Apple updates MacBook Pro line with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors

It’s been a long time coming, but Apple has finally released the refreshed line of MacBook Pro notebooks that are powered by the Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors. The 13-inch MacBook Pro line is actually sticking with the Core 2 Duo chips, but they do bring faster 2.4GHz and 2.66GHz options, alongside a 10-hour battery. The real news here, though, is in the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros. The 15-inch models start at $1,799 with a 2.4GHz Core i5 (520M), 320GB hard drive, 8-9 hour battery, and the 256MB NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics chip which features Optimus switching. That allows the graphics chip to automatically switch from performance mode to a low power mode on the fly, rather than having to log out and back in. The next step up in the 15-inch line nabs you a 2.53GHz Core i5 (540M) and 500GB hard drive for $1,999, while the top of the line model features the 2.66 GHz Core i7 (620M) and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 512MB RAM.

If the 17-incher is more your thing, it starts out at $2,299 with a 2.53GHz Core i5, 500GB hard drive, ExpressCard slot, and the 512MB 330M. Options for all include more RAM (they all come with 4GB by default,) and 128, 256, and 512GB SSD drives. The 15-inch models also have new display options. By default, they ship with a 1440x900 glossy display, but for an extra $100 you can get a high resolution 1680x1050 display. For another $50 on top of that, you can get the 1680x1050 with antiglare. Lastly, the new machines are capable of “inertial scrolling” on the trackpads. If you have an iPhone, it’s similar to flicking up and down to scroll.

You can pick up any of the new MacBook Pros now in the Apple Store.

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