Apple's MacBook Pro ships w/faster CPUs
updated 08:20 am EST, Tue February 14, 2006
Apple ships MacBook Pro
Apple today announced that it will begin shipping the new 15-inch MacBook Pro this week with faster processors than previously announced. The new notebook features the new Intel Core Duo processor, which it says delivers up to four times the performance of the PowerBook G4 it also features a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go and the Front Row media experience with Apple Remote. All models of the new MacBook Pro will ship with faster Intel Core Duo processors than previously announced, delivering even greater performance at no additional cost. The $2,500 model now includes a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from the previously announced 1.83GHz, and will begin shipping this week. The $2,000 model now includes a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from the previously announced 1.67GHz, and will begin shipping next week. In addition, customers may now upgrade to a 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo processor as a build-to-order option on the Apple Online Store. Earlier this morning, Apple took its Apple Store offline, ahead of the announcement. Meanwhile, new orders for the Intel-based notebook, which replaces the PowerBook G4, show a 3-4 week delay.
"We are incredibly excited to start shipping the MacBook Pro, a groundbreaking new notebook with dual-processor desktop performance in a thin, sleek design," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "The new MacBook Pro includes even faster Intel Core Duo processors than originally announced, up to 2.16GHz, and we think customers are going to love them."
The first Mac notebook using Intel's new Core Duo processor, the new MacBook Pro features an aluminum enclosure just one-inch thin, weighs only 5.6 pounds, includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go, the Apple Remote and Front Row software for a simple, intuitive and powerful way for users to enjoy their content wherever they go and Apple's new patent-pending MagSafe magnetic power connector, designed especially for mobile users.
Only in the US?
02/14, 08:34am reply
The UK store is still up. Local (US) price changes maybe?
GreyArea
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Joined: Feb 2003
faster
02/14, 08:45am reply
faster processors, too. Way cool. A sure sign the G5 powerbooks are coming!
Glasspusher
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Joined: Oct 2000
Ha Ha
02/14, 09:03am reply
Apple loves faking out the competition. When they had their lineup of MP3 players to challenge the mini, Apple scraped that and introduced the nono. Now when they line up to match the specks of the MacBook Pro, Apple faked them out again. Ha ha.
koolkid1976
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Joined: May 2003
iBook+Mini with Core Duo
02/14, 10:01am reply
This brings a big shakeup into the future Apple Product Lineup.
I now think all current G4 processor machines will be replaced by Intel Core Duo processors.
The reason may be that Rosetta is too slow on Single Core Intel Chip.
So the iBook and Mac Mini will sport the 1,67 Mhz version of the Core Duo.
PhilippeW
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Joined: Sep 2000
Dell comparison
02/14, 10:51am reply
Remember those amateur hour flawed comparisons between the MacBookPro and cheapo Dell with the same processor. Remember the articles showing that upping the specs of the Dell to come close (can't actually match) made the prices almost the same (if anything the Apple was cheaper). Well now what are the PC fanboys going to do. Not only is the MacBookPro (still hate the name) a better machine in most ways, it's now almost 20% faster than Dell's best offering.
Sucks to be them this morning!
beeble
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Joined: Mar 2004
And people wonder...
02/14, 10:56am reply
why Jobs went with Intel. The freakin' machine hasn't even shipped and the top of the line is already 16% faster in 1 month. We'd never see that happening with the G4 or G5
Toyin
Mac Elite
Joined: Nov 2000
re: lineup
02/14, 12:20pm reply
his brings a big shakeup into the future Apple Product Lineup.
I now think all current G4 processor machines will be replaced by Intel Core Duo processors.
How does this cause a big shakeup? Its a freakin' .17GHz increase of a chip's core speed.
BTW, it doesn't affect the bus speed, so the memory transfers aren't improved to meet the increased CPU speed. Just pointing it out.
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001
re: lineup
02/14, 12:53pm reply
testudo,
what he was saying is Apple positions certain products as lower spec than others. Apple doesn't want the mac mini to be faster than a macbook pro, as an example.
So in apple's view of the world, bumping up the processor speed of the macbooks, now leaves on the low end, a slower dual core, which can be put in a mac mini.
Now way does apple want the processor of a mac mini or eMac to compare favorably to the pro machines.
Yes, you are right, the processors would really be close in actual capability, but for marketing purposes, this would work for apple.
Jonathan-Tanya
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Joined: Oct 2004
Still not perfect
02/14, 02:37pm reply
I'm still surprised they didn't upgrade the DVD to a dual layer. I'm my opinion it would make this Mac perfect.
Stone Soldier
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Joined: Apr 2005
the last time...
02/14, 10:08pm reply
this happened was a few years ago - no wait - that was Moto and we LOST 10% CPU speed. Z
zac4mac
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