What's new in Apple's new MacBook Pro range?

Apple's new line of MacBook Pro laptops was launched last week, now featuring Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, upgraded NVIDIA graphics cards and new prices to match. Let's take a closer look at what you'll get for your money with these new and improved models.

With Intel's Calpella platform and Core i processors available for a few months already, Apple has seized the moment to replace the Core 2 Duo processors and graphics cards in its top-of-the-range laptops. These are fairly predictable updates that won't bring anything revolutionary to the range, but they will bring a few welcome improvements.

First of all, Apple has increased the battery life of the MacBook Pro. Although it was already excellent on previous models, it's now set to be even better thanks to new higher-capacity batteries that help manage power consumption more effectively. There's no change to the overall design of the laptops or their connections, and to be honest, there's no real need to change anything when Apple's MacBook Pro has already set the standard so high. Still, it would have been nice to see a memory card reader on the 17-inch model, or even see the USB ports rearranged to space out the ports that are too close together, for example.

No new processor for the 13-inch MacBook Pro

Apple hasn't updated all of its MacBook Pro models in the same way, as the 13-inch version will be keeping its Intel Core 2 Duo processor rather than switching to one of the new Core i processors. The processor frequency has, however, been increased to either 2.4 or 2.66 GHz, and the standard RAM has been increased to 4 GB. Hard drive capacities have been upped to 250 and 320 GB compared with 160 and 250 GB for the previous versions, and the battery is boosted from 58 Wh to 63.5 Wh. Finally, the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics card is replaced by the superior GeForce 320M.

Apple MacBook Pro 13'' 2.4 GHz Find the best price

Apple's own version of NVIDIA Optimus and Core i5/i7 processors for 15- and 17-inch models

We're pleased to see the 15-inch and 17-inch models now feature Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, which are already working wonders in some recently released PCs. The lowest-performance Core i5-520M processor still achieves a frequency of 2.4 GHz, with the most powerful Core i7-620M version reaching 2.66 GHz. I, however, would have liked to see a MacBook Pro with one of the quad-core Intel Core i7-720QM processors that are already used in some high-end PCs. Maybe Apple had a few heat dispersion issues when trying to integrate it (10 watts more TDP).

Another major new upgrade is the inclusion of technology similar to NVIDIA's Optimus. Apple has, in fact, developed its own version of the system which lets you activate the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics card to take over from the processor's graphics management capacities as and when this is considered beneficial. This makes graphics management completely transparent for users. It should also help improve comfort of use and battery life, as performances and power consumption will be better handled. On previous models of MacBook Pro, you had to log out of the system completely to switch between the two graphics chipsets, whereas you can now do so quickly and easily while you work.

Apple MacBook Pro 15'' 2.66 GHz Amazon.co.uk      £1,679.07

Apple MacBook Pro 17'' 2.53 GHz MARCHANDS €     Cdiscount  999.00  Grosbill  999.90  Materiel.net  1049.99  Rue du comm...  1099.90  Rue du comm...  1099.90  Amazon.fr  1171.39  Compare prices

Glossy or matte screen and a boosted battery life

The default 16:10-format screen on 15-inch models still has a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels. It would have been nice to see that increase to 1680 x 1050 as standard, but this is only available as an optional extra. It's good to see the 17-inch version keeps its 1920 x 1200 pixels. A matte screen is available on all models except the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Battery life is increased, with the 15-inch model's battery upgraded from 73 to 77.5 Wh. Although the 17-inch MacBook Pro keeps the same battery, it should last a few minutes longer as the reduced consumption of the new components will help increase battery life across the range.

Prices

MacBook Pro laptops already have price tags that some consider make them fairly exclusive, and with the most-popular 15-inch models now starting at £1,499, that's easy to understand. The 17-inch MacBook Pro will start at £1,899 and the 13-inch model will start at £999 for the standard models.

Optional extras include swapping the storage system to a 128, 256 or 512 GB SSD or a 500 GB HDD, and the RAM can be increased to 16 GB. Unfortunately, as is often the way with Apple, these options don't come cheap!

If it ain't broke...

I'm pleased to see Apple has upgraded its range. In fact, an upgrade was certainly necessary to bring the MacBook Pro in line with the latest laptop PCs in terms of pure performance. On the other hand, Apple is not doing anything to make its products any more accessible, and for most of us, the classic, white and un-upgraded MacBook remains the only model that's just about affordable. It's a shame too, as these new MacBook Pro laptops are certainly attractive, and could really benefit from being a little less exclusive.
It's also worth noting the 13-inch version's lack of 'Optimus-like' technology allowing you to switch graphics management between graphics card and processor, as well as its lack of Core i processor, making this smaller, less expensive version a less appealing choice.
Another disappointment is that no model features a Blu-ray player. But then again, unlike the films sold on iTunes, Blu-ray won't make Apple any money...

On the whole, Apple has played it safe updating the MacBook Pro range. I would have hoped to see something a bit more cutting-edge like USB 3.0, for example, or some higher-power graphics cards. However, with no such features in sight, it looks like Apple is confident its products have nothing to fear from the competition.


> Product Test: Apple MacBook Pro 15''
> Product Test: Apple MacBook Pro 17''

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