MacBook Pro: Comparing Previous and New Models

After the update of the new MacBook Pro models, we though it could be uselfull to provide a detail comparison between previous and new models, to help our readers to choose. Especially considering that Apple will offer previous MBP on the Refurb Store with discounted priced, while new MBP also seen their target price cut.

• MacBook (Pro) 13": Entry level model, around 50 Euro cheaper, has a CPU clocked 260 MHz higher and a back-lighted keyboard. The second model is around 100 Euro cheaper than before and get 130 MHz faster CPU and 3 GB additional memory. On both models the Firewire is back with a FW800. Those models also feature a new battery allowing up to 7 hours power.
• MacBook Pro 15": The entry level model is now 200 euro cheaper, with a small 130 MHz CPU clock bumpt, but double RAM. However, it has "only" a GF 9400 M graphical chipset (no discrete GPU). So it is almost the same hardware than the MPB13" with a larger display (for 200 Euro price difference). The second 15" MBP model have seen its price cut by 450 Euro! A massive discount to be recorded in Apple's history, but most probably linked to the current economic slow-down and the need to boost sales. The third MBP 15", aka the high-end model, is now 150 Euro cheaper than before, and offers a minimal 140 MHz CPU clock bump but 180 GB larger HD. All models have the new SD slot-in port and if you were using the eSATA ExpressCard to back up your data on a external SATA HD, then let's hope it also have a FW8000 port otherwise you are screwed.
• MacBook Pro 17" : The "old" model only lasts less than 6 months and the new model is 200 Euro cheaper. It offers a small CPU clock speed bump and 180 GB larger storage space. It is the only MBP to still have the ExpressCard slot, as well as the "anti glare" display option as a BTO. In other words, most MBP owners used to mat-display will have no other option than getting a MBP 17", but it will only cost them 50 Euro more than the previous MBP 15".

So as we reported it yesterday, it is an in-depth evolution of its notebook offer that Apple has been launching. It is now quite obvious that we have entry level White MacBook then MacBook Pro. On the other side, Apple now offers a 15" MBP withtout a discrete GPU, most probably to fight against Microsoft campaign only looking at the size of thedisplay but not necessarily at the hardware powering the video. However, with the release of Snow Leopard, one will have to get a discrete GPU to benefit from Open CL.