Prime Notebook Computer Review

The latest crop of MacBook Pro laptops from Apple has several new features, such as a new generation of Intel processors, improved dual graphics, and increased battery life. Most of the changes, however, are relegated to the 15- and 17-inch models. The 13-inch models remain the least expensive of the Pro line, but also remain the most similar to the previous generation. The two larger models sporting fast Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and all three getting upgraded graphics chips and the prospect of longer battery life.

Although the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros include Intel’s new Core i5 or Core i7 mobile processors, the 13-inch MacBook Pro continues to use the Core 2 Duo line of processors. In the 13-inch size, Apple offers a 2.4GHz dual-core processor in the $1199 model, and a 2.66GHz dual-core processor in the $1499 model (up from 2.26GHz and 2.53Ghz in the previous generation, respectively). Each has 3MB on-chip L2 cache shared between the two cores.

Some users have wondered why Apple decided to stick with Core 2 Duo processors instead of using the new Intel Core i3 in the 13-inch line. Although one could cynically speculate that it’s designed to ‘cripple’ the low-end MacBook Pro with old technology to force people to spend more, it seems more likely that Apple didn’t want to use the Intel HD integrated graphics that such a move would require (the 15- and 17-inch models include Intel HD graphics, but have dedicated Nvidia graphics processors as well).

Both models now include 4GB of 1066MHz DDR3 RAM, and support a max of 8GB (previously, the $1199 MacBook Pro only came with 2GB). Just as before, there are two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, a Mini DisplayPort graphics connection, a Gigabit ethernet port, 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR wireless technology, an SD card slot, a full-sized backlit keyboard, an 8x slot-loading dual-layer DVD SuperDrive, built-in stereo speakers (which sound quite good), a single port for audio in and out (including support for digital output), and a built-in iSight camera. The new models include 250GB or 320GB 5400-rpm hard drive (up from 160GB or 250GB drive, respectively, at the same speeds).

These MacBook Pros use the same LED-backlit 1280-by-800 pixel glossy display as the previous models (there are no antiglare or high-resolution display options, as there are on the 15- and 17-inch models). The displays are very bright, and the viewing angle is respectible in the horizontal direction, but not that great vertically—you really need to adjust the angle of the display to achieve optimum viewing.

The batteries in the entire 13-to-17-inch MacBook laptop lineup are currently nonremovable, but Apple claims the new Intel architecture (and some modest changes to the battery itself) will lead to improved battery life. Last year’s 15-inch MacBook Pro ran for 5 hours and 5 minutes on our video playback battery drain test. This time around, we got just shy of 6 hours (5 hours and 56 minutes), which doesn’t seem like a lot more, but keep in mind we’re running a very powerful processor, and this score draws other high-end 15-inch laptops.

Apple has an above-average reputation for support, thanks in part to its collection of retail stores (as long as you live in a market served by one). MacBooks continue to include a standard, one-year, parts and labor warranty, but come with only 90 days of toll-free telephone support, which always strikes us as odd.