Apple's 'Thunderbolt' MacBook Pros
Apple has updated its MacBook Pro family with Intel's Sandy Bridge processors (which include integrated on-die HD Graphics), a new FaceTime HD camera and, most interestingly, the first implementation of an Intel-co-developed I/O technology called Thunderbolt (formerly codenamed Light Peak).
The entry-level 13in. MacBook Pro comes with a 2.3GHz dual-core Core i5 processor, integrated HD Graphics and a 320GB hard drive and costs from £832.50 (ex. VAT). A 2.7GHz Core i5 CPU model with a 500GB of storage starts at £1,082.50 (ex. VAT).
The mid-range 15in. MacBook Pro with a 2.0GHz quad-core Core i7 processor, discrete AMD Radeon HD 6490M graphics and a 500GB hard drive costs from £1,290.83 (ex. VAT); a 2.2GHz Core i7 model with Radeon HD 6750M graphics and 750GB of storage starts at £1,540.83 (ex. VAT).
The top-end 17in. MacBook Pro has a 2.2GHz Core i7, AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics and a 750GB hard drive and costs £1,749.17 (ex. VAT).
Thunderbolt technology supports data transfers at up to 10Gbps in each direction at the same time, and carries both PCI Express and DisplayPort traffic. Future implementations that use fibre-optic cables rather than copper will have a theoretical transfer rate of 100Gbps. Thunderbolt products are backwards-compatible with existing Mini-DisplayPort devices as they use the same connector (DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI and VGA displays can be used via existing adapters); up to six Thunderbolt devices can be daisychained.
Apple and Intel expect the technology to be widely used in professional audio and video applications.
The new MacBook Pro range also includes an integrated FaceTime HD camera and FaceTime video calling software. Like the previous generation, the 2011 MacBook Pro range features an aluminium unibody chassis, a glass multi-touch trackpad, an LED-backlit widescreen display, and an illuminated keyboard. Battery life is claimed at seven hours.
The 2011 MacBook Pros are available now on Apple's UK website. ZDNet UK expects to receive a review sample shortly, so stay tuned for a full hands-on evaluation.