Apple Launches MacBook Pros with Thunderbolt, Quad Core CPUs, AMD GPUs

[onlymiah]

Is it just me...or do iPod's, iPhones and iPad's have a hidden Firewire 800 port I know nothing about??

From the specs for the new MBP:

With the new Thunderbolt port, you can daisy-chain as many as six devices, including your display, to create a full-fledged workstation. Two USB 2.0 ports (three on the 17-inch MacBook Pro) and a FireWire 800 port let you connect your iPad, iPod, iPhone, digital cameras, and external hard drives.

[shastapete]

A few comments on looking at the image below:

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/203/compareyy.jpg

In RED - how do they justify charging 1799 for such an inferior chip in comparison?

In YELLOW - 1499 for this chip, really apple?

I still love my unibody macbook.

They justify it by doubling the cores, giving you a larger screen, and discreet graphics

[mgkimsal]

If this is using the minidisplay port, how would I hook up an external monitor as well as 'thunderbolt-enabled' storage? There's one reference to 'daisy chaining' but my monitor doesn't look like it could be part of a chain. Will we face another round of new adapters/connectors?

[Capote]

Am I to understand that a fully specced 15 inch has no advantage over a 17 inch except for screen size/rez.? I know that the numbers are on the site, but I'm not overly tech savvy and perhaps there's a detail I overlooked. I always presumed I'd just get a 17, but if it's another grand or so just for a bigger screen.... hell, perhaps a 15 is the way to go. Usually the 17 has something extra to recommend it.

[FuFuFu]

I hope Mac OS X Lion will support TRIM for SSDs ... !

The 17" with 2.3 processor is nice ... RAM and SSD upgrade will not come from apple their prices are 2x higher than street prices atm.
Then you have a very powerfull workstation with a good battery life.

[mobilehavoc]

How hard is it on these new laptops (assume same build as current) to replace the hard drive? On my unibody Macbook 2008 it's a breeze because it's under the replaceable battery.

Reason I'm asking is I'm tempted to upgrade but I have a 256GB SSD (amazing) that I want to move over to the new laptop. I guess I would setup the new macbook using Time Machine and thenc lone the new system to my SSD then pop the SSD in. I just need to know how tough it is to replace the existing HDD.

[aristokrat]

Agh, please stop with the battery complaints. They changed their measurements, but it's still the same life.

Which laptop didn't get changed today? The MacBook.
What was the MacBook's previous battery life? 10 hours, same as 13" MBP.
What is the MacBook's newly listed life? 7 hours

This means that 7 new hours = 10 old hours. QED.

[shindelins]

what a minial update. there's still really no incentive to move up from my 07 yet. when's the next projected update again?

[Padraig]

I'm pretty sure your prices include your ridiculously high VAT, ours do not include any tax (which will be added to the final price). Also, if you want to get mad at someone, I'd bet your protectionary import tariffs probably have something to do with higher costs to Apple as well.

Someone has to pay for the NHS, why not you!

Wow.. so much fail. Bet you watch Fox news.

[sazza85]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-gb) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

Uk stores seem to be unaware of when they'll be getting stock...

[cmaier]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Mobile/8C148)

2,3GHZ core i3 thats nothing faster than the previous C2D 2,4Ghz.
It's just a new name for almost the same processor

You, sir, are hilarious.

[KPOM]

I wanted to buy two MBPs now I am possibly going to buy a single last model C2D and wait for the 2012 refresh. Disappointing.
All it would have taken:

13" with decent CPU and solid GPU.
Superdrive inside.
I would have killed to have a black/gunmetal/dark alu chassis.

Price, glossy/matte, SSD, Thundercat, none of that mattered to me.

Well it does have a SuperDrive and a decent CPU. The 2.3GHz Core i5 and 2.7GHz Core i7 smoke the Core 2 Duo you are considering. The GPU is a step backward (Apple is conspicuously silent about it), though it will be OK for regular video streaming and iTunes. Are you a gamer? If so, I agree you'll be better off waiting for the 2012 refresh.

Why specifically, do you need the SuperDrive inside? Do you watch a lot of movies? If not, I've found that I rarely use the external SuperDrive that I purchased 3 years ago for my Rev A MacBook Air (and have carried forward to the Rev D).

[aristokrat]

Is it just me...or do iPod's, iPhones and iPad's have a hidden Firewire 800 port I know nothing about??

From the specs for the new MBP:

With the new Thunderbolt port, you can daisy-chain as many as six devices, including your display, to create a full-fledged workstation. Two USB 2.0 ports (three on the 17-inch MacBook Pro) and a FireWire 800 port let you connect your iPad, iPod, iPhone, digital cameras, and external hard drives.

(Two USB ports + 1 FW800 port) let you connect devices. You parsed the sentence wrong.

[pmz]

Wtf....

13" is a joke

15" is $500 overpriced.

And No SSDs!!!

Laughable.

[macsmurf]

Even the 11" MBA has more pixels on screen than the MBP 13". I wonder what segment the latter caters to?

[KPOM]

If this is using the minidisplay port, how would I hook up an external monitor as well as 'thunderbolt-enabled' storage? There's one reference to 'daisy chaining' but my monitor doesn't look like it could be part of a chain. Will we face another round of new adapters/connectors?

I'm guessing there will be an adapter for the port to enable connecting two devices to it.

[gnasher729]

A few comments on looking at the image below:

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/203/compareyy.jpg

In RED - how do they justify charging 1799 for such an inferior chip in comparison?

In YELLOW - 1499 for this chip, really apple?

I still love my unibody macbook.

GHz have become more complicated. :D

All the new Intel chips change their clock speed depending on how many cores you are using. That's because the heat production is the main problem that keeps the clock speed down; so if only one core is working, you can run faster.

Both processors can run a single core at 3.4 GHz for a short time.
Both processors can run two cores at 2.7 GHz for infinite time.
The quad core processor can run four cores at 2.0 GHz for infinite time.

So the dual core is advertised as "2.7 GHz" and the quad core as "2.0 GHz" even when they actually run at the same speed.


If this is using the minidisplay port, how would I hook up an external monitor as well as 'thunderbolt-enabled' storage? There's one reference to 'daisy chaining' but my monitor doesn't look like it could be part of a chain. Will we face another round of new adapters/connectors?

Your monitor can be the end of the chain :-)
Any hard drive or other peripheral that is "thunderbolt-enabled" would have one connector going in, and one connector going out. New monitors should have the same, so that you can plug the first hard drive into the MacBook, the second hard drive into the first hard drive, your new monitor into the second hard drive, and your old monitor without the second connector goes into the new monitor.


NONONONO, They "Apple" just miscalculated how to messare the battery life on the previous model and had to adjust to more real world figures....You know sort of how they "miscalculated" attenea/singnal strenth relative to "bars" on aonther one of their products.....:rolleyes:


EDIT: I JUST SEE THAT IT SAYS UP TO 7 HOURS OF "WIRELESS WEB".
So maybe the 10 hours on the previous model was say word processing with wifi turned off....????

Also you are telling me I can get a better display on MBA?!?!?!?!:eek:

That's the problem with battery life. "7 hours battery life" is about as meaningful as saying "the petrol tank in my car lasts for 7 hours".

[BryanLyle]

How hard is it on these new laptops (assume same build as current) to replace the hard drive?

I'm sure Apple is using the new screws that are present on the Macbook Airs. That will make it a PITA to open up w/out a proper screwdriver.

[Shivetya]

Lets examine that $2199 price of the quad core 15 inch laptop.

In reality it probably is closer to 2499. Is the non glare screen option going to be free? Who in the hell is going to put up with 1400x900? So at least $100 more for the upgrade. Toss on three years of Apple Care and this thing gets far past stupid in pricing.

[Lomat]

I should have you note that Apple notebooks have been cheaper lately than they've been in YEARS.

Back in 2003, to pick up a 15" Powerbook G4 you had to START at $2500 for a decent system!

Now you can get a 15" Macbook Pro for $1700 and on top of that, the dollar isn't worth as much as it used to be so it's even less.

Stop bitching about pricing, people. And you can't compare Macbooks to cheap flimsy plasticy Dell/HP stuff. I'm sorry, but no.

Edit for those who don't believe me: http://web.archive.org/web/20030402060702/www.apple.com/powerbook/index15.html

+1

well said :) Even my old 12" PB is better than some of the new notebook these days, BTW still working perfectly with only new battery ;)

[AppleChap]

The GPU used on the 13", the Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory, is roughly comparable to the previously used 320M isn't it? Is that because it uses 384MB? The 320M used 256MB didn't it? The new Intel one has to sap another bunch of memory to get similar performance? How irritating. Had the battery remained at 10 hours I wouldn't be fussed, but sheesh. Unfortunate. Still, lovely computers indeed.

[onlymiah]

(Two USB ports + 1 FW800 port) let you connect devices. You parsed the sentence wrong.

Silly me. I got up too early.

[Daviii]

I'm so glad that I bought my 13" for the 2010 refresh when it had a GOOD graphics card in it.

The new 15/17 's look nice though, albeit expensive. Never heard of those nvidia cards before.

Oh pleasee... If you need to convince yourself to avoid buyer's remorse, it's ok.

That doesn't change the fact that the intel HD 3000 has roughly the same power than the nvidia 320M, give or take, and certainly doesn't either change the brutal superiority the new i5-2410M has over the P8600, any day, any time.

Any of those new MBP is better than the old version, without hesitation, and at the same pricetag. Certainly buying the computer again is quite unnecessary, but it feels really stupid "to be glad" of having bought the old one.

[orfeas0]

A few comments on looking at the image below:

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/203/compareyy.jpg

In RED - how do they justify charging 1799 for such an inferior chip in comparison?

In YELLOW - 1499 for this chip, really apple?

I still love my unibody macbook.

the 15" is quad-core, not dual core. it's a lot better.

Another thing: Apple says the 13" core i5 2,3ghz has 3mb cache. If you look at intel's site, there's only 1 cpu with 2,3ghz and has 6mb cache, while there is only 1 cpu with 3mb cache and it's 2,7ghz.
Here it is :
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2847/newbitmapimagedj.png (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/newbitmapimagedj.png/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

edit: I just realised there is only 1 dual-core core i5, and it's the one with 3mb cache and 2,7ghz.
So are we basically getting an underclocked i5-2390T ?

[airplaneman]

A few comments on looking at the image below:

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/203/compareyy.jpg

In RED - how do they justify charging 1799 for such an inferior chip in comparison?

In YELLOW - 1499 for this chip, really apple?

I still love my unibody macbook.

Look again - dual vs. quad core. Also, I think the GPU is integrated into the CPU, so Apple doesn't have many options there.

[ready2switch]

...

You really have to hate Windows something fierce to be ok with this...

...

I really hate Windows something fierce... :D

[KPOM]

Is it just me...or do iPod's, iPhones and iPad's have a hidden Firewire 800 port I know nothing about??

From the specs for the new MBP:

With the new Thunderbolt port, you can daisy-chain as many as six devices, including your display, to create a full-fledged workstation. Two USB 2.0 ports (three on the 17-inch MacBook Pro) and a FireWire 800 port let you connect your iPad, iPod, iPhone, digital cameras, and external hard drives.

Your English teacher can help. ;)

They are referring to the USB 2.0 ports, there. The combination of ports let you connect all those devices.

[Tears Apart]

Aren't these great news for gamers? (those who have $$$, granted)

[genosseinski]

Agh, please stop with the battery complaints. They changed their measurements, but it's still the same life.

Which laptop didn't get changed today? The MacBook.
What was the MacBook's previous battery life? 10 hours, same as 13" MBP.
What is the MacBook's newly listed life? 7 hours

This means that 7 new hours = 10 old hours. QED.

good point ;)
Well-observed. Although I did not know they claimed 10hrs for the MB beforehand..

[sixpenny]

What about Intel Wireless Display (Wi-Di) support?

[applefan289]

the real question now is, whether to get this minor update, or wait 6 months and get a complete update/redesign. this is my first mb and im the type of person who needs to have the latest and greatest. so, should i wait it out till the next complete update (which will probably be in 6 or so months) or jump on it now and probably kick myself 6 months from now when theres a huge update and im stuck with last generation? :confused: :confused: :confused:

You can't think like that. I bought a Samsung 55" 8000 right when it came out for over $3000, and then it went from edge-lit to local-dimming, and from local-dimming to 3D, now soon to come, 3D to no bezel, etc.

Even though there will be a newer product coming out, you can't think that way. Enjoy the one you bought - if you have an Apple product, you're luckier because they tend to retain the futuristic look years from now. I have a 3G iPad that I bought about 5 months ago, an iMac that I bought 1 year and 3 months ago, and a TV I bought 1 year and 9 months ago. I am still very happy with them and will stick with them until they no longer have the performance or they break.

THEN I will buy a new one.

Don't let Best Buy's Buy Back Program brainwash you into the ridiculous mindset!

[MingCrystal]

I'm curious new CPU spec is one of Sandy Bridge, isn't?

Sorry, I don't know much about hardware.

[ms5joseph]

The 13" display is still at 1280x800. The 13" Macbook Air has a 1440x900. I am finding this really hard to understand. This is the only thing keeping me from my first Mac laptop purchase. The 15" is a little to big for my taste. Oh well, maybe next year...

[dallas112678]

is it me, or has the quoted battery life gone down from ten hours to seven?

http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/features.html#battery

With a quad core processor, i'm not surprised.

I never thought they would put a quad core in the 15" until ivy bridge, yet they've put them in both models. I'd say this is the most significant update by far in a very long time spec wise.

[rendyr]

I guess I will be waiting for another 300 days to wait a new Macbook Pro

My Macbook Aluminum 2.0 is slow, low battery, and other. I was ready to buy a new 13" mbp but with Intel Graphics 3000 (not nVidia 330M or AMD??!!!), no design revision, screen resolution still 1280x800 :mad: no thanks...

But I interested with 15" mbp. Same battery with 13", AMD graphics card, 1400x900 screen resolution. But still no design revision. And 15" MBP is $1800... i have to spend +700$ from Mbp 13".

I guess I will wait next update or next design revision. I think my current mb is not too old because it has same design with newest mbp :)

[bboylayz]

In theory with Thunderbolt's 10gb/s bandwidth, how many 2560x1600 displays can you daisy chain? My dream is to have 2 maybe 3 of those. I have 3 1920x1200 monitors hooked up to my early 2008 MBP, (one DVI, and the other two using one of those USB to DVI devices - terrible refresh rate but great for static content).

Won't a single 2560x1600 display effectively eat up the majority of that 10gb/s? When I heard about lightpeak, I was excited cause I thought they'd be running a bunch of ports, not just one.

Nobody knows eh? Guess I'll just have to wait to find out :(

[finnns2000]

Underwhelming but I need a new laptop asap, here we go...

Not happy about the base 13" being $1199, might as well get the $1499 one for those specs.

[Jeff Flowerday]

Wow! They dumped 1680x1050 on the 15".

[mgkimsal]

Agh, please stop with the battery complaints. They changed their measurements, but it's still the same life.

Which laptop didn't get changed today? The MacBook.
What was the MacBook's previous battery life? 10 hours, same as 13" MBP.
What is the MacBook's newly listed life? 7 hours

This means that 7 new hours = 10 old hours. QED.

I thought they'd changed the measurements earlier last year as well?

Not complaining - my 2010 mbp used to report 8-9 hours *often* after a charge. In the past few months, it generally shows 5-6. So, even with a '10 hour life' as rated last year, I'm realistically getting 6-7 out of a charge. Bit of a letdown, but still not bad.

Annoying that they trumpeted it so much last year - and my screen was reporting 9-10 sometimes at first. :/

[dangoland]

At the bottom where it says configure to order:

Configure to order

* 750GB (5400-rpm) hard drive
* 500GB (7200-rpm) hard drive
* 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB solid-state drive
* Up to 8GB of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
* 1680-by-1050 high-resolution glossy display
* 1680-by-1050 high-resolution antiglare display
* Apple Remote
* Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter
* Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter
* Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
* MagSafe Airline Adapter
* AppleCare Protection Plan
* Aperture
* Final Cut Express
* Logic Express
* iWork


Im sure theyd charge a pretty penny, but the option is there.

[Thunderhawks]

Someone stole my 'Thunder' :)

You're not alone

[thegorgatron]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

I noticed that the battery life went down to 7 hours in all models. For those of you who have the 2010 13" model, did it really get up to 10 hours of battery?

I have a White Macbook, got it in September when they were advertising 10hrs. You can get to or close to 10 hrs if you have the airport off. If you notice they added a little thing under the 7hrs saying wireless web (I'm pretty sure it wasn't there before, but my memory could be failing me) which is about what I have gotten in actual practice with the airport on.

I don't think anything has changed with the battery they are just adjusting what they are saying because the only way to get the battery life they were previously advertising was to use the machine in a way few people would really use it. Most people are going to be using the web most of the time.

[ratinakage]

Hi,

I see on the website they mention: "or 512GB solid-state drive6".

How does this compare to the 16GB SSD that everyone was hoping for...?

[TheNewDude]

Even the 11" MBA has more pixels on screen than the MBP 13". I wonder what segment the latter caters to?

Yeah, the screen on the 13" is the biggest disappointment for me. Even the 13" MBA has better resolution.

I was thinking of unloaded my 2010 13" and getting this one, now I will just wait for the next model.

[milescortez]

I know a lot less than most of my other geek friends in here---I am working hard on it though. All in all I am impressed. I had my 2008 macbook unibody with 6GB of RAM and a new battery listed yesterday in the 750 to 850 range. I need to sell it. I want the stock higher end 15'' to drop a 128SSD in and a 750GB 7200 into the optical drive. Bump the RAM to 8 and I can't imagine needing another laptop for at least 4 years---not to say I won't WANT one! I don't do gaming but I do a lot of Handbrake conversions in 1080p and that Quad Core i7 is going to make my 2.4 C2D look like the Dark Ages since HB does utilize all 4 cores.

I've got a nerd boner.

[Politis]

The Price: $$$$$$$$$ WRONG

The upgrades: Upgrades???? :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

And no matte for the 13''

[cmaier]

I'm so glad that I bought my 13" for the 2010 refresh when it had a GOOD graphics card in it.

The new 15/17 's look nice though, albeit expensive. Never heard of those nvidia cards before.

that's because they are not cards, and they are not made by nvidia.

In fact, your 13" also does not have a graphics CARD in it.

Given those mistakes, maybe you are also wrong about the relative merits of these machines versus last year's?

[TheAustrianGuy]

I had hoped I could get away with a 13".
Will have to buy a 15", though.

:)

[Tears Apart]

Wow! They dumped 1680x1050 on the 15".

No they did not. Look again.

[whyzdom]

You're not alone


Let me go load up on beans and i can give you both some of your thunder back.

[APMacLover]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

I noticed that the battery life went down to 7 hours in all models. For those of you who have the 2010 13" model, did it really get up to 10 hours of battery?

I have a White Macbook, got it in September when they were advertising 10hrs. You can get to or close to 10 hrs if you have the airport off. If you notice they added a little thing under the 7hrs saying wireless web (I'm pretty sure it wasn't there before, but my memory could be failing me) which is about what I have gotten in actual practice with the airport on.

I don't think anything has changed with the battery they are just adjusting what they are saying because the only way to get the battery life they were previously advertising was to use the machine in a way few people would really use it. Most people are going to be using the web most of the time.

Oh ok, this helps a lot. Thanks a ton!

[unknown mr T]

how mucht will a BTO base 13 inch mbp with 128 gb SSD cost? bacause I think I am going for a mba now :S

[troller]

Sorry but an i7-Dual or Quad makes no sense with a 5400rpm Drive!!! WTF do they think?

Hackintosh, here I come

[Untouchab1e]

The crazy low-res screen on the MPB13 alone prevents me from buying it. I just find it very hard to understand it when the Macbook Air gets it but no the Macbook Pro..

[quickmac]

You'll need to spend $2199 to play anything decent, even World of Warcraft (which they show on the site) at medium settings at the native resolution.

Battery Life has possibly gone down.

LightPeak, cool but it's not going to be used for a while.

No SSD boot drive.

No screen resolution increase.

No physical changes.


You really have to hate Windows something fierce to be ok with this...I honestly thought the $500 computer specs in a $1200 computer would end when the Core2Duo was replaced, but looks like it isn't. I really thought this was going to be my first Mac, looks like it won't be.

Are they putting this crap out as a place holder for a bigger refresh or is Apple just an iOS device maker now?

Where are the stats stating this new laptop can only play WoW on medium? I have a mid-2009 Macbook Pro with the discreet NVidia 9600M GT 512MB dedicated. I play a bunch of games and also run Valve's Steam on both OS X and Bootcamp. I'll admit when I had a 2006 Macbook it had terrible integrated graphics and could barely handle Warcraft 3 on low... but times have rapidly changed. I expect this new setup to be able to play some of the latest games on high settings for some time easily. I take my current 2009 to LANs and while we tend to play some older games (Left 4 Dead 2, Modern Warfare 2, Blur) its completely wrong to say it can't handle a weak game like WoW.


I don't think battery life has gone down, it says "7 hours of battery life with wireless web...before the battery life estimate was with WiFi off, not on."

Lightpeak is cool but ahead of its time Ill agree.

SSD still isn't cheap technology, why increase the cost with a separate boot drive? Although they could have added a 750GB hard drive standard to increase space.

Screen and physical design - I don't think Apple changes the screens and physical design too often and why bother? If they change it too often that increases design and building costs passed onto the consumer...if they want to hit the same price points they'd have to skimp on the specs inside and I'd rather pay for good specs inside than a physical redesign.

I used to be like you a Windows user (had a few desktops and laptops) and one day made the change to Mac. Those $500 Windows laptops look tempting (although they are far inferior spec wise when compared to the MBP, you might be thinking of $1000 Windows machine compared to the 1700 MBP) until you realize the quality is terrible.

Remember laptops are meant to be moved around and used often, the build quality of Windows laptops are usually pretty low and parts aren't that good. You'll get maybe 2 years out of a Windows laptop. Plus with Mac the OS is designed to work with the specific components in the computer. Also consider the resale value of Macs actually exists unlike Windows laptops. I'll be able to sell my 2009 for a minimum of $500 easy next year if I want, probably more.

[Yin]

They changed their test since the new MBA to be more realistic, at least this is my explanation.

i'm fully aware of this fact. nevertheless this is disappointing. the only changes were the cpu and the thunderbold port... the rest stayed the same or became worse

[trip1ex]

Thunderbolt must cost some $$$$$ because there aren't too many updates in this thing. Granted i5 is a faster cpu than many thought would be in the 13", but at the same time memory prices have dropped alot in the past year. So wouldn't those cancel out?

And that's about it for updates anyone cares about. A slight hd bump both in storage and camera terms won't mean much to anybody.

[xper]

Sorry but an i7-Dual or Quad makes no sense with a 5400rpm Drive!!! WTF do they think?
Why making such a huge deal about it? Just buy a 7200rpm or SSD, that it has 5400 as standard doesnt mean ****.

[KPOM]

Wtf....


And No SSDs!!!

Laughable.

SSDs are a custom option, the same as before. Overall, these are much better than the outgoing models, apart from the 13" integrated graphics adapter, and available for the same price.

[Thunderhawks]

I guess I will be waiting for another 300 days to wait a new Macbook Pro

My Macbook Aluminum 2.0 is slow, low battery, and other. I was ready to buy a new 13" mbp but with Intel Graphics 3000 (not nVidia 330M or AMD??!!!), no design revision, screen resolution still 1280x800 :mad: no thanks...

But I interested with 15" mbp. Same battery with 13", AMD graphics card, 1400x900 screen resolution. But still no design revision. And 15" MBP is $1800... i have to spend +700$ from Mbp 13".

I guess I will wait next update or next design revision. I think my current mb is not too old because it has same design with newest mbp :)

I bought a 17 " c2 on ebay for $ 725, put a bigger HD in it $ 100.
and it all works great for what I do. That was a $ 2,500 plus machine new)

Bought some 15's too that way

So, I will be waiting for all the "must have the latest" to dump their i7's etc.
to pick one up cheap.

Most of the "spec" complainers have gotten along with their MBP's (as in doing what they have to do with their MBP) and now the world caves in because it doesn't have this and it doesn't have that and it costs too much and it doesn't do what I do and it doesn't come in white and I can't mow the lawn with it etc.etc.?

These are great machines.

[Yin]

anyone know how long it usually takes for the store to come back online (after the main page already changed since almost an hour)?

[aristokrat]

Wow.. so much fail. Bet you watch Fox news.
Way to jump to conclusions. If you need to label me, try going more down the libertarian route, or maybe even just economist. Does that explain complaining about high governmental taxation?

And with regard to so much fail, perhaps you'd like to explain what was wrong about my statement. VAT + tariffs equals higher cost to the consumer, disregarding shipping costs. I'll admit that the NHS joke was a low blow, but what other explanation do you have for this year's 3% VAT increase?

Note: I tried to find a solid number on the UK's import tariff, but it's actually kind of hard, other than finding that there is one for import form non-EU countries. Most of the sites direct to small business stuff and how you can pay the VAT you owe on extranational purchases.

[AF08]

Sorry but an i7-Dual or Quad makes no sense with a 5400rpm Drive!!! WTF do they think?

Hackintosh, here I come


you can pay the extra $50 to get a 7200 RPM drive or swap it yourself.. I swapped the stock drive in my old 13" MBP to a 500 GB 7200 for $80 and about 5 minutes of my time.. ;)

[ShadoWolf]

Yaay. Gonna ask my dad to get me the low-end 13" next month. I don't think I need the higher end ones for college.

CANNOT WAIT.

[fleggy]

They justify it by doubling the cores, giving you a larger screen, and discreet graphics

I agree. Not sure why people are up in arms about the pricing. How many other companies continue to improve products (significantly in this release), but charge the same?

Heck, I remember the last update, and people were screaming for an i3 in a 13". Now they have an i5, it is too expensive (even though it is the same price as the C2D????) Add to that, there is a BTO for an i7!?

No pleasing some folks. I am also not sure why these posters are expecting a price DROP. I've never seen it!

[VTMac]

the 15" is quad-core, not dual core. it's a lot better.

Another thing: Apple says the 13" core i5 2,3ghz has 3mb cache. If you look at intel's site, there's only 1 cpu with 2,3ghz and has 6mb cache, while there is only 1 cpu with 3mb cache and it's 2,7ghz.
Here it is :
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2847/newbitmapimagedj.png (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/newbitmapimagedj.png/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

edit: I just realised there is only 1 dual-core core i5, and it's the one with 3mb cache and 2,7ghz.
So are we basically getting an underclocked i5-2390T ?

No. Nothing is underclocked. You are looking only at Intel's retail chips. Intel also sells a line of chips only available to OEMs. That is what Apple is using.

[j-a-x]

I guess the dedicated SSD to store the OS wasn't true. :(

[AF08]

I bought a 17 " c2 on ebay for $ 725, put a bigger HD in it $ 100.
and it all works great for what I do. That was a $ 2,500 plus machine new)

Bought some 15's too that way

So, I will be waiting for all the "must have the latest" to dump their i7's etc.
to pick one up cheap.

Most of the "spec" complainers have gotten along with their MBP's (as in doing what they have to do with their MBP) and now the world caves in because it doesn't have this and it doesn't have that and it costs too much and it doesn't do what I do and it doesn't come in white and I can't mow the lawn with it etc.etc.?

These are great machines.

that makes two of us... :D

[MacSA]

That's always been the case with uk v us Apple prices.

The entry level ipad was $499 in the US, but £429 in the UK. We always get shafted in the UK. On the plus side, the new entry level 13" Macbook pro is £20 less than the previous entry one.

Personally, I'll just stick with my 2008 aluminium Macbook. The specification difference and price just doesn't justify a change for me.

The old price included the VAT increase in Jan.. which took it to £1020. This is a just an adjustment back to the old pre VAT rise price. I wonder if they have done it with their other products??

[cloudyhead]

The new MBP looks ok, but I am wondering what will happen to the white macbook. Will they stop updating it from now on?

[revelated]

I think most are really disappointed about-


What appears to be a shorter battery life. Stating that it's "Wireless Web" is a useless moniker. I know they're trying to get away from the whole "up to" confusion, but all they have to do there is make sure that what they state is actually attainable in real world conditions, stating ALL variables - drive, screen brightness, applications, wireless, Bluetooth, Time Machine, etc. Now, if Apple is saying that should you do nothing else but browse the web, REGARDLESS OF BRIGHTNESS, and nothing else is running that you will get 7 hours? That's impressive. But I doubt it.
Graphics cards only slightly improved. This only affects those who really want to run games on their stuff. It doesn't affect the basic user and clearly that's who Apple is targeting.
No standard SSD - though it makes sense not to do that. Some people got themselves hyped over the rumors only to let themselves down.


For my part, It's the price of the 17" that really irks me. I don't see much there that warrants the $200 price jump on the base model. Yes, it's a newer processor. Yes, it's a different graphics card. But that's it, and together those should not have ramped the price that much given the 15" isn't that much higher than before. It still makes no sense to me that the 17" i7 iMac can be $1999 and nearly twice as powerful, yet Apple is incapable of making a 17" MacBook for that price.

My 2010 MBP with aftermarket Intel SSD does just fine and will continue to do so until its wheels fall off.

[happyrock]

What absolute *******s.

They really screwed the UK over with this.

USD Price for the LOWEST spec one: $1199

This converts to GBP at £740 (todays rate)

Apple are selling it for £999! :eek:

You'd have to be a complete moron to be willing to pay that for such a poor spec 13" model!

They really are taking the piss big time with those prices. For another £300 you can buy a Mac Pro for goodness sake!

You have to remember taxes for us and VAT for you. Remember, in the states, taxes aren't factored into the price. So that $1199 laptop is really a $1300 laptop after taxes, unless you live in a state which has lower taxes/no sales tax. With the VAT added in, that's almost 900 quid. Factor in shipment charges to get the product there, and demand rates (mac sells a lot more in the US than in the UK), and you have your 999 quid.

[Yinmay]

Regarding the 7h battery life, it's interesting to note that the white MacBook's page now also states "7 hour". I'm almost certain it used to be more.
The MacBook Air 7 hour previous estimate however remains intact.

It seems Apple updated its measurement of battery life with the introduction of the latest MacBook Air and only now started using it for the other laptops.

So, imo, a non-issue.

Overall it's a very solid update, if not as groundbreaking as some might have hoped (new form factor and no more ODD, I guess that'll have to wait till 2012).
Regardless I'm disappointed because I was hoping for discrete graphics in the 13".
I'll probably end-up buying a refurbished quad-core 15" with 256 GB SSD instead if available at or below $1800.

[VTMac]

i'm fully aware of this fact. nevertheless this is disappointing. the only changes were the cpu and the thunderbold port... the rest stayed the same or became worse

False. Nothing became worse.
Graphics are better.
Default screen is the same
Default drive is same or bigger
and on
and on

[rjbruce]

Wish they'd put the store up, I'm going to get NOTHING done until then...

[Steve121178]

My Dell XPS WIPS the MPB!!!!! and its almost two years old LOL

N11X6501 1 £1,086.76
Studio XPS 16 : Intel Core i7 Processor 720QM(1.60GHz,6MB cache) 1
Display : 16in RGBLED Black Leather Edge to Edge Full HD1080p with TrueLife 1
Camera : Integrated Camera with Facial Recognition Software 1
Resource DVD : Studio XPS 1645 Diagnostics and Drivers 1
Ship Accessory : English Docs 1
Memory : 4096MB (2x2048) 1333MHz DDR3 Dual Channel 1
Hard Drive : 500GB Free Fall Sensor (7200RPM) 1
Optical Drive : Blu-Ray ROM (Blu-Ray,DVD and CD read & write) Slot Load Combo Drive 1
Power Supply : XPS 90W AC Adapter 1
Power Cord : UK 1M 1
Battery : Primary 9-cell 85W/HR LI-ION 1
Not Included Carry Case 1
Graphics : 1GB ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics card 1
TV tuner : No Integrated TV tuner 1
Wireless : Europe Dell Bluetooth 370 Card 1
Wireless : Dell Wireless 1397 (802.11 b/g) Mini Card European 1
Keyboard : Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard 1
Operating System : English Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 BIT) 1
English Microsoft Works 9.0 (Word Processor, Database) with Recovery CD 1
Software : Datasafe Local 2.0 Basic 1
Software : Napster for Win 7 (60 Free Songs and 1 year Free Music Streaming) 1
Dell Dock 1.0 1
English McAfee Security Centre 10.0 - 15 Month Subscription 1
Advanced Service - 2 year Collect & Return Service within 6 days + 2 years Accidental Damage Support 1
Standard Service - 1 year of coverage included with your PC 1
2 years Accidental Damage Support 1
DataSafe Online Backup 2GB 1
DataSafe Online size - 2GB Trial 1
I have already selected the Services promotion. 1
Studio XPS 1645 Order - UK 1
Studio NB - System Only 1
Subtotal: £1,086.76
Freight: £0.00

Total Net: £1,086.76
VAT( 15%): £153.69
Total: £1,240.45

But it's a Dell.

[Fly Rodder]

You can't think like that ... if you have an Apple product, you're luckier because they tend to retain the futuristic look years from now.
I have a 15" AL powerbook from 2003 that still looks just as good as anything that's new. In fact, the graphics card finally bit it last year and as soon as I get some free time, I'm swapping out the logic board to see if I can get another year or two out of it.

[tjcampbell]

I dig the name Thunderbolt! But really, for someone that uses an external display and a large back up HD, it kinda doesn't work for me.

EDIT:
Okay, after reading up on it it looks like I can connect multiples. Hooray.

http://www.apple.com/thunderbolt

[sishaw]

Shhhh... can you hear that? That's the sound of all the people who screamed 'fake' yesterday with absolute certainty. Quiet isn't it?

Oh snap!! I was one of them!! (Just in case anyone finds my old message). I was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!

Having said that, the 15" looks pretty nice to me. If I didn't already have a fairly new iMac.

[onlymiah]

Your English teacher can help. ;)

They are referring to the USB 2.0 ports, there. The combination of ports let you connect all those devices.

I realized I read it wrong. Too little sleep. Up too early. lol

[jumanji]

It's a good update but they didn't go far enough on the 13" and the prices are ridiculous.

Take $200 off the base and $400 off the 15" and 17" and now we're talking

[MacSA]

You have to remember taxes for us and VAT for you. Remember, in the states, taxes aren't factored into the price. So that $1199 laptop is really a $1300 laptop after taxes, unless you live in a state which has lower taxes/no sales tax. With the VAT added in, that's almost 900 quid. Factor in shipment charges to get the product there, and demand rates (mac sells a lot more in the US than in the UK), and you have your 999 quid.

BUT... I think if you by from somewhere like Amazon, you don't pay sales tax, however there are a few states that they ship to that do.

[iZac]

I'm genuinely excited about the number of legacy ports that the new *ugh* Thunderbolt port can replace. I know they all require adapters, but every port on that laptop could conceivably be replaced with it. Firewire and Ethernet ports (sorry guys!) will undoubtedly be the first to go in a generation or two, if only because how deep they are compared to the Thunderbus and USB ports.

Apple has an enviable position that as soon as they implement them into the iOS device line, (for instance TB cables with a USB adaptor cap) manufacturers will be falling over themselves to stick them on their machines / devices.

[jessea]

The 13" display is still at 1280x800. The 13" Macbook Air has a 1440x900. I am finding this really hard to understand. This is the only thing keeping me from my first Mac laptop purchase. The 15" is a little to big for my taste. Oh well, maybe next year...

I'm right there with you. If they would've upped the screen res, I'd be filling out my order. Very disappointed.

[KPOM]

how mucht will a BTO base 13 inch mbp with 128 gb SSD cost? bacause I think I am going for a mba now :S

If history is any guide the 128GB will run $300 and the 256GB will be $600. Hopefully they have lowered those prices (the store still isn't up yet). If that's the case, you are better off buying the base and installing your own third-party SSD, since you can get a 128GB model for about $250 and 256GB for $500.

[Mr. Retrofire]

It says "up to 7 hours wireless web" whereas before it said "up to 10 hours battery life." I think this is likely an improvement, note that most "battery life estimates" are with most features turned off such as wireless.

Yeah. Every Mac computer magazine found that wireless access/web surfing reduces the battery life of previous generation MBPs to 5 or 6 hours. So 7 hours is definitely an improvement.

Overall a very nice spec increase, I'm wondering why they went from NVidia to AMD graphics (although they do use AMD in iMacs) on the laptops.

Short answer:
AMD/ATI provides more power for less money. They have the most efficient GPUs and some nice CPUs.

[Bobjob186]

more than a good update from Apple, not revolutionary but still very good. I mean quad core in a 15" for 1799 is a very good deal.

[tdream]

While not all the rumors leading up to the launch were true, many of the last minute leaks were accurate, and Apple still managed to sneak in a few surprises.


All the good ones were not true.

[Steve121178]

No resolution bump on the 13'? What an absolute joke!

Looks like i'll just be getting the 13" Air. Why on earth would Apple not even give us the option to BTO the 1440x900 panel?

So people buy the real refreshed models in the summer when Lion launches.

Unless people are desperate for a new Mac, I'd say people would have to be insane to upgrade now when a major design refresh is only 5-6 months away...

[Yin]

False. Nothing became worse.
Graphics are better.
Default screen is the same
Default drive is same or bigger
and on
and on

the graphics on the 13" became worse... the screen, the drive, etc stayed the same

[yegon]

Assuming gaming or gpu intensive apps aren't important to you, a maxed 13" with an SSD would've been awesome...if it had a 1440x900 display. Too many flaws as it is.

[orfeas0]

The GPU used on the 13", the Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory, is roughly comparable to the previously used 320M isn't it? Is that because it uses 384MB? The 320M used 256MB didn't it? The new Intel one has to sap another bunch of memory to get similar performance? How irritating. Had the battery remained at 10 hours I wouldn't be fussed, but sheesh. Unfortunate. Still, lovely computers indeed.it's the same battery, they just took other tests.

No. Nothing is underclocked. You are looking only at Intel's retail chips. Intel also sells a line of chips only available to OEMs. That is what Apple is using.
So can't I find those only-for-OEMs chips in intel's site? I was searching for this "2,3ghz core i5" 's model name to compare it in anandtech benchmarks with the old c2d 2,4ghz.

[Tears Apart]

anyone know how long it usually takes for the store to come back online (after the main page already changed since almost an hour)?

Normally the store would be up and running by now. This is taking longer. Might they really be waiting for Intel announcement?

[aCondor]

Overall, a really great update.

[acidfast7]

Way to jump to conclusions. If you need to label me, try going more down the libertarian route, or maybe even just economist. Does that explain complaining about high governmental taxation?

And with regard to so much fail, perhaps you'd like to explain what was wrong about my statement. VAT + tariffs equals higher cost to the consumer, disregarding shipping costs. I'll admit that the NHS joke was a low blow, but what other explanation do you have for this year's 3% VAT increase?

Note: I tried to find a solid number on the UK's import tariff, but it's actually kind of hard, other than finding that there is one for import form non-EU countries. Most of the sites direct to small business stuff and how you can pay the VAT you owe on extranational purchases.

I actually like VAT (MwSt in Germany.)

It keeps the costs of living relatively low and provides a useful social system. Sure, it means that I consume roughly 20% less on a item-per-item basis, but it means that I get 8 weeks paid vacation per year and retirement that equals roughly 70% of my post-tax income (as does almost everyone else.)

I'll gladly pay 20% "extra" for a MBP any day.

[Jiten]

Oh well, I knew the rumors were too good to be true. All those new features like liquid metal, SSDs, standard higher res etc are probably all true but it won't be given to us in just one update. Apple has always a way to give you just enough to make you want to buy their gear but not too much that it leaves you totally satisfied. All the stuff in the rumors will probably trickle down in the line the next few updates.

[troller]

Why making such a huge deal about it? Just buy a 7200rpm or SSD, that it has 5400 as standard doesnt mean ****.

Man, with a i7, a 7200rpm drive should be standard!!! And...what about the price? I should pay extra money for a overpriced system just that it runs as it should?

Sorry Apple, but I think the whole community should start to kick your fast ass!

[arkmannj]

Looks good, but I think to help thunderbolt to catch on better they should have included two Thunderbolt/Display ports.

[Steve121178]

What absolute *******s.

They really screwed the UK over with this.

USD Price for the LOWEST spec one: $1199

This converts to GBP at £740 (todays rate)

Apple are selling it for £999! :eek:

You'd have to be a complete moron to be willing to pay that for such a poor spec 13" model!

They really are taking the piss big time with those prices. For another £300 you can buy a Mac Pro for goodness sake!

When compared to the MBP13, the MBA13 represents better value for money...

[Val-kyrie]

They couldn't have offered 512MB of GDDR5 on the entry level 15"?

We go from 256MB to 1GB?

I agree. At that price point, 512MB VRAM should be the minimum; unless, of course, the GPU won't benefit from the additional VRAM because it is too slow.


Used to be 10 hours for the 13-inch and 8-hours for the 15-inch.

Unless the 6490M turns out to benchmark much higher than the 330M GT I'm keeping my 15" for now...

I posted in another thread but will repeat the relevant part here:

According to NotebookCheck.net, the Radeon HD 6490M is ranked at #117, below the current 330M (#93), and the Radeon HD 6750M is ranked at #60. This will be even worse if Apple underclocks these. Check out these links: benchmarks (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html), info on 6490M (http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-6490M.43843.0.html), and info on 6750M (http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-6750M.43958.0.html).

So, no, the Radeon HD 6490 does not perform better than the/your current NVidia 330M.


Ew.

WAY.

WAYYYYYYY too expensive.

$1799 for the 15"?

I would have been tempted for the 13" but the fact it's lacking
- At least the same screen resolution as the Air doesn't even make sense
- What happened to the "Instant On" 16GB SSD rumors?
- No graphics card? Even the MAC BOOK has a graphics card.

Try again please apple =).

Why can't Dell or HP make decent laptops to compete?

I am going to wager that the "Instant On" rumor will come to fruition with OS X Lion and the next update/redesign of the MBPs. Too bad, because Lenovo is already releasing ThinkPads with a 64GB SSD for "Instant On" and "Instant Apps."

[musicus]

Wish they'd put the store up, I'm going to get NOTHING done until then...
:) Me too (and I really ought to be getting down to work).

[Broojo02]

Damn, I'm really dissapointed about the new integrated graphics chip you are forced to use in the 13" model. The Intel HD 3000 performs worse than the previous Geforce 320m, that and the still sub par resolution and worse battery life are making me think twice about buying a new macbook.

:(

[gnasher729]

You dont get it. 6 hours ago you could pick up a 13" laptop from Apple for £700. The 13" model has received a very minimal refresh, yet has gone up in price dramatically. Apple raised it from £600 to £700 about a month ago when UK Tax increased 2.5%.

Wrong on every single point.

Apple increased all the UK prices by exactly 2.2 percent when the VAT was increased. The 13" MBP was £999 before and £1020 after the increase. The new MBP 13" has a substantially faster processor, much increased L3 cache which makes it faster again, has a bigger hard drive, now has the ability to support up to six external monitors, and the ability to support external hard drives at enormous speed. The Apple Store is not open yet, so we don't know if the MacBook, which was cheaper, is still for sale or not.

Update: The cheapest MacBook didn't go from £600 to £700, but from £849 to £867 (2.2 percent increase) and is still available for that price. The MacBook Pro is much improved and the price is down again to £999.

[Steve121178]

A little disappointed.No 16GB SSD,No upgrade in graphics in 13 inch model.But the sandy bridge is ok .I will get one after all.

You're disappointed but will blow a grand on one anyway? Are you mad?

[Adidas Addict]

Wow, what a fantastic update! Can't believe they went quad on everything above 13" :eek:, brilliant! And an i7 in the 13" :eek:

The only negatives here are the screen res on the 13" and no standard SSD's, everything else is pretty much amazing IMO, well done :apple:

[teasphere]

Well it does have a SuperDrive and a decent CPU. The 2.3GHz Core i5 and 2.7GHz Core i7 smoke the Core 2 Duo you are considering. The GPU is a step backward (Apple is conspicuously silent about it), though it will be OK for regular video streaming and iTunes. Are you a gamer? If so, I agree you'll be better off waiting for the 2012 refresh.

Why specifically, do you need the SuperDrive inside? Do you watch a lot of movies? If not, I've found that I rarely use the external SuperDrive that I purchased 3 years ago for my Rev A MacBook Air (and have carried forward to the Rev D).

Yeah, my point was that I had such minor needs and they still managed to miss one pretty majorly. I do play some games and not just for fun but for occasional reviews, etc. professionally. I actually need the MBP for the "P" bit :) I do a fair bit of digital artwork and design, I don't believe the 3000 GPU supports any acceleration in apps like Adobe PS... I could be wrong there. I also do some music/recording/DJ'ing. I use my optical drive all the time. I know I may be a minority there, but it's a need, and the MBP line is supposed to be for professionals, not just glorified consumer hardware.

Another thing I am not 100% sold on is Thunderbolt as-is over copper... everyone keeps tossing about this 10GBps number but I believe that over copper it is actually 2GBps, the initial 10GBps number was over fiber. I have a feeling a lot of people are going to be let down once the real numbers are released on this.

[troller]

It keeps the costs of living relatively low and provides a useful social system.

are you joking man? better tell all these people the truth #2 that the german state also takes up to 50% of your income...month by month! THAT'S Germany! Great Deal!!! :D

[shervieux]

Apple Store in the US is still down (3 hrs now)... Wonder if more is coming; or are they keeping down until Intel makes the announcement on the new Thunderbolt/Copperpeak technology....

There were rumors of new iMac... :)

I want to get in there and take a look at some BTO options.

[rjbruce]

But it's a Dell.

And look at all the free bloatware that was included.

Really though if you like your machine great. Not everyone wants a Dell.

[VTMac]

Man, with a i7, a 7200rpm drive should be standard!!! And...what about the price? I should pay extra money for a overpriced system just that it runs as it should?

Sorry Apple, but I think the whole community should start to kick your fast ass!

They have OSX. For people that want / need OSX, it doesn't matter what their competitors do hardware wise.

And given that there sales are continuing to trend up faster than any other vendors, I think it's a safe bet to say they won't be changing how they do things anytime soon.

[KnoxHarrington]

The "drop" of battery life from 10 to 7 hours is indeed just a result of a new battery testing protocol, and probably far more accurate.

I mean, I have a 2010 model MBP 13" that's *supposed* to have 10 hours of battery life, and I've never even come close to that. The battery life I get under normal use (i.e. Internet usage, screen at about half brightness, etc.) is around...7 hours. Usually. If I hit something that uses a lot of Flash, lop an hour or two off that.

[AppleChap]

it's the same battery, they just took other tests.



Excellent point regarding battery. Happy with that aspect now.

Regarding the graphics - is my assertion correct? The only reason the Intel GPU offers similar performance is by taking more RAM? It isn't a big deal I suppose, providing performance is no worse. It isn't, is it? :-)

The overall performance of the 13" MacBook Pro on both models is higher, yes? This GPU is taking quite a bashing so would like that clearing up. Had they updated the resolution in line with MacBook Air, I'd be less fussed.

My previous question - is the screen in the 13" MBP superior overall than the MBA, with a lower resolution? Or is the MBA a higher quality display and has a higher resolution?

One way or another, I'll have a new notebook within the next week or so!

[rhinosrcool]

The crazy low-res screen on the MPB13 alone prevents me from buying it. I just find it very hard to understand it when the Macbook Air gets it but no the Macbook Pro..

That's the whole point of these Macs, they differentiate the models this way. For example, the Airs have a better resolution and ssds, the 15" mbps have discrete graphics, and the 17" has the best spec options. Why buy a 15" mbp (other than the screen real estate), if the 13" has discrete graphics and hi-res screen? That's also why the 13" didn't drop in weight; it would make the 13" mbas less distinctive.

As annoying as it is, from a selling standpoint, it is quite good.

[garrettlove]

I don't iChat in the dock... is it no being included?

[Acorn]

i really dont like the graphics option in the 13 inch model. but they pushed nvidia out so there was no other option. i dont know a 2.7 ghz i7 13 inch model with an ssd might be pretty cool. id have to think long and hard on it. I actually prefer the 2010 mac pro more.

[VTMac]

Another thing I am not 100% sold on is Thunderbolt as-is over copper... everyone keeps tossing about this 10GBps number but I believe that over copper it is actually 2GBps, the initial 10GBps number was over fiber. I have a feeling a lot of people are going to be let down once the real numbers are released on this.

You're mistaken. The original fiber number was 100Mbps. 10Mbps is accurate for copper.

The bigger issue is that if you invest in a copper based solution today, when fiber becomes common in 12-24 months will you be SOL?

[devilcm3]

are they really going to open the apple store after the intel thunderbolt event?

[Btrthnezr3]

I don't iChat in the dock... is it no being included?

I think the new push is for facetime?

[smetvid]

Apparently the Intel 3000 GPU actually performs fairly well compared to other entry level gpu's. Of course it is far from perfect but I'm not sure if many of us would really notice any reduction in gpu performance compared to the older gpu in the 13". You may notice a tiny reduction in performance for a some things and a tiny gain for others.

What I do find interesting is that I remember one of the justifications for why MBP's cost more was because of the quality of the gpu. Now on the 13" the gpu isn't going to be any better then any other newer laptop out there. HP, Dell and others will also be using this new integrated gpu so even moreso then in the past MBP's are becoming almost identical to PC laptops in terms of hardware. Soon across the board the cpu, chipset, and gpu are going to be identical.

Thunderbolt is pretty neat but as of right now there are no devices out there to support it. I do expect that to change eventually but expect to wait at least 6 months until we see raid systems designed around this port. Expect to wait even longer for devices such as video capture cards. Thunderbolt does have one hope and that is the fact that it is also a Intel invention. This means it may be adopted a bit faster. The down side to this of course is that again expect every new PC laptop under the sun to also support this new i/o port. So again we have a situation where the hardware is going to be even more similar between platforms then it was before.

[gabo77]

Guys, there is still some home for SSDs! Remember, some of the rumors were saying that there could be an option to replace the optical drive with an SSD. If that is true, we will only notice it in the Store (as an option), which we can't access for now.

Keep hope ! :P

gabo

[milescortez]

I guess the dedicated SSD to store the OS wasn't true. :(

Yeah that was a disappointment. Would been great.

[VTMac]

I don't iChat in the dock... is it no being included?

I think it's just being deemphasized. It's still in Lion, so I'm sure it's still there. But I think they want to promote facetime. So iChat loses front placing in the dock.

[StealthGhost]

Where are the stats stating this new laptop can only play WoW on medium?I have a mid-2009 Macbook Pro with the discreet NVidia 9600M GT 512MB dedicated. I play a bunch of games and also run Valve's Steam on both OS X and Bootcamp. I'll admit when I had a 2006 Macbook it had terrible integrated graphics and could barely handle Warcraft 3 on low... but times have rapidly changed. I expect this new setup to be able to play some of the latest games on high settings for some time easily. I take my current 2009 to LANs and while we tend to play some older games (Left 4 Dead 2, Modern Warfare 2, Blur) its completely wrong to say it can't handle a weak game like WoW.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3871/the-sandy-bridge-preview-three-wins-in-a-row/7

I think that one is also faster (850mhz). Up the resolution to the MBP's and move it off "fair" settings

SSD still isn't cheap technology, why increase the cost with a separate boot drive? Although they could have added a 750GB hard drive standard to increase space.

An SSD just big enough for the operating system would be super cheap

I used to be like you a Windows user (had a few desktops and laptops) and one day made the change to Mac. Those $500 Windows laptops look tempting (although they are far inferior spec wise when compared to the MBP, you might be thinking of $1000 Windows machine compared to the 1700 MBP) until you realize the quality is terrible.

I know someone who has an HP Envy 14 and is one of the pickiest people I know, and loves it.

Remember laptops are meant to be moved around and used often, the build quality of Windows laptops are usually pretty low and parts aren't that good. You'll get maybe 2 years out of a Windows laptop. Plus with Mac the OS is designed to work with the specific components in the computer. Also consider the resale value of Macs actually exists unlike Windows laptops. I'll be able to sell my 2009 for a minimum of $500 easy next year if I want, probably more.

My 6 year old HP is going strong. The HDD failed a few months ago but it was only 70gb so I got a new one. Apple uses the same parts as any PC maker (that failed drive's maker made your HDD too), they just have a superior frame. Is that worth a $1000 (Dell XPS 15 vs MBP 15 at same specs)???

[ghstmars]

need a notebook asap..
which one presents a better value ?

[Azathoth]

False. Nothing became worse.
Graphics are better.
Default screen is the same
Default drive is same or bigger
and on
and on

Default screen on the MBP13 was pretty sad anno 2010 - and it's pitiful now (I'm used to the MBP15 hi-res). The graphics card is irrelevant to me so I won't comment-

The Thunderbolt port? I wish they would have added USB3 ports to replace the USB2 - at least there are USB3 devices that can be bought, screw the theoretical datarate numbers. The additional profit in Thunderbolt/Displayport adapters adapters will make Apple a tidy little profit (probably around 30-40 USD per adapter).

No improvement in battery life (actually a regression - but this might be due to more realistic measurement methods), no matte screen option, no reduction in weight / dimensions.

I'm more or less a Mac fan, but come on - the Emperor has no clothes! This is a lackluster update, and whereas the unibody was fairly revolutionary (weight / battery life-wise), it's now facing some stiff competition from the other PC makers, which are actually offering 2011 technology today (USB3, hi-res screens). And Im not just talking about specmanship. Screen resolution is actually useful for doing work (as is a matte screen)

[Stef4n]

I was just expecting a higher screen res, a better GPU or a SolidState.
And what did I get? A thunderbolt... :(

[Yankee617]

it's the same battery, they just took other tests.


Yes its the same battery... but that doesn't mean they just took other tests.
I still worry that the new HW may use up the battery more quickly. We'll
have to wait for 3rd-party analyses to tell us how the new and old MBPs
compare in terms of battery life. We can HOPE that its just a difference
in testing procedures... but we don't yet KNOW if that is true.

[Tears Apart]

are they really going to open the apple store after the intel thunderbolt event?

Ha ha, as shameful as that is I was right in thinking that Apple will use 8+ hours of closed-store free hype.

[Tibits]

Store is open!

[koston33]

Sorry to thread jack a bit, but I have the mid 2010 mbp that I just purchased a week ago. Would you guys upgrade. Now that I think about it more. I might do some light gaming. If thats the case should I get the top 13", even though it doesn't have a discrete graphics card, or op for the 15". I just don't like the size of the 15". but whats my best bet?

[pexel]

What is with Apple and the 8x SuperDrive? Haven't after market CD / DVD burners much faster for a considerable number of years now (x52?)

[PeterQVenkman]

OK, I'll admit - Thunderbolt sounds freakin' awesome.

Now that is bad ass.


Sorry to thread jack a bit, but I have the mid 2010 mbp that I just purchased a week ago. Would you guys upgrade. Now that I think about it more. I might do some light gaming. If thats the case should I get the top 13", even though it doesn't have a discrete graphics card, or op for the 15". I just don't like the size of the 15". but whats my best bet?

Ask them if they will take it back. One week is pretty close to the new release. You might get lucky and get a sympathetic geek on the line. :)

[Tears Apart]

Store is UP!

Let the whining begi- err, continue.

[Di9it8]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2011/02/24/apple-launches-macbook-pros-with-thunderbolt-quad-core-cpus-amd-gpus/)

For the first time ever, Apple has included Quad Core CPUs into their notebooks. The 15" and 17" models offer Quad Core CPUs using the Intel 2.2GHz Quad Core 2720QM (http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=50067) and [url="http://ark.intel.comHz and 2.9GHz respectively.

[/url]

My MacBook Pro is a quad core i7 & is one year old!!

[TMRaven]

Did anybody else notice the subwoofer listed for the speakers on the macbook pros? I never paid attention to their speakers beforehand, so I wonder if that's new. I know that the iMacs do not have them, but the iMacs have built in dinky amplifiers for the speakers.

[Azathoth]

That's the whole point of these Macs, they differentiate the models this way. For example, the Airs have a better resolution and ssds, the 15" mbps have discrete graphics, and the 17" has the best spec options. Why buy a 15" mbp (other than the screen real estate), if the 13" has discrete graphics and hi-res screen? That's also why the 13" didn't drop in weight; it would make the 13" mbas less distinctive.

As annoying as it is, from a selling standpoint, it is quite good.

Except that I had money ready for a lower weight, hi-res, matte MBP13. The MBA13 is underpowered, glossy and has no Ethernet w/o dongle.

So no money for you, Apple...

[rjbruce]

You're mistaken. The original fiber number was 100Mbps. 10Mbps is accurate for copper.

The bigger issue is that if you invest in a copper based solution today, when fiber becomes common in 12-24 months will you be SOL?

Your M should be a G, but other than that it's correct. The number is theoretical though, just like the numbers that USB releases so actual results may vary. You are most likely to be limited by the device you are connecting though vs what the cable can transfer, especially when talking about external HDs.

[osx11]

Great.

Now the entry model 13 inch has almost the same processor as before and a shorter battery life.
:confused:

[VTMac]

Is that worth a $1000 (Dell XPS 15 vs MBP 15 at same specs)???

You were so close. You almost made it though the post without hyperbole. Show me that Dell XPS 15 with lightpeak/thunderbolt? Oh and the dual integrated and discreet GPUs? And I suspect it has a backlit keyboard too?

Granted the differences may / may not justify the price increase depending on the users preference, but to claim they are "identical" is hog wash.

[jahuda]

the us store is working for me!

[CrackedButter]

Sorry to thread jack a bit, but I have the mid 2010 mbp that I just purchased a week ago. Would you guys upgrade. Now that I think about it more. I might do some light gaming. If thats the case should I get the top 13", even though it doesn't have a discrete graphics card, or op for the 15". I just don't like the size of the 15". but whats my best bet?

I just told my friend to send her machine back. She did. So should you.

[DemonBob]

Store is up!

[ls1dreams]

My thoughts:

The Good:
- The CPU update across all MBP's was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting i3's in the MBP 13's and dual-cores i5's in the MBP 15's.

The Neutral
- Thunderbolt - who really cares. This won't be useful anytime for at least 1-2 years. I think it will eventually be pretty nice when we are syncing 500gb ipods and DSLR's with huge memory cards, but not right now.
- Screen resolution: I have no idea why people are complaining. 1280x800 is PLENTY for a 13" screen. Any smaller than that and you'll be squinting. I run 1280x800 on my 15" now and it's just a little too low-res for me.

The Bad
- Graphics cards across the board are a joke. Intel 3000? It's performance is on par with chips 3 years old+. The MBP 15's higher level chip is ok, but not so much the entry level.
- No IPS panels for the screen yet. This was really disappointing. I don't care about resolution all that much, but at least give me something with good color reproduction and viewing angles.
- No SSD standard? Come on.

[TMRaven]

Great.

Now the entry model 13 inch has a slower processor and a shorter battery life.
:confused:

No it doesn't. Sandybridge is two architectures newer than core2duo.

[AdeFowler]

Store is UP!

Let the whining begi- err, continue.

Made me laugh.. thanks :D

[Acorn]

Sorry to thread jack a bit, but I have the mid 2010 mbp that I just purchased a week ago. Would you guys upgrade. Now that I think about it more. I might do some light gaming. If thats the case should I get the top 13", even though it doesn't have a discrete graphics card, or op for the 15". I just don't like the size of the 15". but whats my best bet?

i think you should keep what you have. if you use an external monitor with the higher resolutions you will see great performance on the card you have. not so much with the intel graphics chip. it does ok at its 13 inch resolution but crank it up on an external monitor = crap.

[Optimus Frag]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

I think the 13" is going to be dead duck for most pro users. I'll reserve final judgement till I see benchmarks. The appearance of quad core's is earlier than I expected. But reading The thunderbolt page is interesting and something that I hope takes off. Silly name not withstanding.

[Adidas Addict]

UK store still down :confused:

Edit, back up with all the old models .....................

[orfeas0]

From Apple's site:
MacBook Air: The next generation of MacBooks.
MacBook Pro: Our most advanced notebooks.

Kinda contradicting themselves, don't they?

[richardsonrs]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

OVERPRICED. FFS.

[MacHiavelli]

The MBPs look good, but the really exciting news has to be that Lion will INCLUDE a server!

http://technologme.com/os-x-lion-to-include-server/3585/

[Alexs45]

Can someone explain the differences in the 15 inch screen options besides the resolution? I would like to purchase today and I am open to any reccomendations.

Thank you!

[adztaylor]

Seriously was looking to buy a 13" MBP but after this announcement I might go for the lowest spec 15" as soon as the store comes back up.

[koston33]

so acorn, are you saying I should still stick with the 13, even if i plan to do some light gaming?

[STITCHES]

Store is back up...

[DLovett]

A note on the GPU's:

The Intel HD3000 is NOT the same one as you can now see benchmarks and tests of. According to Engadget, it is more powerful than ever:

but from what we've heard Intel's new HD 3000 integrated graphics is more powerful than ever.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/apple-refreshes-macbook-pro-family-with-sandy-bridge-processors/

My guess is that it will probably perform equal to or slightly better than the 320M.

Also, the HD 6490M has not yet been benchmarked; the notebookreview.com ranking is only approximate, based on raw number and it will probably outperform the GT330M.

[jvmxtra]

I don't think I would have ever say this about mbp update but this one is epic fail!

13 inch still w/ same old res???? Stupid Xoom has that res and it's 10 inch ... MY Freaking GOD..... WTF.. seriously

[Roessnakhan]

Eh, I'll pass and wait until the redesign - the max resolution of the 13" (less than that of the 13" MBA) and the reduction of battery life will makes me want to skip this one. Processor is attractive from my C2D, though.

[titans1127]

Glad I waited for the store to come up before getting ready for work. Bought the high end 13in for $1399 with student discount and payed for the faster shipping. Comes out to $125 a month interest free. Can't complain about that. Could have had the low end 15in for $155 per month but for what little computing I do it wasn't necessary. Even a dual core i7 is a huge step up from my early 2009 plastic macbook which will now find its way to ebay once the new one comes in and is all set up

[Tears Apart]

Ship in 1-2 days... sweet.

Still I got to wait about three months for a high end 15'' to appear in the refurb section.

[StealthGhost]

You were so close. You almost made it though the post without hyperbole. Show me that Dell XPS 15 with lightpeak/thunderbolt? Oh and the dual integrated and discreet GPUs? And I suspect it has a backlit keyboard too?

Granted the differences may / may not justify the price increase depending on the users preference, but to claim they are "identical" is hog wash.


It doesn't have LightPeak because it hasn't been refreshed for the technology that was released TODAY. I'm sure it will have it soon, that's just Dell because I know their site the best and could do a mock up the fastest. Also, show me something that uses LightPeak, go ahead. Why are you buying something that has no use? See how stupid that argument is?

Yes it has both GPUs. A better 540m and the same GPU that is in the processor since it has the same processor. Yes on backlit keyboard.

[genosseinski]

Oh well, I knew the rumors were too good to be true. All those new features like liquid metal, SSDs, standard higher res etc are probably all true but it won't be given to us in just one update. Apple has always a way to give you just enough to make you want to buy their gear but not too much that it leaves you totally satisfied. All the stuff in the rumors will probably trickle down in the line the next few updates.

someone understood Apple's policy.

It's really kind of annoying. I think Apple could easily fully satisfy some consumers, they have the size and capability to include the desired features. But then these folks would not buy a new MB every now and then, same with iPads and iPhones. Although I have to admit the iPhone 4 is quite good - I think they will have a hard time finding reasons for people to get an iPhone 5 cause the iPhone 4 includes mostly everything people want in a phone... Was probably because of competition (apple)...

Anyways lets see what the iPad 2 brings - probably not too much, so people get excited over the iPad 3 as well... Although they have to be careful not to upgrade it too little - in light of the competition coming up!

[KumaYama]

UK store still down :confused:

Edit, back up with all the old models .....................

Yes, and all the prices are still in $$$.

Come on, I want to know what the damage is going to be?! Can I still afford my trip to NYC in the summer?!

Really wishing I'd not forgotten my wallet.

[jahuda]

i must be one of the first people to buy an updated macbook pro. JUST ordered it the $1500 13-inch.

update from HP Compaq Presario: Intel® Celeron® Processor 900, Windows 7, 2GB DDR3, 4.5 hours battery life, no camera, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M

yessssssss

[jonno101]

This gets brought up every time.

IIRC US prices don't include taxes, EU prices do. And Apple has to build in a margin for currency fluctuations or it'd be changing its prices every few days.

Still even with UK VAT at 20% its still over £100 cheaper US, and I think im right that some states doent even have sales tax??

[rjbruce]

Finally...ordered, now back to work. Now just need Newegg to run a special on SSDs!

[mjsanders5uk]

Poo! I bought a 17" a month ago as I needed a machine there and then - and I hadn't seen a whisper of the new machines then!

Oh well, there are worse things in life to happen to a man...

[lukeoulart]

Hi folks,

I was planning to invest in one of the new 13inch MacBook Pros, mainly for running Final Cut Pro, as I'm a film student. The specs for FCP however seem to indicate that the program won't run on an integrated graphics card, such as the ones found in the new MBP.

If someone could confim/deny that this is the case, I'd really appreciate it. If FCP won't run on these new machines, my investment is essentially worthless.

Thanks.

[Dimwhit]

FINALLY! I've need to replace my 17" at work for a couple months now. So I pulled the trigger on it. Since it's going to have to last me 5-6 years, I upped it to the 2.3GHz, and I'll get some RAM from Crucial to bump up to 8GB (though Apple dropped the 4 to 8GB upgrade from $400 to $200. Still, I can get it for half that.

[stockscalper]

My thoughts:

The Good:
- The CPU update across all MBP's was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting i3's in the MBP 13's and dual-cores i5's in the MBP 15's.

The Neutral
- Thunderbolt - who really cares. This won't be useful anytime for at least 1-2 years. I think it will eventually be pretty nice when we are syncing 500gb ipods and DSLR's with huge memory cards, but not right now.
- Screen resolution: I have no idea why people are complaining. 1280x800 is PLENTY for a 13" screen. Any smaller than that and you'll be squinting. I run 1280x800 on my 15" now and it's just a little too low-res for me.

The Bad
- Graphics cards across the board are a joke. Intel 3000? It's performance is on par with chips 3 years old+. The MBP 15's higher level chip is ok, but not so much the entry level.
- No IPS panels for the screen yet. This was really disappointing. I don't care about resolution all that much, but at least give me something with good color reproduction and viewing angles.
- No SSD standard? Come on.

Agreed. This is a lame update. I liked the rumors of MBP's being made from a new lighter material, hybrid SSD's and greater resolution with Sandybridge. Now, that would have been a decent upgrade. But quad core processors that no software will take advantage of and Thundercrap, are useless enhancements.

[akad]

Haha when I'm in the education store for my school, the battery life somehow increases by an hour!?! Definitely buying from the education store!..., just kidding...

http://i53.tinypic.com/10h4toj.png

VS

http://i55.tinypic.com/bg1saf.png

[PK44]

Great.

Now the entry model 13 inch has a slower processor and a shorter battery life.
:confused:

Slower processor? The i5 is not slower than the C2D it had from 2010.

I too was expecting i3 in the low end

[zigzagable]

if i waited this long to get a macbook pro, should i wait a little longer until spring to see if they do the free ipod touch promotion?:confused:

[brentsg]

Still even with UK VAT at 20% its still over £100 cheaper US, and I think im right that some states doent even have sales tax??

You are grasping at straws. Most everyone has to pay sales tax, and the ones that don't due to online sales are supposed to.

Also, Apple has to abide by much more generous warranty laws in Europe.

[ciTiger]

Even the 11" MBA has more pixels on screen than the MBP 13". I wonder what segment the latter caters to?

Let me know when you find out.. I'm wondering too..

[Adidas Addict]

UK site's up properly now.

[Samppaa]

Sorry, but can someone tell is the intel HD graphic thing better than the nvidia 320 on the old one?

[EvertonMac]

Is the antiglare really worth the extra money?

[k995]

You were so close. You almost made it though the post without hyperbole. Show me that Dell XPS 15 with lightpeak/thunderbolt? Oh and the dual integrated and discreet GPUs? And I suspect it has a backlit keyboard too?

Granted the differences may / may not justify the price increase depending on the users preference, but to claim they are "identical" is hog wash.

They are simular XPS for example has optimus (thats the nvidia way of switching between igp and discrete gpu) So yes it lacks backlit keyboard, but for 800$?

[quickmac]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3871/the-sandy-bridge-preview-three-wins-in-a-row/7

I think that one is also faster (850mhz). Up the resolution to the MBP's and move it off "fair" settings



An SSD just big enough for the operating system would be super cheap



I know someone who has an HP Envy 14 and is one of the pickiest people I know, and loves it.



My 6 year old HP is going strong. The HDD failed a few months ago but it was only 70gb so I got a new one. Apple uses the same parts as any PC maker (that failed drive's maker made your HDD too), they just have a superior frame. Is that worth a $1000 (Dell XPS 15 vs MBP 15 at same specs)???

I have a nearly 9 year old desktop HP that still runs as a media center PC (more as just a middle man between our networked computers and the TV). Both its CD/DVD drives failed and were removed and a new power supply was put in. Its slow as crap but allows us to access the networked computers and drives on the TV.

As for Mac vs Dell:

Superior frame and superior OS.

The Macbook Pro frame alone may be worth it because it houses the components. Sturdy, heat dispersing, durable...it protects the components inside. I know someone with an XPS that has cracks and some keys fell off. Yeah thats quality.

The OS is designed to work specifically with the components installed...the same can never be said for Windows machines. Plus I can run Windows and OS X on the same machine if needed.

IMO any price premium placed on Macs over Windows laptops is because of the quality build, and the symbiotic relationship between OS X and the hardware chosen. You get what you pay for and the XPS, while not a bad laptop, isn't built like a Macbook Pro.

And as I always point out the resale value of Macs tends to be very good. Even just a $500 resale value 3 years down the line is $500 off the price of a new Mac, combined with a student discount suddenly the price "gap" between Dell and Mac is a lot smaller.

[CrackedButter]

My thoughts:

The Good:
- The CPU update across all MBP's was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting i3's in the MBP 13's and dual-cores i5's in the MBP 15's.

Indeed

The Neutral[/B]
- Thunderbolt - who really cares. This won't be useful anytime for at least 1-2 years. I think it will eventually be pretty nice when we are syncing 500gb ipods and DSLR's with huge memory cards, but not right now.
- Screen resolution: I have no idea why people are complaining. 1280x800 is PLENTY for a 13" screen. Any smaller than that and you'll be squinting. I run 1280x800 on my 15" now and it's just a little too low-res for me.

- Don't be down about Thunderbolt, its something for nothing at the moment.
- Screen resolution might be good for you, not for others. My laptop is 1280x800 and I want more.

The Bad[/B]
- Graphics cards across the board are a joke. Intel 3000? It's performance is on par with chips 3 years old+. The MBP 15's higher level chip is ok, but not so much the entry level.
- No IPS panels for the screen yet. This was really disappointing. I don't care about resolution all that much, but at least give me something with good color reproduction and viewing angles.
- No SSD standard? Come on.

- I don't know enough about Gcards, I just know its better than my GMA 950 at present.
- I agree on the lack of IPS, the cheapest iMac which is half the price of the 17" has IPS.
- Next year dude for SSD as standard.

I can wait another year, I've always said I wanted quad core & an IPS screen with my next purchase.

[ranReloaded]

It's cool how the anti-glare versions have an "MacBook Air-esque" silver bezel :)

[BurningJah]

what I don't get is thunderbolt-port looks exactly the same as the mini-display port!!
So where is the minidisplayport gone to!
and what about external displays! like the acd! how would one connect to them?

[Thunderhawks]

I was just expecting a higher screen res, a better GPU or a SolidState.
And what did I get? A thunderbolt... :(

Funny how people come up with THEIR expectations and wishlists or must have features and latest technologies and then are disappointed when none of it happens:-)

[blueraja]

A note on the GPU's:

The Intel HD3000 is NOT the same one as you can now see benchmarks and tests of. According to Engadget, it is more powerful than ever:



Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/apple-refreshes-macbook-pro-family-with-sandy-bridge-processors/

My guess is that it will probably perform equal to or slightly better than the 320M.

Also, the HD 6490M has not yet been benchmarked; the notebookreview.com ranking is only approximate, based on raw number and it will probably outperform the GT330M.

In raw benchmarks the 3000 is slightly faster but unfortunately it has no onboard support for openCL and maintains compatibility by offloading OpenCL to the CPU which in turn slows things down conciderably, the next generation though is supposed to support it on chip.

[orfeas0]

Yes its the same battery... but that doesn't mean they just took other tests.
I still worry that the new HW may use up the battery more quickly. We'll
have to wait for 3rd-party analyses to tell us how the new and old MBPs
compare in terms of battery life. We can HOPE that its just a difference
in testing procedures... but we don't yet KNOW if that is true.

I think the new core i5 + intel graphics 3000 drains the same battery as the old c2d alone (without the 320m).which means a boost in battery performance.

[Stella]

Nice price drop for the top end 15" - now $2,249.00.

There's a good differentiation between the lowest 15" and the high end 15" to be worth considering.

Although I'm dissapointed by the lack of SSD to host the OS, this seems a good upgrade considering the price, regarding 15" MBP.

As for instant on - many people just put their Mac laptops to sleep and rarely turn them off.... so I don't think there would be much benefit - unless you do power off regularly.

[Tears Apart]

Is the antiglare really worth the extra money?

You will find a ton of threads on the subject - do a search.

Bottom line is: depends on your personal taste.

To me for example glossy is borderline unusable.

[SwedishBassist]

Should've followed my instincts and purchased an Air. I waited for the updated 13" for no reason. Now I am stuck with no computer and no money for one.

The only one I could consider is the better 15", but for the Swedish prices that is just out of the question.

[Macsterguy]

I don't think I would have ever say this about mbp update but this one is epic fail!

13 inch still w/ same old res???? Stupid Xoom has that res and it's 10 inch ... MY Freaking GOD..... WTF.. seriously

WHY? - "MY Freaking GOD..... WTF.. seriously" - WHY?

That statement adds nothing to your post - so why?

[APMacLover]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

Is the resolution on the 13" MBP really that bad? I understand that the air has a higher resolution screen, but it can't be so bad that many people won't buy it because they're disappointed.

[Magrathea]

8 Gigs of memory seems lame, no? Why no 16 gig option? Dell and the like have much more powerful laptops, more memory, 2Gig graphics cards :(

[Cat5e]

what I don't get is thunderbolt-port looks exactly the same as the mini-display port!!
So where is the minidisplayport gone to!
and what about external displays! like the acd! how would one connect to them?

You connect it through the same port; it's just that now the MDP can handle other devices as well.

[mDesignz]

MBP 17, 2.3GHz Quad, 8GB, 512GB SSD, Antiglare
EXPEDITED SHIPPING!!

[Kimbie]

UK store not showing the new MBPs but the US store is.

Has the UK store been updated?

Kimbie

[StealthGhost]

A note on the GPU's:

The Intel HD3000 is NOT the same one as you can now see benchmarks and tests of. According to Engadget, it is more powerful than ever:



Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/apple-refreshes-macbook-pro-family-with-sandy-bridge-processors/

My guess is that it will probably perform equal to or slightly better than the 320M.

Also, the HD 6490M has not yet been benchmarked; the notebookreview.com ranking is only approximate, based on raw number and it will probably outperform the GT330M.


It uses the HD 3000 which can be seen here in the i5-2500K desktop version

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4083/the-sandy-bridge-review-intel-core-i5-2600k-i5-2500k-and-core-i3-2100-tested/11

That one also has more memory, so it will be worse. It's also at super low res and settings to be playable.

[ast03]

I like the direction of these new macs but i was excited about the ssd :(

[Nick12QB]

Is it just me, or is the option to add mobileme missing from the macbook pro configuration page?

[Rabbleboy]

They remove the "middle" 15'' option, which is the one i can usually afford. Doh. Anyways, not upgrading until the high-res is standard.

A little sad with the downgrade in battery life, 7 hours? It's on par with pc laptops now...

Anyway. A single question I do have:
What would the theoretical top speed of the 2,2 i7 Quad be, when only running on 2 cores?

I know it says 3,2Ghz in the explanations, but I would assume thats when its single-core.

Rabble

[DLovett]

In raw benchmarks the 3000 is slightly faster but unfortunately it has no onboard support for openCL and maintains compatibility by offloading OpenCL to the CPU which in turn slows things down conciderably, the next generation though is supposed to support it on chip.

Thanks for clearing this up. You wouldn't happen to have a link to these said SB benchmarks, would you?

[k995]

The Macbook Pro frame alone may be worth it because it houses the components. Sturdy, heat dispersing, durable...it protects the components inside. I know someone with an XPS that has cracks and some keys fell off. Yeah thats quality.
Like I know people with cracked macbooks (yes unibody) . Unibody is more a gimmick then anything that is really very effective.



The OS is designed to work specifically with the components installed...the same can never be said for Windows machines. Plus I can run Windows and OS X on the same machine if needed.
Windows is just as much supports the hardware it runs on, its all generic .



IMO any price premium placed on Macs over Windows laptops is because of the quality build, and the symbiotic relationship between OS X and the hardware chosen. You get what you pay for and the XPS, while not a bad laptop, isn't built like a Macbook Pro.

And as I always point out the resale value of Macs tends to be very good. Even just a $500 resale value 3 years down the line is $500 off the price of a new Mac, combined with a student discount suddenly the price "gap" between Dell and Mac is a lot smaller.

Why would the combination of something cost more? Shouldnt it cost less, after all osx doesnt have to support 100+GPU/CPU's and HDD's .


OSX has also lost any edge it had since windows 7 .

As for resale: yes but for people who use there laptops until its broken, this doesnt matter.

[wesrk]

I'm definitely going for the high end 15" in about a month, once I have holiday. I was going to do the entry level 13" since most of my work I do at home and have an external display, but, if I'm upgrading from a 3 yr old mbp, I might as well indulge myself.

[BurningJah]

You connect it through the same port; it's just that now the MDP can handle other devices as well.

ok thanks a lot!

[CrackedButter]

what I don't get is thunderbolt-port looks exactly the same as the mini-display port!!
So where is the minidisplayport gone to!
and what about external displays! like the acd! how would one connect to them?

Why don't you read the actual specs? It does both in the same port.

[gnasher729]

8 Gigs of memory seems lame, no? Why no 16 gig option? Dell and the like have much more powerful laptops, more memory, 2Gig graphics cards :(

Intel "Mobile" processors don't support more than 8 GB RAM at the moment.

[troop231]

Is it just me, or is the option to add mobileme missing from the macbook pro configuration page?

It's missing

[shervieux]

Maybe I missed something.... But the 13-inch has SSD as a BTO in a 512gb size. It is uber-expensive, but does this mean, if you choose the SSD - we will get even more of a performance boost for some things?

[ast03]

what I don't get is thunderbolt-port looks exactly the same as the mini-display port!!
So where is the minidisplayport gone to!
and what about external displays! like the acd! how would one connect to them?

i think it works for both thunderbolt and mini-display.

[Yinmay]

$600 for 256 GB SSD? You've got to be kidding me!

[shervieux]

It's missing

Check the newest thread posted. Mobile me getting revamped - no more boxes, going free shortly?

[Sean Dempsey]

So how do I use an external monitor and a lightpeak device at the same time?

[ast03]

$600 for 256 GB SSD? You've got to be kidding me!

its always been that price, no change there.

[koston33]

maybe I'm wrong bit on the apple website it say there is a 512 SSB option. Is that not a good way to go?

[shervieux]

So how do I use an external monitor and a lightpeak device at the same time?

Articles say it supports daisy chaining up to 6 devices. I am sure there is a cable coming out for that. But don't worry; I doubt there are many devices that support lightpeak yet.

[ast03]

So how do I use an external monitor and a lightpeak device at the same time?

looks like you have a tough question lol. which is better 10gbps or an external monitor?

[Steve121178]

Store is UP!

Let the whining begi- err, continue.


*laughs*

[acidfast7]

Like I know people with cracked macbooks (yes unibody) . Unibody is more a gimmick then anything that is really very effective.



Windows is just as much supports the hardware it runs on, its all generic .




Why would the combination of something cost more? Shouldnt it cost less, after all osx doesnt have to support 100+GPU/CPU's and HDD's .


OSX has also lost any edge it had since windows 7 .

As for resale: yes but for people who use there laptops until its broken, this doesnt matter.

1. doubt it. i've never seen a cracked unibody.
2. it runs OSX and Windows legally.
3. resale value determines total cost by allowing one to estimate depreciation

your arguments are feeble at best.

[LarryC]

Has there always been a price difference for the Apple Care option between the Mac Book and the Mac Book Pro? I just got this off of Apple's website.

MacBook / MacBook Air / 13-inch MacBook Pro - AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll [Add $249.00]

AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro - Auto-enroll [Add $349.00]

[StealthGhost]

I have a nearly 9 year old desktop HP that still runs as a media center PC (more as just a middle man between our networked computers and the TV). Both its CD/DVD drives failed and were removed and a new power supply was put in. Its slow as crap but allows us to access the networked computers and drives on the TV.

As for Mac vs Dell:

Superior frame and superior OS.

The Macbook Pro frame alone may be worth it because it houses the components. Sturdy, heat dispersing, durable...it protects the components inside. I know someone with an XPS that has cracks and some keys fell off. Yeah thats quality.

The OS is designed to work specifically with the components installed...the same can never be said for Windows machines. Plus I can run Windows and OS X on the same machine if needed.

IMO any price premium placed on Macs over Windows laptops is because of the quality build, and the symbiotic relationship between OS X and the hardware chosen. You get what you pay for and the XPS, while not a bad laptop, isn't built like a Macbook Pro.

And as I always point out the resale value of Macs tends to be very good. Even just a $500 resale value 3 years down the line is $500 off the price of a new Mac, combined with a student discount suddenly the price "gap" between Dell and Mac is a lot smaller.

You're right about everything, but it comes down to you're spending twice as much. Windows 7 is the same or better (better for gaming) than OSX when it comes to benchmarks. I think both are unique besides that, and OSX is obviously easier to maintain.

It doesn't have to be a Dell either. I know people hate on Dell, but there are many more companies out there that might be better. I know for a fact the HP Envy 14 is great.

Resale is good and all (I was offered 150 for my laptop 2 years ago, not bad but 500 is better) but if you're relying on that and you need to get a new computer because your current MBP was sucked into a wormhole, there goes the resale cushion. I'm guessing resale is so good because people want them but they know they're overpriced new like cars? :p

[nathanw]

Finally a voice of reason.

This is very simple:

Apple puts out a product..

you like....you buy
you don't like, you don't buy

The end:-)

One of the puropses of this site is to discuss the changes and new products apple puts out there. If people want to complain about the high prices and new updates, this is the place to talk about it!

[ast03]

maybe I'm wrong bit on the apple website it say there is a 512 SSB option. Is that not a good way to go?

you will notice the difference but its just if that difference is worth the price to you. If yes then do it!

[Azadre]

What kind of increases would it be for the new 13" MBP when coming from http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-MC118LL-15-4-Inch-Laptop/dp/B002C744K6

Specifically, how much better is i5 compared to C2D and how much better is HD Graphics 3000 compared to the 9400m? I might go from the 15" to the 13" depending on the answer.

[ast03]

Has there always been a price difference for the Apple Care option between the Mac Book and the Mac Book Pro? I just got this off of Apple's website.

MacBook / MacBook Air / 13-inch MacBook Pro - AppleCare Protection Plan - Auto-enroll [Add $249.00]

AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro - Auto-enroll [Add $349.00]

Yes the macbook pro applecare has always been more.

[Steve121178]

I don't think I would have ever say this about mbp update but this one is epic fail!

13 inch still w/ same old res???? Stupid Xoom has that res and it's 10 inch ... MY Freaking GOD..... WTF.. seriously

The real hardware refresh will be when Lion launches. Is it that hard to work out?

[Yinmay]

its always been that price, no change there.

Except that one would expect that SSD prices would have gone down over time, especially with Apple ordering so much of it for its MBA.

[dwsolberg]

It's interesting that they focused on the speed of these new machines rather than on the extras. In particular, why not match the resolution of the MacBook Airs along with the Airs cheaper SSD options? I have found the speed improvement for most people is FAR FAR FAR FAR better by adding an SSD rather than increasing the processor speed. Why not focus on the mainstream consumer experience? This is a very odd update given Apple's normal priorities.

[paradox00]

$600 for 256 GB SSD? You've got to be kidding me!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008120%20600038487&IsNodeId=1&name=256GB

It doesn't seem that unreasonable.

Except that one would expect that SSD prices would have gone down over time, especially with Apple ordering so much of it for its MBA.

The MBPs don't use the same SSDs.

[SPEEDwithJJ]

maybe I'm wrong bit on the apple website it say there is a 512 SSB option. Is that not a good way to go?

512GB SSD is definitely good, provided you can afford it. However, at this moment in time, the 512GB SSDs generally cost way too much that it is not really a best bang for the buck option IMHO.

[xgman]

I am waiting for the new MacBook Air 13" (probably October '11). It will include the same nice resolution (unless Apple downgrades like they did with the battery now :o ), Thunderbolt port with devices available, SSD and no space-wasting optical drive, Lion etc.

The more I think of it, the MBA becomes more and more attractive. I don't really see any advantages of the MBP over MBA, except CPU speed and an IO port which still lacks devices...

I think I'm with you on this. The 15" BTO's are interesting but expensive. If only the MBA refresh was now.

[boymom75]

Total lay-person here, so can can somebody explain to me how base model 13" went from 2.4GHz (Intel core) to 2.3GHz (dual core i5)? Isn't that slower? Or does the dual core make it faster than a higher number on Intel core?

Sorry, I'm not as techie as you guys, but my 2006 MBP (2.16GHz intel Core 2) really needs to go, and I want to understand how much better I'm doing, and why I'm not doing as well as I would've before today!

Same with the battery!

[MCS]

UK store not showing the new MBPs but the US store is.

Has the UK store been updated?

Kimbie

The UK store is showing the old models with 3-5 business days delivery!? Please don't tell me they're doing a similar rollout as with the iPad. US gets it first and weeks later the UK does. My wallet is itching :(

PLEASE APPLE LET ME THROW MY MONEY AT YOU

[Jswoosh]

The update isn't terrible but it certainly solidified my decision to buy the next Imac instead of macbook pro.

[ast03]

Except that one would expect that SSD prices would have gone down over time, especially with Apple ordering so much of it for its MBA.

ha we are talking top of the line apple here, its gonna be a hefty purchase regardless if it goes down. But i agree it still should go down for being the same option as in last generation with no improvements.

[Justin122]

PowerBook G4, anyone?

[Hastings101]

what difference does that make. the cpu is still made by intel, the graphics are still made by ati. just because its in a dell casing its considered bad?

Yes, because anything with an Apple on it, despite most likely being manufactured in a very similar way to the competitor's item and containing the same parts, is somehow still better :confused:

The only thing better about the Apple is that it has OS X on it, though you can technically put that on a dell :)

[Steve121178]

Sorry, but can someone tell is the intel HD graphic thing better than the nvidia 320 on the old one?

Roughly the same. For general use it will be ok.

Look at it this way, the average MBP13 user will mess around on the internet, watch some movies, mess around with some photos & music etc etc etc. The Intel graphics will be adequate for this. It will even manage some basic gaming.

I'd advise people to wait for some reviews/user feedback from early adopters before deciding to part with their cash.

[Hastings101]

the real question now is, whether to get this minor update, or wait 6 months and get a complete update/redesign. this is my first mb and im the type of person who needs to have the latest and greatest. so, should i wait it out till the next complete update (which will probably be in 6 or so months) or jump on it now and probably kick myself 6 months from now when theres a huge update and im stuck with last generation? :confused: :confused: :confused:

I don't know where you're getting a huge update in six months. Macbook Pros are updated about 1 to 1.5 years.

[parapup]

Deep down in the Management trenches at Apple - there must be a motto written all over the walls - Don't make the suckers too happy - spare some for the next <iPhone|MacBook|iPad>.

[ECUpirate44]

So much for an SSD to boot the OS :rolleyes:

[Steve121178]

Is the antiglare really worth the extra money?

Depends if you want an antiglare screen. If you do, then yes (you have no choice), if you don't want an antiglare screen then it's not worth it.

[ast03]

Deep down in the Management trenches at Apple - there must be a motto written all over the walls - Don't make the suckers too happy - spare some for the next <iPhone|MacBook|iPad>.

I felt the same when the iphone 3g came out then the iphone 3gs came out a year later with features that could have easily been on the 3g. felt cheated

[k995]

1. doubt it. i've never seen a cracked unibody.
So it doesnt excist? Strange logic, I worked for years with dell and never saw one cracked but I do realise that happens, just like with macbooks, this site contains enough threads about that.



2. it runs OSX and Windows legally.

Again, I have both and I see little value to choose one over the other. The only problkem remains that not all windows software is avaible on OSX, I dont know anything important that doesnt run on windows.



3. resale value determines total cost by allowing one to estimate depreciation

Wich is of nu concern to most people who use there laptop until its broke.

Besides, if it costs 700 less, even with less reslae value you still have more left after 2 years.



your arguments are feeble at best.
Not really , just a bit more openminded.

[gorcman]

Can someone help me understand the differences between the dualcore i5 and the dualcore i7 on the 13"? I'm mainly familiar with them on the desktop line, not mobile line.

So the only advantages the i7 has over the i5 are the increased clockspeed and more cache? Does the i7 hyperthreading support more "theoretical" cores or are both CPUs set at 2 physical/2 theoretical cores?

[fahadqureshi]

Did you notice how people in the UK always complain how expensive Macs are, because of 20% VAT, but when he tries to show how good a value this Dell is, he quotes the price without VAT?

£1,240 for 1.6 GHz. I think the £999 MBP 13" eats his Dell for breakfast :D

Total Net: £1,086.76
VAT( 15%): £153.69
Total: £1,240.45

he did include VAT in his quote. i dont know how a new core i5 compares to a old core i7 but he did say his laptop was 2 years old.

[Mr. Retrofire]

I think the 13" is going to be dead duck for most pro users.

Nonsense!

No "Pro" user uses a 13" MB(P) for serious work.

[blazinz]

So much for an SSD to boot the OS :

its an option in the upgrade~!

128
256
512

[mdntcallr]

Prices are ... thank you for the fish ...

Bye, Apple.

Apple has done a few decent upgrades, including new Thunderbolt, new CPU, Sandybridge, GPU.

but....

1- Thunderbolt has no devices yet compatible, just promises of devices to come
2- No USB 3, Having Thunderbolt shouldn't preclude having USB 3 (apple is being cheap with paying for patents and upgrading this.
3- No Blu-Ray, Sorry at this point many people want the option for this. even to pay an extra $100-150 for a BD drive. Again Apple is being cheap.

In the new Apple paradigm of upgrading only part of the tech it uses, over hyping some of it, it feels like smoke and mirrors to contain costs and raise margins and potential for profits from itunes, app stores and more.

so.... i may be following you to the exit. Grabbing my towel. Wishing Apple understood the true meaning of 42.

[Puqq]

The real hardware refresh will be when Lion launches. Is it that hard to work out?

Lion is likely to be launched in summer, so a 4-6 month product cycle seems way too short.

[datamonger128]

I guess I'll be keeping my early 2009 MacBook a lot longer now. I will not get anything that strictly uses Intel graphics.

[linux2mac]

I bought a 17 " c2 on ebay for $ 725, put a bigger HD in it $ 100.
and it all works great for what I do. That was a $ 2,500 plus machine new)

Bought some 15's too that way

So, I will be waiting for all the "must have the latest" to dump their i7's etc.
to pick one up cheap.

Most of the "spec" complainers have gotten along with their MBP's (as in doing what they have to do with their MBP) and now the world caves in because it doesn't have this and it doesn't have that and it costs too much and it doesn't do what I do and it doesn't come in white and I can't mow the lawn with it etc.etc.?

These are great machines.

Yes. My 2010 C2D 13" MBP is plenty fast for me and will be for a few more years.