The long awaited MacBook Pro updates have finally gone live today, Thursday, February 24th, 2011.  The updates bring 3 key features that will forever change the purpose and features of Apple’s flagship line, the MacBook Pro.  This article will go over all of the changes offered, and the basic specs available for each of the 13, 15, and 17 inch models.

–Processing–

Each of the MacBook Pro models have ben significantly update in terms of their processors.  The 13 inch has gone from the 2.4GHz and 2.66GHz options to a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5. and a 2.7GHz Core i7.  These processors offer 3MB of cache for the i5, and 4MB for the i7.  The processor upgrades are drastic, and will greatly improve performance in the 13 inch body-style.  The 15 inch model has graduated from the little dual cores i5 and i7 chips to quad core i7 chips.  The first option for the 15 inch is a 2.0GHz quad core i7 with 6MB L3 cache.  Moving up a step, you can get a 2.2GHz quad core i7 with the same 6MB L3 cache.  Also available on the 15 inch a 2.3GHz quad core i7 with 8MB L3 cache.  The 17 inch MacBook Pro has the same 2.2GHz and the 2.3GHz quad core i7s found in the 15 inch notebook.

–Thunderbolt–

Previously known as Light Peak from Intel, Apple has named this technology Thunderbolt in all the new MacBook Pros.  The Thunderbolt port is in the Mini display port, and offers incredibly high speed data transfer.  Notice the graph below to see how it compares with USB and Firewire.  I expect Thunderbolt to become a standard over the years, since it’s very small, and incredibly fast.

–Graphics–

All three MacBook Pro models have gotten upgraded graphics, which is welcome to lineup.  The 13 inch now offers Intel’s HD 3000 mobile chipset, which shares 384MB of the computer’s DDR3 RAM.  1280×800 is the standard resolution on both 13 inch models.  The 15 inch MacBook Pro has the same Intel HD 3000 chip, and it also has AMD Radeon HD cards.  You may switch between the cards when you need the extra power.  The  AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics processor with 256MB of GDDR5 memory is offered on the 2.0GHz configuration, and the AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor, with 1GB of GDDR5 memory, is offered on the 2.2GHz configuration.  The resolution is still 1440×900.  The 17 inch MacBook Pro has the Intel HD 3000, and the AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor, with 1GB of GDDR5 RAM.  The resolution is still 1920×1200.  These graphics updates are substantial, and when paired with these incredible processors, will absolutely fly!

–Other Updates–

Listed above are the big three things Apple was exited about, but as usual, there are a few more updates associated with the 2011 MacBook Pros.  The RAM across the board has been updated from 1066MHz to 1333MHz.  Default amounts are still set to 4GB, but 8GB is available for $200.  The hard drives have also moved up a notch.  The 250GB has turned into 320GB, the 320GB to 500GB, and the 500GB to 750GB.  SSDs are still available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities.  The battery life has also changed, but not for the better.  The previous MacBook Pros would achieve 10 hours (13 inch) and 8-9 hours (15-17 inch.)  All of the new models are set at 7 hours.  However, given the power increase, this is justified.

–Thoughts–

As a Macbook Pro owner for well over a year, I think these new machines are excellent value, and buying one now is a great idea.  Apple has given them the power, and more, that they need to stay on top of the market.  The prices for the power is actually very good, these are some serious tools we’re talking about here.  I do not plan on getting this model of the MacBook Pro.  I currently use a 2010 13 inch 2.66GHz unit with 8GB of RAM, and a high performance 7200RPM hdd.  I’m set to let that go until next year, when the MacBook Pro gets what I’m waiting for.  I expect this next generation to include SSDs as standard, a new case, and further performance and battery upgrades.

–Watch RyanKnowsTech’s Update Video–

–Watch JoeTheTechie’s Update Video Below–