Business IT

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch review: it's well worth the money

By Staff Writers on Oct 8, 2012 2:09PM
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch review: it's well worth the money

Editor's Picks

IoT Explained: What is the Internet of Things in Australia (June 2022)

5 essential digital transformation ideas

Top 5 Benefits of Managed IT Services

Venom BlackBook Zero 15 Phantom

There’s no Retina display in the updated Macbook Pro 13in, but this little laptop retains its pint-sized appeal. 

Design
At 2.06kg, it’s relatively light, and the build quality is superb; the taut metal chassis makes most laptops feel cheap by comparison.
 
Newsletter Signup

Get the latest business tech news, reviews and guides delivered to your inbox.

I have read and accept the privacy policy and terms and conditions and by submitting my email address I agree to receive the Business IT newsletter and receive special offers on behalf of Business IT, nextmedia and its valued partners. We will not share your details with third parties.
Two ports on the left see USB 3 make its Mac debut alongside FireWire 800, Thunderbolt, Gigabit Ethernet and an SD card reader. Meanwhile, the optical drive and the LED battery meter are a welcome sight - both items have since disappeared from the larger Pro models.
 
Performance
This is the better specified of the two 13in models and has a dual-core Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 750GB hard disk. It can’t keep pace with the quad-core models in our latest group test, but its result in our benchmarks was impressive.
 
The huge battery does its job, too, lasting only 5hrs 23mins in our light-use test in Windows, but surviving a much more impressive 9hrs 20mins with a similar test in OS X.
 
With no dedicated graphics chip, you’re stuck with Intel’s integrated HD Graphics 4000 chipset. this shouldn't be an issue if you will be using it for basic work tasks, although there is enough power for basic gaming if you like a bit of entertainment while travelling.
 
Touchpad, keyboard, display
Using the Pro is a delight. The large touchpad makes light work of pinching, flicking and gesturing your way through OS X, and the keyboard is great. Every key bounces back with a crisp, lively feel, and the layout is perfect. 
 
If there’s a disappointment, it’s that the 13in display has a low 1280 x 800 resolution. Image quality is great, however, with high brightness combining with a 593:1 contrast ratio and the most accurate colour reproduction of all the laptops in our latest group test.
 
The MacBook Pro 13-inch is superb. Those who want more power should look to its 15in stablemates, but this 13in machine is a long-lasting laptop that’s well worth the money, even if it doesn’t have a fancy Retina display.
Verdict
Superb design, fine performance and excellent battery life - the MacBook Pro 13-inch is well worth shelling out for. Read the review.
Performance
Battery Life
Features and Design
Value for Money
Overall
Specs
$1689 AUD
(pricing info)
Copyright © Alphr, Dennis Publishing
Tags:
13 13in 13inch apple battery hardware macbook pro review
By Staff Writers
Oct 8 2012
2:09PM
0 Comments

Related Articles

  • Home Security: D-Link Wi-Fi cameras reviewed (DCS-6500LH and DCS-6100LH)
  • MSI Prestige 14 Laptop Review | Model A10SC
  • MSI launches MacBook rival and updates GE76 to become fastest gaming laptop
  • Rise of the Chromebooks continues: IDC, Canalys
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Whatsapp Email A Friend

Most Read Articles

5 essential digital transformation ideas

5 essential digital transformation ideas

IoT Explained: What is the Internet of Things in Australia (June 2022)

IoT Explained: What is the Internet of Things in Australia (June 2022)

Top 5 Benefits of Managed IT Services

Top 5 Benefits of Managed IT Services

How to manage payment risks and fraud in 2022

How to manage payment risks and fraud in 2022

Poll

What would you like to see more of on BiT?
News
Reviews
Features
How To's
Lollies
Photo Galleries
Videos
Opinion
View poll archive
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorisation.
Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of nextmedia's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.