After a long wait, Apple has duly refreshed its MacBook Pro line with all new Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, along with the next generation of NVIDIA graphics, and an enhanced batter life, among other new features. Apple has this to say about its new line: “With faster processors, amazing graphics and up to three more hours of battery life, the new MacBook Pro delivers both performance and efficiency.”
While the MacBook Pro 13-inch is still features Core2Duo processors, it does get Nvidia’s GeForce 320M graphics, and purportedly has an amazing 10-hour battery life. It is available in two configurations: one with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core2Duo and 250GB hard drive priced at Rs. 72, 900; and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core2Duo and 320GB hard drive priced at Rs. 89,900.
The MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch however, will feature NVIDIA’s next-gen discrete graphics, GeForce 330M. The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is available in three models: one with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 (520M), and 320GB hard drive at Rs. 1,09,900; one with a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5 (540M), and 500GB hard drive at Rs. 1,19,900; and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7(620M), and 500GB hard drive at Rs. 1,29,900. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5 (540M), and 500GB hard drive for Rs. 1,36,900.|
It is interesting that the MacBook Pro 15-inch features the high-end Core i7 processor, and this is probably for the sake of battery life on the 17-incher. Also to be noted is that all three MacBook Pros will not be featuring Nvidia Optimus switching technology, but instead an automatic graphics switching solution, that also provides users the option of relying solely on the discrete graphics.
You can check out benchmark results between the last-generation’s flagship 15-inch 2.8GHz Core2Duo with the flagship 15-inch 2.66GHz Core i7 of this generation on the next page. Apart from processor performance upgrades, the new MacBooks also come with standard 4GB of RAM, feature inertial scrolling support for the multi-touch trackpads. The 15-inch also gives you screen resolution options: a 1440 x 900 glossy display or a 1680 x 1050 glossy display ($100 additional). The 17-inch has a single 1920 x 1200 glossy display option.
Check out the complete specifications below:
| Model | 13-inch MacBook Pro | 15-inch MacBook Pro | 17-inch MacBook Pro |
| Processor | 2.4GHz or 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor | 2.4GHz or 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 processor; or 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 processor | 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 processor; 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 option available |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 320M with 256MB DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory | Intel HD Graphics with 256MB DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 256MB or 512MB GDDR3 memory |
Intel HD Graphics with 256MB DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 512MB GDDR3 memory |
| Memory and Storage | 4GB memory 250GB or 320GB 5400-rpm hard drive |
4GB memory 320GB or 500GB 5400-rpm hard drive |
4GB memory 500GB 5400-rpm hard drive |
| Display | 13.3-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display 1280 by 800 pixels |
15.4-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display 1440 by 900 pixels High-resolution 1680-by-1050 glossy or antiglare option available |
17-inch high-resolution LED-backlit glossy widescreen display 1920 by 1200 pixels Antiglare option available |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours (wireless web browsing) Built-in lithium-polymer 63.5 watt-hour |
Up to 8-9 hours (wireless web browsing) Built-in lithium-polymer 77.5 watt-hour |
Up to 8-9 hours (wireless web browsing) Built-in lithium-polymer 95 watt-hour |
| Other Features | Precision aluminum unibody MagSafe power port Mini DisplayPort Two USB 2.0 ports One FireWire 800 port SD card slot – iSight camera Multi-Touch trackpad Full-size backlit keyboard 8x SuperDrive |
Precision aluminum unibody MagSafe power port Mini DisplayPort Two USB 2.0 ports One FireWire 800 port SD card slot – iSight camera Multi-Touch trackpad Full-size backlit keyboard 8x SuperDrive |
Precision aluminum unibody MagSafe power port Mini DisplayPort Two USB 2.0 ports One FireWire 800 port – ExpressCard/34 slot iSight camera Multi-Touch trackpad Full-size backlit keyboard 8x SuperDrive |
Catch the benchmark results on the next page...
Last-generation’s flagship 15-inch 2.8GHz Core2Duo versus the flagship 15-inch 2.66GHz Core i7 of this generation:
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