Spotlight: Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch notebook
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Apple MacBook Pro - New In Box
Apple’s new 13″ MacBook Pro sets new standards for industry design and performance. Take a look at what IT consultant Erik Eckel calls the best pound-for-pound laptop ever built.n
nApple’s new 13″ MacBook Pro, new and in the box.n
For a full review, check out the TechRepublic Product Spotlight.n
Images by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Apple Packaging
Apple designers take pains in developing sleek, award-winning products. Senior VP of Industrial Design, Jonathan Ive, has earned numerous accolades and even knighthood from Queen Elilzabeth for his work.n
nApple’s attention to quality and detail are even evident in the company’s packaging. Opening a new Apple product-whether it’s an iPhone, router, dual CPU powerhouse video editing box or laptop- leaves the user sensing the manufacturer cuts no corners with its products.
Images by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Evident Quality
I’ve unboxed countless PCs, servers and laptops. Most manufacturers dump their equipment in plain brown corrugated packaging.n
nNot Apple. Apple products are packaged carefully, with much thought to the user’s experience unpacking the item.n
nInstead of cramming everything into a generic box using cheap twist-ties to secure cables, Apple layers its packaging intelligently. Products seem to unfold naturally from the box.n
nWith the MacBook Pro, first the user discovers the laptop. Next the user finds the power cord and adapter, shown here.
Images by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Apple MacBook Pro - Front View
No laptop is more attractive than a Macintosh. It doesn’t matter whether including Ferrari-licensed Acer models, Alienware systems or some other in the mix, it’s still no competition. The rounded edges, sturdy aluminum casing and enticing unibody design leave Apple an entire level above everyone else.
Images compiled by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Apple MacBook Pro Beauty Shot
Professional business users don’t purchase laptops for their looks. Well, they won’t admit it, at least.n
nInstead, businesses purchase laptops for their productivity, capability, efficiency and reliability. The MacBook Pro, shown here in an Apple product shot, more than fills the bill.n
nIn addition to providing impressive speed and performance, the MacBooks Pro is renowned for delivering extended battery life and proving exponentially more secure.n
Images compiled by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Apple MacBook Pro Display
Apple MacBook Pros are also known for their stunning displays. While many laptops have migrated to LED-backlit displays, the MacBook Pro leverages NVIDIA graphics engines to deliver fast, smooth and clear images.n
nIn short, MacBook Pros excel for graphic and video work. Whether business users need to host presentations, edit video, work with photographs or other manipulate other art or media elements, Apple’s MacBook Pros serve as the default option for many professionals.
Images compiled by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Apple MacBook Pro Rear View
The back of the MacBook Pro is clean and simple. The black hinge that connects the laptop’s display to the main unibody is all that’s evident.
Images by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Apple MacBook Pro Left Side View
Apple’s located all the 13″ MacBook Pro’s ports on its left-hand side. From the left are the laptop’s MagSafe power, Gigabit Ethernet, Mini DisplayPort, FireWire 800 and two USB 2.0 ports. The 13″ model also includes an SD card slot and an audio jack.
Images by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Apple MacBook Pro Right Side View
The MacBook Pro receives an 8x slot-loading SuperDrive. The optical drive can read/write/re-write CDs and DVDs.
Images by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Apple MacBook Pro Underside
Here’s a look at the MacBook Pro’s undercarriage. Note the lack of access compartments.n
nIn an attempt to include more power without adding weight or sacrificing size, Apple uses sealed batteries in the new MacBook Pro line. The new batteries are suspected to last up to 1,000 charge cycles, or about five years. Replacement costs are about equal to the simple cost of a new battery, so users need not worry they’re locked into a permanent component that cannot be replaced.
Images by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Apple MacBook Pro Trackpad
The new MacBook Pro Multi-Touch trackpad eliminates cumbersome buttons. Often, in the interests of design or due to space limitations, manufacturers place the pointer buttons in locations that don’t match users’ preferences.n
nWith the new MacBook Pro trackpad, the entire trackpad becomes a button. Windows users simply use two fingers to indicate a right-click, while a single downward click serves to trigger the standard single-button functionality.
Images by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic
Illuminated Keyboard
Apple includes full-size backlit keyboards in its MacBook Pro laptops. Another seemingly small detail, when working in low light on airplanes, in evenings after work or other locations where ambient light is at a minimum, users can still plainly see each and every key.
Images by Erik Eckel for TechRepublic

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