Macbook Pro updates « The BEST Apple Hardware and Software Reviews

Written By Editor April 13th, 2010

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Today Apple have updated the entire Macbook Pro line with new pricing and improved specs.

The Macbook Pro is now offered in a choice of Core 2 Duo, Core i5 and Core i7 processors (previously available in the new iMacs). This update has also seen inclusion of automated graphics switching technology, toggling between the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M card and the more energy efficient Intel HD Graphics processor.

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All Macbook Pro’s now come with 4GB of Ram as standard.

The new MacBook Pro is as advanced on the inside as it is stunning on the outside, with faster processors, amazing graphics and up to three more hours of battery life, the new MacBook Pro delivers both performance and efficiency.

Phil Schiller, Apple Senior Vice President

13″ Macbook Pro

The 13″ model still has the older core 2 duo CPU, but the speed has been bumped from 2.26gHz to 2.4ghz on the base model and to 2.66 (from 2.4) on the upmarket 13 inch. The base model also now carries a new NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics processor. This is evidently a bespoke chip for Apple, that offers an 80% performance boost with a whopping 40% less power usage. The 13″ model also received the new 10 Hour battery, an increase of around 3 hours over the previous edition. The Macbook Pro track pad has also been refined to introduce an ‘intertia’ based interface – allowing users to ‘flick’ through long documents just like the iPhone.

15″ and 17″ models

The 15″ and 17″ models have left the older Core 2 Duo line and migrated over to Core i5 and i7 processors respectively. There are two 15″ i5 based models and a slightly higher spec i7 based model too. The 15″ and 17″ MacBook Pro models both make use of the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with either 256 or 512 MB of dedicated memory. These chips are slated to reduce drain on power by 30%. These two models are able to switch automatically between the 2 Graphics processors in order to improve power performance – drastically different to the previous line when the user had to log out and in of their account to switch between the two. These two lines should last 8-9 hours on the the new and improved batteries that are still non-user replaceable. Apple will however offer a $129 / $179 service to replace batteries in the 13, 15 and 17″ models respectively.

MacRumors also explains Apple will be offering a higher resolution 15″ based model

The 15″ MacBook Pro has gained a new option for a high-resolution display, offering users the opportunity to bump the standard 1440×900 screen to 1680X1050. The high-resolution display is available in both glossy ($100 extra) and anti-glare ($150 extra) versions. Notably, an anti-glare option for the lower-resolution display does not appear to be available. The 17″ MacBook Pro continues to sport a 1900×1200 screen in either glossy (standard) or anti-glare ($50 extra). Apple also continues to offer a single standard glossy display running at 1280×800 for the 13″ model.

For more information visit Apple.com