WWDC 2012: Apple Macbook line updated, next-gen Macbook Pro gets Retina display

Today at the WWDC 2012, Apple updated its Macbook line-up with faster processing speeds, USB 3.0 ports and FaceTime cameras. While we thought, it would be a software centric keynote, Apple surprised us with the new Macbook Pro line-up. The company has not only updated the Macbook Air and Macbook Pro but has also crafted an all new MacBook Pro posing a sleek profile and sporting the Retina display.

“Today we’ve updated the entire MacBook line with faster processors, graphics, memory, flash storage and USB 3 connectivity,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We’ve made the world’s best portable family even better and we think users are going to love the performance advances in both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.”

MacBook Air
The thin Macbook Air has been spruced up with faster processing speed. It is equipped with Ivy Bridge, Intel’s third generation processor and one of the highlights of Computex 2012. Further, the Intel Turbo boost lets the processor clock at 3.2GHz. Then there is up to 8GB RAM, 512GB flash storage and the ability to read at 512Mbps and also graphics that run up to 60 percent faster on computers. The 11-inch model will feature 1366 x 768 resolution while the 13-incher has a 1440 x 900 screen.  Apple is aiming at everything faster as both devices will come with USB 3.0 ports and capacity for up to 8GB of RAM.  FaceTime will now offer 720p high-definition video from the forward-facing camera and the Macbook Air will also support high-definition FaceTime cameras. The new updated Macbook will begin shipping today in the U.S.

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next gen Macbook Pro sporting a Retina display

The 11-inch MacBook Air with a 1.7 GHz processor, 4GB of memory and 64GB of flash storage start at 67,900 inc VAT( 64,666 ex VAT), and 128GB of flash storage start at 74,900 inc VAT(71,333 ex VAT). The 13-inch MacBook Air comes with a 1.8 GHz processor, 4GB of memory and available with 128GB of flash storage starting at 1,900 inc VAT (78,000 ex VAT), and 256GB of flash storage starting at 99,900 inc VAT(95,142 ex VAT). Configure-to-order options include a 2.0 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, up to 8GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 onboard memory and up to 512GB flash storage. 

MacBook Pro and Next generation Macbook Pro
At the keynote, Apple didn’t stop its hardware extravaganza. It went on to announce the new Macbook Pro soon after the Macbook Air update. The MacBook Pro also gets the Ivy Bridge upgrade. The 2.7GHz Ivy bridge processors can be turbo boosted up to 3.7GHz. The hardware upgrades include Nvidia’s GeForce GT 650m graphics, USB 3.0 with ports backward compatible with USB 2.0.

While we thought, Apple was all set to move to the new OS, the company put forth the big surprise of the event – next generation Macbook Pro. The all new Mabook Pro looks sleeker and chic. It isn’t tapered like the Air, but looks very thin. Its highlight is the Retina display with a 2880 x 1800 resolution (or 220ppi), while the casing measures a mere 0.71-inch thin. The new device tips the scale at 4.46 pounds. Along with the high resolution, Apple said that these devices will also bring in better contrast ratios, viewing angles and reduced glare. Obviously with that resolution, Apple did load it with stock apps for its users to reap the benefits. Then there’s Final Cut Pro and Aperture. The spec sheet is inclusive of 16GB of RAM, Nvidia Kepler GT 650M graphics, up to a quad-core 2.7GHz Core i7 processor, a maximum 768GB of storage (SSD, naturally), and a battery life that stretches up to seven hours and a standby time of 30 days. Apple also adds the thin MagSafe connector and a new fan. The starting price of the next generation Macbook Pro is $2,199 (approx 1,22,475).

Sleek and slim MacBook pro….

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available with a 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of memory and 500GB hard drive starting at 81,900 inc VAT(78,000 ex VAT). With a 2.9GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of memory and 750GB hard drive it starts at 99,000 inc VAT(95,142 ex VAT). The 15-inch MacBook Pro is available with a 2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 4GB of memory, Intel HD Graphics 4000 and Nvidia GeForce GT 650M, and 500GB hard drive starting at 122,900 inc VAT(117,047 ex VAT). The 2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of memory, Intel HD Graphics 4000 and Nvidia GeForce GT 650M, and 750GB hard drive will start at 52,900 inc VAT(145,619 ex VAT). Configure-to-order options include faster quad-core processors up to 2.7GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 1TB, up to 8GB of memory and solid state storage up to 512GB.

The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro will ship with OS X Lion. However, those who buy the Mac are eligible for a free copy of OS X Mountain Lion when it becomes available. Priced at just 7,140 inc VAT( 5,991 ex VAT), the new AirPort Express features a completely redesigned compact enclosure and new wireless and connectivity capabilities. Simultaneous dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi allows users to easily create a network that delivers optimal performance and range. The AirPort Express also features an audio-out port to connect external powered speakers or an A/V receiver and use AirPlay to wirelessly stream from iTunes on your Mac or iOS device.