To Upgrade or Not Upgrade? MacBook Pro 2011 compared to previous models

This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

Pros:
- much faster cpu (latest Sandy Bridge processors)
- faster memory
- support for fastest data drives (sata III connection)


Neutral:
- same solid construction
- HD webcam
- Thunderbolt port
- Battery life?? UPDATE: tests confirm slightly better battery life (+10%)


Cons:
- inferior graphics compared to 2010 model


Quick take:
The 2011 model is a significant upgrade in processing power over the 2010 model. There are a couple of additional upgrades, such as Thunderbolt or the HD webcam, which may be useful in the future, but currently are not that important. Battery life, which is important for many users, is probably as good or better than the older Macbook Pro, but it is hard to determine how it compares. On the downside, the graphics are actually inferior to the 2010 model, but should work for the majority of users.

UPDATE: Laptop Magazine found the battery life is approximately 10% longer on the 2011 Macbook Pro. Thanks to the commenters for pointing this out.


DETAILS:

Full Review:
I use my Macbook Pro as my main computer at work where I have it hooked up to an external monitor. I do a lot of number crunching (i.e. statistics) so upgrading from my 2010 Macbook Pro to this 2011 version with the latest CPU made a lot of sense. It may not make sense for many people who own 2010 or 2009 versions of the Macbook Pro. I list all the pros and cons below.

PROS:

- Much Faster CPU

This Macbook Pro (MBP) update is all about the CPU (i5 "Sandy Bridge"). The 2010 MBP missed out on a generation upgrade last year, keeping the same Core 2 Duo family that was in the 2009 MBPs. This made the 2010 version only marginally faster than the 2009 version. The benchmark scores on the 2011 13" 2.3 GHz MBP are 35% to 40% higher than the 2010 13" 2.4 GHz MBP. That is a HUGE leap in computational performance. It is true that the Core 2 Duos were very dated, but the low end 2.3GHz 2011 MBP is just as fast as last year's high end 15"/17" MBPs which had i5 and i7 2.8 GHz processors! Very awesome. Here are some benchmark scores I got off the web.

Model: Geekbench Score (Speedmark Score)
MacBook Pro 13" i5 2.3 GHz (2011): 5900 (140)
MacBook Pro 13" Core2 Duo 2.4 GHz (2010): 3351 (106)
MacBook Pro 13" Core2 Duo 2.4 GHz (2009): 3137 (??)

MacBook Pro 15" i7 2.67 GHz (2010): 5564 (151)
MacBook Pro 17" i7 2.8 GHz (2010): 5837 (??)

As you can see, this is a significant bump over the 2010 and 2009 models.


- Faster Memory:

This is part of the faster performance observed, but it means that you can't use your memory from your old MBP.

- Support for the fastest SSD hard drives

If you want to upgrade to an SSD this is an important upgrade. The latests SSD hard drives are blazing fast, but require a Sata III 6Gb/s connection to achieve their 500 MB/s reads. (Right now, OCZ's Vertex 3 and Intel's 510 Series are the only drives that really need the higher speed port, but more are coming.) On the downside, it appears that the optical drive connection is Sata II 3 Gb/s. So if you were planning on removing the optical drive in favor of a second SSD, it will be running on a slower connection.



Click Here for the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop


NEUTRALS:

- same solid construction

Not much to report. Still on of the best builds in the business, but no reason to upgrade.

- HD Webcam

Nice I suppose, if you are using you laptop as a camcorder, but if you are streaming video (like over Skype) you are going to have a bandwidth bottle neck so the HD webcam it isn't going to make any difference.

- Thunderbolt

Awesome technology, but there isn't anything out there right now that takes advantage of it. Maybe in six months it will be more of a benefit. It doesn't hurt to get it now though.

- Battery Life

This is hard to determine. One of the marketing points of the Sandy Bridge CPUs are the integrated Intel HD graphics which are supposed to increase battery life. However, Apple changed their battery tests since 2010. The reported battery life is "7 hours" for the 2011 MBP vs "8-9" hours for the 2010 MBPs, but battery life for the same usage may actually be longer for the 2011 MBP. I'm not sure how to tell, but I would guess that battery life is at least as good as the 2010 MBP due to the integrated graphics in the 2011 MBP.

UPDATE: Someone has done an apples to apples comparison on battery life. According to tests by Laptop Magazine, the 2011 MBP has approximately 45min more battery life than its predecessor. Using a web surfing via WiFi based test, they found that the 2011 MBP lasted 8:33. The 2010 MBP lasted 7:48 using the same test. Thanks to those who left comments that pointed out this battery test.

CONS:

- Graphics Performance

The integrated Intel HD graphics are not as powerful as the discrete Nvidia graphics found in the 2010 MBP. Call of Duty gaming tests achieve 26fps with Intel graphics (2011 MBP) vs 33fps with Nvidia graphics (2010 MBP). For me this is a non-issue as don't game and don't run graphics intensive programs (Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc). The most graphically intensive task I have is running a 27" external monitor which the Intel graphics handle without a problem. In theory, the integrated graphics have the advantage of increasing the battery life, but this is not verifiable.


SUMMARY:
In short, if you are maxing out the CPU on your current laptop, then this guy will be a MAJOR improvement. Otherwise you may not see a big difference and you might want to opt for an SSD upgrade instead.

By 

J. Cullen "researcher" (Boston, MA) 

Click Here for the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop 

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera Best Buy, It’s small enough to fit in a pocket, but why would you ever want to put it there? Whether out on the town or just hanging with friends, the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera captures every experience in stunning 1080p HD video. Stay in focus while you’re on the move with integrated image stabilization. Then kick back and watch all the action on your HDTV or share your scene on YouTube with the built-in USB. The Zi8 pocket video camera has all you need to define yourself in high definition.

Technical Details
Record High Definition video (1080p at 30 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio)
Easily upload recorded footage to YouTube with built-in USB and software
Expandable SD/SDHC card slot up to 32 GB; Rechargeable battery and charger included
Vibrant 2.5-inch viewfinder; Watch footage on HDTV with included cables
Edit and share videos with included software

Special Price Offer

SEE MORE DETAILS

Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker Cheaper Discount Sale, Enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals even with a busy schedule thanks to this easy-to-use programmable 6-quart slow cooker. Simply add ingredients to the unit's oval-shaped stoneware pot, insert the pot into the electric base, and select one of three automatic-cooking options--program, manual, or probe--using the flat-panel push-button control panel with digital display. Especially convenient when away from home, program mode cooks for a specified amount of time, then automatically shifts to keep-warm so food doesn't overcook. Manual mode allows for selecting high or low heat settings--great for cooking the traditional way without setting the time or for heating up previously cooked food.

Cheaper and Discount Sale,best Buy


SEE MORE DETAILS

Sony DSC-HX5V 10.2MP CMOS Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle Zoom with Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 inch LCD

Sony DSC-HX5V 10.2MP CMOS Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle Zoom with Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 inch LCD Best Buy,  Capture stunning low-light images and sweeping panoramic views with the DSC-HX5V featuring an "Exmor R" CMOS Sensor. Plus catch fast action shots with up to 10 frames per seconds shooting. Full HD Movie Mode records amazingly detailed video and a 25mm equivalent wide angle 10x high-zoom G Lens allows you to take captivating images.
Technical Details
"Exmor R" CMOS sensor for stunning low-light performance

iSweep Panorama Mode captures stunning panoramic images
Fast capture with 10fps at full 10.2-megapixel resolution
10x optical zoom Sony G-Lens with 25mm wide angle; 1080i AVCHD Movie records high-quality HD movies
Recording Media : 45MB internal Flash Memory, optional Memory Stick Duo Media, optional Memory Stick PRO Duo Media, optional Memory Stick PRO Duo (High Speed), optional Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo, optional SD/SDHC media
Special Price Offer


SEE MORE DETAILS

Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver)

Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD Best Buy, It's all about the power of contrast. Color that defies convention. Sleek, gentle curves that merge art and technology into a camera designed to inspire. The PowerShot SD1300 IS Digital ELPH camera captures your world as much as it expresses your originality, with bold innovations that include remarkable low light performance. Everything looks right. Hold it, and everything feels right, too.
Technical Details
28mm wide-angle lens; 4x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer
Smart AUTO mode intelligently selects from 18 predefined settings
12.1-megapixel resolution allows you to print large size images with clarity and detail
Clear 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD
Shoot in Low Light mode for dimly-lit situations

Special Price Offer

SEE MORE DETAILS

Canon SX30IS 14.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 Inch Wide LCD

                                           
Canon SX30IS 14.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 Inch Wide LCD Best Buy, The PowerShot SX30 IS has got you prepared for your next extreme photo opportunity. This point-and-shoot digital camera comes with a massive 35x Wide-Angle (24-840mm) Optical Zoom lens--a first for any PowerShot! It also comes with a 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD, 14.1 Megapixels, High Dynamic Range, Zoom Framing Assist and much more.

Technical Details

• 35x wide-angle optical zoom (24-840mm) with Optical Image Stabilizer
• Improvements to Movie modes: use the Optical Image Stabilizer in the wide-angle setting;Optical Zoom is now available while shooting video
• 720p HD video with stereo sound; HDMI output
• New Zoom Framing Assist button; DIGIC 4 Image Processor and 14.1 megapixels
• Capture images and video to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, MultiMediaCard, MMC Plus Card, HC MMC Plus Card (not included)

Special Price Offer

SEE MORE DETAILS

Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch inch LCD

Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch inch LCD Digital Best Buy,One look at Canon's new PowerShot S95 will have you moving "upgrade my digital camera" to the top of your to-do list. The ultra-slim, ultra-intelligent S95 is loaded with all a serious photographer's must-haves, including a bright f/2.0 wide-angle lens and professional-style control ring for intuitive manual control. Canon's HS System is on board for spectacular performance and image quality in low light.
And, new for a compact, the S95 incorporates Canon's Hybrid IS for blur-free shooting even close-up. You'll shoot stunning 720p HD video with stereo sound, then watch it immediately on your HDTV with the simple HDMI connection. If photography's your passion, now is the perfect time to step up to PowerShot S95.
Canon PowerShot S95 Digital Camera Features10.0 Megapixel sensor combined with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor create Canon's HS SYSTEM for improved low light performance and better image quality.
Shoot beautiful 720p HD video in stereo sound and play back on an HDTV via the HDMI output.
A bright f/2.0 lens, great for shooting portrait photography in low light conditions or using a shallow depth-of-field for great images with beautiful soft backgrounds.
A control ring for intuitive manual control, built for the way the serious photographer has always accessed exposure control.
Full range of shooting and recording modes including RAW + JPEG for the ultimate creative control.
A 3.8x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, plus a 28mm Wide-Angle Lens gets you close to your subjects as well as capture more in your frame.
Utilizes Canon's Hybrid IS to compensate for angular and shift camera shake during close-up shooting.
Prices Special Offer


Best buy This Product Ptomotiom Available
SEE MORE DETAILS

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens Best Buy Nikon's affordable, compact and lightweight D3100 digital SLR features a high-resolution 14-megapixel CMOS DX sensor, high-quality 3x NIKKOR 18-55mm VR image stabilization zoom lens and intuitive onboard assistance including the learn-as-you grow Guide Mode. Capture beautiful pictures and amazing Full HD 1080p movies with sound and full-time autofocus. Easily capture the action other cameras miss with a fast start up time, split-second shutter release, 3 frames per second shooting and 11-point autofocus.
Technical Details
14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor; 3-inch monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture
Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization lens
Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound
Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance
Capture images to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (not included)
Bestsellers


Special Offers Available
SEE MORE DETAILS

North States Superyard Classic XT Gate Play Yard

North States Superyard Classic XT Gate Play Yard Best Buy ,A Safe and Portable Indoor-Outdoor Play Yard For busy parents and dog-owners wishing to contain their children or pets in a safe, sturdy play area while they attend to tasks, the Superyard XT is the answer. Made of durable reinforced plastic, this gate weathers both outdoor elements and the wear-and-tear of play time, so you can look forward to years of use.
Do you want to keep your dog nearby while you spend a few hours in the garden? Or finish chores in the house while keeping the little ones safe and entertained? The Superyard XT makes it all possible. Weighing less than 20 pounds, this lightweight gate folds flat and even comes with a carrying strap, making it easy to carry everywhere from the park to the babysitter's.

Product Features

26" high,convenient carrying strap included

6 panels, hexagonal shape- offers 18.5 square feet of play area

Can be used indoors or outdoors

Sets up in seconds

Lightweight and portable


Specials Prices Offer


Special Offers and Product Promotions
SEE MORE DETAILS

Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat

Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat Best Buy, The Graco Nautilus Car Seat is a 3-in-1 multi- mode car seat for children 20 pounds to 100 pounds. This is the last car seat you will need to buy for your child. The Nautilus is ideal for your children from one to ten years old. First, it is an extended 5 point harness seat for children 20 to 65 pounds that features an easy to install system with a lock off buckle for easy secure installation. Second, it works as a high back booster for children 30 pounds to 100 pounds, and finally as a backless booster for children 40 pounds to 100 pounds. The Nautilus Car Seat has a steel reinforced frame for durability, and has a 3-position recline for proper installation and comfort. The car seat offers easy access storage and cup holders for your child’s enjoyment. Nautilus transforms into three modes to go the distance

Averall Rating4.5 out of 5 stars  

Special Offers Available

SEE MORE DETAILS

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pump Bustier

Helps New Moms Multitask While Pumping

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pump Bustier Best Buy,Breastfeeding mothers who need to pump on a regular basis know how time-consuming it can be. The Hands Free Pumping Bustier Bra gives mothers more freedom during pumping by holding the bottle firmly and securely, so mothers can keep their hands free for other tasks.
With this bra, mothers can type, talk on the phone, or read a magazine while they pump. An added bonus, the bra's secure bottle-holding design helps reduce milk spillage, making for easier, more efficient pumping and increased breast milk production.

Comfortable and Versatile

This machine-washable bra is made of 83% soft cotton and 17% spandex for lasting comfort. Plus, its seams have been designed specifically so that they do not irritate sensitive skin areas, making it possible to wear all day.

Best Buy Hands Free Pumping Bra 



SPECIALS OFFER  AVAILABLE
SEE MORE DETAILS

Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter

Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter Best buy, Exclusive to the Keurig Home Brewing System, this reusable K-Cup coffee filter allows users to enjoy their own gourmet ground coffee in a Keurig brewer. Made of a mesh metal filter with durable plastic framing, the unit can hold up to about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee. The black plastic K-Cup holder from the coffeemaker's filter assembly must first be removed before using the reusable coffee filter. After each use, remove the filter to rinse it clean under running water. It's then ready to use again for brewing more cups of coffee.

Best Price


SEE MORE DETAILS

Progressive International HGT-11 Folding Mandoline Slicer

Progressive International HGT-11 Folding Mandoline Slicer Best buy,The folding mandoline from Progressive International allows one to slice, julienne, and garnish fruit and vegetables with one tool. It includes six different cutting blades for a variety of tasks: thick slice, thin slice, super thin, thick julienne, thin julienne, and super thin julienne. The tool is ideal for making French fries or shoestring potatoes. Designed for use over a cutting surface or bowl, the mandoline features a comfort grip handle, finger guard for safety, and non-skid feet for stability.
Very Cheap and Bestbuy


Product Description
Progressive International is your source for the widest range of functional, inventive, and fun kitchen tools and great ideas put into practice. Our in-house designers spend hours in the kitchen coming up with ways to improve on a variety of traditional tasks and tools. Established in 1973, our commitment to quality and service allows us to offer a broad

selection of quality kitchenware and other household products. The folding mandoline allows you to slice, julienne and garnish fruit and vegetables with one tool. Includes 6 different cutting blades for a variety of tasks: thick slice, thin slice, super thin, thick julienne, thin julienne, and

super thin julienne. Perfect for making french fries or shoestring potatoes. Designed for use over a cutting surface or bowl. Cutting plates conveniently store underneath unit when not in use. Set also features storage box, comfort grip handle, finger guard and non-skid feet. Dishwasher safe.

what a great deal,

I have a full sized mandoline but it does not cut with the ease of the Progressive Mandoline. The first time I cut potatoes for french fries I thought it wasn't cutting because there was no effort to move the potato over the cutting blades. It offers several choices of types of cutting and all are fantastically easy to use. Also the clean up is exceptionally easy. I love the plastic storage box that comes with the slicer. I bought this to put on our motor home, the size, ease of use and clean up, plus the storage container make it a real winner for me. I haven't had a problem, but I've read in other reviews about the need to be careful around the blades as they are very, very sharp. As easy as things are sliced with this slicer, you should take that warning seriously.

Very Cheap and Bestbuy


SEE MORE DETAILS

A Solid Computer Gets Faster

This review is from: Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (Personal Computers)

I stopped by my local Apple Store the morning this MacBook Pro was made available to the public and bought one, replacing my over two year old unibody MacBook. These are premium computers, and well made. My old computer, which looks very much like this one, still looked great after two years, with a little scratching on the bottom, and an unfortunate denting of one corner. I do not regret for one minute paying more for a device I use several hours a day, and from which I derive my living.

The strong point of this computer over previous 13 inch unibody MacBooks is the processor. It is noticeably faster at computationally intensive tasks. For example, I have a large application written in the C++ programming language which Xcode on my late 2008 vintage MacBook could compile in 16.5 minutes, this MacBook can do the same task in 8.5 minutes, a nearly doubling of speed. Similiarly, converting a 10 minute MP3 file to AAC in iTunes used to take 21 seconds, now it takes 14 seconds. Unsurprisingly, computer processors have gotten faster. The new processor does tend to heat up fast under full load, so be prepared for more frequent fan noise.


Click Here for the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop


The weak point is the stock hard drive, a 320GB 5400 RPM Hitachi laptop drive. Any operation depending on hard drive throughput is not going to be much faster on this computer than in years past. If you do not have large capacity needs, you may be better served special ordering a model with a smaller but much faster solid state drive (SSD), they do not come cheap, but will result in a much more balanced computer that does not leave its high performance CPU idling awaiting data. I would do so, but the higher capacity SSDs cost as much as the computer alone. If you were to upgrade to an SSD, be aware that this model supports 1 SATA 3 drive. If you shop for SATA 2 SSD drives, they top out at about 280 megabytes per second read and write, while some SATA 3 drives claim have maximum speeds of around 500 megabytes per second for compressible data.

This is the only laptop Apple sells without a discrete graphics processing unit (GPU), instead relying soly on the Intel integrated 3000HD GPU. Intel has previously not been known for its GPU prowess, but space constraints and Intel's design restrictions, and improvements in performance finally pushed Apple into going integrated only. I would have preferred a discrete GPU, especially in a premium laptop, but I am not a gamer, and will make do with the much better CPU. I'm sure Apple would have preferred a discrete GPU, as their strategy for performance improvements is to use the GPU for general purpose computing using the OpenCL framework.

New to this year's models is the Intel Thunderbolt connector superseding the Mini Display Port connector. This flexible port will likely become more and more useful as hubs and peripherals become available to make use of its fantastic speed. Adaptors and docks will be available to use this one port as a USB, DVI, Firewire, Ethernet port simultaneously, making one data cable for easy desktop docking. But, I don't have any use for it now. Media reports indicate Apple will have this port to itself this year, although Intel is insisting that other motherboard manufacturers could start to include it, and I hope they do. Whether the port is a marketplace success is not a foregone conclusion, but I look forward to syncing and charging a future iPad over this speedy port; sadly the iPad 2 does not have this port, but someday.

I am glad to have a standard FireWire 800 port, and an SD Card reader, neither of which were found on my previous non-Pro laptop. I'll be able to charge my iPad at maximum speed with the 2 Amp USB ports, something I couldn't do before. The FaceTime app for OS X comes pre-installed, you don't have to buy it from the Mac App Store.


Click Here for the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop

Little luxuries include the backlit keyboard, the MagSafe power cable, the firm responsive keyboard, and the big multitouch capable trackpad. The display is bright and has a good, but not great range of viewing angles, certainly worse than an iPad, but better than most cheap laptop monitors Yellows are a bit saturated while using the default color profile. I'm sure many would prefer a higher resolution than 1280x800, but I'd prefer a jump to very high resolutions combined with support for resolution independence in the operating system and applications. Maybe someday. The high resolution iSight camera surprised me with its clarity and size when doing a FaceTime chat.

A few things have gone downhill. It takes the removal of 12 screws to swap out the hard drive, my old MacBook had but 1. There used to be a dedicated microphone port next to the headset jack, but that has gone the way of the dodo, and I never used it anyway.

I chose to purchase my own 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) named brand memory from a favorite online vendor and saved quite a bit of money over Apple's charge for 8GB of RAM (2x4GB). Installation was simple enough with the right sized Phillips screwdriver, although it is odd that we are expected to change the RAM while the battery is still connected. Still the installation went without incident, and is certainly simpler than most other laptops. I was a bit disappointed that the added RAM didn't appreciably improve my Xcode compile time, slicing at most 20 seconds off the 8.5 minutes, but hopefully it will help when multitasking multiple applications.

This is a refinement to previous generations, and I would bet likely to be the last for this series of machined unibody anodized aluminum enclosures, as elegant and perfect as they seem to be. If you wait a year or more, you might get such changes as awesome Liquid Metal cases of fantastic shapes, Retina Display monitors, touch screens, standard SSD boot drives, 4G cell networking and the loss of the optical drive. But I couldn't wait, I needed the horsepower now, not next year.

Compared to other Macs.

Owners of recent vintage 13 inch MacBooks will have to make an informed decision to stay pat or move up. Many will get better value for their money replacing their spinning hard drive with an SSD, something I was tempted to do. Seriously, a Core 2 Duo with a separate NVidia GPU and an SSD will run great under OS X Lion in a few months, so think about just doing a hard drive upgrade instead of the whole computer. Having said this, this model has much better battery life than that of a few years ago, and a better set of ports, along with the backlit keyboard, much faster CPU and a higher resolution camera. Another advantage against my late 2008 model is the maximum RAM, this model has a maximum capacity of 8GB, the same as last years model, but higher than my old capacity.

Versus the 2.7 GHz i7 version of this same screen size. I have never thought clock rate bumps were worth much money, and certainly not the money difference here. Until I get an SSD drive, the component keeping my computer from being faster is going to be the drive, better to save my money towards that end then towards marginal CPU gains.

Click Here for the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop

Versus the plastic MacBook. The move to i5 CPUs in the Pro line has made what was once a close decision into not much of one. For an extra couple hundred dollars, you get a much faster CPU, twice the RAM, a bigger hard drive, and an enclosure which will age very well. You do give up the discrete GPU. I would not get the polycarbonate MacBook; it is not competitive.

Between this and the MacBook Air, you have a hard choice, especially if your data capacity requirements are low. The Air has standard SSD drives, which will obliterate this base MacBook Pro in performance, but it has a much inferior CPU and much less port flexibility. I needed the hard drive space, so my decision was made for me.

Between larger MacBook Pros. As I carry my laptop back and forth to work daily and prefer to work with it on my lap, I've never had any urge or wish for the 15 inch, much less the 17 inch version. But they do have real discrete GPUs, and i7 processors, so for people with large display and maximum horsepower needs, they are an excellent option. One advantage of not having a discrete GPU is a more consistent battery life; the discrete GPU should only be in use when the horsepower is needed, but sometimes it becomes unnecessarily active resulting in decreased battery life of perhaps an hour less, something 13" owners don't have to worry about.

Compared to PC Laptops

Obviously, if you need a Mac, you're choices are limited, but some people buy MacBooks for use as Windows 7 laptops. There is the extra expense of buying Windows 7 for System Builders separately, but basically, Apple's Boot Camp makes any Mac into an excellent Windows box. My wife has been running Windows on a 4 year old Mac Mini for years without major issues. Alternatively, you could buy third party virtualization software like VMware Fusion and run both OS X and Windows simultaneously. The question is why would a Windows user bother.

Mainly because MacBook Pros are premium laptops, and most laptops sold by non-Apple manufacturers are economy models. Apple ships more thousand dollar plus laptops than anyone else, and it has the economies of scale to make expensive laptops cheaper than other manufacturers--see for example the Dell Adamo. Take the enclosure, a single block of aluminum machined by robot into a lightweight yet rigid piece and anodized to resist most scratches, with a reliable hinge that keeps the monitor closed when closed and opened at your angle when opened. Possibly the best enclosure in the world. Other manufacturers don't do this or don't do it as cheaply because they don't make a million premium laptops a quarter. Similarly, I wouldn't know where to find a PC laptop with a Thunderbolt port, mini-Display Port, Firewire 800, optical audio out, a MagSafe power connector, and 7 hours of claimed battery life. On the other hand, any reasonably priced PC laptop will have a Blu Ray drive, and might have USB 3. The MacBook Pro market for Windows 7 users are those consumers with the money and the wish for quality, which isn't being met in the PC marketplace, not for people who are on a tight budget, or who's computer isn't a big deal to them, or who just dislike Apple for whatever reason.

Windows laptops targeting the same general consumer need would be the (amazingly long battery life) Lenovo Thinkpad X220, and the Sony Vaio S. Windows users should be sure to compare these models and other Sandy Bridge chipset based 13 inch laptops.

In summary, this is an excellent, computer if a bit pricey. I expect to get a couple of years of service out of it, and then hand it off to a relative for many more years of useful life. These things are built to last.


Click Here for the Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop

By 

Glenn R. Howes (Nashua, NH) -

EatSmart Precision Pro - Multifunction Digital Kitchen Scale w/ Extra Large LCD and 11 Lb. Capacity

EatSmart Precision Pro - Multifunction Digital Kitchen Scale w/ Extra Large LCD and 11 Lb. Capacity Best Buy,The EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale is a versatile multifunction home appliance. Designed to be highly accurate and aesthetically pleasing, the Precision Pro is manufactured to the highest quality specifications. Weigh items up to 11 lbs quickly and accurately, with results displayed in four different units: grams / ounces / pounds / kilograms.
For cooks - Weigh food items directly on the scale platform or utilize the scale's tare (zero) function, which eliminates the weight of a plate or bowl and makes cleanup a snap. The high resolution screen provides easy viewing angles on any kitchen counter and the five rubber feet eliminate sliding. Additionally the three minute auto-turnoff feature ensures that you will never again lose your measurement in the middle of your recipe prep!

List Price: $44.95
Price: $34.95
Sale: $25.00

Product Features Color: White Chrome Easy to use multifunction home scale - Perfect for cooks, dieters and families Max weight 11lbs; Displays ounces/lbs/grams/kgs; Graduation .05 oz / 1 gram Includes FREE EatSmart Calorie Factors guide - Portion control and calorie counting made easy! Tare feature eliminates the weight of a plate; 3 Minute Auto-Shutoff lets you prepare ingredients while maintaining battery life 2 AAA batteries included; 100% EatSmart Guaranteed Satisfaction Product Description The EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale is a versatile multifunction home appliance. Designed to be highly accurate and aesthetically pleasing, the Precision Pro is manufactured to the highest quality specifications. Weigh items up to 11 lbs quickly and accurately, with results displayed in four different units: grams / ounces / pounds / kilograms. For cooks - Weigh food items directly on the scale platform or utilize the scale's tare (zero) function, which eliminates the weight of a plate or bowl and makes cleanup a snap. The high resolution screen provides easy viewing angles on any kitchen counter and the five rubber feet eliminate sliding. Additionally the three minute auto-turnoff feature ensures that you will never again lose your measurement in the middle of your recipe prep! For Weight Loss Goals / Disease Management - The Precision Pro is ultra accurate, precise to .05 ounce / 1 gram increments and perfect for calorie or carbohydrate counting. The scale now includes a FREE EatSmart Calorie Factors book for easy calorie counting (simply multiply the grams of food by the calorie factor in the book)! Stop guessing about portion sizes and start living a healthier lifestyle today. Best of all, the Precision Pro's economical price makes it a phenomenal value as well. Get yours today! Very cheap and good to buy

SEE MORE DETAILS

Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome

The versatile stick design of the Cuisinart Smart stick Hand Blender lets users blend ingredients right in pots, pitchers, bowls, or clear plastic beaker that's included. A powerful 200-watt motor operates with an easy one-touch control. Blends drinks, purees soup, mixes pancake and crepe batters in seconds! Both stainless steel blending shaft and beaker are dishwasher-safe

List Price: $55.00

Price:        $26.95

Save           $28.05 (51%)

MORE DETAILS

Product Description

Equipped with a powerful 200-watt motor, this immersion handheld blender quickly purees soups, blends batters, mixes beverages, and more. The unit's unique blade provides extremely smooth and even blending, while its protective blade guard helps prevent splattering. The blender offers one-handed operation with its lightweight design, easy-to-grip ergonomic handle, and simple push-button controls. In addition, its long shape reaches into pots, pitchers, and bowls to extend blending options, eliminating the need to dirty extra dishes. For quick clean-up, the blender’s stainless-steel shaft can go in the dishwasher and the smooth surface of the blender body wipes clean. A 2-cup plastic beaker comes included. This handheld blender measures approximately 3 by 3 by 14-1/8 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

Well ok, maybe I am not all shook up so much as BLENDED up. I purchased this immersion blender after my older no name brand unit purchased at Wally World died in the middle of blending a pot of hot soup. I like that you can wash the blenders blade assembly in the dishwasher and the stainless steel shaft is not stained like so many of the ALL PLASTIC models. Another thing I love is the power of the unit and the sharpness of the blades; they will reduce a pot of cream of broccoli soup to a smooth consistency in nothing flat.

Oh and when I say broccoli soup folks, I MEAN broccoli soup. I put nearly two bunches of steamed broccoli in my soup and I only chunk it prior to blending with the immersion blender. This blender will puree` the soup to a perfect creamy texture in nothing flat. (Reserve a few pieces of the chunked broccoli to add back to the soup for texture purposes) I have also used it on my potato and asparagus soups with equally great results.

If you are looking for an immersion blender with lots of power and a "NO STAIN" Stainless Steel shaft then IMO, you cannot go wrong with this model from Cusinart. 

SEE MORE DETAILS