Apple Updates MacBook Pro Line

[admin]

Apple Updates MacBook Pro Line
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Posted by: Glenn

Apple today updated its MacBook Pro line of computers with faster processors, next-generation NVIDIA graphics and even longer battery life. The popular 13-inch MacBook Pro features the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor for up to 80 percent faster graphics and a 10-hour built-in battery. The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models feature Intel Core i5 and i7 processors and Apple's new automatic graphics switching technology that toggles seamlessly between NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and Intel HD Graphics processors.

"The new MacBook Pro is as advanced on the inside as it is stunning on the outside," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With faster processors, amazing graphics and up to three more hours of battery life, the new MacBook Pro delivers both performance and efficiency."

All 13-inch MacBook Pro models now include faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 4GB RAM, a 10-hour built-in battery and the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor. With 48 processing cores, the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M is the fastest integrated graphics processor on the market, ideal for graphics intensive applications or high performance games. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in two configurations: one with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 250GB hard drive priced at $1,199; and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 320GB hard drive priced at $1,499.

The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models are up to 50 percent faster than the previous systems. Using Intel's state-of-the-art 32 nanometer process, Intel Core i5 and i7 processors integrate the memory controller and Level 3 cache for faster access to system memory. Hyper-Threading technology improves data throughput by creating virtual processing cores, while Turbo Boost optimizes performance between the two processor cores, accelerating the system from 2.66 GHz to 3.06 GHz for intensive dual core tasks, and up to 3.33 GHz for single core tasks.

All 15-inch and 17-inch models include two graphics processors, the new NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M for peak performance and Intel HD Graphics for energy efficient operation. More than twice as fast as the GeForce 320M, the powerful new GeForce GT 330M provides incredibly smooth, crisp on-screen graphics for the most demanding 3D games, creative software and technical applications. Apple's automatic graphics switching determines which graphics processor an application needs and switches instantly between processors to deliver peak performance and long battery life. Tightly integrated hardware and software allow the new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro to deliver 8 to 9 hours on a single charge.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is available in three models: one with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 320GB hard drive at $1,799; one with a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive at $1,999; and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive at $2,199. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive for $2,299.

The MacBook Pro glass Multi-Touch trackpad now supports inertial scrolling, an intuitive way to scroll through large photo libraries, lengthy documents and long web sites. All MacBook Pros feature bright, LED-backlit wide-angle displays with a broad color gamut. The 17-inch MacBook Pro includes a high resolution 1920 x 1200 display, and the 15-inch MacBook Pro is now available with an optional high resolution 1680 x 1050 display. Customers can also upgrade their MacBook Pro with new 128GB, 256GB and 512GB solid state drives.



http://www.123macmini.com/news/story/1492.html

[Huff]

No i5 in the 13" models!!!

[Ben Tex]

I wouldn't mind having $1800 sitting around for the entry-level 15" MBP. It's just too hard explaining to the wife in this economy.

[epic_ed]

I was looking to buy a 13" this time around, but I'm not that impressed since they shortchanged it in the processor department. It's cool they all have the Magic Mouse type scrolling now though. I really like that on the desktop.

[Rightondamark]

I'm going to buy a 15" once they start the iPod promotion this year. I'm in no rush until then. I am surprised about the 13" being passed over with an i5 or even i3. That doesn't bode well for the next Mac mini update.

[microfox]

1249.00 Canadian dollars for a notebook with a Core 2 duo processor, no thanks.

I was hoping to get rid of my 2007 mini and replace it with a new one, in October 2010. Considering the C2D processors in the new 13" Macbook Pro, I guess I'll keep the mini for a few more years.
_________________
iMac 2010, 21.5", 8Gb of RAM

2.0GHz Core2Duo Mac mini, 2 Gb RAM,120Gb HD + 1Tb LaCie external HD, Hauppauge PVR 950 USB TV Tuner stick, running 10.8.2

iPad 3rd generation, 32Gb

IPod Touch 4th generation 32Gb

[ma5ter5]

I'm really bummed about the 13". I'm going to be purchasing a MBP this summer for school, and was debating between the 13" and 15". Before the update, I could justify making the price jump. But now $600 is just too steep, despite what I'd be gaining. Damn being a grad student.
_________________
13" MBP 2.4GHz, 4GB, 250GB
mac mini 1.83 c2d 4gb crucial ram 500gb wd scorpio blue
Time Capsule 500gb
iPod Touch 2nd gen 32gb (dead, stupid washing machine incident)
iPod nano 1st gen 4gb

[Yvan256]

Core2Duo in the 13" MacBook Pro... that's not a good sign for the next Mac mini update.
_________________
Mac mini 2010 (Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz/8 GiB)
12" PowerBook (G4 1.5 GHz/512 MiB)
1st gen. iPod touch (16 GiB)
2nd gen. iPod shuffle (1 GiB)

[philiparcario]

[ma5ter5]

[scooper]

I think the 13" MacBook Pro just became a MacBook again. The 15" models are hot though. Just wish I could afford one.

[Bandit Bill]

[TonyMontana]

I'm interested in the "two" graphics cards. It advertises graphic switching, but what in the hell is the "Intel HD Graphics"? Is this a second card?

-NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics processor with 512MB of GDDR3 memory

-Intel HD Graphics with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory.

Edit: It seems after a little reading that the "intel HD graphics" is a integrated (GPU) into the processor package — although not the same piece of silicon.
_________________
MacMini 2.0GHz C2D (2009)
MacMini 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo
Dell Mini 10v *OSX 10.6.4*

[TonyMontana]

New Macbook Pro's to have audio passed through the display port!!!??? Let's hope this is true. A fine beginning for Apple. Come on Mac Mini!
ARS
_________________
MacMini 2.0GHz C2D (2009)
MacMini 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo
Dell Mini 10v *OSX 10.6.4*

[ma5ter5]

I'll be interested to see what this does to the refurb prices. Currently:

2.26ghz, 2ram, 160gb $999
2.53ghz, 4ram, 250gb $1299

Once the new models hit refurb, im thinking:

2.26 $799?
2.53 $1099?
2.4ghz, 4ram, 250gb $999

I speculate because I'm debating getting a refurb since the updates to the 13" were lackluster.
_________________
13" MBP 2.4GHz, 4GB, 250GB
mac mini 1.83 c2d 4gb crucial ram 500gb wd scorpio blue
Time Capsule 500gb
iPod Touch 2nd gen 32gb (dead, stupid washing machine incident)
iPod nano 1st gen 4gb