Released early this year (February 24, 2011), the new
sets of MacBook Pro are now equipped with Intel’s processor i-series. Previously, the 13-inch MBP runs with an older Core 2 Duo Intel processor.
The next generation is now equipped with Intel i5 processor, while the 15-inch and 17-inch models are equipped with i7 processor. The high-end 13-inch model MBP has 1,280x800 pixels, which is oddly lower than the 13-inch
MacBook Air.
If you want a higher resolution MBP, you should try the 15-inch and 17-inch models. A glare-free option is still unavailable with the 13-inch MBP.
The MacBook Pro is installed with a high-definition (HD) camera. A FaceTime Web chat app is pre-installed in the MBP, which makes it compatible with the improved camera. The full screen feature with the FaceTime Web app can be clear when conditions are right. This also lets you call another Mac or other Apple gadgets such as iPhone or iPod touch. The new MacBook Pro still has DVD drive as opposed to previous rumors that optical drives will not be provided for the 2011 version.
In terms of looks, the MacBook Pro 2011 model is pretty much the same as the previous versions. The unibody shells of the new MBP still have the single block aluminum cover. The keyboard size is the same for every
model (13, 15 and 17 inch). The laptop still has the distinctive backlit keyboard. The multi-touch trackpad remains. In terms of weight, the 13 inch model: 4.5 lbs (2.04 kg); 15-inch model: 5.6 lbs (2.54 kg); and 17-inch model: 6.6 lbs (2.99 kg). Student-users will benefit well from the 13-inch model as it is light-weight and much more portable compared to the other models in terms of size.
What’s really interesting among the new features of the new Apple MacBook Pro 2011 is the addition of Light Peak Technology or Thunderbolt as it is named. Ports such as USB, PCI Express, USB, Firewire and SATA on the gadget will soon be replaced by this technology. MacBook Pro users may now transfer files quicker with this high-speed powered port. The high-speed I/O port has been predicted by many authors, and this time they are right. The table below summarizes the price of MBP since it was unveiled.
| Price |
13-inch (low end) |
13-inch (high end) |
15-inch (low end) |
15-inch (high end) |
17-inch |
|
$1,199 |
$1,499 |
$1,799 |
$2,199 |
$2,499 |
