Editor’s Note: I’ve seen the MacBook Air around and really love the user experience that it comes with. It’s nothing compared to the hardware – sleek, thin, and gives the user a sort of VIP feeling. Sure looks like the feeling is about to change – better or worse. It’s the new MacBook Pro and @DaTecNerd does his thing. Enjoy.
It’s been anticipated for a while that Apple would introduce an all new MacBook Pro with the “Retina Display” as it’s key feature but on release yesterday, there are a few changes that I would say I (as a 3rd world user) fancy and even more I don’t quite like.
What’s Added
High Pixel Density Display
With a 2880-by-1800-pixel resolution, the new MacBook Pro has 3 million more pixels than an HDTV and in the words of Apple
“When you pack over 5 million pixels into a 15.4-inch display, the results are positively stunning. The pixel density is so high, your eyes can’t discern individual pixels. Images take on a new level of realism and text is pin sharp. And with a 2880-by-1800 resolution, you can see more of your high-resolution images onscreen with pixel-for-pixel accuracy. So your best ideas can become your best work.”
The Move to Solid State Drives
You’ll notice a difference in whatever you do starting up takes seconds, apps launch quickly, even navigating the desktop feels incredibly fluid and responsive. All thanks to flash storage, which gives you up to four times the performance of a traditional hard drive. At 256, 512 & a maximum 768GB of storage.
Nvidia GPUs Are Back
Intel HD Graphics 4000 with collaboration with an NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 1GB of GDDR5 memory and automatic graphics switching
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on up to two external displays, at millions of colors
2 Yes TWO thunderbolt Ports Rather Than 1 from the Predecessor
Native Mini DisplayPort output, DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately), VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately) & Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately) are few of the added features linked to the Thunderbolt ports along with a data throughput of up to 10Gbps.
Supported devices include external displays, RAID arrays, video capture devices, even FireWire peripherals (adapter sold separately, available July) and Gigabit Ethernet networks (adapter also sold separately).
Extra Features Include:
- 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz)
- 16GB DDR3 memory upgrade (8GB included)
- 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless networking;3 IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible
- Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
- Support for Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone
- Two USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps)
- HDMI port (no adapter required)
- Up to 30 days standby time
What’s Missing
Ethernet port
An accessory is required which really does not make sense
Optical Drive
Basically Apple is telling you that your need for DVD, CD or any other type of disc storage is of no concern to them, i’m sure by june there would be an external disc drive as an added accessory
No FireWire Port
For the average Movie/Video editor that relies on Apple products for work now is required to either buy an accessory for tape transfers or switch to the new “Tapeless” era so to speak
MagSafe 2
Apple quietly introduced a newer, slimmer, snazzier MagSafe. For the two to talk to one another (MagSafe & MagSafe 2, you’ll need an optional $10 adapter
