Apple quietly intros 2.66GHz MacBook Pro, offers larger SSDs

***AppleInsider*** · 03-03-2009, 10:25 AM

Flying under the radar of Tuesday's broad desktop overhaul were quiet updates to Apple's MacBook Pro notebook line, which now includes a faster 15-inch model, new high-end chip options, and larger solid-state drive (SSD) choices that are also offered alongside the company's 13-inch MacBooks.

Beginning today, the high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro now comes standard with a 2.66GHz processor, up from the 2.53GHz. For an extra $300, it can be upgraded to a 2.93GHz chip, which replaces the previous 2.8GHz build-to-order option.

The processor in the base model 15-inch MacBook Pro, 2.4GHz, remains unchanged with no upgrade option, and the new 17" unibody MacBook Pro keeps the same 2.66GHz standard configuration and 2.93GHz upgrade option priced at $300.

Meanwhile, the 15-inch MacBook Pro and both 13-inch unibody MacBook models can now be configured with the same 256GB SSD previously available only to their larger 17-inch companion.

The prices for the 256GB drive upgrades are as follows: 2.0GHz unibody MacBook ($900), 2.4GHz unibody MacBook ($825), 2.4GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro ($825), 2.66GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro ($750), and 17-inch MacBook Pro ($750).

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

jenkman91 · 03-03-2009, 10:42 AM

FIRST POST!

Its good to see an update for this. the negative is that these are brand new computers that just came out. But, I really can't complain. I will always be an Apple customer.

Did anybody else notice the new wired keyboard without the numeric keypad?? Pretty cool if you ask me

amac4me · 03-03-2009, 10:43 AM

Nice processor improvements to the MBP at no additional cost.

chaurjyh · 03-03-2009, 10:51 AM

Dont forget that apple has also released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5

About Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5
This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2, iPhoto '08, and iPhoto '09 for the following cameras:

Nikon D3X
Epson R-D1x

It also addresses issues related to specific cameras and overall stability.

hillstones · 03-03-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenkman91

FIRST POST!

Its good to see an update for this. the negative is that these are brand new computers that just came out. But, I really can't complain. I will always be an Apple customer.

Did anybody else notice the new wired keyboard without the numeric keypad?? Pretty cool if you ask me

The original wired keyboard with number pad is still an option.

ecking · 03-03-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaurjyh

Dont forget that apple has also released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5

About Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5
This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2, iPhoto '08, and iPhoto '09 for the following cameras:

Nikon D3X
Epson R-D1x

It also addresses issues related to specific cameras and overall stability.

Where the hell is 5DMK2 support?

sausage&Onion · 03-03-2009, 10:59 AM

Give me a matte screen on the 15" version and I'd be interested

ecking · 03-03-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenkman91

FIRST POST!

Its good to see an update for this. the negative is that these are brand new computers that just came out. But, I really can't complain. I will always be an Apple customer.

Did anybody else notice the new wired keyboard without the numeric keypad?? Pretty cool if you ask me

They came out in october, apple should be doing bumps like this all the time, is ridiculous to let people wait months for new models that only end up being a few mhz faster. Leave to the real updates to real updates.

***Kasper*** · 03-03-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaurjyh

Dont forget that apple has also released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5

About Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5
This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2, iPhoto '08, and iPhoto '09 for the following cameras:

Nikon D3X
Epson R-D1x

It also addresses issues related to specific cameras and overall stability.

They also released a Battery update for MacBooks -- both updates are already on our blogs, but we'll post them in a roundup shortly, as well.

jenkman91 · 03-03-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sausage&Onion

Give me a matte screen on the 15" version and I'd be interested

I don't think Apple is going to release that in the near future. I don't understand the difference between the glossy and matte screen. its obvious that the 17' is the only one that will have that type of screen because its the high-end macbook pro.

Macintox · 03-03-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sausage&Onion

Give me a matte screen on the 15" version and I'd be interested

yes me too and so other xxthousands of frustrated customer who do not upgrade.

Did you notice the price of the 128GB SSD has dropped...although I do not see such a drop for the MBAir...seems that Apple is still milking that fat cow. Price for fashion ?

Leppo · 03-03-2009, 11:16 AM

Dammit, the 2.53 MBP I just ordered last week is on the truck set for delivery today. Is the upgrade to 2.66 really worth it? Should I try to trade it in? I think there is a restocking fee or somesuch and I'm not sure it's worth the money. On top of that, the one I ordered is a custom build (I put a 7200 rpm hard drive in there). Please advise!

webfrasse · 03-03-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecking

They came out in october, apple should be doing bumps like this all the time, is ridiculous to let people wait months for new models that only end up being a few mhz faster. Leave to the real updates to real updates.

Another whiner classic..."Leave to the real updates to real updates".

**hmurchison** · 03-03-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leppo

Dammit, the 2.53 MBP I just ordered last week is on the truck set for delivery today. Is the upgrade to 2.66 really worth it? Should I try to trade it in? I think there is a restocking fee or somesuch and I'm not sure it's worth the money. On top of that, the one I ordered is a custom build (I put a 7200 rpm hard drive in there). Please advise!

What's the price diff? I wouldn't change my order unless there was no price diff. The clockspeed upgrade will be most likely imperceptible.

Leppo · 03-03-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hmurchison

What's the price diff? I wouldn't change my order unless there was no price diff. The clockspeed upgrade will be most likely imperceptible.

There was no price difference, except that I paid 50 bucks more for a faster hard drive, which makes me wonder if tradeins are even possible for custom builds. Other than the, the price is the same.

JCC · 03-03-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leppo

There was no price difference, except that I paid 50 bucks more for a faster hard drive, which makes me wonder if tradeins are even possible for custom builds. Other than the, the price is the same.

Go to any Apple store and they will swap it for you. Or you can do it by snail mail.

Leppo · 03-03-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCC

Go to any Apple store and they will swap it for you. Or you can do it by snail mail.

Is there a swap/restock fee and will they be able to give me a model with a faster HDD?

elroth · 03-03-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenkman91

FIRST POST!

Its good to see an update for this. the negative is that these are brand new computers that just came out. But, I really can't complain. I will always be an Apple customer.

Did anybody else notice the new wired keyboard without the numeric keypad?? Pretty cool if you ask me

The smaller keyboard is the default, but it doesn't cost anything extra to get the full-size one. I'm glad of that - if the keyboard is wired, I would prefer the full-size, with the arrow keys and the number pad.

I think some people will not notice, and get the small one by mistake, especially if they buy it in an Apple store - will the clerks tell customers they have a choice, and will they have boxed iMacs with either keyboard in stock?

dewindj · 03-03-2009, 11:50 AM

I am glad I caught that update. I ordered my MacBook Pro yesterday, less than 24 hours ago. I was able to call up customer service and cancel the old order and create a new one for me with the new processor.

GQB · 03-03-2009, 11:52 AM

Computers Computers Computers!!!!
Where's the upgrade to the cool stuff!!!??
Where's my touch upgrade!?!

DJMarkyMarc · 03-03-2009, 11:55 AM

So not Fair.. my MBP 2.53 is about 4 weeks old now...

Macintox · 03-03-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leppo

Dammit, the 2.53 MBP I just ordered last week is on the truck set for delivery today. Is the upgrade to 2.66 really worth it? Should I try to trade it in? I think there is a restocking fee or somesuch and I'm not sure it's worth the money. On top of that, the one I ordered is a custom build (I put a 7200 rpm hard drive in there). Please advise!

Not even XBench will notice the difference. It's only because the chips Apple get from Intel have gone from 2.53 to 2.66 .
It's the Hard Drive that makes a laptopl fast or slow. 7200 is Ok but next speed quantum leap is the new generation of SSDs.

sandor · 03-03-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dewindj

I am glad I caught that update. I ordered my MacBook Pro yesterday, less than 24 hours ago. I was able to call up customer service and cancel the old order and create a new one for me with the new processor.

back in the day, apple would have shipped out your order with the latest hardware anyway, not sure if this is the case anymore....

filburt · 03-03-2009, 12:33 PM

I was hoping for 8 GB maximum memory ceiling as well. Still capped at 6 GB. Oh well.

Timon · 03-03-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leppo

Is there a swap/restock fee and will they be able to give me a model with a faster HDD?

I don't think so if you DON'T OPEN THE BOX.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJMarkyMarc

So not Fair.. my MBP 2.53 is about 4 weeks old now...

If you want the latest then never buy when it's a long way into a refresh cycle unless you really need it. If you really needed it and a new one come out then don't complain. Words about new models have been out there for weeks.
http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Desktop_Macs

auxio · 03-03-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by filburt

I was hoping for 8 GB maximum memory ceiling as well. Still capped at 6 GB. Oh well.

Yup, this is my gripe too. Why is the 17" MBP the only one which allows for 8GB? I personally don't want to carry a laptop that big around.

Even if it is extortionately expensive to upgrade to 8GB at this point, I'd at least like to have the option when prices do come down. I guess I'll be waiting a bit longer to get a new 15" MBP...

Lorre · 03-03-2009, 01:21 PM

Now if only it had a 1680x1050 BTO it'd be THE ultimate laptop for me.

Not that I can afford one but still, 1440x900 is so... Dell Inspiron.

Sure, high def screens are not for everyone, but I'd love 1680x1050, it'd be the same dpi as the MBP 17 inch.

One of my classmates has a 15inch XPS with a 1900x1200 resolution. While that's over the top imo, 1680x1050 would be NICE

Jimzip · 03-03-2009, 01:29 PM

Today, for me, was Christmas.

Jimzip

noirdesir · 03-03-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecking

Where the hell is 5DMK2 support?

Has been out for about two and half months now:
http://support.apple.com/downloads/D...2_4?sr=hotnews

Quadra 610 · 03-03-2009, 03:58 PM

Very nice. Lots of good news today.

gmcalpin · 03-03-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJMarkyMarc

So not Fair.. my MBP 2.53 is about 4 weeks old now...

So is mine. You wouldn't even notice the difference from .13 GHz, dude. Deep breaths.

michaelb · 03-03-2009, 04:46 PM

After having started with a 64 GB SSD, and grudgingly buying it with a "is it really worth the money" attitude, I wouldn't get a laptop with anything else now. SSD all the way!

I'm seriously drooling over 256 GB of SSD heaven.

Blah64 · 03-03-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sausage&Onion

Give me a matte screen on the 15" version and I'd be interested

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenkman91

I don't think Apple is going to release that in the near future. I don't understand the difference between the glossy and matte screen. its obvious that the 17' is the only one that will have that type of screen because its the high-end macbook pro.

Uh, you're spouting nonsense. What do you mean you "don't understand the difference between the glossy and matte screen"? One is glossy, one is matte. Seriously, do you not know the difference? Or are you attempting to say you can't *see* the difference?

In any case, your comment about it being obvious that the 17" is the only one that will have that type of screen "because it's the high-end macbook pro" is ridiculous. The MacBook Pro *line* IS the high-end line, not just one model in it. The consumer/casual-use line is the MacBook. Hence the "Pro" in the name MacBook Pro. Sheesh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macintox

yes me too and so other xxthousands of frustrated customer who do not upgrade.

As if you couldn't tell from the sig, count me in as well. This is a huge issue for a significant percentage of laptop users. I'm still a few months away from the need to upgrade, but I currently have nothing I can upgrade to. And that's very sad.

grobelaar · 03-03-2009, 04:53 PM

did the prices go up in the UK for the MBP's too?

talkshowonmute · 03-03-2009, 05:40 PM

im asking this obviously because i dont own this but am planning on getting it

If i have a macbook pro and im using a wireless mouse. can i still use the trackpad to do gestures on????

Lorre · 03-03-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by talkshowonmute

im asking this obviously because i dont own this but am planning on getting it

If i have a macbook pro and im using a wireless mouse. can i still use the trackpad to do gestures on????

yes

It's a preference in the prefpane.

chuckbo · 03-03-2009, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelb

After having started with a 64 GB SSD, and grudgingly buying it with a "is it really worth the money" attitude, I wouldn't get a laptop with anything else now. SSD all the way!

I'm seriously drooling over 256 GB of SSD heaven.

I've been interested in a 256GB SSD for a while, waiting to see when it would be available.
Has anyone heard:

1) how much lighter this makes the machine?
2) How much longer the machine will last on battery power?

photoeditor · 03-03-2009, 06:39 PM

When are these knuckleheads at Apple going to restore the matte display option on the 15 inch MacBook Pro? Some of us don't want to carry around the bigger 'book. Frankly, my mentality as of right now is to use the $199 aftermarket option for a matte display instead of buying AppleCare, or alternatively go the Hackintosh route; Apple's refusal to ship a new 15 inch matte book pro is beyond ridiculous.

filburt · 03-03-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorre

Now if only it had a 1680x1050 BTO it'd be THE ultimate laptop for me.

Not that I can afford one but still, 1440x900 is so... Dell Inspiron.

Dell's 15-inch Inspiron has 1366x768 resolution. 15-inch Studio is available at 1280x800, 1440x900, and 1920x1200 resolutions.

Cubit · 03-03-2009, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by filburt

I was hoping for 8 GB maximum memory ceiling as well. Still capped at 6 GB. Oh well.

I was going for the max upgrade in memory until I saw the 8GB on the new iMac, THEN saw the 4-6 week wait!

03-03-2009, 10:25 AM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,151	Apple quietly intros 2.66GHz MacBook Pro, offers larger SSDs Flying under the radar of Tuesday's broad desktop overhaul were quiet updates to Apple's MacBook Pro notebook line, which now includes a faster 15-inch model, new high-end chip options, and larger solid-state drive (SSD) choices that are also offered alongside the company's 13-inch MacBooks. Beginning today, the high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro now comes standard with a 2.66GHz processor, up from the 2.53GHz. For an extra $300, it can be upgraded to a 2.93GHz chip, which replaces the previous 2.8GHz build-to-order option. The processor in the base model 15-inch MacBook Pro, 2.4GHz, remains unchanged with no upgrade option, and the new 17" unibody MacBook Pro keeps the same 2.66GHz standard configuration and 2.93GHz upgrade option priced at $300. Meanwhile, the 15-inch MacBook Pro and both 13-inch unibody MacBook models can now be configured with the same 256GB SSD previously available only to their larger 17-inch companion. The prices for the 256GB drive upgrades are as follows: 2.0GHz unibody MacBook ($900), 2.4GHz unibody MacBook ($825), 2.4GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro ($825), 2.66GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro ($750), and 17-inch MacBook Pro ($750). [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

03-03-2009, 10:43 AM	#3
amac4me Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 264	Nice processor improvements to the MBP at no additional cost. Switch To A Mac http://switchtoamac.com Last edited by amac4me; 03-03-2009 at 10:51 AM..

03-03-2009, 10:51 AM	#4
chaurjyh Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2	More updates from apple Dont forget that apple has also released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5 About Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5 This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2, iPhoto '08, and iPhoto '09 for the following cameras: Nikon D3X Epson R-D1x It also addresses issues related to specific cameras and overall stability.

03-03-2009, 01:29 PM	#28
Jimzip Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 429	Today, for me, was Christmas. Jimzip "There's no time like the present, and the only present you'll never get, is time." - Me

03-03-2009, 05:40 PM	#35
talkshowonmute Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 46	unrelated question im asking this obviously because i dont own this but am planning on getting it If i have a macbook pro and im using a wireless mouse. can i still use the trackpad to do gestures on????

03-03-2009, 10:42 AM	#2
jenkman91 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 39	FIRST POST! Its good to see an update for this. the negative is that these are brand new computers that just came out. But, I really can't complain. I will always be an Apple customer. Did anybody else notice the new wired keyboard without the numeric keypad?? Pretty cool if you ask me

03-03-2009, 10:59 AM	#7
sausage&Onion Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 68	Give me a matte screen on the 15" version and I'd be interested

03-03-2009, 11:16 AM	#12
Leppo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 54	Dammit, the 2.53 MBP I just ordered last week is on the truck set for delivery today. Is the upgrade to 2.66 really worth it? Should I try to trade it in? I think there is a restocking fee or somesuch and I'm not sure it's worth the money. On top of that, the one I ordered is a custom build (I put a 7200 rpm hard drive in there). Please advise!

03-03-2009, 11:50 AM	#19
dewindj Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 27	I am glad I caught that update. I ordered my MacBook Pro yesterday, less than 24 hours ago. I was able to call up customer service and cancel the old order and create a new one for me with the new processor.

03-03-2009, 11:52 AM	#20
GQB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 728	Computers Computers Computers!!!! Where's the upgrade to the cool stuff!!!?? Where's my touch upgrade!?!

03-03-2009, 11:55 AM	#21
DJMarkyMarc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 35	So not Fair.. my MBP 2.53 is about 4 weeks old now...

03-03-2009, 12:33 PM	#24
filburt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 285	I was hoping for 8 GB maximum memory ceiling as well. Still capped at 6 GB. Oh well.

03-03-2009, 01:21 PM	#27
Lorre Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Belgium Posts: 351	Now if only it had a 1680x1050 BTO it'd be THE ultimate laptop for me. Not that I can afford one but still, 1440x900 is so... Dell Inspiron. Sure, high def screens are not for everyone, but I'd love 1680x1050, it'd be the same dpi as the MBP 17 inch. One of my classmates has a 15inch XPS with a 1900x1200 resolution. While that's over the top imo, 1680x1050 would be NICE

03-03-2009, 03:58 PM	#30
Quadra 610 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,056	Very nice. Lots of good news today.

03-03-2009, 04:46 PM	#32
michaelb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 223	After having started with a 64 GB SSD, and grudgingly buying it with a "is it really worth the money" attitude, I wouldn't get a laptop with anything else now. SSD all the way! I'm seriously drooling over 256 GB of SSD heaven.

03-03-2009, 04:53 PM	#34
grobelaar Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 23	did the prices go up in the UK for the MBP's too?

03-03-2009, 06:39 PM	#38
photoeditor Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 139	Knuckleheads When are these knuckleheads at Apple going to restore the matte display option on the 15 inch MacBook Pro? Some of us don't want to carry around the bigger 'book. Frankly, my mentality as of right now is to use the $199 aftermarket option for a matte display instead of buying AppleCare, or alternatively go the Hackintosh route; Apple's refusal to ship a new 15 inch matte book pro is beyond ridiculous.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode