Apple Boosts Laptop Speed with MacBook Pro Refresh

Apple quietly updated its MacBook Pro lineup on Monday with faster processors and more powerful video chips. The lineup now starts with at least a 2.4GHz Core i5 processor in the 13-inch model, and a 2.2GHz Core i7 processor in the 15-inch model, and all models include 4GB RAM.

MacBook ProApple’s MacBook Pro lineup

The 13-inch MacBook Pro now includes a 2.4GHz or 2.8GHz Core i5 processor and a 500GB 5400 RPM hard drive. Apple also offers a 2.8GHz Core i7 version with a 750GB hard drive.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro ships with a 2.2GHz Core i7 or 2.4GHz Core i7 processor. The 2.2GHz model includes an AMD Radeon HD 6750 graphics card with 512MB RAM, and a 500GB hard drive, while the 2.4GHz model ships with a AMD Radeon HD 6770M video card with 1GB RAM, and a 750GB hard drive.

Apple’s 17-inch model now ships with a 2.4GHz Core i7 processor, AMD’s Radeon HD 6770M video card with 1GB RAM, and a 750GB hard drive.

All of the models include the standard array of FireWire and USB ports, along with Thunderbolt, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Facetime camera, speakers, and microphone.

Pricing for the laptops hasn’t changed with the 13-inch model starting at US$1,199, the 15-inch model starting at $1,799, and the 17-inch model costing $2,499.