The MacBook Pro had been first introduced in 2006, replacing the PowerBook G4. These top notch notebook computers have been constantly improved since their introduction. The most recent release, called the Apple MacBook Pro Winter 2011, marks a significant improvement in a number of important characteristics.
Advantages
The Apple MacBook Pro Winter 2011 laptop joins the Sandy Bridge bandwagon as each of its models have Intel second generation Core i5 and Core i7 processors. The 13-inch model received a substantial processor upgrade going from the old Core 2 Duo processor to a very quick Intel Core i5 2620M. Even so, the larger styles, at 15" and 17", now run on quad-core processors, which can power even the most demanding video and graphics editing software programs easily. 4 GB is still the starting memory, but 12 additional GBs can be added. Enhancements were made in the graphics end to boot with the two larger models sporting a fast AMD Radeon HD 6490M for respectable gaming. If that is still not really fast enough, you can even update to the Radeon HD 6750M. With the Intel HD Graphics 3000 your battery will continue to offer extended life between charges. By upgrading the newest models The Apple company is once more leading the laptop arena in all the performance benchmarks that are worth measuring.
The actual connection for the Apple LED Cinema Display has been improved to a new technology as well. With the Apple MacBook Pro Winter 2011 notebook, a new technology by Intel known as Thunderbolt has been implemented which makes the port much more flexible. Together with speeds up to 12 times faster than the old FireWare 800 interface, high capacity hard drives will finally receive the performance boosts that they need for professionals to transfer considerable amounts of data. It is also flexible allowing devices to daisy-chain off of a single Thunderbolt channel with no performance degradation.
The earlier iSight webcam has been replaced with the FaceTime HD camera, just like those found in the iPhone 4 and iPad 2. The Apple company has specified 720p as the completely new standard resolution for video calls using the FaceTime HD camera.
Drawbacks
One major element which has not been replaced however, is the battery, which suggests it's going to now last less time between charges. However, with nearly 7 hours of energy while the wireless is switched on, it really is tough for competing multimedia laptop computers to have that battery life. Yet another disadvantage for 13-inch purchasers, will be the slight drop in graphics performance as a result of the lack of an AMD or NVDIA counterpart to the Intel integrated graphics. Nevertheless, the Intel graphics is much better than previous versions, with only gamers likely to spot the minimal decrease in speed.
Conclusion
Apple has again taken a commanding lead in the coveted professional notebook category together with their newest line of MacBook Pros, the Winter 2011 edition. These completely new 2011 units are clearly ready for next generation applications in addition to next generation hardware should the new Thunderbolt interface takes off.
Apple MacBook Pro Winter 2011 Laptop Evaluation, Overview Of The Brand New MacBook Pro Winter 2011 Laptops
