Winter 2011 MacBook Pro lineup

Scott Stein
Senior editor March 1, 2011

This year's MacBook Pro updates might look the same from the outside, but they've got brand-new components under the hood. Apple has included second-generation Intel Core i-series CPUs across the board, making the MacBook Pros the first laptops featuring these processors that we've reviewed at CNET. The new 15 and 17-inch MacBook Pros sport quad-core Core i7s from 2.0 to 2.2 GHz, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro has gotten an overdue upgrade to either a 2.3 GHz Core i5 or 2.7 GHz Core i7 CPU.

Graphically, the 15 and 17-inch Pros have shifted to using AMD graphics instead of Nvidia, featuring AMD HD 6490 or 6750 GPUs. Meanwhile, the 13-inch Pros have adopted integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics, which offer enough power to play most games at lower settings and run media apps smoothly.

Also new to all 2011 models is an Intel-developed Thunderbolt port, which replaces the previous Mini DisplayPort. Thunderbolt is a new all-in-one extreme high-speed data port and audio/video port all in one--it also acts as a powered port for external peripherals. Future devices taking advantage of Thunderbolt could enjoy transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. But don't fear: the Thunderbolt port is backwards-compatible with Mini DisplayPort cables and monitors, and all the MacBook Pros still have FireWire 800 ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports. All three MacBook Pros also have updated HD webcams for 720p FaceTime video calling.

These join last year's 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch MacBook Airs. In addition, the Core 2 Duo white MacBook still remains available. We expect both the MacBook Airs and the white MacBook to be updated later in 2011.