Apple Speeds Up MacBook Line

Apple has updated its MacBook and MacBook Pro notebook lines, adding more storage, more RAM, faster processors...and a multi-touch trackpad on the MacBook Pro.

Apple today announced an update to its MacBook and MacBook Pro lines of notebook computers, adding faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, more storage, and more RAM. And, the top-of-the-line MacBook Pro systems get Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 512 MB of video memory…and a new multi-touch trackpad.

For the MacBooks, Apple is sticking to its white-white-black lineup, offering two white-clad models at $1,099 and $1,299, along with a black version with a larger hard drive for $1,499. The MacBooks sport a 13.3-inch 1280 by 800 display, Core 2 Duo processors ranging frm 2.1 to 2.4 GHz, 1 to 2 GB of RAM (expandable to 4 GB), 120 to 250 GB hard drives, Intel GMA X3100 graphics, Mini-DVI video output (that can be adapted to DVI, VGA, and Composite/S-video), gigabit Ethernet, two USB ports and one FireWire 400 port, 802.11N WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR wireless networking, and built-in iSight Web cams. The high-end black model also sports an 8× dual-layer DVD burner.

For the MacBook Pro line, Apple has bumped the processors to 2.4 and 2.5 GHz, with a 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo available as a build-to-order option. Apple is still offering two 15-inch models ($1,999 and $2,499 respectively), with the high end held down by the $2,799, 17-inch model. The machines ship with 2 GB of RAM standard (expandable to 4 GB), feature hard drive capacities up to 300 GB, and offer Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics controllers with 512 MB of video memory. The new MacBook Pros also feature a new multi-touch trackpad that enables iPhone-line pinching, rotating, and swiping motions; the units also feature illuminated keyboards, and circuitry that automatically adjusts the brightness of the keys and screen depending on ambient lighting. As always, MacBook Pros carry dual-layer DVD burners, DVI video output and built-in dual-link support to drive an external Apple display, an ExpressCard/34 slot, 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR wireless networking, two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port, on FireWire 800 port, and gigabit Ethernet.

The new MacBook and MacBook Pro systems are available today.