I got a new laptop at work this week. Having had a Windows 7 machine for the past few years, which I mainly use to host a Linux workstation via Virtual Box, I decided to take the opportunity to get a MacBook Pro on which, once I’ve got the core system tuned to my liking, I’ll mainly use to host a Linux workstation via Virtual Box (and perhaps a Windows one too; as part of my job I need to experience the joy of Windows once in a while).

The main incentive was that I could get a high spec machine with an excellent screen and very light weight. I found I was taking the laptop all over the place and the new one is a bit smaller and a lot lighter. The fact it came with a solid state drive was almost an afterthought but, a couple of days in, I am very impressed. I hardly ever properly shut the Windows machine down (hibernating instead) as it took so long to start up again. In fact, it even took an annoying long tie to shut down. The new machine isn’t quite instant but so much quicker. I don’t think I’d even have time to reach for a mug and take a drink whereas the old one felt like I could have set up my own plantation (or at least roast and ground my own beans).

Obviously it isn’t quite fair to compare a well-worn machine with a brand new one – I’ve got more RAM, a faster processor and a lot less cruft – but I think that solid state drive can take a decent amount of the credit and is a feature I’d recommend considering, especially as prices are now starting to get quite reasonable.