My Mac Life: Day 3
For two whole days, the new MacBook Pro has remained clean and pristine, it was time to rough it up a bit. I began the day by carrying the MacBook Pro around, outside and throughout Brooklyn, NY. I had a meeting at a cafe and had to use it for demonstrations, I was also going to be two hours early and figured I could finish some important work. The purpose of a laptop is to be mobile, however laptops this powerful fall under the category of “desktop replacements.” They are traditionally big and bulky and add dents to my spine. Compared to other “desktop replacements” I’ve had, the MacBook Pro is smaller and lighter.
Even though I’m using the MacBook Pro 17”, it is the smallest laptop I’ve ever had. After purchasing it, I worried I would need to purchase an additional carrying case for it, but my Timbuk 2 Messenger Bag had more than enough space for the system. This is also the lightest laptop I’ve ever had. With it’s power cord, adapter, an extension and a book, I was carrying roughly 7.5 lbs on my shoulder. My spine is saved!
It was also time to further rough up the Mac by adding and removing software. I love to try out applications before purchasing them, and while I don’t have the money for Adobe CS4 (someone want to get it for me?), I need to find cheaper alternatives. First I wanted to try them out before coming to a conclusion of which one I’ll be purchasing. I’ve mentioned how easy it is to install applications, but how easy are they to remove? The answer is very, all you do is drag the application to the trash. That’s it. Maybe there’s some preference file laying around, but you don’t have to play with any .dll’s or registry keys. Performing this task on PC is a nightmare! On a Mac, all you have to do is empty your trash and your done!
I’ve also fallen in love the multi-touch trackpad gestures. I fell in love with them on the first day, but felt weird liking them so much. Now I cannot live without them! Scrolling through websites or large documents is simpler than using a trackball on a mouse, it just requires using three fingers and moving down. When I turn on my old PC, I feel the need to have these features.
Day 3 was also a test of the battery life of MacBook Pro. While Apple claims its battery has an 8hr life of wireless productivity, it’s really more like 4 to 6 hours of real world productivity. Compared to other laptops, 4 to 6 hours of battery life is eons of time.
I think it’s time to give the MacBook Pro a name, any suggestions? (Sean?)
I’m so glad to hear you love your Mac! When I first started working on one for work I couldn’t believe how easy it was (so much so that I practically NEVER use my IBM laptop at home anymore, can you believe it?!). I agree about the scroll function, that’s one of my favs. Don’t name it Sean, that’s so human. Go for something cool and tech-y like … well, I don’t know but I’ll think about it.
Wait, I kind of like the name Sean, just not for a laptop. After alll, there can be only one.
I’ve been working on a list, and while I’m on vacation, I’ll look for any good names on out-of-the-country shop names or product names that might spawn an amusing name option!