Apple Unveils 17-Inch MacBook Pro
Today’s Macworld keynote is significant not only because it’ll be Apple’s last, but also for Steve Jobs’ decision to sit on the sidelines. Like any Apple presentation, there are always rumors of fancy new products.
While a new Mac Mini or Time Capsule weren’t a part of this morning’s keynote, a 17-inch MacBook Pro is upon us. That shouldn’t be the least bit surprising, of course, as the 13- and 15-inch Apple notebooks were revamped last October.
The new 17-inch MacBook Pro isn’t sporting the new Intel Q9000 quad-core chip (at least not yet), instead sticking with a Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz with a 6 MB L2 cache. Like the 15-inch MacBook Pro already on the market, the new 17-inch uses the Nvidia-based 9400M chipset with a 9600M GT 512 MB discrete GPU on tap.
The $2799 price tag will also include 4 GB of DDR3 (expandable to 8 GB), a 320 GB 5,400 rpm hard drive and a slot-loading SuperDrive.
A 1920 x 1200 LED backlit, super glossy glass display is standard, but totally new and likely welcomed is the option for an “anti-glare” matte screen. Unfortunately, the option does run an extra $50, but it’ll be money well spent for those who like looking at the screen rather than themselves.
The most notable, and possibly controversial, innovation to the 17-inch MacBook Pro is the built-in, non-removable battery. The lack of a removable battery has long been a criticism of Apple products iPods and iPhones. Now the non-removable battery is headed to the MacBook.
Apple justified the use of a built-in battery as it allowing for a superior design. "We've developed new battery technology that is better for the user and better for the environment," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Apple's advanced chemistry and innovative technology deliver up to eight hours of use on a full charge cycle and up to 1,000 recharges."
While its claims are untested, the company says the new built-in design allows for a more efficient design and arrangement of lithium polymer cells (which compared to lithium ion, allows for more flexible shapes). The end result is a battery that will last for seven hours on the 9600M GT and eight hours on the 9400M.
Apple also boasts that the new power system is smarter, allowing for a more accurate cell-by-cell charge. The new battery will withstand up to 1,000 charge cycles, which in theory should last for the notebook’s relevancy.
Certainly, the new built-in battery will be a point of debate for many. While there is no denying that an eight hour run on a 17-inch notebook is nothing short of incredible, especially in a form factor being 0.98-inches thick and weighing 6.6 lbs – making it the thinnest and lightest 17-inch in the world – users could still feel uneasy at being unable to add more power.
Apple designs products that are innovative and divisive, with consumers either loving it or leaving it, and the 17-inch MacBook Pro will be no exception. Look for the new Apple notebook in stores late January.
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I have to admit ... as much as I dislike Apple, that looks to be a very nice laptop. Expensive, yes, but well equiped nonetheless. In all honesty, though ... if I ever got one, I'd wait until Windows 7 came out, and then install that, so I could use the multi-touch trackpad more. No offense to all those Apple fans that read my comment here, but I just don't like how OS X works.
Still doesn't beat Sager offerings at that price point. I doubt it ever will.
So, the world's lightest 17" notebook, 1080P display, up to 8GB of RAM, and a 7-8hour battery life is a fail??
In my work where I need to support OSX and Windows, this looks like an optimal machine for me, and the graphics and CPU are fast enough to do 3DSMAX work as well as Final Cut Pro and Shake. All that in a slim and light notebook is a winner for me.
Got to love how they just remove comments they don't like
I do wish they would put a number pad on those things, there is still plenty of room for speakers elsewhere
8 hour battery life would be pretty sweet tho as long as you can still get at least some intensive work done while keeping above 5 hours.
I do wish they would put a number pad on those things, there is still plenty of room for speakers elsewhere8 hour battery life would be pretty sweet tho as long as you can still get at least some intensive work done while keeping above 5 hours.
Thats the problem, we dont know under what conditions you can get the 8 hours...
I'll reserve my judgement until it comes out, but unfortunately I just bought a notebook
According to Apple's site, it's 8-hours wireless. I think they mean wireless from an outlet, though, as I'm pretty sure Wi-Fi would drop it some. But like nukemaster said, I also kinda wish there was a keypad ... I mean, if the thing had some amazing speakers to fill in that space, that's one thing. While the speakers on past Macbook Pros aren't bad ... they've never justified the lack of a number pad ...
[citation]So, the world's lightest 17" notebook, 1080P display, up to 8GB of RAM, and a 7-8hour battery life is a fail??
[/citation]
If you don't mind paying $5,000 for all that, having a non-removable battery (8 hours if it's sitting idle doing nothing at all), and the ruggedness of a 3 year old's plastic toy, then yes, it's a win.
Oh, and don't forget: you'll be paying Apple anytime you want to upgrade the RAM, HDD, disk drive, wireless, etc.
[quote}If you don't mind paying $5,000 for all that, having a non-removable battery (8 hours if it's sitting idle doing nothing at all), and the ruggedness of a 3 year old's plastic toy, then yes, it's a win. [/quote]
First, since when does $2799 equal $5000? Are you rounding to the nearest $5000 or something? And also, since when is a solid aluminum enclosure weaker than the vast majority of cheap plastic PCs? Have you ever actually used (or broken) one before? I've been using Macs for a very long time, and never had one break, even after being dropped.
However long the battery actually lasts, its still a great improvement over the previous model. Combine that with the fact the most people don't even know where the battery is on their computer, and I think this will not be much of an issue in real life.
Finally, I don't know about this new 17", but the almost identical 15" has very easily accessible RAM and HDD.
Why would you ever have to upgrade the wireless for the life of this machine? Its already using 802.11n, and at the IEEE's current rate, this computer will be far obsolete before there is a new spec.
Ohh, by the way, about price: I just configured a slightly slower Dell XPS 17" system and it was only $300 cheaper. Not to mention the many features / included software it lacks vs. the macbook pro.
I find this hilarious.
The whole idea of a non-removable battery is just more fuel in the greedy Apple fire.
What do you think will happen after your 1000 charges? Considering how much they like to screw you with all the other upgrade prices, it will either cost an ungodly amount, or you have to do what every Mac user had to do when they want an upgrade. Throw out the Old and spend another few thousand dollars.
I still take a Lenovo W700 over this. At least the W700 is a proper workstation.
Its a shame they dont support some form of Hybrid-SLI.
If you don't mind paying $5,000 for all that, having a non-removable battery (8 hours if it's sitting idle doing nothing at all), and the ruggedness of a 3 year old's plastic toy, then yes, it's a win. Oh, and don't forget: you'll be paying Apple anytime you want to upgrade the RAM, HDD, disk drive, wireless, etc.
Like Anthony said, it's 2799$, not 5000$. That's a 2201$ right there. Furthermore, it's pretty easy to upgrade the RAM and HDD (why would you "upgrade" the optical drive?) by yourself with a simple screwdriver. Just buy some Kingston RAM and you'll save a lot of money right there. The HDD is a bit tricker to upgrade, I'll admit, but if you're not afraid to open your case, you can have yourself a nice 7200rpm 500gb HDD for almost nothing.
Like a few have noted what happens after 3 years of use? Will the battery simply die and leave you contacting Apple to get a replacment with extra cost? The battery life that they promote is in best case situations and not realistic in my opinion.
MACNN.com is reporting that a battery swap will cost $179. If the battery really does last 5 years, I probably would go through two batteries (at ~$100 each) by then so it's not a bad deal. The 1000 charges for the battery is the average time that it takes for the battery to go to 80% efficiency so it'll still be very usable even after then. As for TIndyTim's comment about upgrades, the RAM and HDD are just standard parts and usually very easy to access in macs.
i agree. 8 hours could mean included idle time where the monitor is off.
The $179 includes service, the new battery, and disposal of the old one.
Why couldn't they add a number pad? Isn't it a mac "Pro". I think function should never be sacrificed for form.
As for the battery, I always leave it plugged in anyway.
I think Apple makes a good computer, but when there is some kind of error, the OS pretends it never happened, no warning message, just a hypnotizing rainbow circle. I guess that makes it more "polished".
First of all, have you built one yet? STARTS at $2799. The RAM upgrade and a 256gb SSD alone puts it over $5k with taxes. Yes, that's a $1200 RAM upgrade from Apple.
Secondly, I have owned Macs, and they do break. My fiancee has a 15" built in 2008 that I'm afraid to take out of the house for fear that it will break again. It's currently shipped off to Texas getting repaired. At least the damn thing came with a warranty.
$179 to have the battery replaced? I don't even have to add anything to that one.
Why would I upgrade the optical drive? Have you never heard of Blu-ray? Some people actually do upgrade their laptop's hardware.
I'm not even going to mention how easy it is to upgrade almost anything on other laptops by simply removing 2 screws. Well, ok guess I will mention it.
Have you actually seen the underside of the new 17"? No removable battery means no easy replacement. And given that it's Apple, I'm sure opening the notebook will void any warranty.
Here's a website with pictures, since you obviously can't read. Educate yourselves. http://i.gizmodo.com/5124539/17-ma [...] t-hands-on
No sensible mac user buys components like RAM from Apple. Its well known that they overcharge for those things, and outlets like New Egg or Mwave are much better for getting those items. You're also talking about the solid state drive from them. It's the same expensive price from Dell.
I can't say I'm too fond of having a permanent battery for the system however. I'm sure it's saved Apple in machining costs for the unibody frame, but c'mon. For business travel you're always better off bringing a spare battery or two, particularly if you fly to asia from the states. At this point I'd stick with the 15" computer from Apple if I was in the market for a new laptop. At least you don't have to deal with crapware like Vista with it.
The "5000$ for all that" comment is totally irrelevant since nowhere in the article, or nowhere in the user comments, do someone state a 256gb SSD and 8gb RAM upgrade. Yes, putting all that stuff from Apple will probably raise the bill a lot (I won't even check by myself). However, a 256gb SSD drive WILL cost a lot to anyone in any machine. Apple charges a lot for it's upgrade and I find it ridiculous as anyone, that's why I say you can buy parts elsewhere and do it yourself. It might not be for the average Joe but it's very feasible.
Now are you bitching about the actual laptop or are you just comparing it with other offerings? It's hard to follow your line of thought.
To add on the battery, if they can back up the claim of 8 hours (let's even say 5 for the fun of it) and 1000 charges, I think it's a pretty sweet deal. The average life of a laptop battery can be between 2 and 4 years depending on use so paying 179$ for a replacement (compared to 129$ for the "old" Macbook Pro) is not a big deal. The downside is you have to send the laptop over for the replacement if you don't live near an Apple store.
It's funny that I am defending Apple since I'm not even a Mac user. I guess I'm just easily attracted to empty comments. Sorry for the typos, if any, I can't read what I just wrote.
Once again, even at the price stated in the article, a PC provides more power. And it won't cost you (or in some cases, void your warranty, but not in most) as much to upgrade.
well at least they're not lying on its power consumption. The commercials state it takes "1/3 the power of a lightbulb" Physically impossible with current PSUs at 70-85% efficiency, CPUS with 100-170TDP lol. Atleast MacWorld doesn't like about most of the shit like Apple does. Hope Hand Jobs dies soon so Crapple can finally die.
well at least they're not lying on its power consumption. The commercials state it takes "1/3 the power of a lightbulb" Physically impossible with current PSUs at 70-85% efficiency, CPUS with 100-170TDP lol. Atleast MacWorld doesn't like about most of the shit like Apple does. Hope Hand Jobs dies soon so Crapple can finally die.
"In my work where I need to support OSX and Windows, this looks like an optimal machine for me, and the graphics and CPU are fast enough to do 3DSMAX work as well as Final Cut Pro and Shake. All that in a slim and light notebook is a winner for me."
Um why not then use Sony's FW series maxed out at 2800 with everything above and beyond Apple's BASE 2799? And you could use 3DS Max, and CS3 in 64 bit mode on Vista 64, at the same time with 8gb ram ? All that with a faster GPU!
Just saying if you were a professional, you'd know something simply like that.
And the battery? There is NO NEW TECHNOLOGY. At least not chemically anyway. It's simply battery management and turns things on and off when not using them. 8 hours equals almost no use!
"Like Anthony said, it's 2799$, not 5000$. That's a 2201$ right there"
Why dont you actually price it out?
2799 is the base price for the features. Go to Apple's site, go on dont be so dammed lazy and THEN come back and grovel. Its tiring telling the mac fanatics the truth, when they are too lazy to look things up themselves!
As for comparing it to the DELL XPS, try the Studio. It has faster Bus speed, the same type of CPU, and I was able to max it the options out to about 1800 bucks. ( has option for raid drives but didnt chose this).
The dell XPS now is the brick but has the option for much higher GPU's.
Id still prefer the Sony FW series to compare to the iMac as it completely maxed out is the same price as the base 17" iMac. And it can go up to 8gb ram.
well at least they're not lying on its power consumption. The commercials state it takes "1/3 the power of a lightbulb" Physically impossible with current PSUs at 70-85% efficiency, CPUS with 100-170TDP lol. Atleast MacWorld doesn't like about most of the **** like Apple does. Hope Hand Jobs dies soon so Crapple can finally die.
It should be EASY for that(or any) laptop to run within a 1/3rd light bulb power envelope. Take a 100 watt light bulb. Now take my server(old hardware[A64 3200+(89watt), 1gig of memory, dual 500gig and 120gig drives geforce4 MX440(saved me close to 25 watts over the ti4200) and SB Live!] used for file storage and tv recording) about 75 watts from the wall(Idle). My laptop with almost the same hardware(A64 3000(89watt), 60gig drive, 512mb of ram, geforce4 mx440, 15.4 inch screen). 29 watts and 22 with the screen closed. That may well be the ONLY honest thing Apple has EVER said in there life.
I think what people don't understand when trying to compare mac laptops to PC laptops are these few components.
Built in bluetooth, gigabit ethernet, back lit keyboard, built in webcam with mic, optical surround output, multitouch trackpad (huge trackpad at that, screw using a mouse, no need, this includes FPSs and all on a mac). Built in firewire 800, dvi support.
As well as features like small body design, light weight, portability, mag-safe power adaptor
-Bluetooth is standard on many Acer units. nothing special there.
-Gigabit Ethernet is another standard component.
-Backlit keyboards are nothing new either(ask Dell).
-Almost all laptops now are including a webcam(useless if you ask me)
-Even 3 and 4 year old laptops have digital and optical audio out.
-Multi touch is cool(and has been used military and large business for some time), it will take off much more with the release of Windows 7. Apple DID give this the right push. I have yet to see any track pad good enough for fps even less so with the location.
-Firewire is great, but it never did catch on enough. Most things went USB even tho it was slower it was still fast enough. When you practically invent something you tend to keep it on as many of your systems as you can.
-DVI support has been on many notebooks for some time. Once again, nothing special here.
-Light weight ect are great features, but for some the cost will be too high. I am NOT saying there is not place for Apples products, but if they would market the extra's you mention and not just bash on Microsoft then maybe they would have more users buying for the right reasons.
2799 is the base price for the features. Go to Apple's site, go on dont be so dammed lazy and THEN come back and grovel. Its tiring telling the mac fanatics the truth, when they are too lazy to look things up themselves!
Why should I do that? The base model is a perfectly capable computer. The only upgrades are 2.66->2.93GHz, 4GB->8GB, and some HDD/SDD options. How many people actually BTO the most expensive possible configuration? And who would pay Apple's exorbitant RAM prices rather than upgrading later? The dell I configured was comparable to the base model MBP. Why is it so expensive? Is it just the XPS logo?