Apple MacBook Pro 17" Laptop - MC725LL/A (February, 2011)

I bought this product because I was disappointed with my HP Dv7 17.3" notebook. This surpasses my Dv7-4296nr in several ways, even though almost all of the specs are very comparable. This Macbook runs faster and more smoothly than my PC (even Windows 7 works better on it), and has a much higher resolution. I was wary of getting a Macbook because I wasn't sure if I wanted to use a notebook that was not as wide as my 17.3" PC. However the resolution more than makes up for it. Running games like Half-Life 2 Episode 2 is a lot of fun on this machine, moreso than on my old PC. However, some of the very latest games like Deus Ex: Human Revolution seem to fall behind my PC in graphics. It may just be that I'm running it at the same resolution as my PC, and it's very noticable. I'll have to look into it. The other downside I feel is the speakers. My PC had Beats audio, which is a built-in surround sound gimmick HP is marketing. This model is supposed to have subwoofers, but it only has two speakers that I see. And the sound is only slightly more muffled than my PC was. However if you want really good sound you should probably have special speakers for that anyway.

I haven't been able to find any products that support the Thunderbolt interface yet. I suppose we're going to be seeing a lot more of that in the future. For now, it's useless to me, unless I buy an extra monitor from Apple. That's really not in my price range. We'll see what else comes out during the next year.

These MacBooks get very expensive. But if you know you need a good solid notebook that works without a hitch, even running Windows 7, this is well worth looking into closely. Especially now, while they've been around for a while, and the newer models are taking center stage.

We are very pleased with this purchase. Surprised was I to acquire it; thus, thanks to my benefactor. I required the larger size for what I do as a music composer/arranger, and as a designer of bulletins, programs, and presentations, etc., and was saddened that Apple had discontinued this size, so a “USED” computer was the only logical resolution to that thorny and unanticipated challenge.

I am delighted with the size, the speed, the screen quality of the 17" MacBook Pro. This computer accompanies me, even at church, for notes, for scriptural references, for overhead presentations, and for whatever else is requested. As for presentations with the Keynote application — similar but infinitely superior to PowerPoint —, although I have the capability to connect the computer to an overhead projector, this 17" monitor can be effectively used as the screen itself. My 24" iMac also serves this purpose with flying colors (no pun intended).

My sons and sons-in-laws, daughters and daughters-in-law, and now, even my wife (but no wife-in-law) have basically the same quality model, except smaller (15" and 13" MacBook Pros and a MacBook Air), so, one might say we are a Mac Family! Only one son has not, as yet, taken the proverbial plunge. Even one son-in-law, a computer guru, has moved to the “light,” using PCs only when absolutely necessary. And we have iPads as well, and iPhones, where feasible.

The list of what I dislike about the computer is very short:

• The scroll direction is reversed, compared to former models. Were I to know what might be done to remedy that “problem,” and then to actually put that knowledge to use, that would be a good thing to witness and utilize. I would be even more appreciative were it to transpire. Even so, I believe that to be a software situation, not associated with the computer’s functionality.

• The battery life is shorter than I had anticipated, with no way of inserting a second charged battery in its place as the charge has been depleted.

The top of the line, this is my second one, Iet my daughter take our dual core to college with her ! My first one is 6 years old running like a dream, my second one, a quad core as listed is a screamer with 4gig and 7200 rpm sata 2 layer. The picture is a dream but can't wait to see the retina display ! Neither machine has ever so much as burped, unlike their IBM/ Microsoft counterparts that are getting bigger and faster, but stuck has only one speed......stopped ! All in all these COMPUTERS are next to perfect and I would recommend them to anyone serious about computing power and not games ! Don't get me wrong it will play games as most designers choose the Apple G5 or some such Apple equipment ! So go out and buy with confidence your last, best and first "Real" computer !

WOW! Apple has always made great products, but testing out the speed of this computer is amazing. Very impressed over with this computer, from multitasking, to doing complex high Render dramatics it does it all.

Perfect !! Just like in the description !!!
laptop is a mac ..
if u never owned one go the mac store and try it out