Expert's Rating
Pros
- Both glossy and anti-glare screens available
- Fast performance
- Expansive, high-resolution screen
Cons
- Lacks some of Apple’s latest laptop technology
- Heavy
Our Verdict
The changes to this 17-inch system are minor compared to the radical overhaul of the 15-inch MacBook Pro models. The 17-inch configuration features the same enclosure and processor as the spring 2008 update, instead of the unibody design that the rest of the MacBook Pro line features. But Apple upped the shipping RAM to the maximum 4GB and boosted the hard-drive capacity to 320GB. The 17-inch MacBook Pro now comes with the 1920 x 1200 screen, whether in standard glossy or optional matte form.
For those looking for a portable desktop experience, the 17-inch MacBook Pro offers a great combination of a large widescreen display, fast performance and luggable design. The changes to this latest version are subtle, and there are, most likely, more substantial changes for Apple’s largest laptop down the road, but if you can stand carrying the extra weight, or require a matte screen, the 17-inch MacBook Pro is a big, beautiful, and fast portable.