So we've just gotten our cold, live hands on the
new MacBook Pro -- you know, the one with the Core i7 CPU? We're obviously going to be taking this puppy for a spin around the block (a 15-inch version with a 2.66GHz CPU), but we wanted to show you what it looks like (exactly the same as always), and mention a few takeaways from our conversation with Apple about the product. As you already know, the 15- and 17-inch models have a new GPU configuration, utilizing Intel's integrated HD graphics alongside NVIDIA's GeForce GT 330M. What you might not know is that the new laptops have done away with the previous method of switching from integrated to discrete graphics, that is, forcing you to select one or the other and then logging you out and back in for the switch. This process is hugely streamlined in the new versions, providing switching on the fly from integrated to discrete, and requiring zero input from the user (similar to NVIDIA's
Optimus). The switches take place on an app-by-app basis judged on what kind of resources that particular application you're opening requires -- so this should be interesting to see when it comes to third-party titles. Apple is also only providing two options here; keep the automatic GPU switching on, or switch to
only discrete graphics. So if you're planning on running these babies just in integrated mode, you're out of luck.
Other additions to the laptops include "inertial scrolling" (a la iPhone), which feels like a software change to us, but is apparently related to new trackpads on these models, and new configuration options when buying, such as getting yourself a 1680 x 1050 high res display (yes, please) or opting for a 512GB SSD (clocking in, weirdly, at $1,400 for the 2.4GHz models, but $1,300 for the 2.53GHz and 2.66GHz versions). Speaking of money, you may have noticed that Apple bumped the cost of the base 15-inch MacBook Pro from $1,699 to $1,799 -- not a welcome change in today's bummer of an economy, though they've brought down the entry to the 17-inch to $2,299. At any rate, you can check out some snaps of the new system below, and hang tight for a full review coming soon.
posted April 13th 2010 10:23AM
@scrunge It's all good but most people who want a 17 mbp uses it as a desktop replacement. Mobility and battery is all good but shouldn't the performance at least be equivalent to the competitors since it is a premium priced product?
I love how Engadget posts meaningless external photos of a Mac that has only had it's internals upgraded. Yeah Engadget, I can see the speed improvement totally while it's powered down.
with that kind of cash and no "special" attachment to Steve or OSX i would get the Z series. I would argue that the Z looks even better, and the specs........well we all know the specs
I still like my Dell over the Apple line. Price IS a huge factor.
"Yes we do need to point out the Apple is twice the price! I hope we nag so loud that Steve Jobs can't sleep at night. Price is a valid criticism with any other computer manufacturer out there, so why should Apple get a pass? OSX isn't worth $1200."
thats why you wait a few months and get one of craigslist
@Rhombus p
I will happily pay apple even thrice the price of a crappy PC
@assb10yr will you pay them "thrice" the price of a top of the line PC?
Not that they have anything in that range yet, but I am shure the line will show up sooner or later.
Hmm, interesting that the 320 in the 13 inch and the 330 in the higher end models BOTH have 48 unified shaders. But then, the 320 is handicapped by system memory bandwidth, so I guess it works out.
Also interesting that despite having 48 shaders compared to last gen's 16, performance only doubled as a best case scenario. Again, limited by that system memory.
Too bad Nvidia can no longer make chipsets for the i-series, otherwise the 13 inch could be rocking an i3 or even i5.
I hate this ever more overpriced price simply because apple will cultivate a consumer group with more fanboys....
The reason is straightforward, only three kinds of people will buy such a premium machine: 1 people that are rich enough. 2 people that have special needs(pros). 3 more hard-core fanboys (usually with a lower IQ)
I hate this even more overpriced price simply because apple will cultivate a consumer group with more fanboys....
The reason is straightforward, only three kinds of people will buy such a premium machine: 1 people that are rich enough. 2 people that have special needs(pros). 3 more hard-core fanboys (usually with a lower IQ)
is the one pictured with the "anti-glare" screen?
if so, looks much different from the previous matte screen.
One great news i managed to dig up:
----------------------------------
Some small details on all new models:
The Mini Display Port now also supports Audio out and therefore the now also officially available HDMI adapter can deliver audio to the television. Finally, the MagSafe connector is now also the metal one known from the MacBook Air / MacBook White.
---------------------------------
Source: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Newsentry.153+M5091f4e3aff.0.html
I was hoping for a HDMI but this i can live with :)
Any reports on how especially the graphics will work in Windows7? Automatic switching? Forced to use the 330 all the time?
Hopefully we'll see some testing on this. Including noise/heat in Win7. Thanks!
Is there a PC notebook with 1900x1200 screen resolution within the price range of a 17" MacBook Pro? Seriously, I would really like to know!
@Pullywheel
Certainly, there are loads.
http://www.edbpriser.dk/Search/Products.aspx?q=&qft=&s=popularity&cpath=1-1-48&qt=Fql&nf=intmatrixmax10:range(2304000.0000000000,+max,+from%3d%22GE%22,+to%3d%22LE%22)%C2%A7specifictaxonomy:^Computer|1/B%C3%A6rbar|48$
(In Danish - but you can see the computers and specs)
@Pullywheel yes, but comparing apples and oranges, literally :)
Any chance you guys could try the trackpad kexts on the older unibody Macs? I'd love to know if I could enable it on my aluminum MacBook
I'm somewhat disappointed that the 13 inchers are still C2D. Wondering if you guys can compare the new ones with the last gen. Is there any upgrade of note, or should I just get a refurb?
@PF The graphics was heavily updated. With Grand Central Dispatch, that will help out the processor a lot, and help save on battery!
So nobody knows yet if the old fugly silver bezel will be used in the 15 inch MBP with non glossy update?!?
@some1
According to the Apple Store (check the configuration) the matte will indeed have silver bezel.
@Liberty tks for the pointer, you're right, unfortunately it says:
"Important note:
The actual size of the display is the same (15-inch diagonal) on both models. The antiglare display has a silver frame (border) around the display."
Would also be cool to know if the SSDs are still the old Samsungs nobody cares about, not much more than 100 USD to upgrade from the 500GB HDD is charming...
Guys come on, just get over it. If you like Microsoft, go drool over their products and leave Apple alone. If you like Apple, go drool over their products and leave Microsoft alone. But I have a feeling it isn't that simple.
I have the silver MacBook from last year. The screen flickers. Had to replace the hard drive. With apple care I would have had to ship my computer off to get a new one. Every time I have called with an issue I have found answers before the genius on google. So crappier products and idiots working the phones. I have used macs for years and won't switch now, but we give that company waaaay too much credit. Apple is having some serious quality control issues and then they deliver a price bump? I'm rooting for this company, but I'm starting to get pissed.
I was waiting for this release for long and has postponed my laptop purchase to get this new release from Apple. I just called Abt Electronics & they told me that they are going to have it. I am interested in the 15" laptop and hope to purchase sometime this week. :)
I have a 2009 model 13" MBP, and it's been working just fine for me. I don't really get what people are complaining about vis a vis ports -- with two notable exceptions: lack of a 3rd and/or 4th USB port, and lack of a eSATA port -- as I have quite successfully connected to an HDMI tv on this thing. It's just a freakin' cable, for goodness' sake.
All that being said, I am a tech enthusiast and have been for about 25+ years. I am well aware of what goes on out there and I understand it because I also "get" the context that things happen in. That's why I bought a MBP and not a Windows laptop. However, I also am paying very close attention to Apple's business activities and have to admit some concern over what they've been doing in the iPhone OS world. (What they're doing -- as well as having to be "stuck" with AT&T -- is why I have a Samsung Moment and not an iPhone.)
However, as far as Apple in general and what they do or don't do, sell or don't sell, or let you do or don't let you do, let me tell you something. Microsoft's own decisions and ethics have been 2x or 4x as bad (or worse) than what Apple is presently doing, so I'm not really interested in reading a thousand posts about Apple bitching. Believe me, if I had my druthers, I'd be running a 100% Linux system, but I live in the real world where being able to do stuff I need or want to with software that's mature enough (or even exists at all) is more important than being able to sit there and have a "feel-good" attitude.
If or when the situation changes, I'll re-evaluate my options at that time.
is there point to this unboxing? it looks exactly like the previous MBP Common apple thought you were innovators cant come up with a new design?
it seems that a lot of you havent done your reading, macbook pros [15 and 17 inch models] have turbo boost taking a 2.66GHz macbook pro up to 3.33GHz. also hyper threading is included, so osx recognizes four virtual cores instead of just two
@vanwazltoff
Hyperthreading doesn't mean the performance is doubled, its a lot less about 20-40% increased performance. The i7-720QM is much better.
also, why the hell can no other company make a laptop with core i7 without it being over 1.5 inches high? or have amazing battery life with core i7. also in most cases why isnt there product aesthetically pleasing? these are a few things that apple seems to have worked out
Previous wish list for this refresh:
Core i series - check
HDMI - nope (adapter doesn't count)
USB 3.0 - nope
Blu-ray - nope
16:9 aspect ratio - nope
1080p on 15" - nope
internal 3G - nope
internal 4G - nope
...What a sucky refresh. So much for innovation, Apple.
I'm a die hard Mac fan and I was really expecting more.
I though that the huge delay in getting these out would have meant they would have had some sort of upgrade apart from the processors.
Also I have to admit they do seem kind of expensive for what you get.
The folks behind the iPad spoof that was mentioned over at eh UK Telegraph just released their newest video poking a little fun at Apple's amazing packaging:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qf0HER_R94
My Vaio Z eats this for breakfast.
Raising the prices on their already overpriced products is just absurd. If anything the prices should have went down.
- Written on my macbook
So, are there actually any cosmetic changes? Or have Apple just 'upgraded' the internals?
If you don't like the product or the price, don't buy it. Why all the ranting? Why the "I'm so disappointed"? I like tech and I do follow whats new but it just curiosity. I like Apple products so I buy them. And I dare say 90% of their customers who buy their products buy them simply because they enjoy their design and how they work. All this measuring of manhood on specs is pointless. Go and explore the world a bit and get out of your bedrooms / studies or whatever. These objects do not change your world, will not make you happier or sadder.
Well, they did put a nice graphics card in the entry level 15" so I think that justifies the little price bump. Now it will be cheaper for me to get an MacBook Pro with a good graphics card with the entry 15" having it than it was before the refresh.
Sad to see it has the same design flaws and lack of connectivity than the previous model. An expensive thing targeted to teenagers. Still a no-go for me, I'm staying with Santa Rosa, thanks.