Apple MacBook Pro Now With Intel Core 2 Duo

Apple has announed that its entire MacBook Pro line of notebooks now includes the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor. All MacBook Pro models now offer double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a FireWire 800 port for connecting to high-speed peripherals. The new MacBook Pro, available in 15- and 17-inch models, features a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go.

“With an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, greater storage capacity and FireWire 800 connectivity, the new MacBook Pro delivers unprecedented performance and mobility in an incredibly thin and light design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “We are thrilled that our notebook sales are growing twice as fast as the overall notebook market, and we hope these new MacBook Pro models continue that success.”

Every MacBook Pro features the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB of shared L2 cache, which is up to 39 percent faster than the previous 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro and more than seven times faster than the 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4 running industry standard benchmarks. Apple has enhanced Mac OS X to take advantage of the technology advances from Intel’s Core 2 Duo processors, resulting in increased performance in professional applications like Aperture 1.5, Final Cut Pro 5 and Logic Pro 7.

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MacBook Pro delivers advanced performance including 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable up to 3 GB, ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with up to 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 graphics memory, and a double-layer SuperDrive for burning professional-quality DVDs. Every new MacBook Pro includes built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a FireWire 800 and a FireWire 400 port, combination analog and optical digital audio input and output ports, an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot, and a DVI video output to connect up to a 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display.

MacBook Pro comes with Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically couples the power cord to the MacBook Pro and safely disconnects when there is strain on the power cord. Apple now offers a new MagSafe Airline Adapter that allows the MacBook Pro to connect to in-seat power ports throughout the duration of a flight. MacBook Pro also includes an illuminated keyboard, Apple’s Sudden Motion Sensor that is designed to protect the hard drive in case of a fall, and a Scrolling TrackPad.

MacBook Pro comes with iLife ‘06, the next generation of Apple’s suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb, the latest iLife application that helps create websites with photos, blogs and podcasts and publish them on .Mac for viewing by anyone on the Internet. Every MacBook Pro also comes with the latest release of Mac OS X version 10.4.8 Tiger including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth, running natively on the Intel-based notebook.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro has begun shipping, the new 17-inch MacBook Pro will ship next week, and every model will be available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The 2.16 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, sells for a suggested retail price of $1,999, the 2.33 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro is available for a suggested retail price of $2,499 and the 2.33 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro, has a suggested retail price of $2,799.

Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to a 200 GB (4200 rpm) or a 160 GB (5400 rpm) hard drive, up to 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, Apple USB Modem, glossy widescreen display, and the AppleCare Protection Plan.