Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing

Apple unveils new Macbook Pro lineup with new high-speed Thunderbolt port

By

As expected, Apple today updated its 13-, 15- and 17-inch Macbook Pro models with dual-core and quad core processors, making the new lineup up to twice as fast as the previous generation.

Perhaps the most important change is the debut of the Thunderbolt I/O standard. With two bi-direction channels — both capable of speeds of 10GBS — Apple claims that Thunderbolt is more than 12 times faster than FireWire and 20 times faster than USB 2.0. Thunderbolt also offers native support for Mini DisplayPort and support by way of adapters for DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, and VGA displays. Thunderbolt is also compatible with FireWire and USB devices.

Recommended Videos

Apple has also included a built-in FaceTime camera in all of the new models to support the video calling service that was introduced last year with the iPhone 4. FaceTime is included in the new generation of Macbook Pros. Users of other Intel-based Macs can now purchase the program through the App Store for $0.99.

Related

The 13-inch Macbook Pro features Intel Core i5 and Core i7 dual-core processors up to 2.7 GHz and Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM. The 15- and 17-inch models feature quad-core Core i7 processors up to 2.3 GHz and AMD Radeon HD graphics processors with up to 1GB of video memory.

Don’t look for a complete re-design in the new lineup: the aluminum unibody and its associated components appear to remain unchanged from the previous generation.

The 13-inch Macbook Pro starts at $1,199, the 15-inch at $1,799 and the 17-inch at $2,499. All models include the Snow Leopard OS X and iLife.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Aemon Malone
Aemon Malone
Former Digital Trends Contributor
The 5 best MacBooks for video editing in 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 16 front angled view showing display and keyboard.

Video editing is one of the most demanding things you can ask of your laptop. Not only do you need a powerful processor to keep things running smoothly, but you'll also need loads of RAM and a solid GPU to best carry out the task. If any of these components are lacking, you could run into trouble with your software – resulting in sluggish performance and a frustrating overall experience.

Hunting for a laptop that's robust enough to handle video editing isn't easy, but you can make things more manageable by sticking to Apple's MacBook catalog.

Read more
How to select multiple files on a Mac
An open MacBook Pro on a table.

macOS is an intuitive and innovative operating system. Over the years, Apple has revamped and evolved its tried and true platform numerous times, but there are a number of core features that have been around since the beginning. One of these is the ability to select multiple files at once.

Read more
MacBook Pro 16 vs. MacBook Pro 14: The important differences
MacBook Pro laptops.

MacBooks are typically seen as some of the best laptops money can buy, thanks to their combination of performance and longevity. It's not uncommon for MacBooks to be running flawlessly years after purchase -- so while their upfront costs are a bit steep, they're great long-term investments.

That holds true for the MacBook Pro lineup, which comes in two sizes -- 14 inches and 16 inches. Both are top-of-the-line computers designed to handle pretty much anything you can throw at them, offering access to the M3 chip, vibrant Liquid Retina XDR displays, and plenty of other high-end hardware.

Read more