New MacBook Pros Feature Core i5 and i7 Processors

[bmwman3241]

The new MacBook Pros are here, and as expected, the 15 and 17-inch models are loaded with Intel's Core i5 and i7 processors and new display options, but the 13-inch model stays behind with Core2Duo options and an unchanged price.

So while pricing on the 13-inch models remain the same, the base MBP 17 drops to $2,300 ($200) while the base MBP 15 actually gets $100 more expensive at $1800.

All new models come with a base of 4GB of RAM (expandable to 8GB). Core i7 processors are options for both the 15 and 17-inch models, which include NVIDIA's GeForce GT 330M discrete graphics—considered to be mid-range notebook graphics cards (see benchmarks here).

Interestingly, the 15 and 17-inch MacBook Pros will use a new, proprietary system to swap between discrete and integrated graphics based upon what processes you're running in OS X—a technique somewhat similar to what we've seen from NVIDIA's Optimus system.

Also of note, the 15-inch model now has three display options, a 1440-by-900-pixel LED-backlit glossy display, a "high-resolution" 1680-by-1050 glossy ($100 upgrade) or an "antiglare high-resolution" display ($150 upgade). The MBP 17 comes with the high resolution screen stock and can be upgraded to antiglare for $50.

And a slightly reformulated battery is supposed to balance the power requirements of the new chipsets.

Still, lots of nickel and diming in this latest crop of MacBook Pros. To spend as much as $1500 for a Core2Duo system seems nuts, and the $100 price hike on 15-inch models—before premium display options—is a tough pill to swallow. Antiglare screens are the type of "upgrade" that should really be standard when you're already paying such a premium for well-designed hardware.

New MacBook Pros Feature Core i5 and i7 Processors - MacBook Pro - Gizmodo

[bmwman3241]

I don't see the price hike. This is actually a lot cheaper then a loaded 15" MBP was a couple months ago.

I bought this at the end of 2009 - Highest specs
(I like to buy the software and accessories separate from the computer..warranty is excluded in price)
MBP 15.4/ CTO Z0GH $3,343.00 1 $3,343.00
With the following configuration:
Processor 065-8455 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 065-8458 8GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRM-2x4GB
Hard Drive 065-8463 500GB Serial ATA Drive@7200rpm
Optical Drive 065-8466 SuperDrive 8X DL
Display 065-9107 MBP 15" Glossy WS Display
Apple Software - iWork 065-7672 No iWork Preinstalled
Apple Software - Final Cut Exp 065-7674 No Final Cut Express preinstd
Apple Software - Aperture 065-7673 No Aperture Preinstalled
Apple Software - Logic Express 065-7675 No Logic Express Preinstalled
Apple Software - Filemaker 065-8307 No FileMaker Preinstalled
Apple Software - MS Office 065-8198 No MSO preinstalled
DVI Adapter 065-8467 No DVI Adapter
VGA Adapter 065-8472 Mini DisplayPort - VGA Adapter
Remote 065-8475 None
Apple Keyboard & User's Guide 065-8481 Keyboard/Users Guide
Country Kit/AEX 065-8484 Country Kit

$3,343 before tax (with student discount of about $200-300)

New 15" i7 MBP - Highest specs
2.66GHz Intel Core i7
8GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
MacBook Pro 15-inch Hi-Res Antiglare Widescreen Display
Backlit Keyboard (English) & User's Guide
No to all software and accessories

$2,799 before tax (without student discount)