Following on the heels of last month's update to the lower-end MacBook line, Apple freshened up its MacBook Pro series with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, a faster 800MHz front-side bus courtesy of Intel's latest Centrino (aka Santa Rosa) chipset, and a switch from ATI to Nvidia graphics. The lineup still comprises two 15.4-inch models, priced at $1,999 and $2,499, and a 17-inch model, priced at $2,799, which may be somewhat of a disappointment to those hoping this update would mark the return of a 12-inch Apple laptop.
The 15-inch models also introduce an LED-backlit display that Apple claims results in a brighter image and longer battery life (we found this LED-backlit Sony VAIO TXN17P/B to be bright and long-running). The larger, 17-inch MacBook Pro doesn't include LED backlighting, but it now offers you a choice of a higher-resolution display with a native resolution of 1,920x1,200 (up from the standard 1,680x1,050 display). Powering the screen is Nvidia's GeForce 8600M GT graphics chip; the low-end MacBook Pro features the 128MB version while the two higher-end models use the 256MB version.
The new Core 2 Duo processors added to the line are a 2.2GHz chip in the lower-end 15-inch MacBook Pro and a 2.4GHz chip in the higher-end 15-inch model and the 17-inch model. All three ship with a standard 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 memory, which can now be upgraded to 4GB (the previous limit was 3GB). The two 15-inch models can be upgraded with a 200GB hard drive, while the 17-inch model gives you the option for a 250GB drive. Unfortunately, the largest hard-drive option for each model spins at a poky 4,200rpm. All models ship with the wireless 802.11n (aka Draft N) chip enabled, a feature that cost $2 to turn on with previous MacBook Pros.
For more information, please see our full review from earlier this year of the previous 17-inch MacBook Pro model.
Product Specifications:
Product Description:
Apple MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz - 17 in TFT active matrix
Dimensions (WxDxH):
15.4 in x 10.4 in x 1 in
Weight:
6.8 lbs
System Type:
Notebook
Built-in Devices:
Stereo speakers
,
Bluetooth antenna
,
Wireless LAN antenna
Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Cache Memory:
4 MB - L2 cache
RAM:
2 GB (installed) / 4 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 667 MHz - PC2-5300 ( 2 x 1 GB )
Floppy Drive:
None
Hard Drive:
160 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Optical Storage:
DVD±RW (±R DL) - Integrated
Optical Storage (2nd):
None
Storage Removable:
None
Display:
17 in TFT active matrix 1680 x 1050 ( WSXGA+ )
Graphics Controller:
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT - 256 MB
Audio Output:
Sound card
Telecom:
None
Networking:
Network adapter - Ethernet
,
- IEEE 802.11a
,
- IEEE 802.11b
,
- IEEE 802.11g
,
- Fast Ethernet
,
- Gigabit Ethernet
,
- Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
,
- IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Notebook Camera:
Integrated
Input Device:
Trackpad
,
Backlit keyboard
Voltage Required:
AC 120/230 V
Battery:
Lithium polymer
Run Time (Up To):
5.75 hour(s)
OS Provided:
Apple MacOS X 10.5
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year warranty