I had this problem before I upgraded my firmware, and I don’t have an SSD (got the WD 500GB HDD I mentioned in my article).

I did a bit of research and found others are having the issue I’m having, and others are having the issue you two describe:

http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=6605
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/apple-notebooks/112290-macbook-pro-freezing-after-last-update.html

Have you noticed any random system freezes and lock ups since you applied the EFI Firmware Update 1.7 for Macbook Pro? I have an OCZ Vertex that have been locking up with the latest firmware. I’m thinking about returning the Vertex for the Summit if all is good.

Thanks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mitchelloke/3493662652/sizes/o/

Had to buy a stupid adaptor to convert the Mini DisplayPort to DVI

Ditto, except mine came earlier in the form of the 2004 PowerBook pictured here, which was later replaced by this iMac.

One question I would ask: do you use an external keyboard? I ask because I’ve never been a fan of laptop keyboards, either for their tactile feel or ergonomics; I use a modern version of the Model M named the Customizer.

One quibble – you are wrong about the Firewire being a Pro distinction, as the plastic MacBook still has a Firewire 400. Right now it’s back to aluminum vs. plastic, backlit keyboard vs. non-backlit, being the Pro distinction, I guess. Oh, and non-removable battery as well.

Hopefully it will be rectified in an update, but I’m not too concerned about it for what I’ll be using my MBP13 for.

I am also having trouble getting used to the new track pad, but use the Apple wireless keyboard and a Rocket Fish BT mouse when at my desk, so I don’t have to worry about it except when I’m not at my home office.

Glad to see you haven’t fallen off the end of the earth! Again, nice job, mate!

I debated both size and speed but when you look at the specs on this thing

128MB Onboard Cache
Max Shock Resistance 1500G
Read 220MB/s(max)
Write 200MB/s(max)

it is configured to keep away the “should have waited” syndrome for at least a week or two.

I went with the assumption that whatever is throttling the speed in the new MacBooks will be fixed. Either way, after some nasty drive crashes over the years the idea have not having a spinning platter in my notebook makes me very happy.

You will learn to love the new trackpad, trust me.
Just pretend the its a regular trackpad with the button at the bottom and it works the same way.

But I rarely ever click it – I just tap it (unless I need to drag something).

Pretty soon using the trackpad will feel completely effortless. It makes scrolling easier than any trackpad or mouse. I dont like using a regular trackpad now.

As for the display size, some choice would be nice of course, but going any higher than 1280x on a screen that size makes things tough on us folks over 40.

Besides being a cost saver, the 2×1 GB sticks allows the memory to run faster in dual-channel mode, if that makes you feel better.

But I agree that Apple needs to get with the program in the port department. Nonstandard mic jacks, only 2 USB ports, expensive displayport dongles, no SD, firewire, or expresscard – these are all VERY useful features of my Windows notebooks and I miss them every day.

If you really want to see that macbook fly, consider a 256GB OCZ Vertex or G.skill Falcon high-performance SSDs – I use one of each in my windows and macbook, and its by far the most amazing upgrade for performance.

Have fun with your new MacBook!

Mmmmm SSD, I would have gone that route but they are sooooo expensive over here, what size are you getting and how much is it setting you back?

I have to say this is my favorite notebook EVER (so far). I’ll be upgrading my drive to an SSD when it arrives later today and will be interested to see how much faster it feels (despite the current throttling issues that have been reported).

As far as the trackpad goes- give it a bit of time. I found it hard to use at first but now can’t stand using any other trackpad. Once you get more comfortable you will wonder how you ever computed without a multi-touch pad!

With regard to integrated 3G. Personally I wouldn’t want it. I would much prefer to pay a bit more for my iPhone plan and tether…. oh no, wait, I live in the US and that isn’t an option. Seriously, I think tethering to a handheld with high speed internet is far better in that it doesn’t lock you to THAT particular notebook.