Apple Updates MacBook Pro Line with Faster Processors, Next-Gen Graphics

[btarunr]

Apple today updated the MacBook Pro line with faster processors, powerful next-generation NVIDIA graphics and even longer battery life. The popular 13-inch MacBook Pro features the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor for up to 80 percent faster graphics and a groundbreaking 10-hour built-in battery. The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models feature Intel Core i5 and i7 processors and Apple’s new automatic graphics switching technology that toggles seamlessly between powerful NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and energy efficient Intel HD Graphics processors.

“The new MacBook Pro is as advanced on the inside as it is stunning on the outside,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With faster processors, amazing graphics and up to three more hours of battery life, the new MacBook Pro delivers both performance and efficiency.”



All 13-inch MacBook Pro models now include faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 4GB RAM, a 10-hour built-in battery and the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor. With 48 processing cores, the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M is the fastest integrated graphics processor on the market, ideal for graphics intensive applications or high performance games. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in two configurations: one with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 250GB hard drive priced at $1,199; and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 320GB hard drive priced at $1,499.

The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models are up to 50 percent faster than the previous systems.** Using Intel’s state-of-the-art 32 nanometer process, Intel Core i5 and i7 processors integrate the memory controller and Level 3 cache for faster access to system memory. Hyper-Threading technology improves data throughput by creating virtual processing cores, while Turbo Boost optimizes performance between the two processor cores, accelerating the system from 2.66 GHz to 3.06 GHz for intensive dual core tasks, and up to 3.33 GHz for single core tasks.

All 15-inch and 17-inch models include two graphics processors, the new NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M for peak performance and Intel HD Graphics for energy efficient operation. More than twice as fast as the GeForce 320M, the powerful new GeForce GT 330M provides incredibly smooth, crisp on-screen graphics for the most demanding 3D games, creative software and technical applications. Apple’s automatic graphics switching determines which graphics processor an application needs and switches instantly between processors to deliver peak performance and long battery life. Tightly integrated hardware and software allow the new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro to deliver 8 to 9 hours on a single charge.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is available in three models: one with a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 320GB hard drive at $1,799; one with a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive at $1,999; and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive at $2,199. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive for $2,299.

The MacBook Pro glass Multi-Touch trackpad now supports inertial scrolling, an intuitive way to scroll through large photo libraries, lengthy documents and long web sites. All MacBook Pros feature bright, LED-backlit wide-angle displays with a broad color gamut. The 17-inch MacBook Pro includes a high resolution 1920 x 1200 display, and the 15-inch MacBook Pro is now available with an optional high resolution 1680 x 1050 display. Customers can also upgrade their MacBook Pro with new 128GB, 256GB and 512GB solid state drives.

As the industry’s greenest notebook lineup, every Mac notebook achieves EPEAT Gold status and meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly notebook design. Each unibody enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Mac notebooks contain no brominated flame retardants, are PVC-free and are constructed of recyclable materials.

Apple uses advanced chemistry, intelligent monitoring of the system and battery, and Adaptive Charging technology to create a notebook battery that delivers up to 10 hours of wireless productivity on a single charge and up to 1,000 recharges.**** The built-in battery design results in less waste and depleted batteries can be replaced for $129 or $179, which includes installation and disposal of your old battery in an environmentally responsible manner.

All Macs come with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.

Pricing & Availability
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro, 15-inch MacBook Pro, and 17-inch MacBook Pro are now available through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The 2.4 GHz, 13-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US), includes

• 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 1066 MHz front-side bus;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
• NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics;
• 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
• AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• iSight video camera;
• two USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
• SD card slot;
• combined headphone/line in (analog/digital);
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
• built-in, 63.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.66 GHz, 13-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

• 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display;
• 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;
• 1066 MHz front-side bus;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
• NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics;
• 320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
• AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• iSight video camera;
• two USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
• SD card slot;
• combined headphone/line in (analog/digital);
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
• built-in, 63.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the 13-inch MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 320GB 5400 rpm or a 500GB 5400 rpm hard drive, a 128GB, 256GB or 512GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 2.4 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes:

• 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 with 3MB shared L3 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
• integrated Intel HD Graphics + NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete graphics with 256MB of VRAM;
• 320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
• AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• iSight video camera;
• two USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• audio line in (analog/digital);
• audio line out/headphone (analog/digital);
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
• built-in, 77.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
• 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.53 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

• 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
• 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5 with 3MB shared L3 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
• integrated Intel HD Graphics + NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete graphics with 256MB of VRAM;
• 500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
• AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• iSight video camera;
• two USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• audio line in (analog/digital);
• audio line out/headphone (analog/digital);
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
• built-in, 77.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
• 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.66 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,199 (US), includes:

• 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;
• 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 with 4MB shared L3 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
• integrated Intel HD Graphics + NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete graphics with 512MB of VRAM;
• 500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
• AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• iSight video camera;
• two USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• audio line in (analog/digital);
• audio line out/headphone (analog/digital);
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
• built-in, 77.5WHr lithium polymer battery; and
• 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the 15-inch MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a high resolution 15-inch 1680 x 1050 display in glossy and antiglare, a 500GB 5400 rpm or 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB, 256GB or 512GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 2.53 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,299 (US), includes:

• 17-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1920 x 1200, glossy display;
• 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5 with 3MB shared L3 cache;
• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;
• integrated Intel HD Graphics + NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M discrete graphics with 512MB of VRAM;
• 500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• Mini DisplayPort (VGA, DVI and HDMI adapters sold separately);
• AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• iSight video camera;
• three USB 2.0 ports;
• one FireWire 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);
• ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
• audio line in (analog/digital);
• audio line out/headphone (analog/digital);
• glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
• built-in, 95WHr lithium polymer battery; and
• 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the 17-inch MacBook Pro include a 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 memory, a 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB, 256GB or 512GB solid state drive, antiglare display, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

[lukesky]

Uses Optimus technology?

[angelkiller]

WHOO!!

I've never been an Apple fan, but I've been waiting for this update for a while. What realy got me was the amazing battery life. I've never seen a laptop with standard parts. It's pretty incredable. I mean Ci5 + GT330 + Optimus = 8 hours of battery life for basic tasks, and decent graphics perfomance when needed. Most laptops either can't get that kind of idle battery life or they don't have enough GPU power when it's needed.

I know these things are damn expensive. And I've always been a price/performance kind of guy. But I've come to the conclusion that sometimes it' good to have nice stuff. And for something that I will be using for hundreds of hours over the next three to four years, I think the extra money is worth it.

I don't know if I'll be getting one, but it's definitely on my list.

Edit: Apparently these have automatic switachable graphics, but it isn't Nvidia's Optimus. As a consumer, I don't care who makes it, as long as it works.

[freaksavior]

Thanks for posting this i want the new one now. my early 2008 models is umm.. yeah i want a new one.

[Mistral]

...the powerful new GeForce GT 330M provides incredibly smooth, crisp on-screen graphics for the most demanding 3D games...

Oh, how it boggles the mind...

[JATownes]

I posted this at 8:30 CST this morning...and emailed it to BTA

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=120001

No credit. Bummer.

[phanbuey]

I love these laptops.

[Delta6326]

i got a Macbook for free from my school and trust me the battery life only last as long as they say if your backlit is turned all the way down

[NC37]

Well yeah, none of the Apple laptops will do that peak battery time without everything on low. But even when it isn't, from personal experience its still very reasonable and long lasting. Enough to watch a couple movies on.

Not particularly impressed with these new rigs. Personally I think they'd be more attractive getting rid of the dumb dual graphics and just going with a good low high end chip. The last time Apple used anything close to high end in their Pro line was at the end of the Powerbook G4s and that was a 9700 Pro when everyone else had 9800s. So still, Apple went with a lower power chip. But at least it was in the 256bit area instead of these 128s.

Apple is notorious with underclocking the GPUs and not advertising it. I'd suspect they are continuing that with these NV chips after what happened with the last gens from the big NV defect fiasco. In fact, amazing they are still using NV with all the complaints customers had about them overheating. But then Apple does swing between chipmakers a lot over the years. Wouldn't be surprised if Intel had some say in it, which is why we're seeing their craptacular graphics returning.

[Rakesh95]

I think its about time they released this, I've been wanting to get one for ages

[DaveK]

I think it's stupid if they advertise the battery life that is only available with the screen dimmed, it should be done at default settings.

[TheMailMan78]

Why would people buy this crap when they could have this.

[blkhogan]

Originally Posted by TheMailMan78

Why would people buy this crap when they could have this.

That is freaking Awesome. I must have one soon.

[aj28]

Originally Posted by NC37

Well yeah, none of the Apple laptops will do that peak battery time without everything on low. But even when it isn't, from personal experience its still very reasonable and long lasting. Enough to watch a couple movies on.

Not particularly impressed with these new rigs. Personally I think they'd be more attractive getting rid of the dumb dual graphics and just going with a good low high end chip. The last time Apple used anything close to high end in their Pro line was at the end of the Powerbook G4s and that was a 9700 Pro when everyone else had 9800s. So still, Apple went with a lower power chip. But at least it was in the 256bit area instead of these 128s.

Apple is notorious with underclocking the GPUs and not advertising it. I'd suspect they are continuing that with these NV chips after what happened with the last gens from the big NV defect fiasco. In fact, amazing they are still using NV with all the complaints customers had about them overheating. But then Apple does swing between chipmakers a lot over the years. Wouldn't be surprised if Intel had some say in it, which is why we're seeing their craptacular graphics returning.

As a business decision, Intel would rather nVidia not provide the graphics. They want AMD around because it prevents (most) potential anti-trust scuffles, while at the same time not taking up much market share, thus they're not much of a threat to their business. nVidia, on the other hand, could easily trample Intel's chipset business given the proper licenses. Tegra also competes (or will compete) with Intel on the mobile front in smartphones-to-come.

As for the nVidia deal, that was an issue with bad solder rather than a chip design defect, so as much as I am not a fan and was really hoping for an HD5K, there's nothing particularly wrong with the nVidia chips. Besides, Apple has more mature drivers for them right now anyway. I suspect the main reason they didn't go AMD this round is because of Optimus, and Apple is all about keeping things simple. That, and they needed something to balance out the increased wattage of the i5/i7 chips. The transition will happen when/if AMD decides to step it up and make its mobile graphics play nice with the other team. AMD mobile CPUs suck, despite the strength of the overall platform. Apple wants them, as evidenced by the current high-end iMac and previous experience on the mobile front during the 9K era, but they're just not giving them as good of a deal as nVidia is right now from a tech perspective.

On the battery issue, I'd like to go ahead and put it out there that I've had very good experiences with Apple notebooks in the past, including those with dedicated graphics. All manufacturers overestimate battery life, but this really is one of the more efficient ones out there. While there's no way of telling how they measured it, I would go out on a limb and peg the tests at about 50% brightness, which is what is set by default when you unplug the AC. Being an LED screen, it doesn't make a huge amount of difference anyway, so that would be the least of my suspicions.

With all of that said, ASUS ftw! If ASUS designed a connector for their laptops similar to Apple's MagSafe, I would be all over their notebooks. Windows 7 did wonders for Microsoft's image and overall usability issues, and ASUS has the best warranty and support in the business as far as I'm concerned, not to mention the advantage of actually producing most of the hardware in the units. Having used a MacBook Pro with the MagSafe connector though, I gotta say, the smallest things make all the difference in the world.

[EDIT]

Apple citation for the battery life test is as follows:

"The wireless productivity test measures battery life by wirelessly browsing various websites and editing text in a word processing document with display brightness set to 50%."

So basically what you would get sitting in a library doing homework, though personally I would aim for 70% brightness in most situations.

[/EDIT]

[MN12BIRD]

Originally Posted by TheMailMan78

Why would people buy this crap when they could have this.

Hrm I dunno some people actually want balance (performance, battery life, size and weight)

[option350z]

Gotta love Intel in these moments. They usually supply Apple at the last moment. Good job Apple for still using core 2's with DDR3 lol!

[angelkiller]

Originally Posted by TheMailMan78

Why would people buy this crap when they could have this.

Good poi- BATTERY LIFE.

Seriously though. I think this depends on what you want in a notebook. If I want power, I use a desktop. If I'm on a laptop, the primary goal is to be as portable as possible. When I use a laptop, I have no need for all that power. I use a laptop to take notes in class, surf the web, email, etc. Do I really need a grapihcs card to with GTX in its name to do that? I also don't see the appeal of gaming laptops. You're going to spend all that money so you can play games everywhere you go? Pass.

Originally Posted by option350z

Gotta love Intel in these moments. They usually supply Apple at the last moment. Good job Apple for still using core 2's with DDR3 lol!

How is this bad? Core 2 has very little competition, which is why Intel has been using it for like three or four years now.

[option350z]

Originally Posted by angelkiller

Good poi- BATTERY LIFE.

Seriously though. I think this depends on what you want in a notebook. If I want power, I use a desktop. If I'm on a laptop, the primary goal is to be as portable as possible. The times that I do use a laptop, I have no need for all that power anyways.


How is this bad? Core 2 has very little competition, which is why Intel has been using it for like three or four years now.

Its not at all bad for Intel, but as I recall the chip set that utilized ddr3 made no difference because it was not properly utilized like Nehalem or Deneb. So its a another way for Apple all these years to jack up the price.

[ToTTenTranz]

Wow... Apple is actually recycling the 3-year-old 9600M GT for their laptops? Again?!

How come the title says "next gen graphics"?
The GT320M is just a rename of the old-as-hell 9600M GT (= desktop 9500 GT, 32 thirty-piss-poor-two shaders) and the GT330M is a rename of the desktop GT220 with 48 forty-misery-eight shaders.

And only the two most expensive models have more than 256MB of graphics ram? WTF is RAM that expensive for Apple?!?


There are now 800€ laptops being sold with the Mobility HD5650 1GB, a 400-shader GPU wich has about 3-4 times the performance of the "new" GT320M.


6 months after the first DX11 card being launched and 3 months after the first DX11-enabled laptop being in the market, it takes a lot of nerve to say the new crApples have "next-gen graphics". One is DX10 which it's been around for 4 years and the other is DX10.1 which came out 3 years ago.

[btarunr]

Originally Posted by JATownes

I posted this at 8:30 CST this morning...and emailed it to BTA

http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=120001

No credit. Bummer.

I'm sorry. Let's hear it for JATownes.

So much good mail get lost in Russian купить дешевые Виагра spam.

[Mussels]

ack, they're just way too expensive... $1500 USD and only 1280x800?

[LAN_deRf_HA]

Why refresh? The only spec most mac buyers look at is screen size.

[Wile E]

Meh. Their laptops are still overpriced. I'd rather grab an Asus, and put Hackintosh on it.

[cool_recep]

Yeah, next gen...with DirectX 10....

[wahdangun]

next gen card

maybe they meant the next rename card