Review # 98: Macbook Pro 13"

Model name: Macbook Pro
Model Identifier: MacbookPro7, 1
Processor: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory: 4GB

It took me months to make the decision to jump the Microsoft Windows ship and go Mac. The expense was one deterrent, the proprietariness of Apple was another, but in the end, the hope of having a computer that I did not need to pour hours of time de-bugging was the deciding factor.
Before I right the review, here is what I use my computer for:
Internet - the usual, email, Facebook, searches, occasional video, writing a blog.
Documents and Pictures: Writing. Editing and storing pictures
Occasional Skyping
Watching TV shows from sites like HULU
Occasionally watching a movie
Listening to music / audio books

I am not a gamer, unless you consider online Scrabble a real game (haha), so if you are looking for that, this review won't be helpful to you.

The review goes like this:

It has been over a year and here is what I love and what I don't about this Macbook Pro.

Feeling the love:

• It's been over a year and the computer has not been bogged down by spyware, malware or viruses. No weird ads pop up on my screen. It works, and it works quickly. 
• This computer lightweight - under 3 pounds - I put it in a neoprene sleeve, toss it in my work tote. Also light and easy to carry from room to room in my house, easy to prop on my knees while sitting on the couch - you get the idea.
• Battery lasts a long time. Some info says 10 hours, maybe if only using to type and keeping the lighting down that is true, certainly I have gotten a solid 7 -8 hours from it doing mixed things - internet, a couple of videos, editing pictures etc. I used it on a recent trip, turned of the backlighting and turned the screen brightness down, mostly used it to listen to an audio book and after 7 hours it still had plenty of battery left. It charges back to 100 % very quickly, too. 
• Best laptop keyboard ever. Maybe better than any regular keyboard to. Just comfortable to type on.
• Configurable and easy to use trackpad. I always used a wireless mouse with my old Dell, I never use a mouse anymore, it is that comfortable to use.
• Easy to use right out of the box. Yes, it would be helpful to read or watch tutorials, but know that you can get this machine, turn it on and be good to go. 
• Video and images on screen are sharp and easy to look at. I enjoy watching videos on it.
• SD slot - this was a big thing for me, making it so much easier to transfer my photos from my camera without searching for USB wires.
• Backlit keyboard. I did not think I needed or wanted this, but I definitely appreciate having it. Turn it off to save battery during the day, but it sure comes in handy when trying to type in low light.
• Microsoft Office available - important to be able to be compatible with the rest of the non-Mac universe (but see dislike)

Dislikes:

• Apple doesn't always play nice with everyone else. 
• My hard drive went bad after just three months. The "Genius" at the Apple Store replaced it right away and was able to save most of my stuff, but losing a hard drive is a big dislike. 
• Although Macs are easy to use, years of Microsoft make what should be obvious take me a while fumbling around to figure out. That is my own fault for not reading the Help and using the tutorials, but it is a dislike.
• The iPhoto and iMovie programs that came with the Mac have been a little disappointing to me, I would have hoped for more editing and project capabilities from the iPhoto, and the iMovie is just a pain to figure out (but if I would watch the tutorial it might be easier.) 
• Microsoft Office available but as you can guess not exactly the same as the Windows version. 

This is one decision I made right. I would buy this again. It is a sleek, lightweight machine that meets all my computer needs and has replaced not only my old laptop but my desktop as well. Love the portability, the long lasting battery, and the overall ease of use. Worth the extra $. Highly recommend.