My MacBook Pro Sucks
September 10th, 2006 Filed in: Reviews, Mac Jump to commentsI recently bought a new MacBook Pro (my first Apple computer). Yes, I am one of the switchers. I have been a PC user for a while until Apple introduced Intel-based Mac notebook. I was tempted by the MacBook Pro and brought a 15.4-inch display, 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo, with 2GB of RAM (upgraded from 1GB). After couple hours of fun playing around with the Mac OS X, I installed Adobe CS2 and did couple test runs. I was so disappointed on its performance. It even runs slower than my old PC laptop (1.5GHz Centrino with 1GB RAM). That is impossible since the new MacBook has 2.16GHz CPU with 2GB of RAM. I thought it could be my Adobe software issue. So I went to install Macromedia Studio 8 to see how it perform. Same result - slow.
I got frustrated and did a quick search on Google. I found this review from MacWorld. Apparently, neither Adobe CS2 nor Macromedia Studio 8 supports Intel-based Macs (running on Rosetta) yet. Fortunately, Adobe has announced that they will fix this issue to support Intel-based Mac computers in the next versions. So, if you are planning to get a MacBook Pro as your work computer, you’ll be better off waiting until Adobe release the next version of Creative Suite.
Note: Universal application like Safari, iLife and Mail are running fine and smoothy on my MacBook.
Update
June 6, 2007
I’m now using Adobe CS3 on my MacBook and they run very nice. However, I still have problem with the heat issues (extremely hot when charging). I heard the second generation released in Oct 2006 is faster than my first generation and the heat issue is resolved.
January 27th, 2008 at 7:29 am
A laptop should never be considered as a replacement for a desktop.
January 26th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Don’t know how you can say Dreamweaver CS3 is loading fast on any intel machine. You have to run Dreamweaver CS3 in Rosetta mode on intel machines. That alone is a draw back. Plus did you ever try working in Dreamweaver CS3 showing design and code view? You can drink a coffee and waste a lot of time. Adobe did a very shitty job regarding Dreamweaver CS3 on intel machines and that is a fact.
January 21st, 2008 at 9:49 am
I’ve just sold a MacBookPro 15.4 inches just because of automatically shutting down after about 4 hour of using.
January 20th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I myself am a Mac wannabe! I currently have a custom built PC, but I secretly wish to have a Mac. ;)
January 9th, 2008 at 8:08 am
As much as I love the designs that Apple does with its products. I still love PCs… they are way cheaper :P and besides HPs are coming up. Ala’ Black Sweet.
January 4th, 2008 at 5:15 am
hello there!
i say: trust apple! trust mac os x!
January 2nd, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I thought these Mac/PC wars would come to an end with the new Mac Book Pro’s. You can actually run both operating systems from the same machine…if you want.
Originally, performance was slower with Rosetta, but that is in the past. Now performance is awesome.
I have been using both Mac’s and PC’s since the early 90’s. In the end, they are both tools and it comes down to your own personal bias. For my money, I will take the Mac Book Pro every time… but I can get the job done on a PC if I must.
January 2nd, 2008 at 5:28 am
I had similar problems so I just switched to a PC. All problems gone!
December 24th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
I have a Mac Book upgraded to 2MG with CS3 installed.
I also bought an Epson R2400 and Huey.
I have not had good luck printing from my Book thru the 2400 - the colors aren’t even close. I tried to calibrate Book only to find you can’t adjust the brightness and contrast controls (as required by Huey). I can’t find anyone who can help me set up the whole process - I live on Long Island, NY. Any suggestions? Apple tech couldn’t help (didn’t know about brightness and contrast controls!) and Epson was even worse (couldn’t understand him!).
I have all the equipment and all the frustration. Thanks. Carolyn
December 22nd, 2007 at 10:05 pm
Companies awhile back changed the name laptop to notebook, since these new notebooks get very hot, and are not supposed to be placed on your lap. Also you worked with Adobe Photoshop CS2, why don’t you first do a bit of research before posting up this fake garbage which will influence other readers. CS2 is not Intel-compatible, so your new MacBook Pro with that Intel processor inside of it isn’t going to help Photoshop run at all. Why don’t you go and buy Photoshop CS3 and see how it launches in 5 seconds and performs amazingly. If anyone else wants to use their notebook as a laptop I recommend downloading smcFan Control which is an application that allows you to make your fans spin faster to cool your notebook.