Apple Adds 17-Inch Model to MacBook Pro Line

by , 9:25 AM EDT, April 24th, 2006

Apple on Monday debuted a 17-inch version of the Intel-based MacBook Pro laptop the company introduced during Macworld Expo in January. Selling for US$2,799, the computer will be available next week.

Like its 15-inch cousin, the new MacBook Pro features a built-in iSight Web cam, a MagSafe power adapter that disconnects from the computer should someone trip on the cord, a remote control for use with Front Row, an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot, and a Sudden Motion Sensor that locks the hard drive should it detect a sudden drop. It comes standard with the 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo processor that's a build-to-order option on the 15-inch laptop.

The 17-inch MacBook Pro also differs from the earlier iteration by offering 1680 x 1050 screen resolution, a 120GB 5400 RPM hard drive, a FireWire 800 port in addition to the FireWire 400 and three USB 2.0 ports, and an 8X double-layer SuperDrive. It also comes with 1GB of RAM and an ATI Radeon Mobility X1600 video card with 256MB of Video RAM. AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR wireless networking are also included.

Apple is claiming the new MacBook pro can run up to 5.5 hours on its 68 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery. In comparison, Apple rates the 15-inch MacBook Pro with a 4.5 hour battery life.

As with Apple's other computers, the 17-inch MacBook Pro ships with the latest version of Mac OS X, v10.4.6, as well as iLife '06, which includes the newest iterations of iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb. Build-to-order options include a 7200RPM 100GB hard drive and up to 2GB of RAM.