Hello people.  I got the new MacBook Pro and I love it.  Using this machine is not that much different than my old MacBook Pro outside the obvious stuff that everyone else has posted.  I want to take this time to mention some thoughts I have on this new version.

1.  Temperature:  This machine runs way way way cooler than my gen 1 MacBook Pro. I can now comfortably put this machine on my lap and not feel like I’m slowly roasting my leg.

2.  Keyboard:  The new keyboard is similar to my desktop keyboard, which is a blessing.  I love these keys!  I haven’t checked empirically to see if I’m making less mistakes when I’m typing but it sure feels like it.

3.  Trackpad:  This one is still 50/50 for me.  I think I’ll get use to it in time but I’m more comfortable having a separate button.  it is beautifully designed though and the push down is quite good.

4.  Speakers:  Nice and loud.  Even when the sound is on max, there’s not too much distoration.  Gen 1 wasn’t nearly as loud and had more distortion when the sound was on max.

5.  Screen:  I had a matte finish screen prior to this glossy.  I don’t think it’s that big of an issue.  I’ve used it outside and all you really need to do is turn the screen brightness down and all is good.  Obviously, like everything I’ve said so far and going to say it’s an opinion.

6.  Speed:  Sure feels snappier, but that’s obvious as well considering the upgraded hardware.

7.  Latch:  This one is another toss up.  I like the fact that it’s magnetic and shuts well without that extra piece of hardware that moves to lock the screen in position.  However, the groove on the bottom is a little bit sharper than I like.  It doesn’t cut or anything but it gets a little annoying when rubbed up against.

8.  Firewire:  All you whiners need to stop complaining about the Firewire 800 port.  It’s backwards compatible with the 400.  All you need to do is get an extra wire that has a 800 port plug on one end and a 400 plug on the other.

9.  Display Port adapter:  Can’t really say too much about it because Apple didn’t include it with the purchase.  This is a bonehead move in my opinion for several reasons.  We’re used to getting these with any of the previously purchased laptops for as long as I can remember (iBook G4 being the first).  When you want people to adopt new technologies (or port configurations in this instance), you should include it in there to make the transition easier.  Apple, stop being cheap.  You guys make a killing on these machines.  Stop pissing us off.

Ok.  I think that’s enough for now.  My final recommendation is to get this if you’ve been waiting to get a faster MacBook Pro.  I still recommend the previous generation as well if you want to go the cheaper route but I think this machine is worth it.  I’m satisfied with my purchase and I know I’ll grow to love it more as time passes.