Apple Updates MacBook Pro: Faster, Better Graphics, More

by , 9:15 AM EST, February 26th, 2008

Apple Inc. announced Tuesday an update to the MacBook Pro line. The company introduced new models with 2.4 and 2.5 GHz Core 2 Duo processors -- a build-to-order option for a 2.6 GHz processor is also available. Apple is using Nvidia's GeForce 8600M GT video card with either 256 MB or 512 MB of memory. Lastly, Apple is shipping the MacBook Pros with the Multi-Touch enabled trackpad that was first introduced on the MacBook Air.

The units are housed in the same form factor as the previous generation, and each model continues to ship with 2 GB of RAM with a 4 GB BTO option. 200 GB and 250 GB hard drives are standard, with a 300 GB BTO option available. Each comes with a built-in iSight, 802.11n AirPort, and ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot.

Two other things to note: Glossy screens are a BTO option, not a default choice, and the Apple Remote is now a US$19 add-on.

The new models are available now from the Apple Store in the following configurations:

The 2.4 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

• 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 LCD display
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache
• 800 MHz front-side bus
• 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB
• 200GB 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
• NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB GDDR3 memory
• DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video adapter sold separately)
• built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display
• built-in iSight video camera
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot
• two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
• 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.5 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

• 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 LCD display
• 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache
• 800 MHz front-side bus
• 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB
• 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
• NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB GDDR3 memory
• DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately)
• built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display
• built-in iSight video camera
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot
• two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
• 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.5 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,799 (US), includes:

• 17-inch widescreen 1680 x 1050 LCD display
• 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache
• 800 MHz front-side bus
• 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB
• 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
• NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB GDDR3 memory
• DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately)
• built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display
• built-in iSight video camera
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
• ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot
• three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and
• 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.