Tag Archives: MacBook Pro

Apple Updates MacBook Pros: Faster CPUs and Thunderbolt

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Apple MacBook Pro Line - February 2011Apple has updated its MacBook Pro notebook computer line with faster “Sandy Bridge” CPUs and Intel’s new Light Peak high-speed dual-purpose connector which Apple is calling Thunderbolt.

15 and 17-inch display models feature quad-core i7 processors – 2.0 or 2.2 GHz on the 15-inch units with the larger display model available with either a 2.2 or 2.3 quad-core GHz CPU. 13-inch units are shipped with either 2.3 dual-core i5 or 2.7 dual-core i7 chips.

The major addition of the Thunderbolt port adds the ability to daisy chain up to six high-speed drives and/or disk arrays as well as external displays. The single port takes the place of the Mini DisplayPort and serves both DisplayPort and PCI Express needs with dual-channel 10 Gb/sec throughput. This compares to 480 Mb/sec of USB 2.0 and 800 Mb/sec of Firewire 800 connections.

Like the external display connector it replaces, the Thunderbolt port also allows for the following hookups to larger monitors:

  • Native Mini DisplayPort output
  • DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter
  • VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
  • Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter supports 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display
  • HDMI audio and video output using a third-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter

Adapters sold separately.

All new MacBook Pros also include a gigabit ethernet port, a Firewire 800 port, three USB 2.0 ports (two on 13-inch models) as well as 802.11n wifi and 802.11a/b/g Bluetooth wireless connectivity. 13-inch models include an SDXC card slot and a single audio in/out port while the larger display units feature the ExpressCard/34 slot and separate audio in and out ports.

4 Gb of RAM (upgradable to 8 Gb) comes on all models as does the internal CD/DVD SuperDrive. Hard drive options include 500 or 700 Gb 5200 rpm SATA drives, a 500 Gb 7200 rpm SATA drive (not available on 13-inch models), or a choice of 128/256/512 solid state drives.

The entire line of new MacBook Pros are shipping immediately in standard configuration prices ranging from $1199.00 (2.3 GHz dual-core i5, 13-inch) to $2499.00 (2.2 GHz quad-core i7, 17-inch – add $250 for the 2.3 quad-core i7) with a number of build-to-order options available.

New 17-inch MacBook Pro – unibody, unibattery

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The Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro notebook computerToday, Apple announced an updated version of its 17-inch MacBook Pro notebook computer. The new model uses the unibody construction of the recently shipped MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks.

A major change is that this notebook incorporates a non-removable battery – rated at 8 hours (integrated graphics), 7 hours (discrete), and it’s rated at 1000 recharges – approximately five years, according to Apple. Replacement batteries will be handled with an exchange program ($179.00), similar to the iPod. It is scheduled to ship in 3-4 weeks with a list price of $2799.00. Basic specs are:

  • 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo / 6MB L2 cache
  • 4 Gb 1066 MHz DDR3 memory (expandable to 8 Gb)
  • 1920 x 1200 (2.3 million pixels) LED-backlit display – (glossy)
  • Dual Nvidia GeForce 9400M/Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics processors
  • 320 Gb hard drive (5400 rpm)
  • Slot-loading SuperDrive

Build to order options include a 2.93 GHz processor, matte/anti-glare display, 7200 rpm 320 Gb hard drive, as well as either a 128 Gb or 256 Gb solid state hard drive.

The Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro notebook computer also features Apple’s Multi-Touch trackpad, a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing; Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter; 802.11n wireless networking; built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet; Bluetooth; three USB 2.0 ports; one Firewire 800 port, built-in SuperDrive, and a DVI video output to connect up to a 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display. NOTE: no Firewire 400 port.