Assignment 3-1

Apple has once again updated their MacBook Pro. With this update they have really raised the bar with laptops. The new laptop features Intel’s newest processor, codenamed “Sandy Bridge”. This new beefy processor enables it to keep pace with some of the more advanced desktop computers. From Apple’s last update to the MacBook Pro last year; this new processor is twice as fast as the previous generation. This time around the MacBook Pro includes an integrated Intel graphics chip and also an AMD Radeon 6750m with 1GB GDDR5. While the integrated Intel graphics chip will complete the everyday video task, when you need to handle more advanced graphics, the Radeon graphics chip will kick in to increase performance. Apple has also introduced a first in the computer industry; they included what they call Thunderbolt, which was developed by Intel. This new connection enables speeds of up to 10Gbps dual-channel interconnect. While there may not be much use for this fast of a connection yet, it will keep the MacBook Pro competitive in the future. Thunderbolt will allow lightening fast speeds to be delivered by external hard drives or the ability to connect it directly to a raid array (multiple hard drives to make one big hard drive).

Apple has really out done themselves with this latest refresh. Although not for the faint of heart at $2,199, the MacBook Pro laptop is aimed at professionals and for people that are doing advanced graphical work. Apple has really brought back the “Pro” in MacBook. Even though I would’ve liked to have seen a Blu-ray player incorporated and more than just 2 USB ports, I’m really impressed with this update and believe that Apple is heading into the right direction. Overall it is a solid laptop and only time will tell how it holds up with other PC-based computers releasing the Sandy Bridge CPU later this year. If you are looking for a laptop that is for the business-minded or professional graphics designer, this is the laptop for you.

Reference:

Patel, N. (2011, March 4). MacBook Pro review (early 2011) -- Engadget. Engadget. Retrieved March 6, 2011, from http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/macbook-pro-review-early-2011/