Apple MacBook Pro 15 MC118LL-A Review

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Apple MacBook Pro 15 MC118LL-A
2,099 $ at amazon.com
  • Intel Core 2 Duo P8800 (2.66 GHz)

  • NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT

  • 4 GB RAM Size

  • 320 GB HDD Capacity

2

Our summary of all reviews

  • Performance

    35 /100

    With this good level of performance, office work, multimedia programs, and multitasking run smoothly. This laptop also supports games such as “Half Life 2” and “World of Warcraft” adequately. Potential users will be quite capable of running all tasks efficiently for a minimum of 2 years.

    • 3DMark 06 1024 x 768

      5885.2 #

    • 3DMark Vantage

      2045 #

    • PCMark 05

      6798 #

    • PCMark Vantage

      3902.67 #

    • Cinebench xCPU 64Bit

      5708 #

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  • Design

    4.8/5

    The laptop design was received with great enthusiasm by reviewers. The crushing majority agrees that even people with the highest sense of aesthetics will be ecstatically pleased.

  • Build Quality

    4.8/5

    The extremely solid build quality provides for absolute protection of the inner components of this laptop. All the outer components -hinge, display panel, and chassis- are highly stable, with no gaps or cracking sounds ever experienced. This computer is ideal for people with very active lifestyles, requiring absolute endurance and solidity of their laptops.

    • Base Unit Flex

       : 

      5.0/5

      Active people with lifestyles requiring traveling, and who place a high value on perfection will be very satisfied with this laptop.

    • Hinge Stability

       : 

      4.8/5

      The hinge, connecting the screen and the laptop frame, has a great balance between tightness and flexibility. It allows for a smooth use without experiencing any cracking sounds or stiffness when moving around. The display does not suffer from any shakiness and yet you can open it easily with one hand.

    • Display Panel

       : 

      5.0/5

      The display panel is a prime example of excellence. When moving the display back and forth it does not bend the slightest bit. There are no color distortions on the screen, even when applying significant pressure to the back of the monitor.

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  • Display

    4.8/5

    This screen rates at the very top for all display characteristics. Professional photographers, designers and editors will be extremely delighted with it. Sharing quality time with friends watching HD movies or playing a high-resolution video game is enjoyable with this laptop. The monitor is more than suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. In short, this display is nothing but perfect at all levels.

    • Display Resolution

      1440 x 900

      The resolution offers enough space to view a website without too much scrolling. It leaves even some space for a narrow messenger window to the side. Professional movie and picture editors will not be able to carry out their tasks with this resolution, while graphic design is somehow manageable. Gamers however will be very satisfied as most graphic cards are powerful enough to support the native resolution of this display and allow for smooth gameplay. Watching most movies will be possible without any black bars at the top and bottom of the display.

    • Color Reproduction

       : 

      5.0/5

      This computer features perfect color reproduction. The color spectrum is fully covered, thus the colors are both attractive and true to nature. The screen fulfills the needs of professional designers as it displays the full sRGB spectrum. It as well is very attractive to non-professional users and gamers, because the picture is realistic and is thus perfect for high resolution games and HD movies for example.

    • Contrast

       : 

      5.0/5

      This laptop is able to produce a sharp contrast between the darkest color -black- and the brightest color -white-. This contrast ratio allows comfortable reading even when exposed to a bright ambient light. This feature is thus attractive to outdoor users, and office workers. Professional designers, gamers and movie viewers will as well be completely satisfied with this contrast. Shadows are so perfectly displayed that two-dimensional images appear almost three-dimensional. Movies using shadow effects extensively, like Horror, Mystery or Action movies, will be a delight to watch on this notebook. This contrast is especially appreciated with small-sized screens.

    • Contrast Value

      725.5 :1

    • Brightness

       : 

      4.0/5

      Setting the computer to its maximum brightness will allow you to see the screen even when a strong light is shining on it. Outdoor usability is enhanced with this level of display brightness. Under most indoor light settings however, the screen would be too bright and should be dimmed for comfortable use. Making the display darker has the additional benefit of greatly increasing the battery life. The laptop brightness is evenly distributed over the whole screen, meaning the brightness is not concentrated on one spot of the monitor.

    • Average Brightness

      246.6 cd/m²

    • Reflections

       : 

      2.3/5

      In situations of medium indoor ambient light, the display can sufficiently fulfill its function. This laptop is thus acceptable for office work, and can serve as well as a family/home computer. Outdoor use is however not recommended, as it will be close to impossible to decipher the displayed information.

    • Viewing Angle

       : 

      4.0/5

      You can see the screen comfortably even when looking from the side. Colors distortions will only happen, when the display is leaned backward or forward to its maximum. You can comfortably watch a movie with friends, or show the screen to a few people.

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  • Sound

    3.7/5

    The sound quality of this laptop is average compared to other notebooks. Although these internal speakers are adequate for easy listening, you should not count on them for a fun movie night with friends. Gaming could still be fairly enjoyed, but the user should always account for external speakers or headphones for a better sound experience.

    • Maximum Volume

       : 

      3.7/5

      The peak volume of this laptop is acceptably loud. If relying only on the maximum sound output of the internal speakers of this laptop, watching movies with a group of friends should be manageable. It will be as well quite challenging to clearly distinguish sounds at peak volume if you are at the other end of the room.

    • Sound Clarity

       : 

      4.0/5

      The sound is quite clear. Background noises should be no issue. This computer provides for an enjoyable sound experience when watching movies and playing games.

    • Lows

       : 

      3.0/5

      The bass in this laptop provides relative support for the overall sound experience. Most users might still find the bass acceptable, although this greatly depends on their expectations. Sound effects that depend on bass, like explosions in movies and games will not sound very convincing.

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  • Keyboard

    4.4/5

    This keyboard has been rated by most reviewers as quite convincing. If your daily life relies heavily on typing, then this keyboard has been manufactured for you. Whether you are an academician, a journalist, or an office worker, you will find this keyboard providing for both comfort and speed. Gamers will be as well satisfied even after long hours of use.

    • Layout

       : 

      3.0/5

      The layout of this keyboard might not feel comfortable for everyone. Inconveniences such as unintuitive positioning of different keys and different key sizes compared to the standard layout will be encountered. This most likely will lead to typing errors until the user readjusts to the keyboard.

    • Keyboard Size

       : 

      5.0/5

      This keyboard is characterized by large keys, thus dramatically reducing the frequency of typing mistakes. Typing is as well made very comfortable thanks to the deep palm resting area, which is as well handy when playing games, or for any activity requiring long hours of commitment. The whole keyboard is well proportionate with just the right spacing between the keys, providing for an ideal size for most users.

    • Key Responsiveness

       : 

      4.0/5

      This keyboard’s responsiveness provides for quite a satisfying typing experience. Not much pressure is needed for key feedback and key action feels smooth enough to allow the users to enjoy typing for extended periods of time. This keyboard is as well characterized by good key feedback, which allows for an above average typing speed. Most users should be pleased with this keyboard.

    • Keyboard Flex

       : 

      5.0/5

      The users will be happy to find that this keyboard is sturdy and very reliable. The keyboard does not bend at all even under heavy typing or when forcefully pressed. The flex thus is practically non-existent, making the typing experience not only enjoyable, but as well fast and comfortable.

    • Keys Clicking Sound

       : 

      5.0/5

      Using this keyboard will not cause any disturbance noise wise. Clicking an individual key provides for an unobtrusive feedback fitting the quietest surroundings. In short: A nice recurring easy-to-get-used-to sound.

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  • Touchpad

    5.0/5

    The reviewers found this trackpad to provide for a perfect combination of size, accuracy, smoothness and resistance. All these qualities make this trackpad a perfect fit for laptops with big displays, or everyone who plans to use the touchpad extensively only for gaming you will find an external mouse needed. The buttons are as well suited for all applications even those requiring a high level of accuracy such as picture editing or design. In short, this trackpad will ease you into adapting to your laptop in quite a pleasing way.

    • Touchpad Surface

       : 

      5.0/5

      The touchpad surface of this keyboard is nothing short of perfect. The manufacturer has managed to keep the tricky balance of smoothness and resistance. The touchpad feels great, accommodating for users requiring either relative roughness against sweaty finger, or smoothness to help with sliding across the screen. No matter your needs, this surface will not disappoint you.

    • Sensitivity

       : 

      5.0/5

      This touchpad has proved to provided for excellent feedback with impressive accuracy. There was no lag or jumpiness, which greatly contributes to increasing your working speed. Your mouse pointer’s precision will be nothing short of an arrow splitting the stem of a flower. All in all, this touchpad is perfectly reliable concerning precision and reaction.

    • Touchpad Size

       : 

      5.0/5

      The generous size of this touchpad will remind of limitless playing fields when you were a little child. You can reach the furthest part on the screen with a single slide over the touchpad, even with big displays.

    • Buttons

       : 

      4.0/5

      The feedback of the trackpad’s buttons will fulfil the needs of most users. The well defined pressure point gives adequate feedback, making it clear when and where the buttons have been pushed. Therefore they are efficient for most activities, even those requiring high levels of precision such as picture editing. Nearby individuals will rarely be disturbed by the unobtrusive and soft button’s clicking sound.

    • Buttons Noise

       : 

      2.0/5

      The buttons clatter a little bit when pressed.

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  • Webcam Quality

    4.0/5

    The picture quality of the webcam is quite nice.

  • Battery Surfing

    7:00 h

    The battery life is outstanding. You will be able to use your laptop for the better part of a whole work day. This of course requires you to turn down the brightness of your screen, as the display uses a lot of energy. You should also only plan to do office work and light browsing. If you are going to play games, stream videos, or surf websites with a lot of flash advertisement, the expected battery life will be considerably shorter. The energy saving mode should be enabled at all times, if not this will of course cause the battery life to drop even shorter.

    • Battery DVD/Video

      4:12 h

      When performing energy consuming tasks, this battery will last from 4 to 5 hours. Be it for watching a couple of movies, preparing presentations, or streaming videos, this battery will not fail you for quite some time. Note: Gaming requires much more power thus you will only be able to enjoy it for a much more limited time.

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  • Weight

    5.49 lbs

    This computer is for most users still comfortable to carry around, although for those used to lighter computers, it might seem a bit heavy at the beginning. Mobile users will most probably need a somehow large bag to carry this laptop around, a backpack in this case would be ideal. Even when factoring the extra weight of the charger, walking with this computer will still be fine for most users.

  • Noise

    3.3/5

    Most users will find the laptop to be on the quiet side. There is some noise emitted from the fan, the CD drive and other laptop parts, yet most will not experience any inconveniences due to it. Noise sensitive people might opt for an even quieter computer.

    • Noise Idle

       : 

      4.0/5

      Normally you do not notice the noise of the laptop ventilation while idle.

    • Noise Normal Use

       : 

      4.0/5

      While doing office work or browsing the web, the noise emitted by this computer is barely noticeable. In a quite room, you can rest assured, the low noise of the fan will not hinder with your concentration.

    • Noise Full Load

       : 

      2.3/5

      The notebook can get quite loud when watching movies, editing videos, playing games or any other kind of performance demanding application. If you are in a quiet environment, you might want to avoid running such high performance applications to avoid annoying the people around you.

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  • Temperature

    2.0/5

    The laptop often gets too warm. Most reviewers found, at normal room temperature, it may be okay to keep the notebook on your lap when you are just surfing the net. The laptop will definitely get hot when you stress it, watching a movie or alike.

    • Heat Top: Full Use

       : 

      4.0/5

      The notebook warms up just a little at normal use.

    • Heat Top: Normal Use

       : 

      1.5/5

      The laptop gets quite hot on top.

    • Heat Bottom: Normal Use

       : 

      1.7/5

      The laptop gets quite hot on the bottom. Using a laptop cooler could help.

    • Heat Bottom: Full Load

       : 

      1.5/5

      There are unpleasant hot spots on the laptop.

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4

Where to buy

You can get the Apple MacBook Pro 15 MC118LL-A for 2,099$
A

All external reviews  Apple  MacBook Pro 15 MC118LL-A

Language Source URL Review Date Author

English

www.notebookreview.com 8/21/09 Buddy Sun

English

www.laptopmag.com 6/12/09 Jeffrey L. Wilson

Deutsch

www.minitechnet.de 3/2/10 simon.k

Deutsch

www.notebookcheck.com 8/6/09 Klaus Hinum

Deutsch

www.notebookjournal.de 7/3/09 Marco Obendorf
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Total number of reviews: 5