Best Reviewed
Apple Laptops and Desktops
- Best Apple laptop 15-inch 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro *Est. $2200
- Best ultraportable Apple laptop 13-inch 128 GB MacBook Air *Est. $1300
- Best-value Apple laptop 13-inch 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro *Est. $1200
- Budget Apple laptop 11-inch 64 GB MacBook Air *Est. $1000
- Best Apple desktop 21.5-inch 2.5 GHz iMac *Est. $1200
- Best tablet computer Apple iPad *Est. $500
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Best Apple laptop
- Improved CPU performance
- Excellent battery life
- Improved graphics
- FaceTime-compatible webcam
- Thunderbolt port
- Expensive
- No Blu-ray drive
- High-resolution display costs extra
- New updates expected
The MacBook Pros were among the first laptops to include Intel's second-generation Sandy Bridge processors, and reviewers say performance is outstanding. In October 2011, those laptops got a modest performance upgrade in the form of slightly faster processors and improved graphics. The top of the line 15-inch MacBook Pro now comes with a 2.4 GHz Core i7 processor and AMD Radeon HD 6770M graphics, which should boost things by a smidgen over the previous version, which featured a 2.2 GHz Core i7 processor and AMD Radeon HD 6750 graphics. The rest of the core specs -- including 4 GB of RAM and a 750 GB hard drive remain the same.
In terms of design, little has changed in the 2011 versions of the MacBook Pro compared to their predecessors, and that's a good thing -- experts saw no reason to change the sleek aluminum unibody, 15.4-inch 1,440-by-900-pixel display or multitouch glass trackpad. Performance, on the other hand, has changed considerably. Reviewers who tested these laptops in February 2011 (after the previous upgrade) say the 15-inch MacBook Pro is the fastest laptop they've tested (though many more Sandy Bridge laptops have since hit the market). Graphics performance is also improved, thanks to a high-end AMD Radeon graphics, which provides smoother video streaming and faster frame rates for 3D games than earlier MacBook Pros.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro switches automatically between discrete and integrated graphics, so battery life is strong. For browsing the web or typing documents, testers get up to eight hours between charges; expect six hours for more intensive tasks like watching videos. The MacBook Pro also has a FaceTime-compatible webcam and high-speed Thunderbolt port (although relatively few compatible accessories are yet available). The lack of an available a Blu-ray drive disappoints, and some grouse that the high-resolution display (*Est. $100) should be standard instead of an extra-cost upgrade. The 15-inch MacBook Pro can also get warm on the underside. If cost is a concern, the 13-inch 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro (*Est. $1,200 and up) lacks some features found on the 15-inch models, but it also earns several recommendations. It, too, received a modest specification boost in October, 2011.
Note that while the Sandy Bridge processors used in these laptops are well regarded, Intel is on the verge of releasing its third-generation Core processor, code named Ivy Bridge. It is expected that the MacBook Pro will receive that processor and likely other upgrades when that CPU becomes available in late spring or early summer of 2012.
A handful of credible sources test and evaluate the 15-inch MacBook Pro. PCMag.com and CNET are among those that look at the late 2011 update. Others test the earlier 2.2 GHz version, but since the real-world impact of October's upgrade will be minor, at best, those reviews are still valid. Laptop Magazine and ComputerShopper.com are among those that offer the best analysis of the early 2011 version. We also found shorter reviews at Macworld, Engadget.com, PC Pro and SlashGear.com. At the other end of the spectrum, the review at AnandTech.com is long, detailed and technical.
| Apple MacBook Pro MC371LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop (OLD VERSION) | |
(74 reviews) |
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Our Sources
PCMag.com gives the October 2011 edition of the 15-inch MacBook Pro an Editors' Choice award, though its review specifically addresses the less expensive 2.2 GHz version. "There may be one or two areas where competing desktop replacement laptops do better, but the total package is put together so well -- design, software, and components are so well integrated -- that it earns our Editors' Choice for desktop replacement laptops," writes Brian Westover.
Review: Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Late 2011), Brian Westover, Oct. 27, 2011
2. CNET
CNET gives the late 2011 edition of the 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, but not an Editors' Choice award. Price, especially if available upgrades are wanted, is a concern. But while there are some close ties, cost aside, Dan Ackerman says there no better choice "for an all-around powerhouse that will work in the home, the office, and in between." The October 2011 upgrades are called "very minor," but do keep the MacBook Pro "a step above the now-mainstream MacBook Air."
Review: Apple MacBook Pro Fall 2011 (2.4GHz Core i7, 15-inch), Dan Ackerman, Oct. 26, 2011
3. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The 15-inch MacBook Pro receives an Editors' Choice award from Laptop Magazine, though the site has not updated its reviews to cover the October 2011 upgrades. Michael A. Prospero reports excellent battery life and speedy performance, although he notes that not everyone will be able to afford this laptop. "As always, if you want the best, you have to pay for the best."
Review: Apple MacBook Pro 15-Inch (2011), Michael A. Prospero, Feb. 25, 2011
AnandTech.com has one of the most detailed reviews of the February 2011 version of the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Editors report significant improvements over previous models, enough to make the 15-inch laptop a "primary work machine." However, they report a loud cooling fan.
Review: The MacBook Pro Review (13 & 15-Inch): 2011 Brings Sandy Bridge, Anand Lal Shimpi, Brian Klug and Vivek Gowri, March 10, 2011
The 15-inch 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro (February 2011 version) scores an Editors' Choice award from ComputerShopper.com. Jonathan Rougeot says that the MacBook Pro is actually a "very good deal," considering its amazing test scores.
Review: Apple MacBook Pro (15-Inch, 2011 Version), Jonathan Rougeot, Feb. 2011
Macworld gives February 2011's 15-inch 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro a 4.5-star rating (out of 5). James Galbraith says it "is the model to look at if you're looking for the best combination of size and performance."
Review: MacBook Pros (Early 2011), James Galbraith, March 3, 2011
7. Engadget.com
Engadget.com gives the early 2011 version of the 15-inch MacBook Pro tons of praise. "The new MacBook Pro is the fastest laptop we've ever tested, hands-down," says Nilay Patel. Battery life is also good, especially considering the performance improvements over its predecessor. However, a skimpy selection of USB ports and no Blu-ray drive come in for criticism.
Review: MacBook Pro Review (Early 2011), Nilay Patel, March 4, 2011
8. PC Pro
Britain's PC Pro gives the early 2011 configuration of the 15-inch MacBook Pro a lower rating (4 stars out of 6) than most reviewers. David Bayon says the laptop is fast and has capable gaming performance, but he thinks the price is too high, especially because it is missing features like Blu-ray and a removable battery.
Review: Apple MacBook Pro 15in (2011) Review, David Bayon, March 2, 2011
U.K.-based TechRadar.com gives the 15-inch 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro (since upgraded to a 2.4 GHz processor) a 4-star rating (out of 5). Ian Osborne says it is "the most capable MacBook Pro to date, and a real joy to use," although he'd like to see a faster optical drive and matte screen option.
Review: Apple MacBook Pro 2011 (15-Inch) Review, Ian Osborne, March 8, 2011
10. SlashGear.com
SlashGear.com doesn't rate the early 2011 edition of the 15-inch MacBook Pro, but Vincent Nguyen gives it a positive review. His benchmark tests reflect considerable performance improvements, and switchable graphics help conserve battery life.
Review: MacBook Pro 15-Inch Review (Early 2011), Vincent Nguyen, March 1, 2011
11. Pocket-lint.com
Pocket-lint.com gives the 15-inch MacBook Pro an overall rating of 8 out of 10, though, like most, it looks at the early 2011 edition of the laptop. Stuart Miles praises the laptop's performance and says it is an "excellent power house of a machine allowing you to get your work and play done double quick."
Review: Apple MacBook Pro 15-Inch (Early 2011) Review, Stuart Miles, March 3, 2011
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