Right
on cue, we've got
MacBook Pro updates for you to love or hate depending upon your fanboy affiliation. First the 17-inch which now features new NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics and a new 1920 x 1200 pixel display (for $100 extra)... at last. Both the 15- and 17-inch models now sport Intel's
Santa Rosa platform -- Intel's latest take on Centrino featuring an 800MHz front side bus which changes dynamically to save power. Apple was also kind enough to finally loose a MacBook Pro with
LED backlighting just like Sir Steve promised. However, that appears to be limited to the 15-inch model. So now we're looking at a 15.4-inch MBP with a 1440 x 900 pixel display topping out with a new 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 160GB 5,400rpm disk, 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (up to 4GB supported), pre-enabled 802.11n of course, a new 256MB of NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics option, 8x (up from 6x) slot-loading SuperDrive, and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR. It maintains the same dimensions while tipping the scales at 5.4-pounds (down from 5.6-pounds). The 17-inch meanwhile tops out with the same 2.4GHz proc and up to 250GB of disk. Much newness, at least for the 15-incher, for the same entrance fee of $1,999 starting today -- that'll only get you into the cheap seats but the faithful have to sit somewhere.
posted June 5th 2007 8:46AM
Well if you check with sony it shows apple has agreed to use blue-ray. Blue-ray is better it holds more and sounds allot better than HD DVD "water always puts out fire".
@BE:
Why not use one of those nifty USB docks? You know, with USB-sound, USB-video, and USB-ethernet?
Also on the 17in MBP's upgrading to a 'high-resolution widescreen display' adds $100, but it actually drops it by $50. glitch?
This is perfect. I have been wanting to pick up a MBP before the fall semester starts. I almost ordered one this past week! Any ideas whether they'll change anything by the beginning of August? I doubt it however since these updates were a long time coming.
And for everyone reading this. I have been a Microsuck/Windoze user all my life and this will be my first Apple purchase (other than an iPod).
Still about $750 overpriced. No thanks.
I'm guessing that the speed upgrade is due to overclocking the previous MacBook Pro's processor. 2.33 to 2.4 GHz is a relatively small speedbump. Anyone know for certain?
It's a new processor. That's why it can address 4GB of RAM. The previous processor could only address 3GB.
They have almost identical specs to the Asus G1s laptop, minus the E-Sata, HDMI - and with a lower screen resolution. . . oh and $600 more expensive. Meh.
$600 my lily yellow butt. $100 difference specced the same, that's only b/c of a $100 mail in rebate. You'll spend more than that on your anti-viral software and subscription. Oh, and no LED backlight.
Looks like you didn't do your homework, to get the same specs on the 256meg video card, you have to compare the 15 inch Asus G1s, and the base MBP 17inch. The price difference is $600. Also the Asus 15 inch screen resolution is still higher than the base MBP 17.
If you really want to get picky about screen size, go with the 17inch Asus G2s compared to the top end MBP. Asus = 1,995. MBP = 2,799. Sure the CPU on the mac is a little faster, but at the same token, it's resolution is also smaller.
Take a G2s, toss in photoshop CS3 and it'll still cost less MBP. And have better screen res, HDMI & E-Sata - and play games.
The Asus is also much bigger and heavier.
Asus G1S 15.4": 6.8 lbs. vs. 5.4lbs for the mbp.
Asus G2 17": 9.7 lbs. vs. 6.8 lbs
The Asus 15 is about 50% bigger in volume and the 17 is about 100% bigger in volume compared to 15 and 17 MBP.
Some people care about size and weight in portable computers.
Where's WUXGA on the 15"? Every other laptop on the planet has a WUXGA option. Weak.
I mean WSXGA, 1680×1050, duh.
bruce,
Actually it is the same processor, just on the Santa Rosa chipset, which supports a 800MHz bus speed (up from 667), and 4GB of ram (up from 3GB)
Frank: Good luck looking for that iPod update. You can hold your breath for WWDC*, but with all this iPhone funnybusiness as of late I'm surprised Apple even managed to update their laptops. About that laptops: I'm not overly impressed. The difference, as usualy, between the MB and MBP is rather minute (.04Ghz, 1 more GB of RAM that can be bought on NewEgg for $100, LED screen, and Santa Rosa. The LED screen is the only thing to write home about, I think).
*WWDC? That reminds me... what is jobs going to reveal now? iPhone again?
"The difference, as usualy, between the MB and MBP is rather minute (.04Ghz, 1 more GB of RAM that can be bought on NewEgg for $100, LED screen, and Santa Rosa. The LED screen is the only thing to write home about, I think)."
Umm, and the MUCH faster GPU offering in the MBP versus the MB. Plus the screen is a 15" versus 13", and there's an included DVI port (seriously, adding a DVI and VGA adaptor to the MB adds another £25 to the price tag) and a firewire 800 port and a backlit keyboard (useful for those of us who have to work in a room where we can't, for whatever reason, turn the main light on). Considering the price difference between the two is around £450 (comparing basic MBP to top end white MB) I'd say they're priced and specified about right for their respective markets really.
I've been holding off on buying a MBP until this upgrade and it's delivered everything I wanted. I use a MB for work and it's great as a portable tool but for a desktop replacement I need at least a 15" screen and a dedicated GPU which this upgrade delivers. Yes, of course I'd prefer to pay about £6 more than the MB but the combination of extra features and performance from the MBP is definitely, IMO, worth the money.
Wow people put stupid stuff in these comments sometimes; but this is utter BS.
What, now all of a sudden Apple is some kind of company with 3 or 4 employees? If so, that would indeed make it difficult for them to do several thing at the same time.
The difference isn't minute, it's not even close to ever becoming minute. Bigger screens, more ram, actual video cards, superdrive, santa-rosa, bigger and faster HD's, illuminated keyboard, expansion slots, etc.
Want me to go on?
WWDC is gonna be all about Leopard. That's why it's called world wide DEVELOPERS conference. Allthough maybe they are to busy with the iPhone to care about the next OSX.
>>WWDC is gonna be all about Leopard. That's why it's called world wide DEVELOPERS conference.
That's what it was all about LAST year. It was exciting then, but one year later and no OS X for another four months isn't too exiting, unless you want to get your hands on the seeded feature-complete Beta...
What don't you understand about DEVELOPERS conference?
This isn't Macworld. The difference is that Macworld is about consumer products like iPods, Macs etc.
We have been fortunate the last few years at WWDC. Apple has introduced several new things at WWDC lately. You shouldn't take that for granted, it hasn't allways been that way.
Let's just wait and see. We might see new stuff, but if that happens, see it as a bonus. The keynote is allways chockfull of new stuff. The fact that they've been releasing new MB and MBP's before the conference can only mean one thing; Not enough time to discuss those things in the keynote next to other announcements.
The graphics card is a big jump from the MacBook to the MBP.
Regarding the return policy, that is incorrect: Apple Stores have a 14 day return policy. If the machine has not been opened, there is no restocking fee. If it has, the restocking fee MAY be waived, at the managers digression. After 14 days, Apple has no obligation to honor a return.
$1701.00 for the MBP 15" w/glossy through EPP. 2.2GHz $2161.00 for 2.4GHz w/gloss same EPP
Is it really worth it to tack on the $200 bucks for the 7200 RPM hard drive?
There is nothing about the LED screen on the apple website. Weired...
Yep, not seeing anything saying that they have the LED backlighting. The only difference I see are the faster speeds.
- TL
When you actually add the Pro to your cart, the error on the glossy upgrade fixes itself. At least now. Has anyone actually purchased this at the discounted price?
Just to clarify, Apple's return policy is 14 days on everything in the store (excluding Bose). Most managers will be kind enough to extend this to 30 days. However, on CPU purchases or iPods there is a 10% restocking fee if its opened, regardless of whether there was an update or not. Your best bet is to go into the store and look for the store manager immediately. No sense in pleading your case to a mac specialist. I can't guarantee that they'll waive the 10%, but if you can catch a nice manager, they might let it slip by.
Does anyone else notice if you configure the 17" Macbook Pro with a 1920X1200 screen, it makes the price 50 dollars cheaper?
The LED Backlighting Proof:
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/graphics.html
Look under "More than Beautiful"
Awesome, thanks for pointing that out. Seems a little hidden to me rather than advertising that feature (display weighs less, more power efficient, and better for the environment).
- TL
WTF -These are nice refreshes for the line. But these are not lightweight at 5.4 lbs and not thin @ 1". Nonsense!
Yo Apple! LIGHTWEIGHT means less than 4lbs. Windoze makers have been doing it for years.
Wait - what's that sound? Ahh the sound of Apple's Japan sales falling from the basement into the bedrock.
If you want to compete in the world's second biggest consumer market, you need to make your laptops competitive on the small end.
Guess I have to keep my 12" G4 for another year...
umijin - Apple would be stupid not to introduce a super-lightweight notebook. They will do it. I just wonder what takes them so long... I see lots of 12" Powerbook G4s around - loads of people just holding out until a new Apple subnotebook is released.
Just bought one in Canada - saying I won't get it until July 25th... anybody know if I'll really have to wait that long? *sob*
Or if you really want to have fun and compare max out specs on the Asus G2s vs. MBP, you'll notice a $1,200 cost premium for the mac.
Regarding the pricing "error" - it corrects itself when you try to check out.
Otherwise, I'd have ordered a new Macbook Pro with a Black Nano, and my credit card would hate me by $2000 more.
I am pretty much set on a MacBook Pro now, but mostly because between 4GB of RAM and the option of a 7200rpm drive, they're far better suited to recording music than the regular MacBooks.
Nice to see that apples finally jumped on the 1920x1200 17" screen... but YAWN Dell's had that on their E1705 for over a year... (and its GORGEOUS), had a 7900GS etc (prolly update to one of the 8's soon) all for a chunk less than this. Yes it may not look as pretty, but its got it all the good stuff.. plus looking at dells new designs (the monitor and the new laptop), i'm sure we'll be seeing dell put together the sexiness as well as the power quite soon!
plus the speakers are surprisingly good for their size.
Yes the LED is good, but the fact that there's no noticable difference other than the full-off to full-brightness is kinda crap.
Maybe I am blind, but I cannot find any indicator on Apple's website stating that they are actually using LED-backlit displays on any model 15-inch or otherwise. Can someone link it if they found it or at least cite it? Thanks!
OH! BAD YOJIMBO! Found it in a previous post on the first page... thanks!
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/graphics.html (top right-hand corner).
Before I purchase one of these.. I was thinking about going through the ACD to get a pretty hefty discount since I could apply for the $99 Student ADC membership.
Can anyone tell me whether it would be worth it to opt for the 7200RPM hard drive for another $120 as opposed to the 5400RPM hard drive? Capacity is fine, most of my music and movies will be on an external. Just wanted to know?
I don't think you will see much benefit from the 7200 drive. With HDs, there are some rules of thumb - bigger is faster, and higher RPM is faster. I am disappointed there is no 200GB 7200 and no 250GB 5400 drive option - those would be serious upgrades from the 160GB 5400.
But 160GB @ 7200 is not going to be all that much better than 160GB @ 5400.
Thanks a lot for the help. Appreciate it! I didn't think it would be worth the extra $ as my media will be on an external hd, and hopefully hooked up to an Airport Extreme :)
I'm a bit estranged, having just purchased a new 17" MacBook myself. At the time I was worried I'd be purchasing just before the new OS came out. Now...new screens and graphics cards. I live around high-end graphics, and would have really enjoyed the little boost. Too bad it's been more than 30 days, lol,
Don't forget about the new Apple TV...I hadn't seen anything about it here yet.
Laters
WWDC? That reminds me... what is jobs going to reveal now? iPhone again?
--------------
New hardware on the Desktop line as well as iPods and of course LEOPARD (the really good stuff)
I really hope we get a new version of iWork ...then i can finally toss Office
Can anyone comment further on the poor quality glossy screens mentioned earlier? I am going to buy a MBP soon and want to hear more about it. What is the quality like on the antiglare screens?
Just bought it and the screen flickers when not at full brightness. Anyone else seeing this?
i was just wondering if i cud just run vista on the MBP as i really love the design of the MBP but not to sure on the operating system... is there any way i could replace the operating system with vista, or is there no need as MBP's are so fast any way???
any help would be greatly appreciated,
Daivd
Well I posted this elshwere but I figure I might as well chime in.
I had bought a MB Pro last week, naturally I rushed over to the Apple Store this morning for an exchage. It went smoothly and I qualified for the free ipod and printer. I am a photographer and will be spending quite a bit of time in front of this glossy LED screen. The 2nd gen MBP I had bought also had the glossy screen, and compared to literally all other laptops I saw at Best Buy and Circuit City, it had the least reflective glossy screen, period. (Yes, that means this is my first-er second MAC, after a lifetime of Windows use), decided to switch over to the industry standard). After using this new one for a few hours I am happy to report that glare and reflections are even less of a problem now. I do plan on using a second larger monitor but for now I may just compensate saturation a bit, since most of my work is published online, calibrating colors along a printer and paper isn't a big deal.
So unless you will not have control over ambient light for over half the time of use, the standard screen is probably the better choice. But for most other users, and yes even photographers, the glossy screen is not a bad choice at all. I plan on comparing the first few pictures I work on on my old Sony monitor just for comparison's sake. But so far I am in love with it.
Please let me know if I can help you decide if you're still debating! I know it took me a while to decide, but I am still confident I made the right choice of laptop, screen, and OS.
one thing I'll say..Parallels have probably made Macs finally a worthwhile investment for me (don't know how good bootcamp will be). The opportunity to use both OS is the best thing that happened to macs...of course a similar emulator for window would go down just as good (no not PearPC - too much hassle)!
Does text get smaller or sharper (more pixels per character) when you choose the 1920x1200 screen over the 1680x1050 resolution display? I have weak eyesight and don't want to struggle if menu text and lists of files in finder and mail become almost too small to read. I realise the zoom can be changed on word processor documents and the preview pdf viewer but won't a lot of websites become unreadable on a 1920x1200 17" screen?