Apple MacBook Pro 15-inchers get quiet CPU spec bump

While poring over the metric ton of PR this morning, we didn't immediately notice that Apple has turned up the juice ever-so-slightly on MacBook Pro 15-inch models. Instead of coughing up a CPU bump from 2.4GHz to 2.53GHz, the company now offers an upgrade path to 2.66GHz and the 17-inchtastic 2.93GHz, which should ensure your lap is ruined for ever and ever. Any other surprises Apple?

[skyblaze @ Mar 3rd 2009 9:59AM]

good morning, engadget...

2.93? good stuff... not all for apple though... im gettin an hdx

[thedesolate1 @ Mar 3rd 2009 12:47PM]

I love how engadget conviniently missed this story:
http://www.switched.com/2009/02/27/macbooks-battery-goes-boom-in-london-office/

[thedesolate1 @ Mar 3rd 2009 12:51PM]

*Conveniently
Arghhhh

[chickenator @ Mar 3rd 2009 1:26PM]

but but but,
it's the old Powerbook, not a MacBook.
check the read link again.

[michaelbaskerville @ Mar 3rd 2009 1:58PM]

Ha, laptop recognition fail

[thedesolate1 @ Mar 3rd 2009 3:12PM]

You guys are missing the point.

[LinuxMacWindows Fanboy @ Mar 3rd 2009 5:27PM]

yeah 15 inchers all the way

lets use the only joke ever said on the office...

"thats what she said"

[chartreusesnot @ Mar 3rd 2009 8:28PM]

Sick! I can replace my shitty PBG4 15" battery that cant stand 5 mins unplugged! didn't hear anything about that recall...

[Hugo @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:07AM]

They've made them cheaper too, no?

[Tim @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:10AM]

not at the UK store, still asking same price I paid in Jan.

[Alexis @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:04AM]

It's a shame that they still offer a relatively low resolution screen... 1440x900 on a pro device is a bit out-dated...

[PCIV @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:13AM]

But it's only a 15... It's still above average. And the 1900x1200 on the 17 is fine.

[jd.junk1 @ Mar 3rd 2009 12:14PM]

I'm sure I'm not the only one who prefers the 17" solely for the 1920x1200 resolution. If they would offer 15" with that resolution (several other laptop manufacturers do at this point, but of course they have the drawback of not being MBPs), I would be much happier to have the more portable computer. 1440x900 is definitely a deal-breaker for me.

[LinuxMacWindows Fanboy @ Mar 3rd 2009 3:28PM]

dude, I used to think 800x600 was cool...

[Alexis @ Mar 3rd 2009 4:15PM]

So did I, when I had my X20... :P

[Michael @ Mar 3rd 2009 4:16PM]

@ jd.junk1

1080p on a 15" display would be ridiculous. Unless the OS and the web started to support it. Can you imagine how small text and images would be? I'm finding 1080p on my new 24" monitor is as being a little painful.

[Becca @ May 2nd 2009 12:10PM]

I have a 15" MBP with 1440x900. I don't like it but ... meh. It's what was available when I got it 2.5 years ago.

I'd like to upgrade to a newer 15" MBP but won't until they update the display to support 1920x1200.

For those complaining about the resolution of 1920x1200 on a 15" display, I have 2 responses:
1 - I've used the 1920x1200 resolution on a 15" display with the Dell provided to me by my company, and it is perfectly legible.
2 - If you don't like it, you can use "Preferences" and set the resolution to something that works for you ... hence the name "Preferences."

I like Apple's MBP, but don't want to schlep around a 17" MBP when the 15" is just fine. I'd gladly pay an extra £200 to get the better display on the 15" model. But until they update the display for the 15", it's a deal breaker for me, also.

[Gee @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:04AM]

Still no matte screen option?

Then no thanks....

[Kelmon @ Mar 3rd 2009 1:18PM]

I rather thought that with the introduction of the new processor that the screen issue would also be addressed. I'm honestly surprised that this has not and I am 100% certain that that issue alone is costing Apple sales. Either that or it is forcing people to buy the 17" model, in which case perhaps this works best for Apple.

[kccboy2004 @ Mar 3rd 2009 4:22PM]

Would Apple give you a discount off the machine if you wanted it without OSuX ? I am in the market for a 17" Laptop but really don't like OSux at all.

[Morgemil @ Mar 3rd 2009 5:26PM]

OSuX? Do you hate M$ too??

[Tom Millhauz @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:23AM]

"quiet CPU spec bump"... breaking

not pro-Apple, are we?!

[Tim @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:06AM]

I bought a 15" Macbook Pro in January, I returned a 15" Macbook Pro in February. Until they make it have an actually decent screen res, sorry but not interested. The 13" Sony Zs have higher res screens than the Apples; sort it out!!

[PCIV @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:17AM]

Don't mislead. The Sony Zs CAN have higher resolution, but not all.

[Tim @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:22AM]

I don't intend to mislead, the £1900 Z is 1600x900, the £1400 Z is 1366x768 I agree. Interesting, but seriously even if Apple charged £200 extra for a 1920x1200 display at 15.4" which we all know can be done a-la-IBM and others people would buy it.

Tim

[Alexis @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:28AM]

I recently used a 15" W500 with a 1920x1200 res screen, and it was absolutely fine to use...

The truth is 1440x900 is way too low for a pro device. Practically every other laptop on the market that has a similar price to the 15" MacBook Pro has a screen resolution higher than 1440x900.

[chance @ Mar 3rd 2009 11:57AM]

Stop crying and buy somebody else's device.

[Tim @ Mar 3rd 2009 12:03PM]

Haha chance, already did. Have a lovely Vaio P and taking a while to decided which other larger Sony laptop I'd like to have as well now, between splashing the crash like crazy on a Z for £2800 or a much more reasonable FW for £1200, I expect a Z is coming, just taking time to decide!

[chance @ Mar 3rd 2009 12:11PM]

Enjoy!

To each his own. Macs aren't for everybody. PCs aren't for everybody. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's just all get along. :)

[Tim @ Mar 3rd 2009 12:13PM]

Yes I agree, one of my flat mates has a Macbook, the other has a Macbook Pro, we have this discussion a lot and the best outcome is always each to their own :) At least I tried Apple, I do actually look forward to the next 'major' revamp of the Macbook Pro and trying again.

[LinuxMacWindows Fanboy @ Mar 3rd 2009 3:16PM]

dude... sonys are good too. just shut the hell up...

[Jamie @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:14AM]

You know, it might be my imagination, but I'm sure they got more expensive in the UK store.

[brand_equity1 @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:18AM]

Actually it's not an upgrade path to 2.66Ghz, its now standard on the top-end model. The 2.93GHz is the option.

http://switchtoamac.com/site/apple-quietly-upgrades-15-inch-macbook-pro-processors---new-293ghz-option---266ghz-now-standard-on-high-end-model.html

[granny down east @ Mar 3rd 2009 10:33AM]

PORING over, not pouring...

[Lantern @ Mar 3rd 2009 11:04AM]

Hey guys, about a week ago, I ordered a 15" MacBook Pro, with the CPU upgraded to run at 2.8GHz. Having paid the same amount that would now upgrade me to 2.93GHz, I'm wondering what -- if any -- are my options, should my laptop arrive without the now-faster processor.

[Hugo @ Mar 3rd 2009 11:07AM]

I did the same. I just rang up and put a hold on my order (it hasn't been shipped yet). I believe Apple's usual policy is that you can do a simple swap if they change the specs within 2 weeks of ordering. Ring them.

[Aaron @ Mar 3rd 2009 12:52PM]

Hugo is correct you have 2 weeks, just call them up, and make sure they give you the one you want. Assuming the new one is shipping today.

[james @ Mar 4th 2009 5:28PM]

I ordered the base model and in my order tracking page it now says "Cancelled - Replaced with new product " as the status of my order and then it has the upgraded one put in as "Not yet shipped "

Only negative is that the expected delivery date is pushed back a bit.

You can check your delivery status here ( replace irl with your country code, mine's Ireland ) http://store.apple.com/irl/managemyorder

[corybidan @ Mar 3rd 2009 11:05AM]

This is kind of a piss off... I just bought my pro in January... and the 30 day return date from Future Shop JUST passed... So I can't bring this back and get the speed bump.

That said... I have the 2.5 model right now... Would it even be worth it to get the 100 some odd MHz? Im sure I could make a big enough stink for them to take it back... but is it worth it?

[jc @ Mar 3rd 2009 12:04PM]

Dude, two things... first, never take advice from posters on engadget unless you want angry and uneducated kids telling you useless advice.

second, when you are ready to buy a computer, get what you need at the best price and accept the fact that there will be better models available shortly. Don't expect your computer to always be the best in the world... you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Appreciate what you have, dog.



To posters above... I don't know what kind of eyes you have, but 1920x1200 on a screen smaller than 17" is unreadable at more than a foot away.

[iphonerulez @ Mar 3rd 2009 11:09AM]

Maybe he did mean "pouring." I used to pour my morning coffee over the stacks of work on my desk and then say the cleaning people must have done it. I'd sit back and relax while the paper dried.

Now back to the good stuff. Steve said, "Let there be light upon the firmament" and we all got blessed with faster MacBook Pros. That works for me. Steve, you're a benevolent genius. It's no wonder that Apple can't function without your presence.

[Bass @ Mar 3rd 2009 11:24AM]

+133Mhz CPU Upgrade.
you guys need to look up what BREAKING is supposed to mean.

[finite_loop @ Mar 3rd 2009 11:57AM]

this makes me angry because i just bought the 2.53ghz mbp

exchanges coming our way apple?

[Kelmon @ Mar 3rd 2009 1:21PM]

If you are still within your 2-week exchange period, just swap it for the new model. If not then don't worry since I'm sure it wouldn't have made that much of a difference.

[Pradster @ Mar 3rd 2009 12:48PM]

I am pretty sure all this "breaking" apple news could have fit into one post.

[Kizorblade @ Mar 3rd 2009 1:25PM]

Oh no, look at me! My computer is now outdated because an update (which doesn't make anything cheaper) makes my computer look bad beause it's 0.13ghz faster!
Honestly. What the hell. It's technology. Updates are normal. I'd have stuck with my G3 iMac if I was afraid of getting burned all the time.

Kapish?

[Jake Paul @ Mar 3rd 2009 2:52PM]

Is that a screen cap of the new Lightroom?

[Josh Ladella @ Mar 3rd 2009 9:36PM]

No, actually it's Aperture.

[sportykid2332 @ Mar 3rd 2009 8:13PM]

I wish they would have upgraded the base 15 incher to 2.53 GHz. That would have made sense to me, and my wallet.

[ran @ Mar 4th 2009 2:04AM]

Great, my MacBook Pro is obsolete already!