Apple intros 2.8GHz MacBook Pro, issues MacBook Air, Aperture, ProKit updates
Apple on Wednesday introduced a new build-to-order option for MacBook Pros that lets users configure the systems with a faster Core i7 processor and also released software updates for the new MacBook Air, Aperture, Java, and Pro Kit.
MacBook Pro
Buried by the unveiling of the new 11.6- and 13.3-inch MacBook Airs was a quiet update to Apple's professional notebooks that will let customers custom-configure the machines with even faster Core i7 processors.
For an additional $200, customers can upgrade the high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro to a 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 processor from a 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 chip. The same upgrade is also available for the sole 2.53GHz 17-inch model for a $400 premium. An upgrade on that model to a 2.66GHz Core i7 remains, priced at $200.
With these options arriving at the close of Wednesday's Back to the Mac event, it appears that Apple's 2010 notebook line -- and Mac product family as a whole -- is now set in stone for the holiday shopping season, meaning no further hardware updates are likely until next year.
MacBook Air software update
In addition, Apple on Wednesday released a number of software updates related to the release of the new MacBook Air models, as well as the iLife '11 suite. Those who pick up the newly released MacBook Air have Software Update 1.0, a 368KB download, already available for them.
The update resolves an issue where the system becomes unresponsive while playing a movie trailer in iMovie. It also fixes a problem where the system becomes unresponsive after waking from sleep when an external display is connected. It is recommended for all late-2010 MacBook Air models.
Aperture 3.1
Apple also released Aperture 3.1, a 357.55MB update that improves overall stability and performance, and also addresses compatibility with the newly release iLife '11 suite. Fixes apply to the following extensive list of areas:
Performance when opening large libraries
Performance when exporting heavily-adjusted images
Importing iPhoto Libraries
Relinking to referenced images after importing an iPhoto Library
Importing photos and videos from iPhone or iPad
Upgrading libraries with images containing Spot & Patch adjustments
Duplicate detection of audio and video files
Face detection on RAW+JPEG pairs
Rendering of thumbnails used in Faces view
Rendering of images scaled to below 100% in Viewer
Image quality on straightened images
Applying Red Eye correction
Rendering thumbnails when reprocessing masters
Searching libraries containing a large number of keywords
Applying photos to GPS track paths
Export of GPS data when using Export Metadata command
Handling of color profiles in Print dialog when using Loupe
Applying and removing slideshow Photo Effects
Slideshows containing video clips
Tethered capture
Library database reliability
Library repair
Updating vaults
ProKit 6.0 (Snow Leopard)
Apple on Wednesday also issued ProKit 6.0 for Snow Leopard. The 13.5MB update fixes issues with interface software that is shared by Apple's professional applications, including:
Improves reliability for browsing iPhoto libraries in Aperture.
Addresses cosmetic issue with appearance of disclosure triangles in Aperture.
Fixes a problem in Logic Pro and MainStage where numeric parameters display incorrect information.
The update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Soundtrack, Logic Studio, Logic Pro, MainStage, WaveBurner and Logic Express.
Java updates
Finally, a pair of Java updates were also released Wednesday. Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3 is a 74.30MB update for Snow Leopard users. It delivers improved compatibility, security and reliability by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_22.
The same update is also available to users of Leopard with Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 8. The 119.07MB file updates J2SE 5.0 to 1.5.0_26. JSE 1.4.2 is no longer being updated to fix bugs or security issues, and remains disabled by default in the latest update.
MacBook Pro
Buried by the unveiling of the new 11.6- and 13.3-inch MacBook Airs was a quiet update to Apple's professional notebooks that will let customers custom-configure the machines with even faster Core i7 processors.
For an additional $200, customers can upgrade the high-end 15-inch MacBook Pro to a 2.8GHz Intel Core i7 processor from a 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 chip. The same upgrade is also available for the sole 2.53GHz 17-inch model for a $400 premium. An upgrade on that model to a 2.66GHz Core i7 remains, priced at $200.
With these options arriving at the close of Wednesday's Back to the Mac event, it appears that Apple's 2010 notebook line -- and Mac product family as a whole -- is now set in stone for the holiday shopping season, meaning no further hardware updates are likely until next year.
MacBook Air software update
In addition, Apple on Wednesday released a number of software updates related to the release of the new MacBook Air models, as well as the iLife '11 suite. Those who pick up the newly released MacBook Air have Software Update 1.0, a 368KB download, already available for them.
The update resolves an issue where the system becomes unresponsive while playing a movie trailer in iMovie. It also fixes a problem where the system becomes unresponsive after waking from sleep when an external display is connected. It is recommended for all late-2010 MacBook Air models.
Aperture 3.1
Apple also released Aperture 3.1, a 357.55MB update that improves overall stability and performance, and also addresses compatibility with the newly release iLife '11 suite. Fixes apply to the following extensive list of areas:
Performance when opening large libraries
Performance when exporting heavily-adjusted images
Importing iPhoto Libraries
Relinking to referenced images after importing an iPhoto Library
Importing photos and videos from iPhone or iPad
Upgrading libraries with images containing Spot & Patch adjustments
Duplicate detection of audio and video files
Face detection on RAW+JPEG pairs
Rendering of thumbnails used in Faces view
Rendering of images scaled to below 100% in Viewer
Image quality on straightened images
Applying Red Eye correction
Rendering thumbnails when reprocessing masters
Searching libraries containing a large number of keywords
Applying photos to GPS track paths
Export of GPS data when using Export Metadata command
Handling of color profiles in Print dialog when using Loupe
Applying and removing slideshow Photo Effects
Slideshows containing video clips
Tethered capture
Library database reliability
Library repair
Updating vaults
ProKit 6.0 (Snow Leopard)
Apple on Wednesday also issued ProKit 6.0 for Snow Leopard. The 13.5MB update fixes issues with interface software that is shared by Apple's professional applications, including:
Improves reliability for browsing iPhoto libraries in Aperture.
Addresses cosmetic issue with appearance of disclosure triangles in Aperture.
Fixes a problem in Logic Pro and MainStage where numeric parameters display incorrect information.
The update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Soundtrack, Logic Studio, Logic Pro, MainStage, WaveBurner and Logic Express.
Java updates
Finally, a pair of Java updates were also released Wednesday. Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3 is a 74.30MB update for Snow Leopard users. It delivers improved compatibility, security and reliability by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_22.
The same update is also available to users of Leopard with Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 8. The 119.07MB file updates J2SE 5.0 to 1.5.0_26. JSE 1.4.2 is no longer being updated to fix bugs or security issues, and remains disabled by default in the latest update.
Comments
An update of the 13" macbook pro would have been nice.
At least with the 1440x900 screen. That's not too much to ask.
An update of the 13" macbook pro would have been nice.
Mine has the 2.66GHz and is already plenty fast (esp. when starting and running the Parallels-Windblows VM). But, yes, always nice to have more head-room for time consuming tasks.
A little bummed on the Macbook Pro bump, would really love a graphics bump as well, and thinking that with this that it will be until next year.
I am bummed Apple won't allow a Blu-Ray BTO option. updated graphics chip also.
Apple is making what they want, instead of giving a wide amount of options their consumers want.
I am bummed Apple won't allow a Blu-Ray BTO option.
PUT YOUR OWN FRICKING DRIVE IN THE COMPUTER. Any BTO that Apple would offer would be hundreds of dollars and you'd complain about it anyway.
Applying photos to GPS track paths
I hope this fixes the annoying Daylight Savings Time bug...now that DST is over in a couple weeks...
It's disappointing that the only change to the full size MacBook line was a cash grab from high end customers.
Of course boosting the speed of the MacBooks would have made the performance gap between them and the Air even bigger and that might have taken a bit of shine off today's new hardware announcement.
Am I the only one who sat there watching today's live stream wondering when it was going to get interesting? I honestly can't remember a Steve Jobs dog and pony show as boring as the one he and his team put on today.
I am bummed Apple won't allow a Blu-Ray BTO option. updated graphics chip also.
Apple is making what they want, instead of giving a wide amount of options their consumers want.
Their business model seems to work pretty darn good. I'ld say the HP, Dell etc would kill to be in Apple's shoes...
PUT YOUR OWN FRICKING DRIVE IN THE COMPUTER. Any BTO that Apple would offer would be hundreds of dollars and you'd complain about it anyway.
They do not have an internal Bluray drive for any Mac laptop so their concern is actually valid. There are only internal ones for the MacPro and USB Bluray drives.
They do not have an internal Bluray drive for any Mac laptop so their concern is actually valid. There are only internal ones for the MacPro and USB Bluray drives.
Your pronouns don't seem to refer to anything. 9.5mm slot-load Blu-ray drives exist.