Apple unveils 17-inch MacBook Pro

As expected, Apple has unveiled the new flagship of the MacBook Pro line, a 17-inch, 1680x1050, 2.16GHz Core Duo model. The new model comes standard with 1GB of RAM, an 8X dual-layer burner and a 120GB 5400 RPM hard drive, along with a FireWire 800 port, for $2,799. Maximum RAM is 2GB, and Apple also offers a 100GB 7200 RPM drive as an option. At the same time, Apple has removed the 17-inch PowerBook G4 from its lineup, leaving the 12-incher as the sole remaining option for customers willing to settle for last year's model (or who want a smaller-footprint portable). The pricing on the 17-incher actually matches that of the 2.16GHz 15-inch model, which makes this one a relative bargain -- especially given its larger hard drive, FireWire 800 and dual-layer burner. As previously noted, the launch was timed to coincide with the opening of the National Association of Broadcasters conference, which begins today. More pictures on the flip side.

[Ben @ Apr 24th 2006 8:50AM]

Yay! Another apple product I can't afford!

[furby @ Apr 24th 2006 8:59AM]

We're all waiting for the new MacBook. Give it to us now!

[Will @ Apr 24th 2006 9:02AM]

The picture posted on Engadget is not of the same model as the one shown at the Apple store. or ?

[Ultim8fury @ Apr 24th 2006 9:07AM]

Yay. About damn time. 2 days till I get paid then a few weeks of constantly refreshing the delivery page.

[Josh* @ Apr 24th 2006 9:10AM]

I want my MacBook and I want it now. These stupidly priced laptops are nice to dream about and everything, but this is the real world!

[wol @ Apr 24th 2006 9:14AM]

mbp mbp mbp
iwantit!

[JD @ Apr 24th 2006 9:17AM]

Finally. But I'm still disappointed overall. They really need to drop the price of the 15". My boss just picked up a used 15" Dell Core Duo for $900. I just saw a 15" Sony Vaio for $1500. Same specs as the $2499 MacBook Pro (although I couldn't determine Sony's video card). Apples $500 premium is starting to approach $1000.

And again, why the low res monitor? The competition is offering 1920x1200.

Come on Apple, your lappy's used to be drool worthing. $1000 for a backlit keyboard and a remote control is pushing it.

For now, the 17" price is somewhat competitive, but Apple needs to learn the Intel market is much more cut throat. 6-12 month pricing cycles ain't gonna work anymore.

[CMD @ Apr 24th 2006 9:18AM]

Doesn't Dell sell the same thing with XP for $999? It looks awesome and OSX is cool and all, but I think I'll keep saving up for a HD-DVD player/burner.

[Samuel McConnell @ Apr 24th 2006 9:19AM]

17" is too big for a portable. Even as slim and light as it is, it's too big to be anything other than a sleek desktop replacement. The 12" models are almost perfect, but 1024x768 is just a little restrictive in Photoshop and other applications that value screen real-estate. 15" is just right, and Apple did well releasing the 15" MBP first.

[Gavin Smith @ Apr 24th 2006 9:20AM]

Out of interest, I specced up the nearest equivalent Dell 17" laptop - the Dell Precision M90 - and customised it to as near the MacBook Pro 17" spec - the Dell came out at $3492 which is almost $700 MORE than the Apple price. Plus you get lumbered with that Windows nonsense. Macs AREN'T more expensive folks!

[Steven @ Jun 13th 2007 8:20PM]

The Precision M90 is a PORTABLE WORKSTATION with Quadro workstation cards, hence the higher price. The MacBook Pro is a highend notebook, but is not intended for workstation use. You want to compare the MacBook Pro to the highest end NON-WORKSTATION Dell models. You don't have to be stuck with the Windows nonsense...you can run Linux, UNIX, or even MacOS X (through Darwin).

[John Russell @ Apr 24th 2006 9:22AM]

Wow....
This thing is BEASTLY and a great deal
configuring a 15" MBP with the same proccessor, HDD and such, it would already be $100 more, and you would be missing out on the firewire 800, the extra USB port, 8x DL superdrive and 17" screen. Students can get it as cheap as $2,509.00.
How awesome is this?
Of course I'm not going to get one, I sure don't have the money. I'm happy with my souped up Mac Mini.

[Jason @ Apr 24th 2006 9:22AM]

This is garbage. For this price, this laptop should have the following changes: 1080 resolution and a dedicated graphics card. If you are going to pay $2800 for a 17" laptop, I think you would want something that will replace your desktop and will last for a few years. On a side note, I wouldn't bother with buying any top of the line notebook now anyways. Intel will release their 64-bit dual core processors within the year.

[cameron @ Apr 24th 2006 9:25AM]

But but Gavin software coupons but but you could build your own but Gavin but but but...

if people were just honest and said "I don't like Apple and their comptuers" I'd be happy, but this BS about $900 computers that are supposedly the same is crap.

[mchacur @ Apr 24th 2006 9:26AM]

I'm really sick of the misleading comments here.

A Dell with similar features at $999? Please add a link, beacause the ones I see at Dell's site start at $2.600

I don't care at all about Apple, but let's stop this "premium price" BS.

[David @ Apr 24th 2006 9:32AM]

Oh this is fantastic! In australia it costs over $500 more, yet you get it for the same price? Well that makes sense! *cough*

[Keith M @ Apr 24th 2006 9:39AM]

One would think that if there packing a 17 inches of screen relestate they would make it 1600 X 1200 - like Dell and other PC manufacturers.

[Alex @ Apr 24th 2006 9:46AM]

#16 ... the screen resolution is 1680 x 1050 ... vertical pixel used up by the build in iSight, but otherwise the same for all intents and purposes.

[Evinyatar @ Apr 24th 2006 9:46AM]

@ Keith M: where did you find a 17 inch 1600x1200 laptop from Dell?

[smilespray @ Apr 24th 2006 9:52AM]

Would people please RTFA before posting clueless comments? And yes, I'd love to see that $999 Dell, too. #12: It HAS a dedicated gfx (ATI Mobility Radeon X1600) card with 256MB memory. I agree it should have had higher resolution, though.

[Chris @ Apr 24th 2006 9:56AM]

#12. The MacBook Pro DOES have a dedicated graphics card. Do your homework before posting nonsense.

[tmonkey @ Apr 24th 2006 9:59AM]

At Dell's site the Inspiron E1705 starts at $1039. Upgrade the processor, hard drive, dvd burner, memory and video card to match the mac, upgrade the screen to 1920x1200 (Dell didn't have the 1680x1050 of the mac) and I get $2026. Less a $450 coupon and you are saving $1200. Check www.gotapex.com for the coupon code.

[Gizmo @ Apr 24th 2006 10:01AM]

I'm still happy to have just bought my 15" G4. I'll wait 18 months for the MacBooks to mature and the software to be fully universal. And of course for Leopard to really take full advantage of the new hardware.

We must remember though that the MacBooks will run OS X and Windows - something that Dells, Sonys and any other PC laptops don't do - at least not officially yet. This must be worth some sort of price premium.

[RichC @ Apr 24th 2006 10:02AM]

Beautiful machine ... but way more than I want to spend. :(

[cmonkey @ Apr 24th 2006 10:06AM]

"10. Out of interest, I specced up the nearest equivalent Dell 17" laptop - the Dell Precision M90 - and customised it to as near the MacBook Pro 17" spec - the Dell came out at $3492 which is almost $700 MORE than the Apple price. Plus you get lumbered with that Windows nonsense. Macs AREN'T more expensive folks!"

Interestingly enough, the moment I saw this post, I went to Dell and configured an Inspiron 9400 with the same specs, but with a 7800go, XP Pro, and a 1920x1200 LCD for $1800. URL for reference: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=1em9412&s=bsd
I'm not suggesting that everyone buys a Dell instead of an Apple. I'm just saying the price premium is reaching levels of absurdity.

[Jason @ Apr 24th 2006 10:07AM]

Well... I got myself and HP dv8000 CTO about 3 months ago that has an AMD 2.4 Turion 64 Bit processor, 2GB Ram, 2, yes 2 100 GB Hard Drives, 17 in WSXGA (1680x 1050) screen, an awesome DVD burner with LightScribe, bluetooth, integrated wifi, and a 6in1 media card slot... Windows XP Media Center 2005... oh and firewire and tons of USB and stuff... CTO for $1900.00! And that is 64 Bit and ready for Vista.

Remember with Apple you get what they think you need... I can't believe they dont put media card slots in these "high powered graphics notebooks" that apple is throwing out there. I thought it was graphic designers and people like that who use Apples... if so they why dont they build in media slots so we can grab images off of any of our camera cards?

For anyone who doesn't believe me... here is a stock model with similar specs and the Intel Duo Core crap:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/generic_subcategory.do?storeName=computer_store&landing=computers&category=notebooks/hp_pavilion/dv8000_series/dv8000t_series&subcat1=rts&catLevel=4 and that is only $2000.00... you would probably have to CTO that to get the highest model processor but still... i am sure that wont add $400 bucks to the total! And HP has superior tech support compaired to some of the other PC companies out there like Dell...

But hey... if you are shallow enough to think that the shinny white trendy case is worth the extra 400 bucks and you dont need anything other than what apple thinks you need they waste your money on a mac... I am sure you will fit right in with all those trendy iPod kids out there who want something for the name and the look rather than the features and function (iPod anyone?)

[jkinny @ Apr 24th 2006 10:11AM]

Dell E1705

I tried it out and while its not anywhere near $999/$900 I got one configured to very clsoe specs for over a grand cheaper:

E1705

T2600 2.16 CoreDuo

Windows MCE 2005

1GB DDR2 RAM

120 GB HD 5400 rpm

8x DVD Burner

Dell Bluetooth

nVidia Geforce 7800

2yr Warranty w/ at Home Service and 2 yr HW support

$2,207

This system seems pretty close. But you get a much better video card, and a longer warranty, can you can buy even more warranty and even accidental damage coverage, but lets leave it at that for now.

the kicker:

$750 off Select Inspiron Notebooks $1999+ (Excludes XPS)
Code: ZRFVGS97PK1F1? or TQZSDD32BV8X0Q Exp 4/27 5:59am CT or after 4000 uses

These Dell dealsa re comonly known online and come up regularly just about every month.

Final Price:

~$1500 plus S&H

I think that it looks like a very good deal. You ahve spare budget room for Accidental coverage for up to 4 years, extra batteries, accessories, and can upgrade to Window XP Pro for another $120 if you want

of course you dont get OSX, the slicker hardware from Apple, and the nice subtle things like the MagSafe connector, but I think with the Warranty options in the lower budget Dell, it evens out. And of course this is not a Del XPS model which would probably be a mroe fair fight since Inspirons are not top of the line Dells, but I think for most people, this is a pretty practical comparison.

Disclaimer: i jsut decided to check the claims out myself and threw this together in a few minutes, i like both Dell and Apple, and would consider buying both models in my comparison for their own benefits.

Feel free to criticize, but i dont think i'll be wanting to spend anytime responding.

Cheers!

and with the current laptop options to us consumers, i think its hard for us to use.

[Jason @ Apr 24th 2006 10:13AM]

oh yeah... and instead of wasting space on the top of the machine with that shinny silver casing my HP has a full sized keyboard with a number pad!

[thomas_h @ Apr 24th 2006 10:14AM]

cant wait till i get my MBP 1.83 120GB 2GB ram tomorrow =D

[Gavin Smith @ Apr 24th 2006 10:15AM]

#22 MacBook Pros aren't shiny white. Also, that HP you mentioned is only a 1.83Ghz and you can't upgrade it (from what I can see on the HP site). You're also completely forgetting the added value of the software that comes bundled with Mac laptops - this isn't the usual crap adware-ridden, feature-restricted-until-you-buy-the-Pro-version, this is extremly high quality Apple software. Macs are competitively priced these days.

[JD @ Apr 24th 2006 10:18AM]

You can find lots of $900 Dell Dual Cores at the Dell Outlet (see below). The $990 Dell is most definitely not the same as the Mac (no dediated video card, no camera, etc.), but Apple has nothing even close in price performance. I love my Mac -- have both iMac and Wintel on my desk. I would LOVE to get a Mac laptop, but for an extra grand I'm leaning towards a 24" widescreen LCD and a cheaper laptop.

Goto Dell Outlet: www.delloutlet.com
Click on Home/Home Office
Click on View Inventory for Inspiron Notebooks.
Click Intel Core Duo 1830 for Processor type.

I ended up with 3 pages of computers ranging from $900 and up. Here's the specs of one for $934:

1G RAM (2 DIMMS)
60GB Hard Drive
24X CD RW
Intel Wireless
Bluetooth
17" display
(System Identifier: 04L3H2H3)

Again, the Apple has way more features, but the Dell is friggin 900 bucks.

Here's a link to the VAIO although I'm not sure if it's the same one I saw:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7651169&type=product&id=1134702110773

[Jim Wiebmer @ Apr 24th 2006 10:19AM]

Those of you crying about Apple's over priced laptops should head over to Dell's site. I just priced a comparable Precision laptop without a built in video camera and it comes in at over $3600.00. You can't touch the value of Apple's 17" MacBook Pro package in a "PC" model...

[Jason @ Apr 24th 2006 10:25AM]

#26... you can CTO (configure to order) any HP and get exactly what you want... oh and i know...that apple mail client and calendar are just AWESOME!!! Can't find any of those stupid picture managers on a pc either... with pcs you have CHOICE! Also remember MS gets crapped on by lawyers and whinners when they include real software in their OS... when your tinylike Apple no one cares!

[Russ @ Apr 24th 2006 10:26AM]

Tricked out Dell Inspiron 9400 with same memory and CPU, with a much better GPU, bigger 120GB hd, 1GB, DVD-R, upgraded battery, upgraded screen, came to $2380. BTW the upgraded Dell panel runs at 1920 x 1200 pixels.

Considering Apple's significant mark ups, I'd say the new MBP is on par price wise. Yes the Dell's specs are better and cheaper, but Apple customer's don't care. They want what they want.

[Jason @ Apr 24th 2006 10:27AM]

Ah, well that is pretty nice if it has a dedicated graphics card. I think maybe I should go back on what I said. This Apple is competitively priced for the features it includes and the quality you can expect. I'm not sure what software you really need, though... If it came with Office or something then that would be nice. I still don't see the point in blowing such a huge chunk of cash on any laptop, Apple or not. Your upgrade options are so limited. And new processors are coming out as well as new disc media. Get a desktop. And if you need a laptop, find a cheap one because they become obsolete so freaking fast.

[pedro @ Apr 24th 2006 10:36AM]

The HP and Dell laptops have cheap plastic cases and weigh a ton more than the 17" MPB.
The HP weighs almost 9lbs, as does the Dell. They are also larger and bulkier, and don't include a slot loading drive (a plus or a minus for some).

Dell and HP do not make a direct competitor to the Macbook Pros: a svelte metal bodied laptop which is thin and light, but also has an integral disk drive.

[Jason @ Apr 24th 2006 10:45AM]

#31... like I said... we see what it important to the mac lover out there... what the outside case is made out of... I'm glad that puts this MBP in a class all its own...

Oh and about the weight... there are NO 17" notebooks that are really "portable". Weight shouldn't be an issue... I will take the extra 3lbs to get the extra hard drive media card slots and the lightscribe cd burner (for anyone who doesn't know... that is a drive that lets you flip the CD/DVD over and durn a label onto using a laser! I know... you thought innovation only came from Apple... but hey)...

[G @ Apr 24th 2006 10:47AM]

Hi for those of you who are bitaching about the price of the MBPs, well, how many other laptops are as thin as the MBP and have integrated webcam, infra-red receiver, slot loading drive and award winning design?

BMWs cost a few times more than a civic, that doesnt stop people from buying bimmers does it?

[Tommyboy @ Apr 24th 2006 10:50AM]

So, This is the Macbook PRO? umm last time I checked, if you were doing "pro" video, you need to be working in HD. This screen isn't capable of doing 1080 HD (1920x1080) A "pro" version should have the option of 4GB ram, multiple hard disks, and steve if you are reading what people are writing.... 2 mouse buttons!

Seriously, the only REAL bonus to having the ATI is (from a video editors point-of-view) is the ability to encode the video way faster than a built in chipset, the downside is that you suck battery way down..

The Intel 950 is easily able to play HD, and is good for the battery.

I just purchased the dell 6400 for one of my users, I payed 749, came with 1GB ram... and an expresscard/54. The 9400, is 17" higher resolution, and still even when completely maxed out, doens't come anywhere NEAR 2800(and it has 2 mouse buttons STEVE)

[Flinnt @ Apr 24th 2006 10:54AM]

The top of the range in USA is US$2,799 = AU$3,766 the AUS site has the same laptop for AU$4,599 = US$3,417.45 is Apple paying a plane ticket for each laptop to justify the AU$833.29 US$618 difference!!

Or does apple not get this whole internet global shopping market?

Reference sites:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/0.RSLID?mco=9EE597FB&nclm=MacBookPro

http://store.apple.com/133-622/WebObjects/australiastore.woa/wo/0.RSLID?mco=D897003E&nclm=MacBookPro

I should point this email was typed on an iBook G4 (which I love) by a long time PC person in Australia.


Flint

[Marc B. @ Apr 24th 2006 10:56AM]

That is one beautiful beast, but not without gripes. The screen resolution is lacking, but still acceptable. Price is a bit steep, but it is a sleek, dual booting machine with some nice screen real estate for that premium price.

It is unfair to compare this to a comparable Dell, because they are not analagous in design. A closer comparison would be with a similiarly configured Sony laptop, and then the pricing would not seem out of line.

BTW, a 17 inch laptop is not too much to carry around for everybody. I lug an Inspiron 9300 all over the country, and it's well worth the excess bulk and weight. I have a have plenty of workspace for anything I need to do(even video editing), and can do presentations right off of it for small groups comfortably without having to lug around or request a projector.

[CPJ @ Apr 24th 2006 10:58AM]

Ok, all you Mac people who are saying that a PC costs just as much as an apple, and that apples are not over priced are full of crap. Now I want very much so to buy an mac book pro, but the reality is that I can buy a $1500 laptop with almost equal specs of the $2500 15 inch mac book pro. Here it is :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834115224

Oh btw, I get two gig of ram, and a 120 gig hard drive, vs 1 gig of ram and 100 gig hard drive. Now the cpu and the video card are a little weaker, but I'd make that sacrifice for $1,000. Still think that Macs aren't over priced? You're dreaming.

I think MBPs are awesome computers and that OSX is an awesome operation system. But the bottom line is that the awesomeness does not warrant a $1,000 mark up.

I'm going to say it again. MAC BOOKS ARE OVER PRICED. THERE IS NO GETTING AROUND IT.

[P @ Apr 24th 2006 11:12AM]

Ahh, ignorance is bliss.

#37: If it makes you happy to think you're getting the same for your money in that Acer, that's fortunate for you.

[Zob @ Apr 24th 2006 11:13AM]

I don't know why anyone who would consider a Dell computer is even reading this article. You are the same people that would never buy a BMW or Mercedes dismissing them as overpriced when a Vauxhall or Nissan would do the same job for half the price. If all you care about is getting from A to B and if you can't afford a Mac then save yourself the pain and stay away from the Apple store. Those who do and can really aren't interested in your advice.

[APPLEsucks @ Apr 24th 2006 11:15AM]

Glad to see I am not the only person seeing Apple's plan to sell their piece of shit hardware as the "BMWs" of computers is back firing.

[MBP @ Apr 24th 2006 11:17AM]

Yakatty,yak..i coudnt careless i am still getting this Beauty i am not about to use Windows boxes i.e THE BEAST!
I get Dell i still have to use Windows, i get HP i still have to use WIndows. I am not about to use Adobe Premier for my video editing screw that FCP baby the real Video editing tool! Pricey or not pricey... I DRIVE BIMMER NOT CIVIC, I have money to spend not to keep. If you dont like what you see and read. So be it..price and more price.I am kinda sick and tired ppl bitching and complaining! Comaparing to HP, DELL and all that other bunch of crappy Windows boxes.Get a MAC the Real thing..i bet you stop asking yourself wtf am i getting into myself once you use it.

[Bart Lee @ Apr 24th 2006 11:23AM]

Um, sorry guys. You can't buy a comparable PC laptop period so quit trying. Find me a 17" Dell that's under an inch thin, has a built in camera, backlit keyboard, motion sensor for preventing hard drvie damage, ambient light sensor, slot loading dual layer DVD burner, magnetic power connector, PC Express slot, FIrewire 800, infrared remote, oh AND the ability to boot into OS X or Windows. When you get tired of looking, go watch some porn.

[cameron @ Apr 24th 2006 11:24AM]

MBP, punctuation, please look into it.

[Armando @ Apr 24th 2006 11:29AM]

DL support on the 17" but not the 15" ?
Come on Apple, please add the DL to the 15"...

[CPJ @ Apr 24th 2006 11:30AM]

#38

If paying $1000 more and getting less ram and hard drive space for some "superior hardware" makes you happy, I guess thats fortunate for you as well.

Ignorance is bliss? Lawl. I'll pay 2k for an 14 inch IBM/Lenovo T-series that'll have better build quality, specs, and battery life than the $2500 apple. It'll also be be smaller and weigh less. Oh and I'll save hundreds of dollars still.

I'm not denying that the mac book build quality is better overall than that acer. However, it is not $1000 better and still is specced worse than the acer.