Apple upgrades its range of portable Macs to use Intel's Core 2 Duo processors and 3GB of RAM memory.

MacBook Pros get processor upgrades and RAM expansion

Apple's latest batch of professional portable computers have had their processors and memory expanded. The result? An increase in speed of up to 39%, according to Apple.

The addition of an Intel Core 2 Duo processor into the latest batch of MacBook Pros – Apple's professional level portable computers – has provided them with a massive speed boost. One that graphic designers who need computing power on the move, will be very grateful for.

The Intel Core 2 Duo chips essentially provide the power of two processor cores inside a single chip.

Apple have also increased the upper limit for RAM memory expansion to 3GB. Good news for photographers, video, 3D designers and Photoshop users who use very memory hungry graphics applications.

The MacBook Pro's internal hard disk capacities have also been increased and there are numerous possibilities to customize the purchase using the 'build-to-order' options on Apple's web site.

For graphics professionals, the following specs will also come in handy. The MacBook Pro also include graphics capabilities from ATI – the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with up to 256MB of dedicated graphics memory; a SuperDrive for burning DVDs; built-in gigabit speed Ethernet, built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth; two FireWire ports a fast 800 and a slower, but more compatible, FireWire 400 port. Both useful for attaching external hard drives or scanners.

The MacBook Pros also come with Front Row and the Apple Remote. Apple Remote is a six button presentation tool, and Front Row is a screen-based portfolio and presentation tool. Used together, these are ideal for client or interview presentations.

There are two 15" version of the MacBook Pro, running at 2.16GHz and 2.33GHz and a 17" version, running at 2.33GHz. Prices vary, depending on the final specification, but start at around US$1,999 and $2,499 for the 15" models and go up to around $2,799 for the 17" MacBook Pro.

Apple's web site

28 October 2006

Other Apple Macintosh and graphics hardware resources

• Mac Pro – fastest Macs ever.
• Mac software backwards compatibility – forum discussion.
• Switching from PC to Mac
• Buying a Mac for design
• Apple wireless Might Mouse
• Apple OS X Boot Camp
• Apple Using Intel Chips
• Mac Designers Forums
• Apple cuts price of broadcast software
• Mac Resources
• Intel iMacs released – iMacs with Core 2 Duo processors.
• Xeon processor for Macs

Selected Mac forum discussions

• Difference between Macs and PCs
• Which Mac for graphic design?
• Buying a Mac
• Moving from PC to Mac