∞ MacBook Pros gain faster processors, more

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Apple on Tuesday unveiled new MacBook Pro models with faster processors, new graphics chips and other changes. The 13, 15, and 17-inch models have all been refreshed, with prices starting at $1,199.

Apple claims that the integrated Nvidia 320M graphics processor found on the 13-inch is the fastest integrated graphics processor on the market. What’s more, the 15-inch and 17-inch models run up to 50 percent faster than previous models.

The new $1,199 model 13-inch MacBook Pro touts a 2.4GHz processor (up from 2.26GHz), along with Nvidia 320M integrated graphics, 4GB RAM (up from 2GB) and a 250GB hard drive (up from 160). Standard features include an 8x SuperDrive, Mini DisplayPort, AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, iSight video camera, two USB ports, one FireWire 800 port, SD card slot, headphone/line in, multitouch trackpad and illuminated keyboard, and a 63.5 WHr battery.

A 2.66GHz 13-inch MacBook Pro model equipped with 320GB hard drive costs $1,499.

The refreshed 15-inch and 17-inch models have two graphics processors – a discrete Nvidia GeForce GT 330M and integrated Intel HD graphics. The GeForce GT 330M is purportedly more than twice as fast as the 13-inch model’s graphics; the Intel HD graphics can be used to conserve power.

All 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros come standard with 4GB RAM, 8x SuperDrives, Mini DisplayPort, AirPort Extreme 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, iSight video cameras, two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, audio line in and audio line out/headphone. The 15-inch models sport SD card slots.

The new MacBook Pros also support “inertial scrolling” using their trackpads, which Apple says enables users to more intuitively scroll through large libraries, documents and Web sites.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro comes in three models: a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 with 320GB hard drive for $1,799; a 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 with 500GB hard drive for $1,999; and a 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 model with 500GB hard drive for $2,199. The 15-inch models sport standard 1440 x 900 pixel displays; a 1680 x 1050 pixel version is optional.

The 17-inch MacBook Pro now features a standard 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 and 500GB hard drive for $2,299, along with a 95WHr battery and ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot. Build-to-order options include a 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB RAM and 500GB 7200RPM hard disk drive. 128GB, 256GB and 512GB Solid State Drives (SSDs) are also optional.


  • Glenn

    The only updates to the 13" model is the 200 MHz processor bump, 2 extra GB's of RAM, and the new video card. Otherwise it uses the same old Core2Duo processor Macbooks have had for years. Core i5 and i7 processors have been out for 6 months already, so they should have been included in the 13" update IMHO.

    • B.B.

      …and a new 10-hour battery.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

      The 10 hour battery life on the 13-inch is pretty impressive.

    • James Gowan

      Let's revisit this with bullet points so we can get a better picture:
      • 200Mhz Faster Processor
      • 4GB Ram vs just 2GB Ram
      • NVIDIA GeForce 320M vs NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor
      —
      you forgot
      • 10 hours Battery Life
      • 90GB more HD space (160GB vs 250GB)

      Trade-offs, man — I would prefer this config over everything being the same as 6 months ago with a Core i3.

      The battery, double the ram, 90Gb more HD, faster processors, faster video – wow … decent machine even if you don't think so. Personally, I'm pulling the trigger on the best 15-inch, albeith with a 500GB HD (can't justify the big expense for the SSD.)

  • http://twitter.com/pwthornton @pwthornton

    Apple and Nvidia aren't allowed to use the new Core i3, i5, and i7s with Nvidia's chipset and integrated graphics, which is what Apple wants to do. Nvidia's integrated graphics are significantly more power than Intel's solutions, while also using less power. Apple has simply chosen to go with superior graphics technology over superior CPU technology.

    The MacBook Pros with Core i5s and i7s use discrete graphics, so this isn't a concern. But Apple is either waiting for Intel to get a better integrated graphics solution for its low end machines or it is waiting for Nvidia and Intel to slug this out in court.

    Either way, Apple probably made the right decision to go with the GPU over the CPU, especially with more general computing utilizing GPU power these days (And Nvidia's integrated GPUs are acceptable for many forms of gaming, while Intel's is rather suspect. It's hard to imagine Apple going backwards in that regards.). In addition, Apple is advertising 10 hours of battery life in the 13 inch model, which is pretty amazing.

    • http://bobreveiws.webs.com bob billy

      yes i3's 5's & 7's are allowed 2 b used on nividia!

  • Eric

    @Glenn

    I agree, i was hoping to see at least the Core i3 in the 13" MbPros. I suspect Apple will speed bump them in the next couple of months up to the Core i3. This may be related to the rumors that the Core i3 is in short supply… and then again, it may just be an Apple marketing strategy to further separate the 13 and 15" models for the rollout.

    By the way, don't underestimate the 2GB RAM bump. In our internal testing, the jump from 2GB to 4GB on our machines with Snow Leopard has provided a substantial speed boost per our end users so that extra 2GB of RAM makes a difference. We'll take it!

    • http://twitter.com/pwthornton @pwthornton

      Unless Intel and Nvidia settle their differences or Intel makes a much better integrated graphics solution, don't expect to see the Core i3 anytime soon in lower end Mac models. Nvidia created the 330m just for Apple, and it's much better than what Intel has to offer:http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/04/13/nvi…

      CPUs and GPUs are both important to modern computing, and in many ways, GPUs may be the future of computing. I don't think Apple is interested in taking a step back in GPU performance just so they can get a little better CPU.

  • Ken

    @Perspective

    Uh, yeah, it seems that Apple did forget to update the 13 in model.

    The original poster was right, this stuff has been up for a good while, how come we aren't seeing them across the line? Or did Apple forget how to make computers lest with all this iPad and iPhone craziness.

    Btw, I think your post is meaningless.

  • jmay

    I'm planning on getting a 17", but I need to decide whether to pay for the i7. I'm a developer and compiling my projects can take a couple minutes. I use xcode, eclipse and visual studio (on Windows partition obviously). Booting eclipse on my current laptop make me lose my mind it takes so long.

    Will the i7 compile 2x as fast as the i5? Or is the difference negligible? Will applications boot much faster?

    How about photoshop performance?

    Thanks

    • Mark

      Launching Applications and Boot Times will most likely be improved by getting the optional solid state drive, not the i7 processor. The i7 over the i5 is significantly faster in *running* applications if RAM (at 4GB) is equal. OTOH running apps is improved by a solid state drive but not as much as a processor upgrade. Hope this helps.

      Re: the Core2 Duo proc in the 13" models – it's a shame and is outdated but I believe all those complaining should read the post above about the Intel / Nvidea legal battle – so Apple had to wait it out for this rev. If Intel is smart they will come out with a much improved integrated graphics solution to prevent their clients moving back to Nvidia.

  • http://www.nomadsland.de nomad

    If you compare the Core i3 with the better Core2Duo processors, i guess they do not perfom that much better. Considering the C2D is the "midlevel" chip and the i3 is the lower level i guess that decission toward more power at the GPU was the only wise one Apple could have made.

  • Perspective

    Your individual opinion is meaningless. The market will ultimately accept or reject the 13 in model, but until then, what you or I "opine" is of no real value. Seriously, your post reads like you think Apple just "forgot" to update the 13-in model.

    • Glenn

      My opinion is no more AND no less meaningful than yours, my friend. Yet we all have our opinions, and these websites provide us a place to state those opinions and thoughts so we can enjoy them and have good-spirited debates on them. I do not think Apple "forgot" to update the 13-inch model at all. I do feel the update they gave it is extremely minor, only a 200MHz bump, and considering the age of the processor involved and the fact that every other manufacturer except those of netbooks has moved on to i5 and i7's, makes it "past generation" instead of "current-generation" hardware.

  • nestly

    Hate that I have to buy a 17" model to use my expresscard devices.

  • http://rob-of-cleargraphics.blogspot.com/ cgrscott

    I had always associated the names Intel Core i5 & i7 with new Iintel processors that are quad-core, especially when we are talking about the latest revision of the iMac. Is it true that the new i5 & i7 processors, on these Macbook Pro's, are strictly dual-core?

    • richdooz

      Yes, definitely dual core, still has hyper-threading and Turbo Boost. Pretty sure power consumption is the reason… I have a 17" i7 and it is VERY nice.

  • http://rob-of-cleargraphics.blogspot.com/ cgrscott

    Oh, well. I think the top of the line 15" Macbook Pro has quite a "drool-effect," for sure. :-)

  • http://pinyinonline.com tony

    Hey,Jim! How do u think that will apple let college students get a itouch with a purchase of mac in 2010?

    Hope to get ur answer!

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/jdalrymple Jim Dalrymple

      They usually do as a back to school special, but nobody knows for sure.

  • http://www.servetechnology.com Serve Technology

    Apple has simply chosen to go with superior graphics technology over superior CPU technology. you forgot
    • 10 hours Battery Life
    • 90GB more HD space (160GB vs 250GB)

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    smith

    Serve Technology