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June 5, 2007

intel_macs

Apple updates MacBook Pros with better specs, same prices

Posted Jun. 5, ’07, 6:28 AM PT by Aaron Freedman
Category | Hardware » Intel Macs

Newmbp There’s nothing like waking up to an “Apple Store down” post-it on the online Apple Store. The anticipation, the excitement of what new product will be released. Well, this morning, Apple fulfilled one very prevalent rumor that I’ve personally been hoping for — new MacBook Pros.

Today, the MacBook Pros got some updated specs. All of the models feature processor upgrades, from 2 to 2.16GHz on the $2000 model and 2.33 to 2.4GHz on the $2500 and $2800 models. The $2000 model has also gotten 2GB of RAM standard, just like the higher-end Pros, with the mid-end version getting a 160GB hard drive standard, like the 17” laptop. Finally, all of the MacBook Pros received graphics card upgrades, from ATI Radeon X1600s to NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GTs (though the amount of VRAM for each model remained the same). And, of course, prices for all of Apple’s high-end laptops stayed as they were before.

As I personally am in the market for an Apple laptop, these new MacBook Pros seem very enticing, especially as it now once again widens the gap between the standard and pro-level Apple laptops. Of course, with one more rumor now out of the way, what will Apple announce at WWDC?

Update: As Derik reminds me, the MacBook Pros also now have the option to get upgraded to 4GB of RAM, and cost $50 $150 less when you choose a “glossy” screen (wait, could that mean — a “matte tax?” Mac bloggers, start your engines…).

Update 2: Derik now tells me that the “matte tax” disappears when you add a Pro to your cart. Interesting…

Update 3: Wow, yet again I managed to let another piece of MacBook Pro information slip. As commentor Dave-O reminded me, the new 15” MacBook Pros have, as expected, energy-efficeient, mercury-free LED displays. In addition to saving power consumption, this makes the screens lighter and reach their full brightness faster when turned on.


4 Comments

Dave-O said:

Don't forget that the 15" has "a new mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit display."

June 5, 2007 6:48 AM
Jack said:

The 15 inchers have LED backlighting. When you choose the glossy display, the price goes down by $150. does this mean the glossy display is the old flourescent lamp?

I wasn't planning on getting a new laptop, but my parents are shopping for a new laptop and are considering the macbook. I might buy this new 15 inch basic model and give my very capable way more than my parents need one year old model to them. But I have a feeling these things will be even better when Leopard ships. There never is the perfect time, huh.

June 5, 2007 6:57 AM
Alex said:

Also the $1999 MacBook Pro was upgraded from the 2.16Ghz processor to 2.2Ghz. Not 2.0Ghz to 2.16Ghz like the post mentions.

June 5, 2007 7:49 AM
Jason said:

Actually there seems to be a bug in the store. You'll notice that "upgrading" to a 160GB HD also drops the price. But when added to the cart the price jumps back up to the appropriate level.

June 5, 2007 9:35 AM

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