed.
- It was unnaturally loud at times... Similar to the 'whine' my PowerBook G4 had... Slightly more frequent
- Frontrow didn't work for the first two days. Weird.
- My particular unit kept on experiencing random kernel panics. Had the RAM replaced, after reformatting/reinstalling everything, still happened every once in a while.
..Aside from that, it was lovely. But... Aside from voiding my warranty with the whole 'accident' clause... Apple's been willing to replace the laptop for the other issues.
It'd be worth the investment... If mine had worked properly. :(
jay @ Apr 24th 2006 9:39PM
Heh, I was only kidding about the poor iBook thing. I'm after an intel iBook as soon as the new Intel PowerMac's come out. Intel all round.
The1; Yea. Saying 'MORON' doesn't make you any less of a kid *rolleyes*
jay @ Apr 24th 2006 9:41PM
Sabre; OSX, at least Tiger has 64-bit enhancements.
Sabre @ Apr 24th 2006 9:46PM
I'm talking about Windows...I don't have a use for OSX nor do I really care about OSX.
Monster @ Apr 25th 2006 8:26AM
Sabre, I am one of those people "experienced" with computers and I just bought a Dell e1705 with a 17" WUXGA TrueLife screen, Core Duo T2500 (2ghz), 1GB RAM, 100GB drive, Radeon X1400, dual layer DVD burner, etc etc for $1500, and that includes 3 years in-home service warranty. I'd like to see you find a deal like that on those sites, and of course you're going to pay a premium with Alienware or Falcon Northwest. The reason I got such a deal with Dell is that I got an online coupon for $700 off, and then I called them to get extra deals you can't get online. You just have to know how to work with them.
And Compal? Are they affiliated with Sorny?
isaac @ Apr 25th 2006 9:26AM
read the article on this link;
http://www.madshrimps.be/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23453
This is a bargin folks compared to Dells Xps gamin laptops
NUFF SAID
chess set @ Apr 25th 2006 10:39AM
"its only a 2.16? for near $3000!!! wow what rip off."
Pentium Ms have shorter pipelines than their p4 counterparts which is why the 2.16 seems like a slow speed. It actually outperforms the desktop Pentium Extreme Edition 965 for less money and way better heat consumption.
Hank Cazorp @ Apr 25th 2006 12:48PM
Even my Panaphonics laptop has a right mouse button. I dunno. The MBP, as pretty and fast as it is, seems like a Rolls-Royce with only a passenger side door. I really really really wish Apple would offer an additional button, at least as an option for us crazy folks who just can't appreciate how elegant and beautiful it is to hit ctrl-click or shift-F10 when we want a context menu.
Sabre @ Apr 25th 2006 12:52PM
"And Compal? Are they affiliated with Sorny?"
Who do you think make Dell's machines? Dell? Guess again...Sony, Asus, HP, Compaq, etc. all buy their systems from manufacturers and rebrand them. Example: If you look at Dell mointors it says "BenQ Coproration" on them.
You guys must not be able to read b/c I am talking about something I bought LAST YEAR when the Pentium-M 1.8ghz chips were close to the HIGH END mobile CPUs at the time. I guess that part is to hard to comprehend.
syco @ Jun 6th 2006 7:53AM
Laptops are evil. They are very frail with easily snapped hinges, and are completely non-user-serviceable. I had a laptop once, and in less than I year I had broken off the headphone jack inside (which with a computer you chould just buy a new sound card), and in less than 2yrs I had snapped the display hinge loose, so that the screen could not hold itself up, eventually leading me to removing it completely and leaving it as a Media center PC until the fans went out and I had to throw it away.
Laptops are EVIL.