Apple MacBook Pro gets upgrade via Intel Core 2 Duo processors, NVIDIA processors with 512 MB of video memory

The announcement in January of Apple’s Macbook Air stole the consumer headlines but for hardcore broadcast professionals who need high-end graphics and video capabilities the hope was there was something around the corner that would meet their needs. Today those rumors turned into reality as Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro notebook lines have been revamped with Intel Core 2 Duo processors, larger hard drives and 2GB of memory standard in most models. In addition, MacBook Pro includes the latest NVIDIA graphics processors, now with up to 512MB of video memory, and built-in 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g. Read on for more specs.

The new MacBook Pro features the latest Intel Core 2 Duo technology with up to a 2.6 GHz processor with 6MB of shared L2 cache; up to 4GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory and up to a 300GB hard drive, plus NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with up to 512MB of video memory.

Meanwhile the MacBook lineup includes a new 13-inch glossy widescreen display and with prices still starting at just $1,099, The new MacBook lineup comes in three models: 2.1 GHz and 2.4 GHz models with 120GB or 160GB 5400 rpm hard drives and black 2.4 GHz model with a massive 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive, previously only available as an option. The 2.4 GHz MacBook models ship with 2GB of memory standard, expandable up to 4GB across the line.

The 2.4 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 includes:
– 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 LCD display;
– 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB shared L2 cache
– 800 MHz front-side bus;
– 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
– 200GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion
– NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
– DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, composite/S-Video adapter sold separately);
– built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
– Gigabit Ethernet port;
– built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth
– ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
– Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port;
-One audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both
– Optical digital and analog;

A $2,499 version has 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB shared L2 cache; 250GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor; and NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512MB GDDR3 memory;

A 2.5 GHz 17-inch MacBook Pro is also available for $2,799 with similar features to the 2.5 GHz 15-inch model. Build-to-order options for the MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to up to 4GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, a 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 200GB (7200 rpm), 250GB (5400 rpm) or a 300GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, Apple USB Modem, glossy widescreen display, 17-inch LED-backlit 1920 x 1200 high-resolution display and the AppleCare Protection Plan.