Apple updates MacBook, MacBook Pro lineups

Apple updated its MacBook and MacBook Pro lineups today with Intel's Penryn processors, while bringing multitouch trackpads to MacBook Pros.

The MacBook Pro is available with Core 2 Duo (Penryn) processors at up to 2.6GHz and up to 6MB of cache memory. Storage options have been revised to include up to a 300GB hard drive. In addition, Apple has added Nvidia's GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor with up to 512MB of video memory. The 17-inch model now gives you the option to upgrade the LCD to an LED-backlit unit for $100. That feature is still standard on the smaller 15-inch model.

The MacBook Pro will also now include the multitouch trackpad, first introduced with the MacBook Air. The trackpad lets users rotate photos and browse Web pages using gestures such as pinch, rotate, and swipe.

A MacBook Pro with a 15-inch display, 2.4GHz processor, 3MB of L2 cache, and a 200GB hard disk lists for $1,999. The 17-inch model, with a 2.5GHz Core 2 Duo chip, 6MB of L2 cache, and a 250GB hard drive is priced at $2,799, Apple said.

The MacBook misses out on the multitouch trackpad, but the prices of the three baseline models stay the same while the configurations get CPU and hard-drive bumps. The $1,299 and $1,499 models now come standard with 2GB of RAM. Previously, doubling the standard 1GB of RAM set you back an additional $150. The $1,099 MacBook includes a 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo (Penryn) processor, 1GB of memory, and a 120GB hard drive (up from 80GB). The $1,299 model gives you a 2.4GHz chip, 2GB of memory, and a 160GB drive (up from 120GB). The $1,499 black model now comes with a 250GB drive (up from 160GB).

One thing Apple did not announce Tuesday--at least not yet--is an iPhone software developer kit that it had promised for sometime in February.

CNET Reviews' Matthew Elliott contributed to this report.

[mdturner77]

10-key????

Ok, with ALL of the wonderful things that Apple can do, why on earth haven't they been able to integrate a 10-key onto the keyboard of the 17-inch MacBook Pro? <br /><br />I've been a Windows guy since high-school, and I'm certainly interested in switching over to a Mac (at least for mobile purposes), but this "we're too Mac to use a 10-key" business is keeping me from being sold on getting a MacBook.<br /><br />Come ON!

[simelane]

What is a 10-key?

I have no idea what you are going on about?<br /><br />Are you by any chance referring to a separate numeric keypad? If so, then why not call it that.

[ittesi259]

Most windows notebooks don't have them

You obviously meant the MacBook Pro because you just don't have room for a 10 key on a 13 inch screen computer. And no all of the windows versions do it either. Last time I was in a retail store I really only saw HP's with that. Toshiba still hadn't switched.

[Lee in San Diego]

Plug one in

n/t

[©APPLE©]

Ummm

You just press the fn key and you have a numeric keypad( j-1,k-<br />2,l-3,u-4,i-5,o-6,7-7,8-8,9-9,;--,/-+) Happier? BTW that fn <br />feature is in most laptops out there.

[ralfthedog]

16 key?

Some of us do a lot of hex.<br /><br />I use the term numeric keypad for the device, and 10 key for the act of entering data by the numeric keypad.

[reeltime]

Gotta agree with you there...

Look, I'm typing this on a MacBook Pro. I just ordered the new <br />MacBook Pro today. But my biggest complaint about this <br />machine is the placement of the keyboard, shoved all the way <br />back to the screen, an ergonomic horror. and no keypad.. you <br />have to push the function key and do a little finger dance. The <br />best form factor they ever produced was the plastic Pismo <br />machines with the rubberized and gently curved palm rests. A <br />genuine JOY to work on. I'll give you full points on the <br />argument. It's valid.. yet I still bought a new one. How dumb an <br />I? (Don't answer that Windows guys)

[sanjayb]

Too expensive

I would love to buy an Apple computer but I find the prices way too high. For me to even consider a Mac Book Pro, the price needs to drop $500. For the price of the Mac Book Pro I could buy a wicked Dell XPS notebook.<br />Other than being able to run Mac OS, what justifies the high price of a Mac Book Pro?

[Randys2cents]

its worth it!

Believe me, you will find the higher price worth it in the end.<br />It is all in the small little details. For twenty-five years I used<br />nothing but IBM, HP, &#38; Dells = never again. Randys2cents

[sprichards311]

Not sure where you get your prices...

I just went to Dell.com and configured a 15.4" Dell XPS laptop to match the 15.4" Macbook Pro in this article and the price for the Dell XPS is....$2,347. Before any instant savings. Compare to Apple's $1,999.

[©APPLE©]

wrong

i coonfigured a dell and a mac and the dell was more expensive by <br />about $350.

[dnmvnm]

too expensive

it is a matter of personal preference.<br />they both do the same things.<br />after using windows forever i was ready for something different.

[hal Summers]

make an honest comparison

Let's do an honest comparison here. You CANNOT get a <br />comparable XPS for $500 less than a MBP. I did the specs and if <br />you get the same processor, RAM, graphics with the top Vista <br />with internet security and spyware protection (not needed on <br />Mac) the price comes out to $1962. That does not include video <br />and photo editing software, garageband or multi-touch (not <br />available on Dell). <br /><br />Now you can use different specs to get a lower price on your <br />Dell but you can also go to the Apple Refurbished and get <br />yesterday's MPB (2.2Ghz processor, no multi-touch) for $1449. <br />But you'd better hurry. That price was cut $250 from what it was <br />yesterday.<br /><br />So the MPB doesn't really cost more but it's WORTH more. <br />There's also that resale value thing, too. And chicks dig the <br />creative, artistic type who use Macs. And that's worth it's weight <br />in gold. ;-)

[kelmon]

Resale Price

Well, it's not something that you normally look at when buying a <br />new computer, but you'll get a lot of your money back when it <br />comes time to upgrade or otherwise sell your Mac. For whatever <br />reason, Macs tend to hold their value whereas "generic" PCs tend <br />to depreciate quite badly.<br /><br />Other than this, I buy Macs because I love the software and the <br />way that it works as I expect it to. It's hard to quantify but the <br />ways to interact with applications seem better thought out so <br />things are more intuitive; Drag 'n' Drop rules and it all makes <br />sense. OS X is a better mobile OS than certainly XP (not sure <br />about Vista since I switched long before it was released) with <br />intelligent handling of different network locations, for example. <br />And finally they're just less hassle - fewer annoying error <br />messages and no maintenance tasks to run (defrag, for example, <br />happens automatically).<br /><br />At this time I wouldn't go back to Windows but if Apple <br />continues this trend of charging for "extras" that should have <br />been in the box (i.e. the remote control, in this case) then I'll <br />consider Linux next time. I have no issue with paying a <br />premium price for many years of good service from what I buy <br />but I object to being taken for a ride.

[slickuser]

YOU ARE WRONG...

Take the basic model (2.4 Ghz) from MacBookPro series and take DELL XPS M1530 model. Try to match both to the same configuration. DELL will be more expensive than the MacBookPro. <br /><br />With DELL, you get crap with Microsoft Vista UltimateCrap. But with Apple, you get solid cool looking and cool MacBook!<br /><br />Get your facts right first...

[reeltime]

True.. but..

While true, that it does cost more to get a Mac, as the saying <br />goes, you get what you pay for. For that $500 bucks, you can <br />run OS X, which is largely virus-free, top-notch build quality <br />and aesthetic design, a computer that will run both operating <br />systems, including Vista, and in case you missed it, Windows <br />runs faster on the Powerbook than on other Windows-specific <br />systems. <br /><br />Buy what you want, and enjoy the product. <br /><br />I love the Apple pro applications. I own Final Cut Studio, Logic <br />Studio, and Aperture. They are all fine products (though I prefer <br />Lightroom on the photo side). I also love the iPod. <br /><br />I work faster on the Mac because I'm not hunting for the latest <br />driver, stopping to run virus software, it automatically backs <br />itself up, can preview documents without opening the big <br />program they were created on, I now work almost exclusively in <br />.pdf, because the OS does such amazing work on them. <br /><br />Don't know about your Dell, I'm sure it's a fine machine, but I <br />like the new multi touch trackpad, built in camera, native apps <br />with the OS, does Dell run FireWire 800 yet? I live and die by my <br />Firewire 800 drives and accessories because they're so fast. It <br />also has built in wireless system that just WORKS. <br /><br />All of those features are worth $500 bucks, in my opinion, and <br />its why I ordered my new MacBook Pro today. As a bonus, my <br />wife now inherits my old MacBook Pro, moving away from her HP <br />laptop, and I can now actually fix her problems!<br /><br />And Dell's TOP laptop is $3999. Now you get a WHOMPIN' <br />STOMPIN' video card with it and a SATA drive, so is that worth it? <br />It's up to you. I'd rather get the MacBook Pro.

[jowewo]

Well...

The answer lies within the question...

[john55440]

Old Fashioned: No Blue-Ray Drive

Other companies have offered Blue-Ray drives for years.

[srikanth_janga]

no problem

i wouldn't worry about the non-inclusion of a blu-ray. i say that because all drives included in pc's come with a disclaimer as follows:<br /><br />"Since this is new technology, we cannot guarantee the future compatibility of this product as technology advances"<br /><br />That is basically saying "Do not expect us to support all new blu-ray advancements/profiles as and when they are available"<br /><br />The PS3 seems to be the only blu-ray device capable of this. instead of paying a $250-$500 premium depending on if its a ROM or RW drive, i'd rather go the PS3 route for the value it has to offer in terms of blu-ray.<br /><br />Also, look at the price tag. this is the price WITHOUT a blu-ray device. could you imagine the price of one with a blu-ray drive? until apple does not bring its prices down, mass adoption seems unlikely, even for guys with such interest in cool technology as myself.

[wolverine1987]

Predictable response

It is so predictable now as to be a cliche--whenever Apple <br />announces a new product or an improved product, several <br />yahoos rush to comment about how its behind the times, or that <br />PC's have had these features for years, or that the iPhone isn't as <br />good as the Trio, or that Windows Vista has everything you <br />need, blah blah, blah. Meanwhile, the rest of us continue to be <br />impressed by the elegance, simplicity and design strength <br />behind most of Apple's products, and they continue to gain <br />share, and most professional reviewers continue to agree.

[ittesi259]

Blu-Ray not needed here

For starters....you don't have a screen big enough to really benefit from it, and if you do I hate you and want your gear.<br /><br />2nd, Blu-Ray is still overhyped over priced garbage designed to coerce people to replace their hardware and drive sales.<br /><br />I'm not spending 500 dollars on a DVD player and 30 dollars on a DVD so it looks "more real". It looks fine the way it is.

[Seaspray0]

And what about other Manufacturers?

Of all the recent articles covering new models of computers, they are all concerned with apple products. What about Dell, HP, Lenovo, Gateway, Acer, Panasonic products? I'm pretty sure they have new models as well, but not a word by Cnet. Why?

[markmcspadden]

No free remote!

Looks like they dropped the Apple Remote from being included in <br />both the Macbook and the Macbook Pro boxes. I think it's subtle, <br />but I think it's poor form.

[kelmon]

Disgraceful Apple!

I'm a MacBook Pro owner already and I'm disgusted at Apple that <br />they've dropped this to being an "optional extra". I can't think of <br />anything where subsequent models don't incorporate more <br />standard features without there being a good reason (e.g. <br />dropping dial-up modem and replacing with wireless). This is a <br />nasty way to try and generate some additional cash on what is <br />already an expensive product.<br /><br />What I am glad about is that every article on the release that I <br />have seen that allows readers comments has highlighted this so <br />at least this one isn't slipping under the radar.

[dadsgravy]

Good Little Apple German

If you'd bought your apple t.v. like you were supposed to, then <br />you would now have two remotes. <br />It does seem cheap that they don't include the remote any more, <br />but I didn't use mine for the first year that I had my mac, most <br />people lose them or never use them, front row really isn't to <br />great, you can get by without it and atleast they lowered the <br />price from $30. Apple always has a reason for doing things and <br />it usually makes since to them.<br />And again, if you'd bought your apple t.v., you'd have a remote. <br />Maybe two!

[oldmanangry]

News.com is biased

Why is there no news story following every single little new CPU launch by other companies?

[jelloburn]

Because...

... these updates only occur every 4-6 months. Dell, HP, <br />Gateway, and the other PC manufacturers have updated models <br />every couple weeks. They report on those when something <br />substantial actually shows up.<br /><br />They also know all the trolls will come out from under their <br />bridges at the scent of a Mac news story and discredit it and <br />give them hits.<br /><br />BTW, not calling you a troll.

[Tom Krazit]

Maybe you should have looked a little harder

You didn't do much research before lobbing that grenade.<br /><br />In the last two months, we've covered:<br /><br />Alienware and Gateway take new Intel chips:<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9875274-7.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9875274-7.html</a><br /><br />Dell takes new Intel chips:<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9875004-7.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9875004-7.html</a><br /><br />Another Dell laptop gets the Intel chips:<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9873040-7.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9873040-7.html</a><br /><br />Toshiba gets the Intel chips:<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://ces.cnet.com/8301-13855_1-9844280-67.html" target="_newWindow">http://ces.cnet.com/8301-13855_1-9844280-67.html</a><br /><br />HP adopts the Intel chips:<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://ces.cnet.com/8301-13855_1-9841224-67.html" target="_newWindow">http://ces.cnet.com/8301-13855_1-9841224-67.html</a><br /><br />Sony and Intel:<br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://ces.cnet.com/8301-13855_1-9841474-67.html" target="_newWindow">http://ces.cnet.com/8301-13855_1-9841474-67.html</a><br /><br />That's pretty much the entire PC industry. If you're interested in those kinds of stories, we cover them.

[ubnyan]

updates?

Well, after waiting for the new MacBook Pros release I am dissapointed. The actual components were upgraded but outside it has nothing unique besides the new touchpad. It still looks just like the old models. After the MacAir I was expecting something like a newer sharp design, thinner, lighter and with an HDMI port. I guess we'll have to wait for the next model "updates"...

[AJ Pants]

Mac Envy Anyone?

Is it even possible for a PC user not to have Mac envy these days? Damn.

[mackenzie2881]

not trendy

That's because non Apple products are not considered fashionable. I have an ipod and to be honest it's not that great.

[Penguinisto]

Nice...

I've been eyeballing one as a replacement for my dual G5 Mac Pro (why not? This way I can take it along with me).<br /><br />/P

[Ordinary Guy]

Unfortunate Timing...

I'm using a trusty, rusty old 1.5 GHz PowerBook. I'd *love* to <br />upgrade to a 2.6 Penryn MBP... but why on earth should I when the Montevina chips are due for release in 4 months?<br /><br />Anyone?

[x_Phoenix_x]

simple

Because once the Montevina chips are out, then it will be 4 months till the next to chips. You have to jump in sometime.

[sanjayb]

Dell XPS vs Mac Book Pro

So I tried to match a Dell XPS laptop with a Mac Book Pro as close as possible. The difference in price is $1100. Mack Book Pro is $3000 while Dell is $1900. If you forget the OS, here are the difference:<br />- MBP has the better processor. Dell doesn't carry the new Intel processors yet.<br />- MBP has more video memory. Dell only comes in with 256MB.<br />- MBP has the LED screen. Dell doesn't.<br />- MBP has the new touch pad. Dell doesn't.<br />- MBP has the lights on the keyboard. Dell doesn't.<br />If all other things equal, the question becomes: Are the above differences worth extra $1100?

[technewsjunkie]

You forgot a few things

First off OS X beats the pants off Windows (yeah Vista)<br />Firewire 800 &#38; 400, _and_ USB2 on Dell?<br />iLife media suite?<br />iSight camera with Photo Booth, iChat (OS X)?<br />Mag safe power connector?<br />Same screen resolution, brightness, contrast and handling via <br />OS?<br />Same keyboard feel?<br />Same weight, size and esthetic?<br />Same battery life?<br />Can the DELL run a Mac OS - like Macs can run Windows, and <br />Linux? (that's two PCs for the price of one!)<br />Same sleep and power saving (it actually works!)?<br />Same quiet operation?<br />Same boot time?

[kelmon]

Only Valid For Potential Switchers

Let's be honest, you can't "forget the OS" - that's fundamental to <br />the whole decision to buy a Mac or Windows computer. I'm not <br />going to buy a Dell XPS laptop because it won't run my software <br />so you can't just discount that aspect of a purchasing decision. <br />Saying that the XPS is $1100 cheaper and then not taking into <br />consideration the expense of changing your software (time &#38; <br />money) does make a mockery of the whole argument. This <br />works both ways, of course, for anyone considering a switch to <br />the Mac or even a Linux system (free software but you still have <br />to invest time).<br /><br />Regardless, here's the thing - if you want to switch then the <br />price isn't really that important once you have made the decision <br />to change platforms. If you are not interested in switching then <br />compare the prices of computers of your platform and decide <br />from there.<br /><br />With regards to the posed question of whether the MBP, with its <br />hardware differences (and I'll note that you missed the multi-<br />touch trackpad) is worth $1100 extra, I'd say "yes". If you are <br />interested in making the switch and are comparing between the <br />XPS and MBP then the current disparities are probably worth the <br />price.

[pfletcher]

yes...

If Steve says so :-)

[ralfthedog]

The question is, "Would you trust your data to a dell?"

I don't plan to send my data to Dell in a hand basket (And my data has far more value than any hardware I own [including my house]).<br /><br /><br />PS. Yes, I do off site backups. Even loosing a days worth of data would be a very bad thing.

[slickuser]

MacBook pro vs DELL XPS1530 and Lenovo t61p

I don't thing you priced it correctly. Just don't customize Macbookpro. Take the default system that<br />comes for $1999. Try to match that configuration using dell customize option. You will see. <br /><br />I tried to match Lenovo and Dell. Lenovo T61p costs $1750 but it comes with WWAN and card reader. XPS1530 costs more but it comes with 250GB @ 7200 RPM etc.<br /><br />I can send you the excel spreadsheet if you want!<br /><br />Long story short, I'd buy MacBookPro by paying little over $200 instead of Lenovo because I wouldnt have to deal with Vista UltimateCrap. However I love Lenovo. They make best laptops after Apple

[alenas]

MBP vs t61p

I bought MBP in august, sold it after 1 month and bought t61p. My t61p was cheaper, with much higher specs (4GB of ram, 200GB 7200rpm drive, better video). t61p is the quietest/coolest notebook around. MBP is always hot underneath...<br />After t61p I do not look back to Macs...

[sanjayb]

Want the extras

I did throw a few customizations on both the MBP and Dell. I figure if I want to buy a laptop I want it to have certain features (i.e: 4 GB RAM, bigger hard drive, etc, etc). That's how I did my comparison.<br /><br />The numbers I got I just pulled off the websites. I am pretty sure I did it correctly.

[pfletcher]

you would pay $200 more NOT to have Vista

I use it every day - have done since beta - love it - have it on a Dell XPS 1330 it is brilliant and I don't have to worry about steve jobs trying to control my life

[sahilk]

Macbook still plastic

Was looking forward to an aluminum Macbook its still made with polycarbonate plastic. :( too bad

[sahilk]

So this is Mackbook 1.5

Macbook 1.5 wait for Macbook 2.0 next year

[mackenzie2881]

Why I use it?

I often send large numbers of photos and small films to relatives and I can fit a lot on 4.7GB. If you order a 100 spindle each disc is about 50 cents. Plus, I use rewritable discs for extra temporary space rather than buying a new external hard drive each time. A lot of people also make back ups of their movies either using 4.7 GB discs or double layer. So you see, there are many uses.

[kelmon]

Blu-ray would change this?

OK, that's mostly a fair comment, although I will note that I've <br />migrated to doing these actions online since it makes it quicker <br />to get the data to people and sending it to additional people <br />later is simply a case of forwarding them the URL. However, this <br />process is damned cheap in much the same way as backing up <br />to tape is incredibly cheap. I am, though, confused as to what <br />difference Blu-ray would make to all this. Unless a DVD can't <br />hold all the data that you want to put on one then the only thing <br />that Blu-ray is going to deliver is more expensive discs that will <br />be mostly empty.<br /><br />Regardless, for those who need a Blu-ray burner then options <br />will exist. For everyone else I hope they don't become a <br />standard function for the simple reason that they just won't be <br />used.

[cyberDJ-2038765336053745013836]

Keeping up with the Aliens

Where's the:<br /> <br />BluRay drive?<br />Solid State Drive?<br />Multi-colored back-lit keyboard?<br />Smart Bay Technology?<br />HDMI output?<br /><br />Oh, nevermind.<br /><br />At least these lappers have the proper connectivity the Air lacks.<br /><br />I'll stick with Alienware. It's the only company that meets my expectations.

[jumpjetta]

Are you kidding???

Multi-color backlit keyboard? Are you serious? That's some cheez <br />there. Colored crap on computers went out when Apple finished <br />with multi-color plastics.

[kelmon]

A MacBook/Pro Is A Real Laptop

"I'll stick with Alienware. It's the only company that meets my <br />expectations."<br /><br />Unless you expect a proper mobile laptop. I'm sorry but <br />Alienware makes gaming systems that are little more than <br />portable desktops. I happily concede that they are amazingly <br />powerful systems but if you want a mobile system then they are <br />just terrible - absolutely huge, weigh a ton and have a non-<br />existent battery life.<br /><br />If those missing functions/features are important to you then, <br />I'm sorry, but you're just either mad or not a professional user. Multi-colored back-lit keyboard? Hahahahahaha. "The Fast &#38; <br />The Furious" has a lot to answer for.

[massocrat]

Drop in L2 Cache!

Unless I am completely mistaken, the entry level Macbook Pro, whil <br />increasing the Processor and HD capacity, dropped the amount of <br />L2 cache from 4mb across the board, to 3mb (and 6mb for the <br />higher increments). Is there a practical reason for this that I am <br />missing? Why drop the cache level while upgrading to the Penryn <br />chips!? Makes no sense to me. Won't hurt my chances of buying a <br />new one, but frustrating nonetheless.

[markredf150]

LED Backlit Screens

My question is why is Apple making their customers pay extra for LED backlighting on MBPs when the MBs come standard with it? Could it be because they sell more MBs than MBPs? I just think it's unusual.

[applehazelnut]

Why doesn't Apple use the 8800M GPUs?

I think the 8600M has like a tenth of the processing power of the <br />8800M. It's something ridiculous like that. Heck, a 20-year-old <br />desktop probably has more graphics processing power than the <br />8600M. It's ridiculous. No one who intends to use his laptop for <br />anything other than a really expensiveinternet browser would get a <br />Macbook Pro.