Apple reveals updated MacBook Pro
updated 02:00 pm EDT, Tue October 14, 2008
New MacBook Pro revealed
Speaking at a special event, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has announced the existence of a redesigned MacBook Pro. Confirming earlier reports, the notebook is being built using a new construction process, similar to the one for the MacBook Air; each system starts as a brick of solid aluminum, from which material is initially removed, rather than added to. The resulting systems are said to be simultaneously lighter and stronger.
Also present in the construction is a new, multi-touch glass trackpad, 39 percent larger than earlier ones and designed so that the entire pad works as a button, rather than simply a motion surface. The use of glass extends to the LCD display, whose output options now include a mini-DisplayPort connection.
All connections have been shifted to one side, and these also include gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800 and two USB ports. An ExpressCard slot remains present, and wireless receivers support Bluetooth and 802.11n Wi-Fi.
Internally the computer now has the option of an SSD drive, and comes by default with both 9400M and 9600M GT graphics chips by NVIDIA, which operate together in a hybrid SLI mode. The 9400M is integrated, and can be used as the sole source for rendering in order to run a Pro for five hours instead of the four possible with the 9600M GT.
Two models, both measuring 15.4 inches, are going on sale today: a $1,999 model comes with a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of DDR3 RAM and a 250GB hard drive, while a $2,499 system features a 2.53GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, double the graphics memory and a 320GB hard drive.
displayport...
10/14, 02:15pm reply
hmmm...ADC...Gone...DVI...Gone...Mini-DVI...Gone...how long before I need to buy yet another adapter?
Feathers
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 1999
um
10/14, 02:15pm (2 replies) reply
Technically, all connections were already on the sides. I'm guessing it means they've all been moved to one side?
And I wonder how one drags and drops with a all in one track-pad/button?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
No matte?
10/14, 02:17pm reply
Apparently only the old-style 17" will have matte displays available. What is Apple thinking? Glossy-only is a deal breaker for most graphics pros.
However today certainly leaves room at the high end for a pro's MBP Mac Expo announcement.
SierraDragon
Mac Elite
Joined: Mar 2004
Re: no matte?
10/14, 02:20pm reply
But the 17" is only going to be around for a limited time, until it gets updated.
And if the MacBookPro isn't for Pro's, then why have Pro in the name?
LouZer
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2000
No quad, 4G ram?
10/14, 02:22pm reply
...while the industrial design seems compelling this is disappointing on the performance end - I may as well buy a macbook & a FW card...
The gap is wide - no comparison to an 8 core mac PRO in performance...
bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
Re: no quad
10/14, 02:30pm reply
What kind of Firewire card? As there's nothing to plug a card into on the macbook.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
More Adaptors and Gloss!
10/14, 02:35pm reply
Wow, Now You have to have a box load of adapters to use this unit. A Firewire 800 to 400, a display port to Dvi, VGA. A box full of screen cleaners and cloth. Oh Yes lets not forget something to cover the screen to convert it back to matte. By the time your done, you might as well get a Macpro, A Portable power generator and a "Old Style" cinema display.. Will probably be less trouble and Lets not forget, " Much Less Glare".
A Big Flop for everyone other than those who think this " Looks Cool".
johnsou
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2008
Surprise!
10/14, 02:35pm reply
Wow Apple, you've pigeon-holed people into a mini DisplayPort, glossy / glass finish on a professional-level laptop, and a monitor whose function is very niche.
InfraredAD
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2001
Wait Until All The Fuss
10/14, 02:38pm reply
If everyone throws enough fuss, especially all the Major Audio, Video, Graphics Companies then You can bet in a few months there will be a " Macbook Pro Classic"
Mark My Words
johnsou
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2008
Firewire consequences
10/14, 03:17pm reply
I would grumble, but could live with only a firewire 800 port. But no firewire at all on the MacBooks? This is bad. Not only does that cut off from the wealth of quality external storage options, with one stroke of the pen on the design board, mobile DV video editing now requires MacBook Pro, thus rendering iMovie on a MacBook pointless.
Leighgion
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005