Apple launches 15-inch MacBook Pro, rebrands entry-level 13-inch model
Apple has given its MacBook Pro line a boost with the launch of a new 15-inch model, as well as tinkering with the Air
The first big announcement from Apple's keynote speech at WWDC is a 15-inch MacBook Pro. The 13-inch aluminium MacBook has been rebranded as a MacBook Pro, and the MacBook Air has also had some tweaks.
Apple has removed the ExpressCard slot from the new 15-inch model, but has added something that will get much more use from the average user: an SD card slot. Your photos will look great onscreen, apparently, with a 60 per cent greater colour gamut.
Other features include a backlit keyboard and the return of FireWire, missing from the previous generation. Spec options include up to 3.06GHz Dual Core processor with 8GB RAM and 500GB hard disk drive. You can also opt for 256GB solid-state storage.
Apple is claiming up to 7 hours of battery life, adding 40 per cent to the previous life span. It seems likely that this is the same battery that appears in the 17-inch MacBook. Apple is promising a five-year lifespan for the battery.
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in two models: one with a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive for £899. The other packs a 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo, 4GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive, priced at £1,149.
The new 15-inch MacBook Pro comes in three flavours: 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo system with 250GB hard drive and Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics for £1,299; 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo with 320GB hard drive, and 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for £1,499; and 2.8GHz Core 2 Duo with 500GB hard drive, and 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for £1,699.
Meanwhile, the 17-inch MacBook Pro has been updated to include a faster 2.8GHz Core 2 Duo processor and a larger 500GB hard drive for £1,849, which is £100 less than before.
Finally, the MacBook Air starts at £1,149 for a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo system with a 120GB hard drive and 9400M graphics, and a 2.13GHzCore 2 Duo system with a 128GB solid-state drive and 9400M graphics for £1,349. All are available to buy today from Apple's Web site.
Update: If you're a student, you can get a free iPod if you decide you want to buy one of these brand new models, as part of Apple's Back to School promotion this summer. Head over to Apple's Web site to get the full details.