Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

quilmes · Apr 20, 2006, 06:58 PM

So I took the plunge and upgraded from my 12" 1.33 GHz PowerBook G4 to a fully loaded MacBook Pro. Gave the little guy to my wife. Over the past couple weeks that I have had this new rocket of a machine, two things have been bugging me. One: The speakers just don't sound right, and the keyboard feels a little "light".

Keyboard: I am almost certain that everyone else has the same keyboard, but I cant help but thinking I liked the keys on my old PowerBook better. They have a more distinctive click to them.

Speakers: I don't know if it is the face that the new speakers face straight up, since I am changing from a 12" that have the cool "bounce" off the screen, or something else, but they just sound muffleded at certain points and certain tones. I am not one to return something that might not have any problems, and i can't get a full reading on if it is something all MBPs have or just mine. My PowerBook 12" sounds so much better.

Anyone else having similar issues? I really don't want to sent this baby back. I can't live w/o her for more than a couple hours.

TFunkadelic · Apr 20, 2006, 07:09 PM

As far as the keyboard goes, ican't help you, but I'd advise just getting used to the sound. Alot of the times people think something sounds better/worse because it sounds different. Often times, if you let your ears get used to the sound of a superior system (even though it may sound not as good at first because of less bass/treble) you will find that it is actually more pleasing to listen to, and if you go back o the old you realize it's flaws. Just a thought.

phantomo · Apr 21, 2006, 11:36 AM

I have both in front of me and I think the MBP sounds "fuller" compare to the 12". For the keyboard, 12" does seems to have more "click". It was not noticeable before you mention it. Well, the keyboard is the best from the Apple world.

Barefoot Matt · Apr 21, 2006, 12:23 PM

I like the keyboard. As for the speakers, I've found that they're just fine when I'm sitting at the computer, but crappy when I want to use frontrow to listen from across the room. Makes sense, I suppose, since it makes it easier to have the sound on without disturbing people around you.

quilmes · Apr 22, 2006, 02:41 PM

Having done my research, the MBP is slimmer and that is partly due to the less throw in the keys on the keyboard. The keys are not moving as far. I am learning to like the new keyboard since now i use a tad bit less effort every time i hit a key.

As for the speakers, I guess I just liked how the 12" sent the sound to your face (i use them on my lap) opposed to the new spearkers directed upwards.

Simon · Apr 23, 2006, 03:25 AM

The MBP's speakers are definitely weaker than my PB's speakers.

quilmes · Apr 26, 2006, 05:28 PM

It would be easy to assume that I am getting used to the speakers on my MBP now, which may be true, but it seems as if they are getting better and may have gone through some of break-in period. Is this possible or am i just dreaming things and just getting used to the speakers and their placement?

SEkker · Apr 26, 2006, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by Simon

The MBP's speakers are definitely weaker than my PB's speakers.

I have a MBP 2.0 and my wife a PB12 1.3 GHz model.

Side by side, the MBP speakers are clearly louder and clearer than the PB12.

We noticed this by accident -- we are both addicted to a pinball game called Monster Fair and when I loaded it, the music was MUCH louder. Running that game side by side the MBP's speakers were definitely better.

They also seem to be better than my older revA PB17, but I've not done the straight comparison.

quilmes · Apr 26, 2006, 08:17 PM

can you play the same song side-by-side to get a better reference?

SEkker · Apr 26, 2006, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by smellycat

can you play the same song side-by-side to get a better reference?

We used the opening music for the game as the reference, so yes.

Simon · Apr 27, 2006, 01:45 AM

Originally Posted by SEkker

I have a MBP 2.0 and my wife a PB12 1.3 GHz model.
Side by side, the MBP speakers are clearly louder and clearer than the PB12.

I should have been more clear about which PB I was talking. The MBP's speakers are less loud than the 15" PB G4/1.67GHz I have.

I haven't compared the MBP to my 12 inchers yet. But since they are less loud than my 15" PB G4, I'd expect to see what you report.