Apple adds LED-backlit displays to updated MacBook Pros

Faster CPUs, Firewire 800 too

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

6th June 2007 07:28 GMT

Apple has upgraded its 15in MacBook Pro laptops, equipping the new models not only with Intel's latest mobile processors but also LED-backlit displays, as anticipated a month ago.

apple macbook pro
Apple's 15in MacBook Pro: now with LED backlighting

Two 15in models are available, with, respectively, 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo processors backed by 2GB of 667MHz DDR 2 memory. Both have 5,400rpm SATA hard drives: 120GB and 160GB, respectively. And while each machine is fitted with an Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics chip, the low end machine has 128MB of GDDR 3 graphics memory, while the 2.4GHz model has 256MB - as does does the 2.4GHz 17in model, which also ships with a base 2GB of main memory and a 160GB hard drive.

All three models sport a dual-link DVI monitor port; Gigabit Ethernet; 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 2; an integrated iSight webcam; a slot-loading dual-layer media supporting 8x DVD writer; an ExpressCard 34 slot; a Firewire 400 port and two USB 2.0 ports.

All three models also feature a second Firewire port, this time rated at 800 speed. The 17in MacBook Pro also has a third USB 2.0 port.

It's worth stressing that the 17in model is not fitted with an LED-backlit display.

Last month, Apple revamped its consumer-oriented MacBook line-up.

Prices for the three new machines are, respectively, &pound1299/$1999, £1599/$2499 and £1799/$2799.