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

[sandylp]

Definitely waiting until next year. The combination of things that just weren't included in this plus the price is just so disappointing. It seems that Intel is charging huge prices for Thunderbolt technology, because otherwise those prices are just unexplainable.

Although it is my first year at university, and it'd be nice to have a laptop to help me, the reality is that it just isn't necessary. There's computers readily available in the library and aside from quick note taking (which I can do on my iPhone, albeit more slowly), I really don't need a computer for university.

My problem is wanting a mac. Can I wait until (hopefully) the end of this year? I hope so. If I can, it'll definitely pay off. A major overhaul is imminent, and one can only hope that Thunderbolt prices have decreased by then (a price decrease is expected with its release to the mainstream market, however by the time the next round of MacBook Pros are released it still won't be available).

Hopes and speculations for the next generation:

- Complete redesign with liquidmetal (lowering production costs)
- Liquidmetal-based batteries (increasing battery life)
- Quad core implementation across the board (these new MacBook Pros are the first step, so this can be expected for next gen)
- Screen resolution upgrades (I'm tempted to say resolution doubling, looking at what Lion's HiDPI setting is hinting at, but that's probably too ambitious)
And finally,
- Generational CPU & Graphics upgrades (Ivy Bridge and whatever comes next for graphics - I'm completely out of the loop there so whatever)

If there's no redesign I'll shoot myself. I actually don't mind if they don't go quad core in the 13" though I am in the market for them, it just seems like unnecessary processing power to me. Anything to reduce the price further.

Anyways, that's me. Slowly going crazy with how much I'd like to finally buy my first mac. I guess today isn't the day, though.

I buy a new computer every 2 years based on Intel's Tick-Tock schedule. This is how it is explained by Intel:

Year 1: First the "Tick"
Intel delivers new silicon process technology, dramatically increasing transistor density while enhancing performance and energy efficiency within a smaller, more refined version of our existing microarchitecture.

Year 2: Then the "Tock"
Intel delivers entirely new processor microarchitecture to optimize the value of the increased number of transistors and technology updates now available.

So, this year is the "Tock" with entirely new processor microarchitecture with the Sandy Bridge processor.

 

[sanderbaco]

I just orderd the new macbook pro 15 inch with a 500gb harddrive. Now I want to remove the superdrive for an optical bay. In this bay I want to put an ssd, but is it possibile to install a sata 600 ssd? because I want maximum performance.

I read somewere that the new macbook pro supports sata 600! The superdrive is probably connected to the sata 300 connector, but does anybody knows how the internal harddrive is connected? I hope that this is a sata 600 port?

Who can help me?

thanks!

 

[skm001]

I need your help.
I am considering to sell my Mid 2010 Macbook pro 2,4 13" and buy the new one with i5 processor.
Do you think it is woth the money? I assume to put 250 Euros on top after selling my old one...
Is it really a massive improvement?
I am doing some Photoshop work and little Web programming.
I am wondering if it is worth considering that Lion comes out this year.

Any suggestions?

 

[chrmjenkins]

I need your help.
I am considering to sell my Mid 2010 Macbook pro 2,4 13" and buy the new one with i5 processor.
Do you think it is woth the money? I assume to put 250 Euros on top after selling my old one...
Is it really a massive improvement?
I am doing some Photoshop work and little Web programming.
I am wondering if it is worth considering that Lion comes out this year.

Any suggestions?

Your common usages either likely won't see speedup or don't really need it. The graphics processor is roughly the same performance and web programming isn't really processor intensive (unless I'm not imagining what you're doing and you're processing huge databases or compiling large code chunks).

 

[superfula]

Matte display will be better for true colours etc but I have gone with the high resolution glossy display which has its drawbacks such as glare but I wouldnt have it any other way.

Not true. With the proper calibration, which is what anyone concerned with image representation should be doing, both will produce the same colors. The only issue is controlling the glare.

Out of the box, neither are great for that "true color" look.

 

[teshawn81]

just bought a new mbp 13in. should i take it back?

I just bought this 13 incher a few days ago and im wondering if the new update is worth taking it back to get the new one. please help

 

[Mix]

Not true. With the proper calibration, which is what anyone concerned with image representation should be doing, both will produce the same colors. The only issue is controlling the glare.

Out of the box, neither are great for that "true color" look.

Well there you have it superfula knows best.

 

[chrmjenkins]

I just bought this 13 incher a few days ago and im wondering if the new update is worth taking it back to get the new one. please help

Of course. The exchange will be free.

 

[Peter Maurer]

Pros aren't going to buy the 13" to do serious work.

What an odd thing to say, and more so without even specifying a field of work.

I, for one, have worked on 13" MacBook/Pros for years. And since I manage to make a decent living that way, that does make me a "Pro", no?

 

[cmaier]

What an odd thing to say, and more so without even specifying a field of work.

I, for one, have worked on 13" MacBook/Pros for years. And since I manage to make a decent living that way, that does make me a "Pro", no?

If you're making a living with it you can afford to upgrade to discrete graphics. There are tons of people who are complaining because they want something super-cheap, but as powerful as the 17", and they are using as their justification the fact that the 13" model has "Pro" in its name.

The simple fact is that most people that are "professionals" in fields where the difference between discrete and integrated graphics actually matters (e.g. video production, etc.) aren't using 13" machines. People who are "professionals" in fields where they use their machine for things where the difference between discrete and integrated graphics doesn't matter, don't care.

So my point was simply that if you are calling yourself a "pro," and if you are complaining that "pros" need discrete graphics, you are probably a pro in a field where in addition to discrete graphics you need more real estate (or at least more resolution) than a 13" can provide.

 

[LincolnsiPod]

I have the 2010 i7 MBP, and I do notice a slight lag when editing photos in iPhoto, etc, which is why I'm pondering the upgrade. If I sell my MBP and assume it goes for $1500 on eBay (from what I've seen so far on closed auctions) this would be roughly a $900 investment for me to upgrade.

For someone who lives on iPhoto and iMovie, think it might be worth it, or can I stand to wait another year?

Thing is, for $800 I'm inclined to get an iPad 2.

 

[icboulder]

MBP 13" or 15"?

MY FIRST POSTING...
I am buying a new MBP for either myself or my Dad. Since the new MBP has just released yesterday, I am thinking to buy it for myself and give my Dad my MBP 15" Oct. 2009. (he only does sofa surfing and word)

Assuming I keep the new MBP for myself, I would run it as a laptop and also as my main computer attached to a new Apple monitor. I primarily do Photoshop and Illustrator as a retired graphic designer. Do I need the 13" or 15" as there are some differences besides just size. It looks like the new MBP's are faster than the older version. Is that true with using Photoshop and surfing the Internet? Another consideration is that I keep my Mac's for a long time and rarely upgrade except for RAM.

Also, I am assuming that the new Thunderbolt works just like the mini display port on MBP?

 

[TheHoff]

MY FIRST POSTING...
I am buying a new MBP for either myself or my Dad. Since the new MBP has just released yesterday, I am thinking to buy it for myself and give my Dad my MBP 15" Oct. 2009. (he only does sofa surfing and word)

Assuming I keep the new MBP for myself, I would run it as a laptop and also as my main computer attached to a new Apple monitor. I primarily do Photoshop and Illustrator as a retired graphic designer. Do I need the 13" or 15" as there are some differences besides just size. It looks like the new MBP's are faster than the older version. Is that true with using Photoshop and surfing the Internet? Another consideration is that I keep my Mac's for a long time and rarely upgrade except for RAM.

Also, I am assuming that the new Thunderbolt works just like the mini display port on MBP?

What do you do with Photoshop is the question. If you open it up and edit some normal digital images, RAW or TIFF or JPG, you'll be fine with either machine. Only if you work on really large, multi-layered PSDs where you have dozens of layers and run a lot of complex filters would you feel the difference in every day use.

Is keeping your MBP for 2 years (2009) a long time? just kidding.. if it really will last you 3 to 5 years, I'd get the i7 quad on the 15.

 

[icboulder]

OK, well I am replacing my pre-Intel based tower that I got in 2003 (which finally died) with either my older MBP Oct. 2009 or the new one as I am giving a computer to my Dad and hooking it up to the 2003 24" Cinema Display that I still own. To me that is a long time!!

I use many layers and edit Photoshop plus create pictures in Illustrator. So it sounds like I could use the extra power?

How do I show the copy/pasted portion in a slightly light blue color?

 

[yellow]

How do I show the copy/pasted portion in a slightly light blue color?

Please use the "Quote" button.

 

[icboulder]

What do you do with Photoshop is the question. If you open it up and edit some normal digital images, RAW or TIFF or JPG, you'll be fine with either machine. Only if you work on really large, multi-layered PSDs where you have dozens of layers and run a lot of complex filters would you feel the difference in every day use.

Is keeping your MBP for 2 years (2009) a long time? just kidding.. if it really will last you 3 to 5 years, I'd get the i7 quad on the 15.

Think I just figured out how to use the Quote? Cut me some slack guys, I am over 60 and not used to Forums....The fact that I am over 60, female and trying to keep up with technology says it all! Have found some great information on this site.

 

[Sjhonny]

The only thing I really miss in this update is de SDXC port in the 17"-er. The PCI-express card could (in theory) be easily replaced by the ThunderBold + adapter. The extra SSD ain't a big loss in my opinion. Just install a Hybrid HD, and you get even better performance (without extreme high $/GB), only booting wouldn't be as fast as with the separate SSD (but who still shuts his computer down on a regular base? I reboot my computer like 2 times a month, and use him at least 6 hours a day)

 

[TheHoff]

Think I just figured out how to use the Quote? Cut me some slack guys, I am over 60 and not used to Forums....The fact that I am over 60, female and trying to keep up with technology says it all! Have found some great information on this site.

So giving your old machine to your dad would mean he is over 80? Awesome. I got my mom, who is almost 75, on an iMac last year and she is finally comfortable with a home computer.

 

[applesforballs]

Just wondering how many of the naysayers have actually USED one of the new machines properly? How can you judge specs off the page without using these new Pros? I got the entry level 13" Pro today from Birmingham Bullring and it is the quickest desktop/laptop i've used, including the recent entry level Airs.
The geekbench i tested ran at 5963 and it copes with multiple applications admirably. First time Mac buyer, although i've used plenty in a music studio context. My Acer 5920, 3 years old was £340 and this is 5 times better on the geekbench score. This will last me a good 5 years and if i choose to resell, the value will still be high. Also, the trackpad is amazing and so intuitive.
So..general point is...stop moaning.

 

[MagnusVonMagnum]

Just wondering how many of the naysayers have actually USED one of the new machines properly? How can you judge specs off the page without using these new Pros?

I'll answer that question with a question. How can you know sticking your finger into a 240 volt electrical socket isn't a good idea without trying it? How can you know anything without trying it?

The whole point of education, reading and analyzing data is that you don't have to repeat everyone's experiments in order to learn something. I can read a test analysis of a CPU and get a pretty good idea how much faster it will be than my current computer. I can read something has only one Thunderbolt port that is shared with the Mini-Display Port and know that' a stupid thing to do (because if you plugged in a Thunderbolt external hard drive, you'd have to disconnect your external monitor plug, plug in your hard drive and then re-connect the monitor to the pass-through (assuming it has one) on the hard drive since we know the existing monitors out there do NOT have a pass-through on them for Thunderbolt operation. Do I need to "properly use" (whatever the heck properly means) one of these to "know" that I'd be annoyed by that? No, I don't. So I can safely point out Apple should have included a 2nd port (or a dedicated video out port).

Besides, to try out every feature in any kind of a test situation would be unrealistic. Am I going to drag a handful of games to an Apple Store and ask to install them all so I can see how it performs 1st hand? Then I might need to test the Thunderbolt port or the FW800 port to see how well they work. I don't trust that USB port, so I better run some transfer tests there and plug a few cameras and other things into it. I better bring my router along and see how well the Ethernet jack holds up under load. I mean it gets to be absurd fast. I can tell more far faster reading a review or a set of specs and tests than trying it out.

 

[icboulder]

Over 60 and helping my parents both 85

So giving your old machine to your dad would mean he is over 80? Awesome. I got my mom, who is almost 75, on an iMac last year and she is finally comfortable with a home computer.

Yes, my Dad and Mom are both 85 and I am hoping to give them my MBP Oct2009 and teach them how to use it. (Seems logical to purchase the new one for myself as I use complex files from both Photoshop and Illustrator?) Do those following the postings agree?

Dad and Mom have been on a PC for years but still do not know how to copy and paste so I am thinking they do not know the PC that well and could easily go to a Mac with my tutoring help. With Skype I can instruct them online and tell them what they need to know. Mac is really amazing and so much easier to use than a PC. I taught on both platforms and I much prefer

 

[xxjudgmentxx]

I have the 2010 i7 MBP, and I do notice a slight lag when editing photos in iPhoto, etc, which is why I'm pondering the upgrade. If I sell my MBP and assume it goes for $1500 on eBay (from what I've seen so far on closed auctions) this would be roughly a $900 investment for me to upgrade.

For someone who lives on iPhoto and iMovie, think it might be worth it, or can I stand to wait another year?

Thing is, for $800 I'm inclined to get an iPad 2.

It's probably not worth it. Chances are you're running into issues with iPhoto's handling of files and whatnot, having lots of photos in iPhoto tends to cripple it regardless of hardware (I've run it on a dual quad-core Xeon + 12GB RAM MacPro and it still ends up laggy).

 

[xxjudgmentxx]

I'll answer that question with a question. How can you know sticking your finger into a 240 volt electrical socket isn't a good idea without trying it? How can you know anything without trying it?

The whole point of education, reading and analyzing data is that you don't have to repeat everyone's experiments in order to learn something. I can read a test analysis of a CPU and get a pretty good idea how much faster it will be than my current computer. I can read something has only one Thunderbolt port that is shared with the Mini-Display Port and know that' a stupid thing to do (because if you plugged in a Thunderbolt external hard drive, you'd have to disconnect your external monitor plug, plug in your hard drive and then re-connect the monitor to the pass-through (assuming it has one) on the hard drive since we know the existing monitors out there do NOT have a pass-through on them for Thunderbolt operation. Do I need to "properly use" (whatever the heck properly means) one of these to "know" that I'd be annoyed by that? No, I don't. So I can safely point out Apple should have included a 2nd port (or a dedicated video out port).

Besides, to try out every feature in any kind of a test situation would be unrealistic. Am I going to drag a handful of games to an Apple Store and ask to install them all so I can see how it performs 1st hand? Then I might need to test the Thunderbolt port or the FW800 port to see how well they work. I don't trust that USB port, so I better run some transfer tests there and plug a few cameras and other things into it. I better bring my router along and see how well the Ethernet jack holds up under load. I mean it gets to be absurd fast. I can tell more far faster reading a review or a set of specs and tests than trying it out.

>_<

 

[LincolnsiPod]

It's probably not worth it. Chances are you're running into issues with iPhoto's handling of files and whatnot, having lots of photos in iPhoto tends to cripple it regardless of hardware (I've run it on a dual quad-core Xeon + 12GB RAM MacPro and it still ends up laggy).

You're right, I just went to the store and tried the new MBPs out and noticed the same lag. I was relieved to see it actually.

My impression is that the software hasn't caught up yet with the cutting edge hardware we're seeing now, so it will be a while before we see actual real world differences that would justify an upgrade. It's like with Thunderbolt, yeah it's AWESOME, but uhh, not many products out there can really take advantage of its capabilities yet.

I'll wait another year. By that time we'll see another refresh and improved software that will better utilize the new architecture, and whether Thunderbolt will succeed where USB 3.0 fizzled.

The only downside is the HD webcam, I would have really liked that, but ah well.

 

[[DL]]

Of course, the price is way too high for the 13 inch one. $1199? That's not even including the sales tax. I had to struggle to save $1000 for the White MacBook.

I'll get the iPad 2, thanks. These prices for Macs are just crazy and I guess I'll never get a second Mac.