MacBook Pro

A PowerBook replacement was announced this morning at MacWorld. They’ve gotten rid of the monicker they’ve had since the PowerPC transition.

  • 2 Intel processors in each one. “4-5x” faster.
  • 15.4" LCD that is “bright as a Cinema Display.”
  • Built-in iSight camera.
  • IR sensor and Apple Remote.
  • Thinnest Apple laptop available.
  • New Power Adapter is magnetically held in. If yanked, comes right out.
  • 5.6 lbs.
  • Will drive a 30-inch Cinema Display.
  • 1.67 GHz Core Duo, 667 DDR bus, ATI x1600: $1999
  • 1.83 GHz Core Duo $2499
  • Shipping in February. Taking orders today.

I told Val that if they introduced a new pro laptop, I’d buy it. I just ordered one with VeriSign’s discount. Here’s what I got:

  • The 1.83 Core Duo model
  • 1 GB 667 DDR2 – 1 SO-DIMM (it’s got another slot that I’ll fill aftermarket)
  • 100 GB Serial ATA drive @ 7200 rpm (This is a BTO upgrade—the stock HDD is 5400 RPM. They have a 120 GB option, but it’s only 5400, and I’d like the speed.)
  • ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 – 256 MB GDDR3 (Woo! Double the VRAM of my old BTO PowerBook.)
  • iWork ’06 preinstalled (I actually use Pages.)