Apple unveils faster, more affordable MacBook Pros

AppleInsider · June 8, 2009 12:32PM

Apple on Monday kicked-off its 2009 Worldwide Developers Conference by refreshing its MacBook Pro line of professional desktops with faster processors, cheaper prices, better displays, and built-in batteries on the 15-inch models.

New 15-inch MacBook Pros

The 15-inch MacBook Pro now features a seven hour built-in battery, an SD card slot, an improved LED-backlit display with 60 percent greater color gamut and 4GB of RAM across the line at an entry price $300 less than before.

It's available in three models: a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 250GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics for a new entry price of $1,699; a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 320GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for $1,999; and a 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 500GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for $2,299.

"Across the line, all of our new MacBook Pro models now include Apple's innovative built-in battery for up to seven hours of battery life, while staying just as thin and light as before," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

The 2.53 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US), includes:

Â*-- Â*15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;

Â*-- Â*2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;

Â*-- Â*1066 MHz front-side bus;

Â*-- Â*4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;

Â*-- Â*NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;

Â*-- Â*250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;

Â*-- Â*a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;

Â*-- Â*Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);

Â*-- Â*built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;

Â*-- Â*Gigabit Ethernet port;

Â*-- Â*built-in iSight video camera;

Â*-- Â*two USB 2.0 ports;

Â*-- Â*one FireWire 800 port;

Â*-- Â*SD card slot;

Â*-- Â*one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;

Â*-- Â*glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;

Â*-- Â*built-in, 73WHr lithium polymer battery; and

Â*-- Â*60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.66 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

Â*-- Â*15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;

Â*-- Â*2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache;

Â*-- Â*1066 MHz front-side bus;

Â*-- Â*4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;

Â*-- Â*NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;

Â*-- Â*NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 256MB GDDR3 videoÂ*memory;

Â*-- Â*320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;

Â*-- Â*a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-RÂ*DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;

Â*-- Â*Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);

Â*-- Â*built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;

Â*-- Â*Gigabit Ethernet port;

Â*-- Â*built-in iSight video camera;

Â*-- Â*two USB 2.0 ports;

Â*-- Â*one FireWire 800 port;

Â*-- Â*SD card slot;

Â*-- Â*one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;

Â*-- Â*glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;

Â*-- Â*built-in, 73WHr lithium polymer battery; and

Â*-- Â*85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.8 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,299 (US), includes:

Â*-- Â*15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display;

Â*-- Â*2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;

Â*-- Â*1066 MHz front-side bus;

Â*-- Â*4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;

Â*-- Â*NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;

Â*-- Â*NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 video memory;

Â*-- Â*500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;

Â*-- Â*a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;

Â*-- Â*Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);

Â*-- Â*built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and BluetoothÂ*2.1+EDR;

Â*-- Â*Gigabit Ethernet port;

Â*-- Â*built-in iSight video camera;

Â*-- Â*two USB 2.0 ports;

Â*-- Â*one FireWire 800 port;

Â*-- Â*SD card slot;

Â*-- Â*one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;

Â*-- Â*glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;

Â*-- Â*built-in, 73WHr lithium polymer battery; and

Â*-- Â*85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the 15-inch MacBook Pro include a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the ability to upgrade to 8GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 320GB 5400 rpm, 320GB 7200 rpm, 500GB 5400 rpm, or 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB or 256GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

New 17-inch MacBook Pros

Apple also updated the 17-inch MacBook Pro, which includes an eight hour built-in battery, an ExpressCard slot, a LED-backlit display, 4GB of RAM and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT graphics, has been updated to include a faster 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a larger 500GB hard drive for $2,499, which is $300 less than before.

The 2.8 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

Â*-- Â*17-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1920 x 1200, glossy display;

Â*-- Â*2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache;

Â*-- Â*1066 MHz front-side bus;

Â*-- Â*4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 8GB;

Â*-- Â*NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics;

Â*-- Â*NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 videoÂ*memory;

Â*-- Â*500GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden MotionÂ*Sensor;

Â*-- Â*a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive;

Â*-- Â*Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);

Â*-- Â*built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;

Â*-- Â*Gigabit Ethernet port;

Â*-- Â*built-in iSight video camera;

Â*-- Â*three USB 2.0 ports;

Â*-- Â*one FireWire 800 port (FireWire 400 compatible);

Â*-- Â*ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;

Â*-- Â*one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;

Â*-- Â*glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard;

Â*-- Â*built-in, 95WHr lithium polymer battery; and

Â*-- Â*85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the 17-inch MacBook Pro include a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 8GB 1066 MHz DDR 3 memory, 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB or 256GB solid state drive, anti-glare display for $50 (US), Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Every Mac notebook achieves EPEAT Gold status and meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly notebook design. Each unibody enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass.

All MacBook Pros also contain no brominated flame retardants and use internal cables and components that are PVC-free. The built-in battery design results in less waste and depleted batteries can be replaced for $129 or $179, which includes installation and disposal of your old battery in an environmentally responsible manner.

Availability and upgrading to Snow Leopard

The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros are available immediately through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

Mac OS X Snow Leopard will be shipping in September 2009, and any new Mac system purchased without Snow Leopard from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller between June 8, 2009 and the end of the program on December 26, 2009, is eligible for the Mac OS X Snow Leopard Up-To-Date upgrade package available for a product plus shipping and handling fee of $9.95 (US). Users must request their Up-To-Date upgrade within 90 days of purchase or by December 26, 2009, or whichever comes first.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

outsider · June 8, 2009 12:42PM

Nice. I predicted that they would release a lower end MacBook 15" with integrated graphics for less money in response to the MS ads. Good show.

Complete surprises for me are SD card slot and the awsomeification of the 13" MBP. Nice job Apple.

m24o · June 8, 2009 12:42PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Apple on Monday kicked-off its 2009 Worldwide Developers Conference by refreshing its MacBook Pro line of professional desktops with faster processors, cheaper prices, better displays, and built-in batteries on the 15-inch models.

The new 15-inch models range from 2.53GHz to 2.8GHz (or 3.06GHz when built to order) and now includes a built-in battery supporting up to 1,000 recharges and an SD Card Slot as opposed to an ExpressCard slot, which remains in the 17-inch model. The 15-inch MacBook Pro also includes a new display with a 60% color gamut increase.

Apple also updated the 17-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.8GHz processor and 500GB hard drive. As was predicted a couple of months ago, prices have also been cut between $200 and $300 across the product line. Build-to-order options on each model include a 256GB SSD drive. A breakdown of the new models is as follows:

New 15-inch MacBook Pros

Base model at $1,699:

2.53 GHz dual core processor

4GB DDR3 RAM

250GB hard drive

9400M Graphics

SD card slot

Mid-level model at $1,999:

2.66 GHz dual core processor

4GB DDR3 RAM

320GB hard drive

9400M + 9600M GT graphics

SD card slot

High-end model at $2,299:

2.8 GHz dual core processor

4GB DDR3 RAM

500GB hard drive

9400M + 9600M GT graphics

SD card slot

New 17-inch MacBook Pros

One-size-fits-all model at $2,499:

2.8 GHz dual core processor

4GB DDR3 RAM

500GB hard drive

9400M + 9600M GT graphics

ExpressCard Slot

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

The 1699 dollar macbook pro is worse than the old (9400m instead of 9400m + 9600m).

vinea · June 8, 2009 12:44PM

Shame about the expresscard slot. I guess I'm glad I bought the USB version of most of my stuff. Kinda lame though...my 10" netbook has an expresscard slot.

infinitespecter · June 8, 2009 12:47PM

Is it against Apple's religion to give their computers standard expansion slots?

outsider · June 8, 2009 12:51PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M24o

The 1699 dollar macbook pro is worse than the old (9400m instead of 9400m + 9600m).

Um, it's also $300 cheaper.

cu10 · June 8, 2009 12:52PM

Great update; 4GB RAM minimum is excellent.

ExpressCard slot? I have never used this slot in my life, I've used a few PCMCIA but for WiFi or Ethernet, which is usually built-in now.

tenobell · June 8, 2009 12:54PM

Also integrated batteries all around, no surprise on that.

amac4me · June 8, 2009 12:55PM

I'm shocked with the MBP updates ... I wasn't expecting an update so early. Expect Mac notebook sales to spike!

vinea · June 8, 2009 12:57PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CU10

Great update; 4GB RAM minimum is excellent.

ExpressCard slot? I have never used this slot in my life, I've used a few PCMCIA but for WiFi or Ethernet, which is usually built-in now.

I dithered over 3G and Xhom on USB or Expresscard. I picked USB but the expresscard versions typically do run a little better.

Plus you have the option of connecting to a eSATA array.

I wished they kept it as I was going to move down to the 15". Perhaps my next MBP will stay 17".

mitchelljd · June 8, 2009 12:58PM

Apple,

How about adding a damn BLU-RAY drive for the 15" & 17" models? hell it doesn't have to burn blu-ray, just read them, people could pay more for the blu-ray superdrive as an option.

graeme · June 8, 2009 1:02PM

So as far as connectivity goes you have go for the 17" before the macbook goes pro!

wondering where i can plug may raids in otherwise!

tenobell · June 8, 2009 1:04PM

Because Blu-ray has been such a runaway hit?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchelljd

How about adding a damn blu-ray drive for the 15" & 17" models. hell it doesn't have to burn blu-ray, just read them, people could pay more for the blu-ray superdrive as an option.

jmnikricket · June 8, 2009 1:04PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amac4me

I'm shocked with the MBP updates ... I wasn't expecting an update so early. Expect Mac notebook sales to spike!

Especially with the free iPod Touch for students and the lower all around price points.

djames42 · June 8, 2009 1:10PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinea

I dithered over 3G and Xhom on USB or Expresscard. I picked USB but the expresscard versions typically do run a little better.

I hemmed and hawed about this myself and ended up going for the Express Card version. Looks like my next MBP just got $200 more expensive, as I'll have to replace my 3G card with a USB version. *sigh*

The only other Express Card I bought was a multi-card reader (which is only used for reading SD cards). It'll be nice to not have to worry about carrying this anymore (as well as my extra batteries)

evertype · June 8, 2009 1:10PM

Built-in batteries is very disappointing.

mitchelljd · June 8, 2009 1:13PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TenoBell

Because Blu-ray has been such a runaway hit?

actually, yes! blu-ray adoption is running ahead of DVD when it was released.

teckstud · June 8, 2009 1:18PM

Is there less glare now with this new screen? Hmmm.

minderbinder · June 8, 2009 1:18PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TenoBell

Because Blu-ray has been such a runaway hit?

Hard to tell if you're being sarcastic, but there's no question blu-ray has been successful enough to be offered at least as an option.

wiggin · June 8, 2009 1:19PM

So in reality, they didn't make the MacBook Pros cheaper...but they now make a 15" MacBook (non-Pro).

Apple's tech specs web page for MBP hasn't been updated yet so I can't check, but did they at least add one or two more USB or FW ports to make up for the loss of the ExpressCard slot? An SD slot is useless to me. My SD cards have USB connectors built in and most SDLRs still use CompactFlash cards. So now instead of a nice little Express card adaptor I need a USB adaptor?

And before anyone accuses me of only seeing negatives to whine about, the new offerings are good. But surely it's long past time for Apple to expand it's product offerings! When they had less market share, they needed to trim the lines to streamline manufacturing and stock overhead. But they have since doubled their market share. Doesn't that give them enough demand to justify offering greater variety in their lineup? Such as a complete lineup of MacBook and MacBook Pros, like they used to have? Let someone chose between a 15" laptop with integrated graphics and an SD slot (the consumer MB) and a 15" with dedicated graphics and ExpressCard (the MBP). Apple's 15" laptop is no longer a "Pro" laptop.

rune66 · June 8, 2009 1:19PM

while matte was still available.

Apple unveils faster, more affordable MacBook Pros

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