Apple Releases Penryn-Based MacBook Pros with Multitouch

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

After weeks of anticipation, Apple has finally released new MacBook Pros based on the latest Intel Penryn mobile processors. The release arrives alongside new MacBook updates.

MacBook Pro includes the latest NVIDIA graphics
processors, now with up to 512MB of video memory, and Apple's innovative
Multi-Touch(TM) trackpad, first introduced in MacBook Air(TM).

$1999. Macbook Pro 15" 2.4GHz / 2GB / 200GB 5400RPM / 256MB Vram
$2499. Macbook Pro 15" 2.5GHz / 2GB / 250GB 5400RPM / 512MB Vram
$2799. Macbook Pro 17" 2.5GHz / 2GB / 250GB 5400RPM / 512MB Vram

Rumors of the new MacBook Pros culminated over the weekend, with reports (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/24/macbook-pro-updates-this-tuesday/) that new products had begun shipping to Apple Stores. The new MacBook Pros are at the Apple Store (http://store.apple.com).

[ digg this ] (http://digg.com/apple/Apple_Releases_Penryn_Based_MacBook_Pros_with_Multitouch_2)

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/26/apple-releases-penryn-based-macbook-pros-with-multitouch/)

[noservice2001]

ooh... speedtest?

[amoda]

YESS!! Buying mine now!

[Yixian]

We're paying $500 for 256mb+ of vram?

[Stridder44]

Thank You Jesus

Ouch. Have they always charged you for the Apple remote? Because they do now. $19.

[sterlingindigo]

Wow, MacBooks are pretty close in specs to MacBook Pro's!

[2A Batterie]

Hot damn! I'm getting out the plastic!!!

[MattG]

Damn! Wish I had waited it out another couple of weeks to have AppleCare replace my faulty MBP. 200gb hard drives standard!

[wPod]

so when will the next update be?

[stetz5]

The wait is over!! I think i'm gunna cry

[^squirrel^]

Back goes my Macpro!!!!!!!!! Yipppppppeeeeeeeeeee!

[bigandy]

512mb Video memory would melt my lap. In more ways than one. ;)

[JCT]

My first gen 2.16 MBP is *finally* beginning to feel long in the tooth...

Have to try to hold out...

Nice upgrade!

JT

[jlanuez]

The trackpad looks the same as our current MacBookPro.
Is this upgradable by software perhaps?

[elcid]

so when will the next update be?

Haha love it.


No mini love :(

[TechnoLawyer]

MacRumors should have kept that article on the front page after all. :)

[namX]

Higher Resolution? Doesn't look so... :(

[OllyW]

so when will the next update be?

You should start a new thread :rolleyes:

[abijnk]

Let whine-fest begin... :rolleyes:

Glad to see penryn make its debut in the Apple line. And the pros getting multitouch is nice, however it doesn't look like they made the trackpad bigger, which surprises me really.

[sfwalter]

So since the mbp's are shipping in 1-3 business days any chances that they will get the retail stores faster?

scott.

[Brewhaus]

:D :apple: 15" Incoming :D

[Concorde Rules]

Wow, 100mhz more and 256mb of V-RAM I'd never use!

Somehow I think buying it when I did was the right thing to do ;)

Edit: No High res 15", or blue ray.. Hmm :/

[hotsauce3868]

"Both 15-inch MacBook Pro models feature power-saving, LED backlit widescreen displays. And now you can even configure the 17-inch model with the ultimate creative canvas — 1920 by 1200 pixels with LED backlighting."

Does this mean there is LED in the 17in. now?

[olliebraves20]

I'm surprised they are so close in specs...glad to see they bumped up the RAM on the Graphics Card

[bigandy]

$1999. Macbook Pro 15" 2.4GHz / 2GB / 200GB 5400RPM / 256MB Vram
$2499. Macbook Pro 15" 2.5GHz / 2GB / 250GB 5400RPM / 512MB Vram
$2799. Macbook Pro 17" 2.5GHz / 2GB / 250GB 5400RPM / 512MB Vram

ummmmm, it says 2.2, 2.4, and 2.6 on teh apple website...

Processor and memory

15-inch MacBook Pro
2.2GHz, 2.4GHz, or 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed

17-inch MacBook Pro
2.4GHz or 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed




"Both 15-inch MacBook Pro models feature power-saving, LED backlit widescreen displays. And now you can even configure the 17-inch model with the ultimate creative canvas — 1920 by 1200 pixels with LED backlighting."

Does this mean there is LED in the 17in. now?

um, no. well http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html has no mention of a 17" LED.

[netdog]

The 2.4 looks like the sweet deal here. Interesting.

No Time Capsule yet...

[AdeFowler]

The trackpad looks the same as our current MacBookPro.
Is this upgradable by software perhaps?

No

Nice updates but I'll wait for a case redesign

[cagil]

does it have a new design?

[DuFFy]

i cant believe half the post so far are complaints... :rolleyes:

but thank god its here so we can stop hearing about it, at least for now..

[gibbz]

Now I guess all of the those who (im)patiently waited can now get the latest and greatest..... Or maybe they should wait until the next update.

[writeous]

Im confused. i still see "intel core 2 duo" listed. Is that Peryn?

[Macnator]

So. They are finally here. Not that Im buying one. I will wait for a case redesign or something like that. Nice to know they have come!

[miloblithe]

We're paying $500 for 256mb+ of vram?

Well, it also includes a different version of the processor that's 2.5Ghz vrs 2.4 and has a 6MB cache instead of 3MB.

And a 250GB HD instead of 200GB.

But yeah, that's a big premium.

[DaveTheGrey]

The Apple Remote is now an option for 19$, like we've seen already with the MBA...

[thejadedmonkey]

That's beautiful.. After all that waiting and nothing but a speedbump

[cheunghy]

What’s in the Box
• MacBook Pro
• 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord
• Lithium-polymer battery
• DVI to VGA adapter
• Install/restore DVDs
• Display cleaning cloth
• Printed and electronic documentation

Wait, Apple Remote as an option? It doesn't come as a standard?
Hope this is not true.

[Macchino]

Im confused. i still see "intel core 2 duo" listed. Is that Peryn?

Yes, it's just a new platform

[mbene12]

What has been updated? They should publish a delta chart.

<10% processor speed bump or is a new chipset in place too?

Same graphics or new?

They did add the multi-touch so thats new.

I got another year or so before I need to upgrade my first gen intel MBP, but is this what people have been waiting for or is it a very small incremental improvement? just curious.

[mas90guru]

Memory upgrades are now only $ 400 for an added 2GB (down from previous $ 700 for the extra 2GB) which I documented here (http://www.geardiary.com/2008/02/13/newcomers-guide-to-upgrading-macbook-pro-memory-and-saving-620/)

[johnnyjibbs]

UK store only has 128 + 256 MB VRAM - a mistake?

[hotsauce3868]

When you upgrade to the high resolution screen you get the LED backlighting.

[QCassidy352]

twice the L2 cache on the 2.5 Ghz, FWIW. Still, $500 seems a lot for that, 100 mhz, 256 vram, and some HD space. 2.4 is definitely the sweet spot now.

[WonderBeat]

Its "douple-layer"...

Must be new technology....











JK guys, but thats what it says.

[rols]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

After weeks of anticipation, Apple has finally released new MacBook Pros based on the latest Intel Penryn mobile processors. The release arrives alongside new MacBook updates.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/26/apple-releases-penryn-based-macbook-pros-with-multitouch/)

where on the store does it say Penryn? I see "Core Duo"

[mac821]

size of trackpad is same as before even it has multitouch

[ibinco]

Holly smokes, finally updated. But my god they are charging for the remote on a $ 2000 machine!?!?!?!?!?!

[Kilamite]

I want one! Multi-touch woo!

I think Apple are in the process of updating the MacBook and MacBook Pro homepages because some of the specs haven't been changed yet.

[miloblithe]

The previous generation also came with glossy vrs antiglare options, right? That's not new?

[GUSTO]

UK store MBP has 128Mb 8600 as intro model, but US has it as 256Mb 8600?

[neiltc13]

Looks like MacBook Pro still has the old keyboard layout too. No media keys like the MacBook + Air.

[cobravap]

Its much more than a speed bump!! the pro now has 3!!! usb 2.0 ports!! they needed to do that a WHILE ago.... :'( along with multitouch and bigger hdd.

[macmadhat]

Well, here we go then. YIPPEEE. This officially makes me a switcher!!

[Leoff]

Yeah, this is where you're gonna have all the true Mac fanboyz crawl out of the woodwork. The same people who have been bitching for weeks will come up with "Why isn't it faster?!?" "Why isn't it a touchscreen?!?" "How come it's still the same price?!?"

I'm actually surprised this has any negatives, but unless Apple gives out 20" MacBook Pros running at 3.5Ghz and having Blu-ray drives and Touchscreens, not everyone is going to be happy.

[InLikeALion]

17" has LED only for the glossy hi rez option!!??? That's terrible. I'm not even in the market for one, but I know that will disappoint a lot of buyers.


EDIT: they've updated the page specs to include an LED matte hi-rez screen. That's better.

[ridehard]

DAMN, no 4gb mem, 8700gt

Still 2 USB!!!!!

[rols]

Yes, it's just a new platform

sorry where are you getting that from? The processor is described exactly as it was yesterday, core duo, no speed change. What tells you thats' Penryn?

[^squirrel^]

error on the UK site. Its says 128mb and 256mb VRAM. Should be 256mb and 512mb like the US Site.

[Stridder44]

What’s in the Box
• MacBook Pro
• 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord
• Lithium-polymer battery
• DVI to VGA adapter
• Install/restore DVDs
• Display cleaning cloth
• Printed and electronic documentation

Wait, Apple Remote as an option? It doesn't come as a standard?
Hope this is not true.

Thats what I was saying. $19 for the remote now. I dont care though Im too happy!

[macenforcer]

I just threw up a little bit in my mouth. SAME DESIGN! (clicks negative)

[Irfan]

Why has the U.S. model got 512MB and U.K. 256MB graphics cards???? :confused:

[cheunghy]

http://images.apple.com/macbookpro/images/wireless_hero20080226.jpg
Leopard Menubar with Tiger Menu :D

[Stella]

WHOO HOOO... No disappointment Tuesday!

BUT... those MacBooks ( not Pro ) are very good spec'd...

I'm glad they kept the keyboard, the Air / MB keyboards are crap IMO.

[darwinian]

For those who have been waiting -- was this really worth it?

[chillywilly]

Nice specs and cool to see an update for both MacBook and MBP models.

A 2.6ghz 15" with 250gb hdd should be a nice upgrade, when I upgrade later this year. My first gen Core Duo 15" is still working pretty well for me, especially after I upgrade the hdd to 250gb last year.

[MarkW19]

Cool, but I was hoping for the black Air keyboard!

Still pleased that they're finally out though!

[dante@sisna.com]

Wow, 100mhz more and 256mb of V-RAM I'd never use!

Somehow I think buying it when I did was the right thing to do ;)

Edit: No High res 15", or blue ray.. Hmm :/

Yep, exactly.

[omore1234]

I just threw up a little bit in my mouth. SAME DESIGN! (clicks negative)

ditto, why the same design :apple:? why?

[aLoC]

512 vram in a notebook? Daaaamn boooy!

[eraser85]

wtf? in Italy we got a 100€ price reduction BUT no updated video card memory!!!!!

[abijnk]

sorry where are you getting that from? The processor is described exactly as it was yesterday, core duo, no speed change. What tells you thats' Penryn?

Dude, try learning what penryn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_2) is.

[jk111]

what tells you its penryn? It still says core2 duo

[ridehard]

For those who have been waiting -- was this really worth it?

Not for me, thought Apple would be On top of the competition

[ibwb]

where on the store does it say Penryn? I see "Core Duo"

This "Penryn" or "Coppermine" junk is just code names for sometimes-trivial improvements in Intel CPUs. As the code names are followed only by CPU enthusiasts you won't ever see them on Apple marketing materials.

[Athee]

Its much more than a speed bump!! the pro now has 3!!! usb 2.0 ports!! they needed to do that a WHILE ago.... :'( along with multitouch and bigger hdd.


There is already 3 USB Ports in the MBP, I'm glad I bought a MBP before. This is a kinda poor update.

[BrittQ]

What was the l2 cache of the previous mobile merom?

[Soonerpet]

My first gen 2.16 MBP is *finally* beginning to feel long in the tooth...

Have to try to hold out...

Nice upgrade!

JT

Wow I didn't think it was possible for a macbook pro to feel old yet. I wonder how my 1ghz titianium powerbook feels then? I so wish I could afford a new one, but don't got the three thousand dollars right now. argg

[chaosbunny]

Does anybody know when they will update the mbp so it has bluray and 1680x1050 on the 15" model?

I know, I know, I just wanted to be the first! :D

[Malcster]

Very Nice! not enough of an improvement over my 2.33 Core2 model to make it worth it though. Next refresh for me i think.

[abijnk]

what tells you its penryn? It still says core2 duo

LINK (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_2) <------- CLICK IT PLEASE! :D

[catachip]

We're paying $500 for 256mb+ of vram?

No, we're not paying anything. If you choose to pay $500 extra, you will get an extra 256 mb of video memory, an extra 100 mhz of clock speed, and an extra 50 GB of storage space. That's what you may or may not be paying.

[Macnator]

Hmmm.... spec upgrades.... multi touch........ nothing too fancy.... I say it wasn't worth the looonnnnggg wait.... No remorse buying my 2.2Ghz! Ill wait till I see a worthwhile update like case redesign or when this baby dies.

[Kilamite]

ditto, why the same design :apple:? why?

Does it need a re-design? It is the sexiest laptop out there.

[La Porta]

Thank God. Now maybe we won't hear about MBP updates in every other thread.

[writeous]

Its much more than a speed bump!! the pro now has 3!!! usb 2.0 ports!! they needed to do that a WHILE ago.... :'( along with multitouch and bigger hdd.


I believe that its 17 inch only still for 3 usb ports.

[rubberduck007]

UK store MBP has 128Mb 8600 as intro model, but US has it as 256Mb 8600?


Indeed...

The UK Apple Store has only 128MB or 256MB Video RAM listed but says "Multi Touch" - Discuss.....


http://www.yummy-brand.com/uk-grab.jpg

[Mr Maui]

No Time Capsule yet...

They need to save SOMETHING for next Tuesday!

[Stridder44]

For those who have been waiting -- was this really worth it?

Yes. VERY MUCH. The people who don't like this update are either made at themselves for not waiting or are one of those people that are never satisfied.

My question is what kind of difference would the L2 cache make (form 3 to 6 MB)?

[em500]

what tells you its penryn? It still says core2 duo

The spec page lists 3 and 6MB L2 cache. Meroms were only available with 2 and 4MB.

[cobravap]

There is already 3 USB Ports in the MBP, I'm glad I bought a MBP before. This is a kinda poor update.

The mbp never had 3 usb ports until now. Ive had the past 2 generations (2.33ghz and currently a 2.2ghz) and they both only have 2 usb ports.

[officerdick]

Would it be possible to purchase a spare trackpad, and put it in my current macbook pro. I would love it in my now outdated MacBook Pro.

[winty03]

What do you guys suggest glossy or matte? I am a switcher and sounds like the glossy is a waste of time? Doesn't seem like anyone likes the glossy? Any suggestions?

[DukeofAnkh]

American store is always updated first. The UK one now matches. *waits for Australian store to come back online*

ummmmm, it says 2.2, 2.4, and 2.6 on teh apple website...

um, no. well http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html has no mention of a 17" LED.

UK store only has 128 + 256 MB VRAM - a mistake?

UK store MBP has 128Mb 8600 as intro model, but US has it as 256Mb 8600?

[djellison]

Let whine.

No mag latch
No higher res screens
No new keyboard
No HD optical drive
No price drop
No new GFX card (not that one was really available)
No way in hell I'd buy one of those new - it's a disgusting price.

£300 for 128 mb of VRAM and a 50gb HDD upgrade. That's OBSCENE. The 250GB HDD on it's own, new, is <£80. So £220 for 128mb of VRAM and a 4% speed bump. Pathetic.

I'm SO pleased I got a refurb SR MBP 3 weeks ago :)

[kuebby]

Does anybody know when they will update the mbp so it has bluray and 1680x1050 on the 15" model?

I know, I know, I just wanted to be the first! :D

2 years.

And to those who aren't satisfied with the update, there were twice as many things updated as predicted, does someone always have to complain? We just expected processor upgrades and multi-touch but also got HD and VRAM updates; as well as an updated MacBook.

[dante@sisna.com]

Thank God. Now maybe we won't hear about MBP updates in every other thread.

Amen -- that craziness is finally over.

[ridehard]

Apple portugal 100€ discount !!!

No 8700 but discount is nice

[catachip]

ummmmm, it says 2.2, 2.4, and 2.6 on teh apple website...


um, no. well http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html has no mention of a 17" LED.

Not there, no. But, if you go to buy one you get the option of a high resolution LED display on the 17" for an extra $100.

[macenforcer]

Sorry but this is one LAME update. They could have released this weeks ago. Uses the same exact motherboard. They just dropped in penryn and upped the vram and hard drive and swapped out the trackpad. LAME. No new design, no mag latch, same horrible plastic borders on the edges. No blue ray no mobile wifi, no sd card reader. Sorry but apple is starting to get a little too cocky. I am so sick of looking at the same exact lame old tired powerbook case. It was time for something new 2yrs ago!!

[darwinian]

Regarding a redesign, I think they should note that a little could go a long way. I think they're going for an iconic silver skin, but they could do with the black Al option that would be pretty nice.

The MBP case as it stands is pretty amazing, and it has been since 2001's Titanium PowerBook, which was the first Apple laptop at 1", right? Of course, it's not perfect, since there is no user-replaceable hard drive, for instance.

[FF_productions]

According to Apple, your looking at 5 hours of battery life, that's with wireless on, browsing websites and the display at 50%. 4.5 Hours for the 17 incher.

So without wireless and the display pretty dimmed down, we're looking at 6 hours? I'll wait for the official tests.

Just makes me want to get a MacBook Pro again...each update better then the other.

[Stella]

For those who have been waiting -- was this really worth it?

Yes.

Personally, all I was expecting was:
* a decrease in price ( which we got ),
* Penryn processor ( OK, probably 2.6Ghz, but there's not much difference vs 2.5Ghz )
* multi-touch.

The extra GPU RAM is an added bonus.

[DukeofAnkh]

The mbp never had 3 usb ports until now. Ive had the past 2 generations (2.33ghz and currently a 2.2ghz) and they both only have 2 usb ports.

The 17" always has, AFAIK.

[2A Batterie]

The trackpad looks the same as our current MacBookPro.
Is this upgradable by software perhaps?

Nope. The multi-touch trackpad is actually built differently than the regular touchpads.

[abijnk]

The mbp never had 3 usb ports until now. Ive had the past 2 generations (2.33ghz and currently a 2.2ghz) and they both only have 2 usb ports.

That's not correct. Yesterday the 17" models had 3 and the 15" models had 2. Today the 17" models have 3 and the 15" models have 2.

[Rabbleboy]

Hmm .. Isn't 3mb shared cache a bit in the standard 15'' low compared to the 6mb cache in the middle range MBP?

Isn't the speed just the same as before the update? - as in no "really" boost?

[robalan]

The mbp never had 3 usb ports until now. Ive had the past 2 generations (2.33ghz and currently a 2.2ghz) and they both only have 2 usb ports.

The previous 17" models all had 3 usb ports.

[chrono1081]

where on the store does it say Penryn? I see "Core Duo"

If Im correct (i may be wrong) it wont say penryn itll be core duo but with 45nm technology not 65nm technology.

[cloudnine]

Hallelujah. We have about a week of silence until the MBP whiners start again. :rolleyes:

[Paix247]

why isn't the battery life any better?

[MrFishBulb]

2.4 last gen for 1649??? Nice deal.

MBs for 799.

Probably gone by the time I hit submit.

~MrFishBulb

[GUSTO]

Indeed...

The UK Apple Store has only 128MB or 256MB Video RAM listed but says "Multi Touch" - Discuss.....


http://www.yummy-brand.com/uk-grab.jpg

Just spoke with apple, its a typo

[Macnator]

For those who have been waiting -- was this really worth it?

Not for me either. I bought a previous model. I have no remorse in that. This is just a spec upgrade. I think it will be either next upgrade for me or when this dies.

[dante@sisna.com]

No mag latch
No higher res screens
No new keyboard
No HD optical drive
No price drop
No new GFX card (not that one was really available)
No way in hell I'd buy one of those new - it's a disgusting price.

£300 for 128 mb of VRAM and a 50gb HDD upgrade. That's OBSCENE. The 250GB HDD on it's own, new, is <£80. So £220 for 128mb of VRAM and a 4% speed bump. Pathetic.

I'm SO pleased I got a refurb SR MBP 3 weeks ago :)

Yes, I am so pleased I bought the top end MBP 17, 2.6 200 7200rpm three months ago and paid for it with the work having it brought in.

[inflynx]

Hold on, didn't they say Multi-Touth was exclusive for MBAir ?

[abijnk]

^^^ And now its exclusive for the MBA and MBP...

Hallelujah. We have about a week of silence until the MBP whiners start again. :rolleyes:

Start AGAIN??? LOL, have you read the rest of this thread my dear? ;)

[Stridder44]

Yeah I was hoping for a redesign too but whatever. I'm going crazy over this update so I dont really care. Oh thank God it feels like its been forever. :)

Now I will laugh at the people that didn't have the patience to wait. :D

[eraser85]

Indeed...

The UK Apple Store has only 128MB or 256MB Video RAM listed but says "Multi Touch" - Discuss.....


http://www.yummy-brand.com/uk-grab.jpg

same as in italian store!!

[MBX]

what's with all you people saying the 17'' has no led?

can't you read?

you can also choose it for the hi-res (and non-glossy) version.

[Macchino]

sorry where are you getting that from? The processor is described exactly as it was yesterday, core duo, no speed change. What tells you thats' Penryn?

Penryn is a new "platform" for the core 2 duo. So its still core 2 Duo, Its just called Penryn instead of Merom, or whatever they had in the old MBP and MB...

In short terms: An updated version of the Core 2 Duo

PS. Don't "Dude" me, I was just trying to answer you.

[MARTB]

EXACTLY the update I wanted... Thanks :apple: my first lappy.

I think the case design is awesome...have you guys seen whats out there....

The MAC Air looks like a square space ship.:D

[dante@sisna.com]

My MBP 17, 2.6, has THREE USB 2.0 ports, FYI>

[writeous]

"Connect storage, multimedia devices, and high-speed peripherals to your MacBook Pro. Along the sides, you’ll find a FireWire 400 port, a FireWire 800 port, a DVI port, optical audio in and out ports, and an ExpressCard slot. There are three USB 2.0 ports on the 17-inch MacBook Pro and two on the 15-inch models."

Thats direct from Apples site. What is everyone talking about a new usb port being added? the 17 inch always had three.

[TonyHoyle]

The mbp never had 3 usb ports until now. Ive had the past 2 generations (2.33ghz and currently a 2.2ghz) and they both only have 2 usb ports.

I've got one sat right in front of me with 3 usb ports.

[darwinian]

According to Apple, your looking at 5 hours of battery life, that's with wireless on, browsing websites and the display at 50%. 4.5 Hours for the 17 incher.

So without wireless and the display pretty dimmed down, we're looking at 6 hours? I'll wait for the official tests.

Just makes me want to get a MacBook Pro again...each update better then the other.

Yes, the tests will be telling. They say that this processor will allow for better battery life, but that again remains to be see. Didn't BT also get an upgrade, to the 2.1 spec? I wonder if that will affect the battery life one way or the other as well. Wireless on is a change in their marketing, no?

Yes.

Personally, all I was expecting was a decrease in price ( which we got ), Penryn processor ( OK, probably 2.6Ghz, but there's not much difference vs 2.5Ghz ) and multi-touch.

The extra GPU RAM is an added bonus.

That's good -- a colleague of mine was after exactly the same things (his wait was painful to watch). Regardless, I think that the MBP has been a solid machine since it switched to Core 2 Duo from Core Duo, heh.

[catachip]

The mbp never had 3 usb ports until now. Ive had the past 2 generations (2.33ghz and currently a 2.2ghz) and they both only have 2 usb ports.

The 17" MacBook Pros and PowerBooks always had three USB ports. The new 17" MacBook Pros have the same three USB ports. The 15" models always had two USB ports, and they continue to only have two.

Settled.

[dodoei]

Apple remote is an option now?

[Kelmon]

Ouch. Have they always charged you for the Apple remote? Because they do now. $19.

No, they didn't - mine came with my 17" MBP for free. Cheap bastards. If you're going to pay damned near $3000 for a laptop then they can throw in a bloody $20 remote control for free. Normally you get more stuff as standard with later models, not less...

I wasn't in the market for a new MBP but I'm honestly pretty disgusted to see that the remote is an "optional extra" now. For shame, Apple.

[Rabbleboy]

Danish stores has the same typo still.

[Mr Maui]

There is already 3 USB Ports in the MBP, I'm glad I bought a MBP before. This is a kinda poor update.

It's only a poor update to those who want to whine. It is a nice update to anyone who hadn't purchased yet.

Anytime there is an update, it will be a boost to those who haven't bought, and a reason to complain for those who have. Sad but true!

[FF_productions]

Has anybody looked at Apple's refurbs?

Absolutely loaded. 5 different Mac Mini's, 7-8 different MacBooks.

An Octo-Mac Pro 3 Ghz last generation costs $2499. Sweet deals...

[aswitcher]

No mag latch
No higher res screens
No new keyboard
No HD optical drive
No price drop
No new GFX card (not that one was really available)


Yeah, at least got the multitouch but besides thats its pretty disappointing...I bet WWDC in July/August will see the next true revolution of the MBP with all these things and the new chipsets.

[rols]

If Im correct (i may be wrong) it wont say penryn itll be core duo but with 45nm technology not 65nm technology.

you're right - I had to dig around the specs to find where it said that, and the 6Mb cache should have been a giveaway to me.

right ... when will the Singapore store comeup ... I need to do some buying

[darwinian]

Hold on, didn't they say Multi-Touth was exclusive for MBAir ?

There was a report awhile back in which, if memory serves, an Apple rep said that it was purely software (touchpad drivers, etc.) and not a hardware upgrade. A bigger trackpad might be useful, I suppose, but there shouldn't even be anything limiting the inclusion of multitouch in order machines (something Apple typically doesn't do, if anyone's had an iPod heh).

This doesn't get at the question directly, but it does hint that there should be no reason to put it in other machines.

[catachip]

No, they didn't - mine came with my 17" MBP for free. Cheap bastards. If you're going to pay damned near $3000 for a laptop then they can throw in a bloody $20 remote control for free. Normally you get more stuff as standard with later models, not less...

I wasn't in the market for a new MBP but I'm honestly pretty disgusted to see that the remote is an "optional extra" now. For shame, Apple.

Don't be so dramatic. The vast majority of people never use the remote on a laptop anyway. The U.S. is heading for a recession and they want to maxmize profits as much as possible. Business 101. Sucks, yes indeed, but, by your same logic you're spending $3000 on a laptop, can't you afford an extra $20 for a remote?

[Rabbleboy]

I'm jsut a bit confused about the lower cache from 4mb to 3mb - when they increase from 2,2 to 2,4 in the low en MBP.

Wouldn't it equal = no upgrade? aka - downgrade?

[ninethirty]

I'll be accepting apologies now from everyone who lashed into me for saying I knew someone at Apple (who would know) and confirmed there would be no updates last week, but that instead MBP's would see an update on the last week of February.

[boonleng]

I'm ready to buy mine now... :D

[chas0001]

I am really confused, probably like other people. The European versions of the 2 later MBP models only have 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM in the graphics cards whereas the US version have 512MB!

US : http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html
UK/ES : http://www.apple.com/uk/macbookpro/specs.html

What a con!

[cloudnine]

No, they didn't - mine came with my 17" MBP for free. Cheap bastards. If you're going to pay damned near $3000 for a laptop then they can throw in a bloody $20 remote control for free. Normally you get more stuff as standard with later models, not less...

I wasn't in the market for a new MBP but I'm honestly pretty disgusted to see that the remote is an "optional extra" now. For shame, Apple.

At this point, most people already have a remote... I bought one with an iPod dock when they were first released. I also have another one in the house for my roomie's macbook pro. a lot of people have one for apple tv. it's really not that big of a deal.

[AliensAreFuzzy]

Gah, I'm so torn. I want the 512MB VRAM and definitely the 6MB cache, but I don't want to pay the $500 premium.

[MacGeek7]

Thank You Jesus

Ouch. Have they always charged you for the Apple remote? Because they do now. $19.

They were always just included...they were never an option to get - when you bought a new Mac it just came with the apple remote...weird.

[Abstract]

This is a kinda poor update.

What more were you expecting? The laptop was, and still is, fantastic. The only thing on my list are all very small quibbles that would never stop me from buying such a fantastic machine.

I wish the case would change, but it's still beautiful after 6 years.

[DanielZ]

I ordered mine with a 200GB 7200RPM hdd and high res screen :D

Can't wait for it to get shipped

[abijnk]

I'll be accepting apologies now from everyone who lashed into me for saying I knew someone at Apple (who would know) and confirmed there would be no updates last week, but that instead MBP's would see an update on the last week of February.

You can't be serious... Do you have any idea how many people on here saying they know some or saying they slept with Steve last night and he divulged that the new super duper iWash machine (Darn you tattoo!) will be out in 2.5238726 weeks??? A lot, that's how many...

[Mr Maui]

Wow I didn't think it was possible for a macbook pro to feel old yet. I wonder how my 1ghz titianium powerbook feels then? I so wish I could afford a new one, but don't got the three thousand dollars right now. argg

You want old?!? I still have my IIci (albeit for posterity's sake ... I function in the real world ... LOL).

For those of you who only know Macbooks, Intel, G5s, Powerbooks and the like, it's a 25Mhz ... yes, MHz 68020 processor. And for those whiners out there ... it cost me $6000. So be happy with what you have. Trust me, in it's day, it was "all that"!

[^squirrel^]

I am really confused, probably like other people. The European versions of the 2 later MBP models only have 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM in the graphics cards whereas the US version have 512MB!

US : http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html
UK/ES : http://www.apple.com/uk/macbookpro/specs.html

What a con!

Dont worry it's a typo..... i called my apple contact. 256 entry and 512mb for other MBPs.

[syndalis]

There was a report awhile back in which, if memory serves, an Apple rep said that it was purely software (touchpad drivers, etc.) and not a hardware upgrade. A bigger trackpad might be useful, I suppose, but there shouldn't even be anything limiting the inclusion of multitouch in order machines (something Apple typically doesn't do, if anyone's had an iPod heh).

This doesn't get at the question directly, but it does hint that there should be no reason to put it in other machines.
I am pretty sure the Macbook Air has the iPhone screen digitizer driving the touchpad on it, meaning that it IS in fact a hardware solution. Much as I don't want it to be.

[rcha101]

Wow what a predictable update - nothing more than a speed bump. Multitouch whoopy do!

Disappointments:
-No bluray as an optional extra
-hard drive options, why no 320gb 5400? Still not user replaceable.
-remote now a chargeable extra

[jonny]

I've noticed that they all feature the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT. I wonder if this means that they will finally fix the driver issues for gaming? Pleeeeeeeeeease?

[neiltc13]

I was wrong. They have added the media keys to the computer. At last you can skip tracks and pause your music on your MacBook Pro easily:

http://www.neilchristie.com/dump/ZZ464FDFA5.jpg

[HenMaster6000]

I maxed that baby out and checked express shipping.

now the wait.

[koobcamuk]

No

Nice updates but I'll wait for a case redesign

does it have a new design?

Considering these are concurrent posts, I could resist quoting.

I find is laughable that they are now charging for the remote. Maybe they think that most Pro users already have a remote? :rolleyes:

[NathanA]

What is everyone talking about a new usb port being added? the 17 inch always had three.

The reason that they can't discern between USB port count on the 15" and 17" models is the same reason why people are saying "what, no Penryn? It still says Core 2 Duo." (Idiots! Of course it does!) And the same reason that people keep proclaiming "no multitouch on new MBP, too bad..." (?!) And the same reason that people continue to lament about the lack of LED backlighting (it says right in the description that it's there on the high-res 1920x1200 17"!).

In short, the reason is because people here apparently have reading comprehension problems. Boggles the mind, really.

-- Nathan

[catachip]

http://images.apple.com/macbookpro/images/wireless_hero20080226.jpg
Leopard Menubar with Tiger Menu :D

Technically it's still a Leopard menubar. The Tiger menubar didn't look anything like the non-opaque menu bar in 10.5.2. The new one is dark gray with a gradient, not white, and does not have rounded corners.

[jayhawk11]

I'm a little underwhelmed with this update. Drop the prices of BTO RAM from "Rape and Pillage" level to "First Born Child" level, remove the Apple Remote as being standard...in exchange for a small speed bump, drop to 45nm architecture, and a jump in standard hard drive size. Gee, thanks :rolleyes:

Overall though, at least they finally got something out the door...I was starting to think this was going to turn into a Cloudbook :p

[johnnyjibbs]

Since I'm upgrading from a 12" PB 1GHz G4 with 32MB VRAM I think the base 15" model will suffice. Definitely adding the Apple Remote for £14.

My question then:
- 250GB 5200RPM or 200GB 7200RPM?

Bear in mind that I'm coming from the machine above with a 4200 drive, it will be miles quicker and I really want all the space I can get. Does 7200 adversley affect battery life? Run hotter? I'm thinking of getting the 250GB 5200RPM - is that a wise choice?


I am really confused, probably like other people. The European versions of the 2 later MBP models only have 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM in the graphics cards whereas the US version have 512MB!

US : http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html
UK/ES : http://www.apple.com/uk/macbookpro/specs.html

What a con!
UK tech specs page (above link) has not yet been updated (still black background) so that should be fine.

But the UK store is updated and still shows 128/256 instead of 256/512. I imagine this is a typo and will be fixed. (C'mon Apple, don't do the dirty on us)!

[MacSKY]

So has anyone made a call yet? Are they available in stores now or are they a couple days out yet?

[vert]

Looks like MacBook Pro still has the old keyboard layout too. No media keys like the MacBook + Air.

check out the gallery... seems they did change them on the MBP..

http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/2041/1391/store.apple.com/Catalog/regional/amr/macbookpro/img/gallery-big-07.jpg

edit: i should have read better :p

[koobcamuk]

why isn't the battery life any better?

Why would it? No OLED screen - same batteries but with a faster processor - they're doing well if it uses the same amount of energy, let alone gets more life out of the same battery...

[dallas112678]

What was the l2 cache of the previous mobile merom?

I think 4MB, it definetly wasnt 6MB like the new ones.

[ugadawg94]

Well my 3 month old MBP doesn't feel left out yet. Maybe in another 8 months or so, I can get a new one when it redesigns and give mine to my wife.

[johnnyjibbs]

Technically it's still a Leopard menubar. The Tiger menubar didn't look anything like the non-opaque menu bar in 10.5.2. The new one is dark gray with a gradient, not white, and does not have rounded corners.
He's talking about the menu coming off it - it's got pinstripes (like in Tiger/Panther) and square edges, whereas Leopard drop-down menus have rounded corners, are smoother looking and have a solid background (with slight transparency and blurring beneath).

And yet this 'Tiger menu' sits on the Leopard menu bar (as you correctly describe), so it's not an old shot.

[abijnk]

Why would it? No OLED screen - same batteries but with a faster processor - they're doing well if it uses the same amount of energy, let alone gets more life out of the same battery...

Penryn consumes less power.

[coryetzkorn]

Sorry but this is one LAME update. They could have released this weeks ago. Uses the same exact motherboard. They just dropped in penryn and upped the vram and hard drive and swapped out the trackpad. LAME. No new design, no mag latch, same horrible plastic borders on the edges. No blue ray no mobile wifi, no sd card reader. Sorry but apple is starting to get a little too cocky. I am so sick of looking at the same exact lame old tired powerbook case. It was time for something new 2yrs ago!!

Exactly how I feel. I guess I can always hope for WWDC.

[VespR]

I think it's pretty bad of Apple to start 'removing' the remote.

Here have Front Row, but sorry if you want to enjoy it at a distance give me some more dollars. This reminds me of when Apple used to give you a dock with the iPod, now you pay extra for it, but the price stays the same for the actual product. They have very much become a greedy company.

Google have it right, one of their CEO's was asked why they keep the "I'm feeling lucky" button on the homepage, despite the fact nobody uses it. The reply was along the lines of, once you start taking away from the product something that has always been there, the customer will get angry.

[wipeout33]

why does glossy screen add 5 days on the UK store :S

[skorpien]

Now I can go ahead and order my first Mac... EVER!!! SO glad I waited this out as I'm SURE I would be kicking myself in the ass later. And since I was always gonna buy the 17"... I got the LED display I was hoping for :D! And all the specs I was realistically expecting too. Hope those of you that waited enjoy your new MBPs. And thx for making the wait fun :p

Edit: Oh, and non-US customers also get the perk of a price adjustment. Now only $150 more for top of the line BTO 17" MBP as opposed to like $900+ for Canada!

[chas0001]

Dont worry it's a typo..... i called my apple contact. 256 entry and 512mb for other MBPs.

Blimey thats a mistake a company would not want to make. Its on all of the European sites.

[majorp]

Technically it's still a Leopard menubar. The Tiger menubar didn't look anything like the non-opaque menu bar in 10.5.2. The new one is dark gray with a gradient, not white, and does not have rounded corners.

maybe he is talking about the drop down menu?

[cheunghy]

Technically it's still a Leopard menubar. The Tiger menubar didn't look anything like the non-opaque menu bar in 10.5.2. The new one is dark gray with a gradient, not white, and does not have rounded corners.

By "menu" I mean the drop-down menu (pinstripes and non-rounded corners).

[cardsdoc]

I'm jsut a bit confused about the lower cache from 4mb to 3mb - when they increase from 2,2 to 2,4 in the low en MBP.

Wouldn't it equal = no upgrade? aka - downgrade?

I thought this was strange too. With the same processor speed, but less L2 cache, could the 2.4ghz model be slower?

[koobcamuk]

Penryn consumes less power.

Bad optimisation?

[ddavid]

The U.S. is heading for a recession and they want to maxmize profits as much as possible...
Canada will follow the USA into recession if that happens.

[weckart]

There was a report awhile back in which, if memory serves, an Apple rep said that it was purely software (touchpad drivers, etc.) and not a hardware upgrade. A bigger trackpad might be useful, I suppose, but there shouldn't even be anything limiting the inclusion of multitouch in order machines (something Apple typically doesn't do, if anyone's had an iPod heh).

This doesn't get at the question directly, but it does hint that there should be no reason to put it in other machines.

Not true at all. Multitouch requires a hardware update. Cannot remember the name of the chip, but it is in the iPhone and iPod Touch. Without it, no pinch and zoom etc.

[andrewdale]

I ordered! It's my first Mac, and this is my last PC. I'll be gone when it gets here, so I get to come back to it!

MBP:
2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
MacBook Pro 15-inch Widescreen Display
2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
200GB Serial ATA @ 7200 rpm
SuperDrive 8X (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW)
Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
Accessory Kit

The excitement is overwhelming. At least until it gets here. THEN it'll be overwhelming!

[insane100]

I'm amazed at the mouth-foaming for a minor speed bump. This is a laptop that hasn't been updated in some time, features the same trackpad as before despite addition of the Multitouch features, the same low resolution screen on the 15.4" model etc etc.

The trackpad is a case in point. I'm assuming the MacBook Air got a physically larger trackpad for a reason - to make better use of Multi-touch features - so why should buyers/users of Apple's most expensive laptop have to put up with a smaller, older piece of technology? At this kind of money?? Only the naive would see this as anything other than a fudge; a real gimmick.

The same people who have been bitching for weeks will come up with "Why isn't it faster?!?" "Why isn't it a touchscreen?!?" "How come it's still the same price?!?"

I'm actually surprised this has any negatives...

It has negatives because it's expensive. You can pick up laptops with better specs for less. With the advent of hacked Mac OS running on PC hardware, perhaps its time Apple dropped the snobbishness and made their updates a bit more worthwhile.

My own personal gripe is that the 15.4" model has the laughably low screen resolution of 1440x900. For a laptop aimed at 'professionals' like myself it's a joke for Photoshop and other apps that have many palettes open at once. It also has the feeling of slipping well behind in terms of technolocy, and the best use of the technology. To put this in perspective you can get 15.4" laptops with 1920x1200 resolutions. A bit much for me, but the trend is very much about upping the working dpi, a trend seemingly lost on Apple.

Given the fanfair for the MacBook AirToy, it's hard to believe all their Pro users get is a speed bump. Where's the magic Apple?

[wildmilne]

I'm a little underwhelmed with this update. Drop the prices of BTO RAM from "Rape and Pillage" level to "First Born Child" level, remove the Apple Remote as being standard...in exchange for a small speed bump, drop to 45nm architecture, and a jump in standard hard drive size. Gee, thanks :rolleyes:

Overall though, at least they finally got something out the door...I was starting to think this was going to turn into a Cloudbook :p

it's ok, but i was hoping for the new keyboard as well, i dont like the keyboard on the macbook pro...makes my hands tired. Maybe higher resolution on the 15.4" would be nice, but my eyes arent that great anyway i guess :)

[Plymouthbreezer]

The reason that they can't discern between USB port count on the 15" and 17" models is the same reason why people are saying "what, no Penryn? It still says Core 2 Duo." (Idiots! Of course it does!) And the same reason that people keep proclaiming "no multitouch on new MBP, too bad..." (?!) And the same reason that people continue to lament about the lack of LED backlighting (it says right in the description that it's there on the high-res 1920x1200 17"!).

In short, the reason is because people here apparently have reading comprehension problems. Boggles the mind, really.

-- Nathan
Amen to that. People are inclined to say generally stupid things, moreso on the internet.

Some of these posts are insanely misinformed, and the complaints so lame.

It's not Apple's fault... It's everyone who gets their panties in a bunch over a simple update - If Apple was pitching these updates as massive publicity events, then there would be more reason for the customers to be upset.

As far as the case design, why do we need anything new? The current case, even since the debut of the Al PowerBook has been stunning... I'm sure there's something in the works anyway.

[ramzez]

if they have introduced multi touch i wonder if OSX version are they using? cause obviously there should be some settings for it. means perhaps a new update on its way!

[Wombert]

My 15" Powerbook G4's display tilts back 135 degrees. Barely enough for me (6'3") when using it on the lap.
The first-gen Macbook Pros tilted back around 120 degrees.
The LED backlit ones 110.
So what about this new one? 95°? For all the dwarfs on this planet?

[dhpeek]

I have been waiting to upgrade until my 4 1/2 year old IBM r40 thinkpad died. Today when I tried to open firefox it kinda laughed at me and said no, then it actually flipped me off. Needless to say I just ordered the 2.4, it definitely seems like the best deal after the upgrade and I am definitely happy to be a switcher.

[Schtumple]

I find this pretty damn insulting... (spot the difference...)

It's not even a BTO option here in the UK.

Could just be a typo though.

[arvidtp]

wooo hoooo!!!!!! I'm getting mine! But I'll have to cover the MacBook Pro decal with one that says PowerBook G6...

in deference of course to my current powerbook G4 1.25 GHz - a machine that has lasted me almost 4.5 years and still not only gets productive work done, but goes on stage with me every gig without a hiccup. A great, reliable computer. Just not exactly fast anymore!

I'll probably go for the 2.4 GHz - I can't justify $500 more for 100MHz extra processor and a bigger GPU... Nor does +50GB of HD really make up for it. Anything will be fantastic compared to the machine I have been using with for the past 4 years.

[abijnk]

Bad optimisation?

I don't know what you mean. If nothing else changed but the processor moves to penryn you could see better battery performance, although I would assume that they would be marginal increases. There is a really great article about it here (http://www.nordichardware.com/Reviews/?page=4&skrivelse=525).

[Cybergypsy]

the macbook pros need a facelift badly...... I will pass and stick with my Air.

[djellison]

'maxed out' - you bought RAM from Apple? Are you utterly bloody mad?

£240 extra for taking out £30.54 (retail price) of ram, and adding £72.84 (retail price) of ram. Net difference £42.30

Apple are charging 567% of an even slightly honest price.

Doug

[dante@sisna.com]

My question then:
- 250GB 5200RPM or 200GB 7200RPM?

Bear in mind that I'm coming from the machine above with a 4200 drive, it will be miles quicker and I really want all the space I can get. Does 7200 adversley affect battery life? Run hotter? I'm thinking of getting the 250GB 5200RPM - is that a wise choice?


I have the 7200 rpm, 200gig in my 17" 2.6.

I had a 5400 rpm in my last gen 15"

The 7200 RPM is a lot snappier for sure.

I have no idea how it affects the battery, would guess it costs a few minutes, but I am not really big on needing long battery life. Speed is important to me as I use the MBP for sales presentations.

[John Purple]

Just ordered my MBP 15" :D
To be delivered on MArch 11 :(

[wipeout33]

I find this pretty damn insulting... (spot the difference...)

It's not even a BTO option here in the UK.

Could just be a typo though.

I went on the UK store chat and the representative said it is a typo.

[koobcamuk]

My 15" Powerbook G4's display tilts back 135 degrees. Barely enough for me (6'3") when using it on the lap.
The first-gen Macbook Pros tilted back around 120 degrees.
The LED backlit ones 110.
So what about this new one? 95°? For all the dwarfs on this planet?

I heard it was 85° for optimum viewing pleasure.

[abijnk]

if they have introduced multi touch i wonder if OSX version are they using? cause obviously there should be some settings for it. means perhaps a new update on its way!

How about the same version of 10.5.2 that the Air uses? When it was released it was running its own version of 10.5.1, so I see no reason the pro wouldn't be running its own version of 10.5.2, or, like I said, perhaps the same version as the Air.

[ftf]

Since I'm upgrading from a 12" PB 1GHz G4 with 32MB VRAM I think the base 15" model will suffice. Definitely adding the Apple Remote for £14.

My question then:
- 250GB 5200RPM or 200GB 7200RPM?



I have read that despite the common belief the faster HD drains the battery (much) faster, this is not generally true.

At the same time, having the faster spinning disk does not necessarily mean everything is going to run faster. It depends more on what your general usage is going to be i.e. working with large files/frequent disk access/many small files etc.

I know im going with the faster disk though regardless.

[koobcamuk]

I find this pretty damn insulting... (spot the difference...)

It's not even a BTO option here in the UK.

Could just be a typo though.

been said many times already... typo.

[dante@sisna.com]

Remember when apple first moved to intel? Everyone said the computers would get cheaper and be upgraded faster. So what happened I wonder? They are just getting more expensive from apple while the rest of the computing world is getting cheaper. Steve trying to go out on a high note with tons of cash? Me th inks yes.

I have been saying this for a long time: Apple is changing their market. We are not it. The new market IS working for them, in terms of sales, that is.

[ruckus]

I ordered! It's my first Mac, and this is my last PC. I'll be gone when it gets here, so I get to come back to it!

MBP:
2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
MacBook Pro 15-inch Widescreen Display
2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
200GB Serial ATA @ 7200 rpm
SuperDrive 8X (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW)
Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
Accessory Kit

The excitement is overwhelming. At least until it gets here. THEN it'll be overwhelming!

Grats! I'll be ordering mine in the next couple of days. I still haven't made it to the apple store to see the air yet, been so busy lately.

[skorpien]

I find this pretty damn insulting... (spot the difference...)

It's not even a BTO option here in the UK.

Could just be a typo though.

It's been covered in this thread. It's a typo. Somebody from over there called Apple Care and they confirmed that the VRAM is the same as the US. They've apparently done that to all the European sites as well.

[koobcamuk]

I have read that despite the common belief the faster HD drains the battery (much) faster, this is not generally true.

At the same time, having the faster spinning disk does not necessarily mean everything is going to run faster. It depends more on what your general usage is going to be i.e. working with large files/frequent disk access/many small files etc.

I know im going with the faster disk though regardless.

A 200GB 7200RPM drive, at 150GB full will be slower than a 250 5400RPM drive that's 150GB full. Free space is worth more to most than a marginal (and I mean marginal) speed increase. It's just another cash-cow in my eyes.

[nnkd]

Wasn't really what I was looking for in an update. I'll wait for Montevina.

[Sweetbike40]

Although the update is nice, I am so happy I didn't wait for this. I bought mine in October and have been enjoying it so much.

[Schtumple]

I went on the UK store chat and the representative said it is a typo.

Thank god, I want to get the mid range for uni, 512mb graphics should woop my iMac's 128mb :p

[John Purple]

I find this pretty damn insulting... (spot the difference...)

It's not even a BTO option here in the UK.

Could just be a typo though.

I just called Apple store in Germany (same 128/256 **** than in UK). The lady confirmed that all new MBPs have 256/512 MB on their 8600 GT. The display of the store is wrong. I ordered my MBP.

[amac4me]

Nice revamp to the Pro line. Will be placing my order today!

[Marv(Ger)]

in america, the new mbp bottom line has 256 mb ram on the graphics.
in germany, the very same mbp seems to have only 128 and 256 in the higher versions.

check that out:
usa: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=7B723662&node=home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro

germany:
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/germanstore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=7B72367F&node=home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro

is that just a mistake, typing for example or is that the truth ?



i just heard thats just a typo? any confirmations?

[Mr Maui]

I am really confused, probably like other people. The European versions of the 2 later MBP models only have 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM in the graphics cards whereas the US version have 512MB!

US : http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs.html
UK/ES : http://www.apple.com/uk/macbookpro/specs.html

What a con!

Read the full thread already. Someone contacted Apple and it is a TYPO!!!!!!

[Paix247]

Anyone know if they'll be in stock at Apple Stores today?

[koobcamuk]

Grats! I'll be ordering mine in the next couple of days. I still haven't made it to the apple store to see the air yet, been so busy lately.

Don't bother. It doesn't float or anything... just sits there looking all off colour (black on aluminium) and fat (wide bezel).

[BenRoethig]

512 vram in a notebook? Daaaamn boooy!

Its actually fairly common. Apple has unfortunately has this practice of shipping their machine with half the video memory recommended. Not that Mac OS X handles the extra memory all that well.

[skorpien]

I just realized that the buyer's guide doesn't reflect the updates... for both the MB and the MBP. Or does that come later?

[Orng]

Woo Hoo!
Price drop for Canada!

The multitouch is nice and so is the speed boost, but what I'm really happy about is that now I can buy it from a local reseller (or the :apple:store in Toronto), rather than smuggling it home from Buffalo.

I am, however, disappointed that they didn't make an orange one to match my Shuffle.

(C'mon, I had to complain about something, I was feeling left out.)

[jim.arrows]

2.4 last gen for 1649??? Nice deal.

MBs for 799.

Probably gone by the time I hit submit.

~MrFishBulb

Yep, that's why I was waiting -- best part of the update for me is that it knocked the 2.2 refurb down to $1449!! My "new" refurb is on its way!

[tamseven]

Order placed... thank you steve! :) (good call Arn on the page 1 rumor.. :D) I think i can finally get a good nights sleep...

[mdntcallr]

Does anybody know when they will update the mbp so it has bluray and 1680x1050 on the 15" model?

I know, I know, I just wanted to be the first! :D

You are not the only one.

I also want a Blu-Ray MBP!!!!! (and Mac Pro!)

and one with option for larger hard drive. 320 gb should be an BTO option as well!

it is so sad Apple is sitting on the HD Disc sidelines. many creative professionals would like this. Yet Apple is choosing to delay Blu-Ray's introduction because they want to sell movies via itunes.

Never mind that it has amazing storage capacity

[methodmano]

A fair update. Nothing too crazy, but enough to warrant an upgrade. Expecting anything more at this time is wishful thinking.

[Cybergypsy]

Don't bother. It doesn't float or anything... just sits there looking all off colour (black on aluminium) and fat (wide bezel).

sorry love the MBA, much better then my MBP for what i do :)

[TheSpaz]

Okay... I HAVE to say this: But, what about the iPhone SDK???

Hey... you guys did it to our stories... now it's our turn!

[bbeers]

What do you guys suggest glossy or matte? I am a switcher and sounds like the glossy is a waste of time? Doesn't seem like anyone likes the glossy? Any suggestions?

If you do anything where color representation is important (graphics, video stuff like that) then the Glossy is the worst thing. The Glossy supersaturates the color. This may make images and video look nice on the screen, but they will print drastically different.

If color representation doesn't matter then the Glossy is fine. For me The Matte is the only way to go.

[ageha]

A very boring update...

[Chris2121]

What's the usual lag time between when Apple announces a new product and when it's available in retail stores? I'm a switcher and unfortunately don't know much about Apple's business practices like most of you all. Any chance the new models will be in retail stores today???

Looking back at the pics that people posted of empty tables in Apple stores where MBPs used to sit, it's promising that we'll be able to get our hands on one today...*fingers crossed until apple store opens @ 10:00am"....

[abijnk]

I just realized that the buyer's guide doesn't reflect the updates... for both the MB and the MBP. Or does that come later?

It will happen. Its only been an hour now. :)

[Kilamite]

Bad optimisation?

No - maybe you should read up on the evolution of processors. The aim is to have as much speed as possible while consuming as little power as possible.

Plus Peryn is 45nm processor which consumes less power and gives off less heat.

[djellison]

Some AMAZING offers in the Refurb Store. Yesterdays £1600 MBP now less than £1100.

Doug

[compuguy1088]

Holly smokes, finally updated. But my god they are charging for the remote on a $ 2000 machine!?!?!?!?!?!

That is kind of odd, though compared to what I got last august, it is much more. For the same price as the old 2.4, there is a upgraded processor, increased storage, and more video ram. Not a bad bump in specs.

[offwidafairies]

phew still feel like my 2.4Ghz 160GbHdd MBP is new enough ;)
Multi-touch is cool but unnecessary for me at the moment

[saschke]

nice upgrade! going from mbp cd 2ghz, fast 100gb hdd, x1600 256 to:

mbp 2.4ghz, 250gb hdd, 8600m GT256 +
a lot more battery life, (hopefully) less heat, multi-touch.

plus i will have to pay only 300€ to 400€ to upgrade because of the great educational pricing ;)

[aristobrat]

it is so sad Apple is sitting on the HD Disc sidelines. many creative professionals would like this. Yet Apple is choosing to delay Blu-Ray's introduction because they want to sell movies via itunes.
Or no manufacturer has created a slot-loading Blu-Ray drive with the dimensions required to fit inside of a MB/MBP. Do you not remember the deal with dual-layer drives not fitting into the first MBP?

[starcrossed]

I'm so glad I've been holding out for this update. With the new models with only a few different features, the refurbs now have some amazing prices!!!

[ageha]

If you do anything where color representation is important (graphics, video stuff like that) then the Glossy is the worst thing. The Glossy supersaturates the color. This may make images and video look nice on the screen, but they will print drastically different.

If color representation doesn't matter then the Glossy is fine. For me The Matte is the only way to go.

If color representation is important you certainly don't buy a notebook with a TN panel anyway!

[starflyer]

Does it need a re-design? It is the sexiest laptop out there.

I agree. Apple was light years ahead with its design. I don't think you should change something for the sake of changing something.

[mdntcallr]

Also, how the the damn world do they not include an Apple Remote with this expensive laptop???????

now they are cutting back on features and accessories?

apple is in danger of turning into microsoft

[weaterneyes]

For those who have been waiting -- was this really worth it?

kind of cause I just snagged this on refurb shop (only thing missing is trackpad thingy!(obviously not what I was waiting for))
Refurbished MacBook Pro 2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
15.4 inch (diagonal), (1440x900 resolution), TFT Widescreen2GB (two SO-Simms) 667Mhz DDR2 SDRAM160GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive8x Superdrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)Nvidia GeForce 8600m GT with 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVIBuilt-in Airport Extreme (802.11n) Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Learn More
• Save 39% off the original price
Original price: Eur 2,399.00
Your price: Eur 1,469.00
(Eur 1,214.05 ex VAT)
I dunno but I think I got a bargain

[akadmon]

I'm dissapointed that they went with the 2.4GHz/3MB cache Penryn for the low-end MBP, although, given Apple's greed, I'm not really surprised they did (in fact, I predicted they would). Sigh. Also, still no user replaceable hd.

Does anyone know how the 2.4Ghz/3MB Penryn compares with 2.2Ghz/4MB Merom? How about the 2.4Ghz/3MB Penryn vs. the 2.5Ghz/6MB Penryn? I mean, unless the difference is >20% (at least for some tasks), I don't think paying a $500 premium for little bit more hd space and gobs of, for the most part unusable VRAM , makes sense.

[compuguy1088]

512 vram in a notebook? Daaaamn boooy!

I was actually predicting they would bump it up....and I'm suprised that I was right. They also bumped up standard hard drives for each configuration AND cpu. Not a bad update.

[Mankin5344]

I dont see how anyone can think that this was a bad update. They basically took the old high end 15" and knocked $500 off of it, and added multitouch and more hard drive space. They also gave an awesome high end 15" that will rival any laptop in its class.

[abijnk]

I'm dissapointed that they went with the 2.4GHz/3MB cache Penryn for the low-end MBP, although, given Apple's greed, I'm not really surprised they did (in fact, I predicted they would). Sigh. Also, still no user replaceable hd.

Does anyone know how the 2.4Ghz/3MB Penryn compares with 2.2Ghz/4MB Merom? How about the 2.4Ghz/3MB Penryn vs. the 2.5Ghz/6MB Penryn? I mean, unless the difference is >20% (at least for some tasks), I don't think paying a $500 premium for little bit more hd space and gobs of, for the most part unusable VRAM , makes sense.

I believe this (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/01/09/real-life-mobile-penryn-vs-merom-benchmarks/) is what you are looking for. ;)

[retroneo]

Grrrr.

Still no built in 3G.... I hate this thing sticking out of my laptop...

[mdntcallr]

Or no manufacturer has created a slot-loading Blu-Ray drive with the dimensions required to fit inside of a MB/MBP. Do you not remember the deal with dual-layer drives not fitting into the first MBP?

not 100% true

http://store.fastmac.com/product_info.php?cPath=10_2_52&products_id=195

there is a slot BD drive that can be added to MBP 17" and who knows apple could work some magic to make room in the case or get BD manufacturer to make a model that would work.

[Mackan]

So what's the performance difference between 512 MB VRAM and 256, for the 8600 GT in games?

[BlueScreenX]

Im considering buying a 2.4 hz macbook and a 20 inch cinema screen now instead of amp mpb...

[dante@sisna.com]

A 200GB 7200RPM drive, at 150GB full will be slower than a 250 5400RPM drive that's 150GB full. Free space is worth more to most than a marginal (and I mean marginal) speed increase. It's just another cash-cow in my eyes.

My real world experience does not bear that out at all.

Not only do you get a faster spindle speed but you also get higher cache and a better drive overall.

The 7200 RPM Hitachi in my MBP destroys (as in not marginal) the 5400 RPM in the 2.2 MBP.

Check out Barefeats for a "Cluttered Drive" comparison of 7200 rpm versus 5400rpm -- I would hardly call 28% marginal:

"In other words, the 7200rpm 160GB drive was 28% faster overall compared to the 5400rpm 160GB drive whether empty outside or "cluttered" inside. For those still curious, here are results for three drives tested that were "un-empty" boot drives inside the MacBook Pro "Santa Rosa"


http://www.barefeats.com/rosa05.html

[neiltc13]

Grrrr.

Still no built in 3G.... I hate this thing sticking out of my laptop...

I think you'll be waiting forever if you are expecting a MacBook Pro with built in 3G. It has an expresscard slot and there are plenty of mobile networks which offer cards that fit into this slot to use 3G.

[Macmel]

Does anyone know if the new MBPs are gonna be at the retail store today?.
I would love to pick one up after work...

[lamina]

Looks like they finally have somewhat reasonable RAM prices. The upgrade to 4GB is "only" $362CAD

[greenmeanie]

I'll wait for higher res screens.

[arkmannj]

I haven't read all 253 posts, sos maybe somoene already noticed, but Apple is now charging extra for the apple remotes ($19.00) on both the MB & MBP :(
the remote was always a nice little touch, and I think should just be included.

[darwinian]

You know what would have been very 'progressive' for an update -- giving a quiet BTO option for a 2.5" SSD and not playing it up. Perhaps SSD tech is not quite mature for the big time, but no mechanical part solid state computing has been the dream for a very, very long time. We're close! (Well, we're here, but not without some critical caveats.)

I maxed that baby out and checked express shipping.

now the wait.

Nice, enjoy. :)

Not true at all. Multitouch requires a hardware update. Cannot remember the name of the chip, but it is in the iPhone and iPod Touch. Without it, no pinch and zoom etc.

I stand corrected (and with slightly bad posture).

[VespR]

Some AMAZING offers in the Refurb Store. Yesterdays £1600 MBP now less than £1100.

Doug

And they come with Apple remote. Go figure.

[marioalexander]

The previous generation also came with glossy vrs antiglare options, right? That's not new?


correct. ;)

[Krissanda]

FINALLY!!!!!!! I've been waiting forever. BUY BUY ! :D I'm sooo happy.

[quantumbits]

Hooray! :)

The MBP update hits the spot:

1) CPU upgrade. Check.
2) GPU upgrade. Check.
3) Multi-touch trackpad. Check.
4) LED screen for 17". Check.
5) Matted screen option. Check.
6) Same beautiful case design. Check.

I'm satisfied. No, Im ecstatic!

[Themapples]

Hey boys how would you outfit the 17"?? Which hard Drive - 250gb @5400rpm or 200gb@7200rpm or 300gb@4200rpm