New MacBook Pro models are out now

After an early morning bit of store downtime, Apple has released new MacBook Pro models this morning, as rumored/longed for/expected lo these many weeks. The 15" and 17" models now use the i5 and i7 Intel dual-core processors (at 2.4, 2.53GHz or 2.66Ghz, respectively -- gigahertz numbers no longer displayed quite so prominently on the product page), giving them a big performance boost and permitting hyperthreading (up to 4 virtual cores).

They also include the GeForce GT 330M graphics chip, and ~~the NVIDIA-driven~~ ~~Optimus~~ technology to switch from the high-end video subsystem to integrated graphics on the fly to improve power management -- this used to involve a logout/login cycle, but now simply requires that you transform your laptop into a giant robot. (No, not really.)

[Although NVIDIA does market their Optimus tech for dynamic GPU switching, the company tells AppleInsider that Apple is not using it for the implementation on the new MBPs. –MR]

The improved power handling lets the 15" and 17" models go up to 8-9 hours on one battery charge. All MBPs now include 4GB of RAM standard.

The 15" model adds new display options: the normal, glossy 1440x900 screen, or a denser 1680x1050 panel with either glossy or matte coatings. The 17" display is a glossy 1920x1200 behemoth.

The 13" keeps the Core 2 Duo chip but bumps up maximum speed to 2.66GHz, and adds the GeForce 320M graphics card. Battery life is up to 10 hours.

The 13" low-end unit price is $1199; the top-end 17" model now goes for $2299 but does not include the i7 chip, which is only available as a preconfigured option on the highest-end 15" ($2199). You can get the i7 as a BTO option on the 17" model.

More in a moment...

Thanks to everyone for your tips and tweets.

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Source: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/performance.html

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Macbook Pro

After an early morning bit of store downtime, Apple has released new MacBook Pro models this morning, as rumored/longed for/expected lo...

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Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010

With Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010 in the market, i think the consumers will be in great problem regarding which system to buy and which not to. I personally will go for Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010.

Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010

May 12 2010 at 8:19 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Maldonado Walton

Started t-break a good ten years back and the fun factor graph has risen tremendously at the expense of the inversely proportionate income level graph.

Nitro Force

April 18 2010 at 11:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Justin

I bought mine on Tuesday. They told me it was the newer model. The model id is MacBook Pro 7,1. Is that the newest one. I got the 13 inch, $1099 version.

April 15 2010 at 1:13 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Kesh

Does anyone know the exact model of the Intel core i7 2.66 processor for MBP 15"

It's the mobile version and as stated at apple store it has 4MB L3 cache, but some other sites are reporting it as having 6MB L3 cache.

I thought that the i7's were quad core....or is it dual core for mobile.

I'm confused....appreciate your response, cheers!

April 14 2010 at 3:30 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

claude.suddreth

It's about time! I have been waiting for this update since December! Off to the Apple Store I go!

April 13 2010 at 4:06 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Exxqulood

the i7 options are almost insulting. Who are apples pro users? I wrote a blogpost in december about this impending change and turns out all my suspicions were right.

Apple really needs to get a better grip on what it considers "Professional". They dropped the ExpressCard slot (which can easily do memory card reading, along with a million other things), They put relatively sub-par graphics, and a castrated CPU in the latest models... No USB 3.0 --- ugh, I was really looking forward to getting a Quad-Core i7 w/ 12GB of tripple-channel DDR, and a respectable video card with 1GB of memory... but no... they release this ---- crap.

April 13 2010 at 2:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

h0mi

Decisions decisions. I was planning on buying a white macbook last year but changed my mind, waiting for this refresh. Seeing the $1200 mbp... do I jump on the 15" instead or not. I guess I'm gonna have to hit the apple store soon and take a look.

April 13 2010 at 1:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Just got one.

April 13 2010 at 1:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Craig

You can still get the matte display on the 17", it's still an option on the store. I think they just said glossy because it's the default (and the matte is $50 more).

April 13 2010 at 1:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

rvinny

had a 1st gen Intel MBP that served me well - considering I keep my laptops 2-3 years and travel, I am willing to pay extra for the durability, slim design and easy upgrades.

I used the refresh as an opportunity to get a great discount on what was yesterday their best 15" laptop. $350 off. (200 end of life +150 education)

April 13 2010 at 12:59 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply