MacBook Pro, the portable notebook computer from Apple, has finally received the much-awaited refresh with updated system hardware specifications. The updated spring 2010 models of MacBook Pro features latest Intel Core i5 and Core i7 CPU processors to improve processing speed and prolong batter life. MacBook Pro continues to be available in 3 models –



The design of refreshed MacBook Pro is still the old sexy look. Common to all updated MacBook Pro models is that all MacBook Pro now has standard 4GB (two 2GB SO-DIMMs) of 1066MHz DDR3 memory. With two SO-DIMM slots, MacBook Pro support and upgradable to up to 8GB memory. Precision aluminum unibody of the new MacBook Por is now carved out of a single sheet of Aluminum which makes it even lighter, more durable and slender. All new MacBook Pros also support full inertial scrolling on its glass Multi-Touch trackpad.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro will continue to be powered by a Core 2 Duo processor, with a Nvidia GeForce 320M with 256MB DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory. Battery life has been improved to up to 10 hours when performing wireless web browsing.

The 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro have been upgraded to Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors, and Apple’s proprietary graphics switching technology. Both of the MacBook Pro are equipped with more powerful Intel HD Graphics chip with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory, and NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics processor with 512MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory. The variants of MacBook Pro also has battery that able to provide up to 9 hours of battery life on normal wireless web browsing environment.

LCD monitor for the new MacBook Pro is made of LED-backlit glossy widescreen display. 13-inch MacBook Pro has the screen resolution of 1280×800 pixels (HD), while 15-inch MacBook Pro has the screen resolution of 1440×900 pixels with option to upgrade to high-resolution 1680×1050 glossy or antiglare (HD+). 17-inch MacBook Pro does come with a full HD (FHD) screen with resolution of 1920×1200 pixels.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is starting at the price of $1199 with a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB Ram and a 250GB hard drive. Meanwhile, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo, 4GB Ram and a 320GB hard drive is priced at $1499. The 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models is starting at the price of $1,799. The users have the option to choose either with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. The option of adding new 128GB, 256GB and 512GB solid state drives (SSD) is also available.

Here’s the base prices for various models of 13-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch screens MacBook Pro:

13-inch: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 250GB hard drive: $1199
13-inch: 2.66GHz Intel core 2 Dueo with 320GB hard drive: $1499
15-inch: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 with 320GB hard drive: $1799
15-inch: 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 with 500GB hard drive: $1999
15-inch: 2.66GHz Intel Core i5 with 500GB hard drive: $2199
17-inch: 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 with 500GB hard drive: $2299
17-inch: 2.66GHz Intel Core i5 with 500GB hard drive: $2499

Note that the Core i7 processor used on MacBook Pro is I7-620M (Arrandale) processor, which only has 2 cores (dual core), and with HT (Hyper-Threading) a total of 4 threads. Typical Core i7 has quad-core (4 cores), and with HT, 8 threads.

The MacBook Pro is now available at online Apple Store. Most configuration is customizable, and of course, price will increase.

Update: MacBook Pro 2010 Refresh Models