Apple have recently updated the MacBook Pro range. It includes a new addition along with the demise of an older model.
There are still the 13-inch and 15-inch models with a choice of two specifications for each screen size. The 17-inch however, has been discontinued. No surprise as the trend moves towards smaller and more lightweight designs.
Like the new addition, the 15-inch Macbook Pro with Retina Display.
This has been generating a lot of excitement with its super-sharp 2280 x 1800-resolution. As Apple are stating “the world’s highest-resolution notebook display”. All others just seem blurry in comparison.
There are two specifications available as with the other 13 and 15-inch models.
The biggest changes have taken place with the new 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display. Apart from the display which is stunning in its own right, this model is thinner and lighter than the other MacBook Pros.
It is only 0.71 inches thick (the same as the MacBook Air at its thickest point) and weighs just 4.46 pounds.
One of the ways that space and weight has been reduced is with the inclusion of Flash storage. Available in 256GB and 512GB capacities it is up to four times faster than conventional hard drives. Battery life has been improved offering up to 30 days standby time. There are also two Thunderbolt ports, whereas all the other models only have one.
Downside though, Apple have removed the optical drive and Ethernet port, although they’re still available on the 13- and 15-inch Pros. Apple also changed the charging port, or MagSafe 2 power port. The new adapter is not compatible with old chargers.
You can however purchase a Gigabit Ethernet adapter or MagSafe adapter from the Apple website.
On both the 13 and 15-inch models, there is an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 processor. The 15-inch can automatically switch to the new NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M processor when required.
One of the major enhancements with all the 2012 MacBook Pros is the inclusion of the new Intel Ivy Bridge processors.
The 13-inch notebook comes with either a 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or 2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor.
Both the 15-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Pro with Retina Display have a choice between a 2.3Ghz or 2.6Ghz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor.
There’s also the upgrade from USB 2 to USB 3 ports which is a bonus. Especially as the MacBook Pro already had a Thunderbolt port, (it was actually the first Mac to be Thunderbolt enabled).
All the MacBook Pros come with OS X Lion along with a number of apps, such as iTunes, QuickTime, iLife and FaceTime to go with the built-in 720p FaceTime HD camera.
The OS X Lion is due to be upgraded to OS X Mountain Loin in the Summer of 2012.
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