This Thursday, Apple released significant updates to the MacBook Pro family. The entirety of the line received state-of-the-art next generation Intel Core series processors, enhanced AMD graphics, Thunderbolt I/O technology and FaceTime HD cameras. After nearly a full year without updates, Apple boasts the new models of MacBook Pro are twice as fast as the previous generation.
Though the processor and graphics speed bumps are certainly welcome upgrades, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology is the biggest new feature. This revolutionary new technology features speeds 12 times faster than FireWire 800 and an amazing 20 times faster than USB 2.0. Introduced as a combination port, Thunderbolt replaces the Mini DisplayPort featured on previous generation machines. Supporting high-resolution displays and data devices through a single port, Thunderbolt is a giant leap in input/output technology, and marks the most powerful I/O technology ever featured in a personal computer. Apple’s senior VP of Worldwide Product Marketing Phil Schiller commented:
“Thunderbolt is a revolutionary new I/O technology that delivers an amazing 10 gigabits per second and can support every important I/O standard which is ideal for the new MacBook Pro.”
Additionally, Apple has outfitted all three models of MacBook Pro with Intel Core series processors. The two 13-inch machines—which previously featured the aging Intel Core 2 Duo processors—have been updated to include Intel Core i5 and Core i7 dual-core processors with speeds up to 2.7 GHz. The higher end 15-inch and 17-inch machines feature quad-core Core i7 processors with incredible speeds up to 2.3GHz. All three models now carry the Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor which is specifically designed for efficiency and increased battery life. For the most demanding users, Apple has teamed with AMD to deliver three times the graphics performance of the previous generation. With configurations sporting up to 1GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory, the new 15-inch and 17-inch machines deliver performance completely on par with many of Apple’s desktop offerings.
Apple has also updated the built-in cameras featured across the MacBook Pro line. Taking a cue from the recently re-designed MacBook Air, The cameras formerly known as iSight have been rebranded as FaceTime HD. A new name isn’t the only thing the webcams have going for them however. Utilizing the enhanced graphics cards, the resolution has been tripled to make HD video calls a reality. To support these crisp widescreen calls, Apple has pushed its FaceTime app from beta and is bundling it in with the new machines. FaceTime is also available in the Mac App Store for all Intel Macs for only $0.99.
More than a simple speed boost, these updates usher in the next generation of professional machines from Apple. The first consumer machines ever to feature Thunderbolt, the new MacBook Pros truly set the standard for portable performance.
The new models of MacBook Pro are available now. Click here to view all specs and learn more.