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Q: Overall look & feel?
A: Very solid feel, no flex. Looks and feels much thinner (although only slightly thinner in reality) due to tapered edges similar to 3G iPhone vs. first gen. iPhone. Feels similar in weight to previous generation.

Q: Does the glossy display drive you crazy or distort your colors?
A: No. As I compared the old MBP and new MBP side by side, I felt the matte screen was slightly easier on the eyes. Then I put the old away and soon forgot I was on a glossy display. Now I’m almost happier with the glossy display, as it is richer and more vibrant. Plus, the screen is very bright and takes away almost all glare (while working indoors, at least). As for the colors, my Illustrator PMS chart colors looked almost identical on both the matte and glossy displays. One caveat: a black website background is almost a mirror and not fun to use with a glossy display. Web designers, keep this in mind when picking site colors, as glossy is becoming the standard.

Q: How is the new trackpad?
A: Overall, very easy to use. Glass trackpad, which looks to be the same aluminum color as the previous gen., has a more optimal friction coefficient, which is noticeable, but just barely. Touch gestures register well and help workflow. The all-button click action takes a little getting used to, as the trackpad is hinged on a rocker that is located near the top of the pad. It is easier to click the closer you are to the bottom, which happens to be where you are used to clicking anyway. Larger size trackpad is a bonus. Only complaint is that the trackpad clicks are too loud (especially as you click higher on the trackpad).

Q: Are you happy with the new backlit “chiclet” style keyboard?
A: Yes. Keys are snappier than before, although they are slightly louder. The backlit keys worked better on previous generation, as the new keys leak more light around the edges. This is aesthetically less appealing, but not really much of a usability problem.

Q: Other observations?
A: The seamless aluminum design is beautiful. along with the smaller power button and smaller diameter drilled speaker holes. Black & Aluminum design works well (although I think MacBook should have been white & Aluminum for differentiation). Operates very quietly. Magnetic, no-latch, closure is a very welcome addition. Packaging was incredibly small in overall volume and well designed.

Q: Biggest surprise?
A: Headphone jack now supports the external microphone of the iPhone headphones. This is great for audio chats and Skype use.

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