Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15 inch MacBook Pro 2.4GHz Review

These new MacBook Pro models might be classified as speed bumps, implying that the pro laptops’ new enhancements constitute a minor, albeit noteworthy update.

However, the updated models actually represent a fairly significant upgrade – both in terms of technology and performance – over their predecessors, which were last updated in November. Debuting Intel’s 45 nanometer Penryn processor (a new generation of speedier chips that top the 65-nanometer Merom chips powering the earlier models), the new 2.5GHz MacBook Pros achieved the best scores of any laptop in Macworld’s Speedmark 5 benchmark tests.

Question of the day!

Mark Hattersley
Editor in Chief

Do you share your creations online?

Question of the day!

Do you share your creations online?

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Yes

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No

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What do you create and how do you share it?

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paintings & illustrations, mostly, which i upload to flickr.RT @fragmentedm

I draw manga/anime characters. I also do graphic design and photography.RT @spialelo

Yes. I usually put them up on my #deviantart account for feedback on how to improve.RT @spialelo

Despite that accomplishment, some might be disappointed that there was no redesign of the case, and that Apple has made its Front Row remote control, formerly free, a £15 optional extra. The trackpad, which is the same size as in previous models, has been updated to accommodate the multi-touch hand gestures it introduced in the iPhone and featured on the MacBook Air. For example, pinching an image will reduce its size, while swiping will advance you to the next image.

MacBook Pros were designed with the multimedia artist in mind, which means it’s the laptop of choice for people who work with audio, video, or large images as well as high-end applications. The new MacBook Pro, as usual, comes in three configurations: a 15in 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo model; a 15in 2.5GHz model; and a 17in 2.5GHz system. And they’re the same price: £1,299, £1,599 and £1,799 respectively – as the models in the previous line. You can also purchase a 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo chip as a build-to-order option for the 2.5GHz 15in or 17in model for an extra £160.

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