Apple Updates MacBook Pro, Intros Thunderbolt Interface [UPDATED]

Apple introduced new MacBook Pro models Thursday morning sporting what the company is calling the Thunderbolt high-speed I/O along with more powerful graphics and faster processors.

True to rumors, the Thunderbolt connector is the same as the Mini Display Port found on previous models which means the video adapters users already own can still be used with the new laptops. Thunderbolt offers two bi-directional channels that support 10Gbps data transfer speeds, and Apple says it supports current FireWire, USB and Gigabit Ethernet devices with adapters.

Apple’s new MacBook Pro lineup

Apple’s updated 15.4-inch and 17-inch models include quad-core Intel Core i7 processors, and the 13.3-inch model is available with dual core i5 or i7 processors. The 15- and 17-inch models now ship with AMD Radeon video processors, and the lineup includes a higher resolution camera dubbed the FaceTime HD camera.

The 13-inch and 15-inch models include a FireWire 800 port, two USB 2.0 ports, a single Thunderbolt port, and an SDXC camera card slot. The 17-inch model ships with a FireWire 800 port, three USB 2.0 ports, a single Thunderbolt port, an ExpressCard/34 slot. All three models include a MagSafe power connector, Kensington lock slot, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet, audio in and out ports, built-in microphone, and stereo speakers.

Apple’s new Thunderbolt port

The 13-inch model is available with a dual-core 2.3GHz Core i5 or 2.7GHz Core i7 processor, 4GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics with 384MB RAM, a 320GB 5400 RPM hard drive, 8x SuperDrive, glossy display, and up to seven hours battery life. It weighs in at 4.5 pounds, and is 0.95-inches thick.

The 15-inch model is available with a quad-core 2.0GHz or 2.3GHz Core i7 processor, 4GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics card with 256MB RAM or an AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 1GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 382MB RAM and automatic graphics switching, a 500GB hard drive, 8x SuperDrive, glossy or matte display options, and up to seven hours battery life. It weighs in at 5.6 pounds and is 0.95-inches thick.

The 17-inch MacBook Pro ships with a quad-core 2.2GHz or 2.3GHz Core i7 processor, 4GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics card with 1GB RAM and Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 684MB RAM and automatic graphics switching, a 750GB hard drive, 8x SuperDrive, glossy or matte display options, and up to seven hours battery life. It weighs 6.6 pounds and is 0.98-inches thick.

Pricing starts at US$1,199 for the 13-inch model, $1,700 for the 15-inch model, and $2,499 for the 17-inch model.

[Updated with additional product specifications.]