MacBook Pros (13-inch and 15-inch, Mid 2009) Review

We’re over the surprise of seeing new MacBook Pro models arrive at Apple’s WWDC keynote, and on paper the new 13- and 15-inch notebooks certainly tick most of the consumer boxes.  Our first-impressions – which you can find with our video unboxing – were that the new Pros have emphasized the most-used functionality at the expense of dropping some of the more marginally used features.  Have those opinions changed?  Check out our full review after the cut.

We listed the main changes in our unboxing post, but aside from the inevitable processor, RAM and storage tweaks the biggest changes are Firewire 800, SD card compatibility, new displays and integrated batteries.  Most of the time we found – Pro branding or not – that using the two notebooks was exactly the same as using their previous-gen unibody versions.  That means you get the same, well-balanced and tactile keyboard, highly-glossy display coating, excellent build quality and an integrated DVD drive.

Turning to the 13-inch model first, we feel this is where new MacBook Pro buyers are getting the most for their money.  Apple claim their new LCD panel offers a much-improved color gamut, and from switching between it, its predecessor and our MacBook Air we’ll certainly agree that the newest screen is also the most usable.  Colors are richer – assuming you’re not battling reflections – and viewing angles are far greater than before.  Dropping the ExpressCard slot is probably not something 13.3-inch notebook buyers will find especially distressing, and the addition of an SD card slot makes perfect sense for this portable machine.  You also lose a separate audio-in socket, gaining iPhone headset compatibility with the remaining socket.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/macbook-pros-13-inch-and-15-inch-mid-2009-review-2648120/