On Tuesday May 16th, 2006 Apple increased the clock speeds of the MacBook Pro line and introduced the 13 inch MacBook. In the press release, Apple stated that this new MacBook would replace the 12 inch Powerbooks, so I had a choice to make. Go for the smaller laptop, which is what I wanted in a Pro edition, or pony up some extra cash for a 15 inch MacBook Pro.

After about half an hour of comparing specs, it was obvious, I had to get the 15 inch MacBook Pro. While I would sacrifice a little portability, I would gain so much more. In fact, I used this table to help show exactly why I would prefer the Pro model:

Looking to this list, the decision seemed obvious. Therefore, I ordered that same day. Two days later, the MacBook Pro shipped from China. After what seemed like an excruciating weekend long wait, my brand new MacBook Pro was delivered on May 22nd, 2006 (a day early!). At long last, the 5 year old iBook was retired, and a new brand of CPU had invaded my life.

One of the first things I noticed upon taking it out of the package was the lack of included goods. There is the power adapter, an extension cord for the power adapter, the remote control, a DVI to USB adapter, and a box with the user guide/install discs/other info. Nothing like unpacking a dozen things with the G5.

After getting past how much was (or wasn't) included, I proceeded to start it up for the first time, and start using it (I was supposed to be at work). It sure was cool when I got to the "assign a user picture" step. The iSight turned on, and I was starring at myself. The other new experience for me was the migration assistant. I used it to transfer everything from my iBook to the MacBook Pro. It worked really slick, I just wish their were more options for configurability.

Later that night I had my first ever video iChat. I was concerned that the microphone, which is built into the right speaker grille, would have feedback when the other person was speaking. Fortunately, the audio came across very clear on both ends. I never thought I would use the built-in iSight much, but now I think I may.

Other than that, the rest of my first day with my new MacBook Pro was filled with installing software, getting updates, and playing a little Unreal Tournament 2004. This thing works wonders, and I have not ran into the whining noise, or extreme heat generation issues that others have come across. Another hit from Apple!

MacBook Pro Pictures
512 MB RAM stick next to a quarter. This RAM sure is small!	The front of a very small box.	Are you sure a computer can fit in there?	Mac OS X is starting up for the first time.
It's really not that much bigger than the 12" iBook.	But the screen is way brighter!	The MacBook Pro in its new home next to the G5.	This mouse matches the MacBook Pro perfectly.
The backlit keyboard is a nifty feature.	Bluetooth mouse and Apple remote: I can control my Mac without wires!	This is what the MacBook Pro sees.	Front Row remote control alongside the USB modem. Both very small.
Main logic board block diagram from Apple's Developer Note.