Aw snap. It finally, really happened... kind of. Apple has just dropped a nasty refresh on its MacBook and MacBook Pro lines, knocking the processor speeds up, and giving the Pros that tasty multi-touch the MacBook Air has been sporting. Still, they couldn't break off an even slightly new form-factor for us? Both lines are sporting Intel's downsized new Penryn chips, which should make your lap and / or battery quite happy. Right now we're seeing updates to the GPU memory, an LED backlight (option!) for 17-inchers, as well as LEDs on all the rest of the Pros (sorry again MacBookers). New specs on the MBPs include a CPU boost to a base speed of 2.4GHz all the way up to 2.6GHz, that suspiciously new 3MB or 6MB L2 cache on the CPUs, added RAM to the graphics cards (up to 512MB for the higher-end 15-inch, and all 17-inch models), and of course the new trackpad. On the MacBook front, things look even more familiar, with only minor bumps to speed (2.1GHz up to 2.4GHz) and CPUs. Both new lines get hard drive increases, with the MBPs rocking 200GB or 250GB options, while the MBs range from 120GB all the way up to 250GB. Ports, weight, and size all appear to be just the same for both lines, undoubtedly to the chagrin of many readers, and Apple is skimping on the Apple Remote across the line; it's now a $19 add-on. Full SKU rundown after the break.
Update: Just to make it totally clear, Apple confirmed to us that the processors are indeed Penryn, as noted above. As for future updates and notable omissions in this round, they had little to say.
MacBook
- $1,099 - (White) 2.1GHz, 1GB memory, 120GB HDD, Combo drive
- $1,299 - (White) 2.4GHz, 2GB memory, 160GB HDD, Double-layer SuperDrive
- $1,499 - (Black) 2.4GHz, 2GB memory, 250GB HDD, Double-layer SuperDrive
MacBook Pro
- $1,999 - (15-inch) 2.4GHz, 2GB memory, 200GB HDD, Double-layer SuperDrive, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB
- $2,499 - (15-inch) 2.5GHz, 2GB memory, 250GB HDD, Double-layer SuperDrive, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB
- $2,799 - (17-inch) 2.5GHz, 2GB memory, 250GB HDD, Double-layer SuperDrive, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB
Hi-res LED screen for 17-inch is $100 extra, 2.6GHz processor is another $250.
posted February 26th 2008 8:37AM
Getting rid of the Apple Remote was a bad idea. Although this is a nice upgrade. They could have extended LED backlight to the MB, as well as the new multi touch trackpad. I would have liked that more than more hard drive space. Still, good job Apple.
Why change a form-factor that works? I mean, if you have ever held either machine, you know they feel durable and really just.. I guess work. The fact that I am unable to tell apart my 2 year old PowerBook and my MacBook Pro is no problem. Its a look and style nobody has yet to catch up to or replicate. It works fine, I would actually be kinda pissed if they changed the look. However, I'm not to happy about them taking out the remote. It seems that is all they do today, take out things. I use the Display adapters that came with my PowerBook on my MacBook Pro because it didn't include any, same with my iPod, I use my Firewire charging cables and bricks from my 1G and 3G iPods for my 5G and even my iPhone, however, the iPhone did come with a charging block, however, I would not be surprised if the 2G iPhone no longer included that.
I can´t understand all your bullshit and dissapointment.
For the same 1,299 instead of getting a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Santa Rosa, 1 GB of RAM and 120 GB HD, you get a 2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Penryn, 2 GB of RAM and 160 HD.
What else do you want?
I'm looking to replace my Dell with a MBP, however it seems like most here are disappointed that Apple didn't completely change the form factor on this notebook. Before sinking $2,500 for a new PC, would it be safe to say to hold for the end of the year and pray for a totally new form factor?
I'm looking to replace my Dell with a MBP, however it seems like most here are disappointed that Apple didn't completely change the form factor on this notebook. Before sinking $2,500 for a new PC, would it be safe to say to hold for the end of the year and pray for a totally new form factor?
Of course they released this the week after I purchase the MBP. Of course they released the 16GB iPhone a week after I get the 8GB..... Sigh.....
I ordered the standard MacBook Pro earlier today at the Apple Store in Fifth Avenue, NYC since they didn't have any in stock. It should be arriving hopefully tomorrow, if not Thursday. Hooray for Apple!
you always have 14 days to get a price adjustment. that happened to me when I bought the 8gb iphone before the initial price drop.
How do you go about getting "price adjustment." ?
Wow, reading through the comments was a rather erm, interesting experience?
Some people seem really disappointed, fact is if you are then you were more than likely being unrealistic about what was going to be included... I for one thought it would just be the following: New 45nm Penryn CPUs, multi touch track pads, and the 17 LED as an option.
Personally I'm thrilled to see that the GPU RAM has been updated, as I wasn't expecting to see that, and overall I'm really happy, as would have been extremely surprised at seeing a re-design... personally I didn't want one anyway, I think the MBPs look great as they are currently.
--- Off topic, but replying to some people's comments ---
OSx86/Hackintosh's... if any of you know anything about this you may well know a bit about me, in fact one of my screenshots was featured here a while back if you take a look at the "Leopard hacked for Intel PC consumption" article for example, you'll see a screenshot of mine.
I still find it funny that some of you still think that OSx86 isn't stable, i've been using OSx86 back since 10.4.1 days. Now I use 10.5.2 on my (Dell Inspiron 6400) laptop, and on my PC (nForce 650 SLi Based). Provided your hardware isn't obscure, it'll work just fine. In fact, my laptop which is spec'd virtually identically to my Dad's MacBook even beats his MacBook in benchmark tests etc. OSx86 is very much stable, just so long as you know what to do and have an understanding of unix etc. based systems.
--- Back on topic ---
I'm looking forward to my 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB 667Mhz DDR2 RAM, 200GB SATA (7200 RPM) HDD, Hi-Resolution (1920x1200) Glossy Widescreen Display, GeForce 8600M GT 512MB arriving at the end of next month... all I can say is I'm glad I'm not paying for it, it's well worth it IMO but costly.
~mac.nub
We are based West Africa(NIGERIA) wholesaler of mobile phones,game consoles,laptops,plasma tv,ipods,cameras,pdas and other at affordable prices and good condition.
Get back to us with the details below if interested.
Msn chat : eldorado.ru@live.com
eldoradonigeria@aim.com
Nokia Price List :
====================
LG VIEWTY KU990 .....$250
New Nokia N95 8gb...$300
New Nokia N95 .....$250
New Nokia N93 .....$180
New Nokia N92.....$180
New Nokia N91.....$160
New Nokia N90.....$150
New Nokia E70.....$170
New Nokia N70.....$170
New Nokia N72 ....$190
New Nokia N73 .....$200
New Nokia N75.....$250
New Nokia N76 .....$280
New Nokia N80 .....$200
New Nokia N81 .....$200
New Nokia N81 8gb....$240
New Nokia 8600 Luna.....$450
New Nokia E90 Communicator....$370
New Nokia 9210 Communicator...$200
New Nokia 9500 Communicator...$200
New Nokia 8850 Special Edition-- US$110
New Nokia 8850 Gold Edition-- US$120
New Nokia 8800 Sirocco------- US$280
New Nokia 8800 ------------ US$200
New Nokia 6680......US $140
New Nokia 6681......US $150
=========================
Apple iPhone Price List :
=======================
Apple iPhone 16gb----$300usd
Apple iPhone 8gb----$250usd
Apple iPhone 4gb----$180usd
====================
Sidekicks Price List :
====================
Dian von Furstenberg sidekick 3 $200
D-Wade Sidekick 3 ....$200
LRG Sidekick 3.......... $180
Sidekick 3................. $150
Sidekick 2................... $120
Pink couture sidekick 2.. $160
Mr Cartoon sidekick ..$150
=========================
Video Games Price List :
=========================
Playstation 1 console......$120usd
Playstation 2 console......$150usd
Playstation 3 console 60gb......$250usd
Nintendo Wii...............$200usd
XBox 360 Console - Core System ....$220usd
Xbox 360 Console - Premium Pack ....$220usd
=================
Ipod Price List :
==================
Apple Ipod video 30GB………………………………$160usd
Apple Ipod video 60GB………………………………$180usd
Apple Ipod video 80GB………………………………$200usd
We are based West Africa(NIGERIA) wholesaler of mobile phones,game consoles,laptops,plasma tv,ipods,cameras,pdas and other at affordable prices and good condition.
Get back to us with the details below if interested.
Msn chat : eldorado.ru@live.com
eldoradonigeria@aim.com
Nokia Price List :
====================
LG VIEWTY KU990 .....$250
New Nokia N95 8gb...$300
New Nokia N95 .....$250
New Nokia N93 .....$180
New Nokia N92.....$180
New Nokia N91.....$160
New Nokia N90.....$150
New Nokia E70.....$170
New Nokia N70.....$170
New Nokia N72 ....$190
New Nokia N73 .....$200
New Nokia N75.....$250
New Nokia N76 .....$280
New Nokia N80 .....$200
New Nokia N81 .....$200
New Nokia N81 8gb....$240
New Nokia 8600 Luna.....$450
New Nokia E90 Communicator....$370
New Nokia 9210 Communicator...$200
New Nokia 9500 Communicator...$200
New Nokia 8850 Special Edition-- US$110
New Nokia 8850 Gold Edition-- US$120
New Nokia 8800 Sirocco------- US$280
New Nokia 8800 ------------ US$200
New Nokia 6680......US $140
New Nokia 6681......US $150
=========================
Apple iPhone Price List :
=======================
Apple iPhone 16gb----$300usd
Apple iPhone 8gb----$250usd
Apple iPhone 4gb----$180usd
====================
Sidekicks Price List :
====================
Dian von Furstenberg sidekick 3 $200
D-Wade Sidekick 3 ....$200
LRG Sidekick 3.......... $180
Sidekick 3................. $150
Sidekick 2................... $120
Pink couture sidekick 2.. $160
Mr Cartoon sidekick ..$150
=========================
Video Games Price List :
=========================
Playstation 1 console......$120usd
Playstation 2 console......$150usd
Playstation 3 console 60gb......$250usd
Nintendo Wii...............$200usd
XBox 360 Console - Core System ....$220usd
Xbox 360 Console - Premium Pack ....$220usd
=================
Ipod Price List :
==================
Apple Ipod video 30GB………………………………$160usd
Apple Ipod video 60GB………………………………$180usd
Apple Ipod video 80GB………………………………$200usd
HDMI connectivity would have been nice. This is a sweet notebook and cant wait to get mine in the next few weeks and I think making the transfer from PC to Mac is now very well worth it.