At the ongoing MacWorld 2009 event, Apple has announced a refreshed version of the 17-inch MacBook Pro (with a unibody enclosure). Unfortunately, this isn't the quad-core 17-inch MacBook Pro as was rumoured recently. The glossy 1900x1200 pixel LED backlit display of the MacBook Pro has a 'glorious' $50 matte finish option. The non-removable battery, which is similar to that found in MacBook Air, is an unexpected surprise. Apple claims that the MacBook Pro has 8 hours battery life when used with integrated graphics and 7 hours with discrete graphics. The basic model is priced at $2,800 (Rs. 1,36,000 approx.).

As expected and speculated, the 17-inch MacBook Pro now joins the aluminum unibody enclosure line-up. Specification-wise the new 17-inch Pro is very similar to the 15-inch version: 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB L2 cache, Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated graphics, 512MB memory, and Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT. An option of upgrading the CPU to 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and packing in a 8GB RAM is offered. Storage feature offers options of a 320GB 7200RPM HDD or a 128GB/256GB SSD.

Of course, the Superdrive or the slot drive will dishearten consumers who expected a Blu-ray drive, as discussed in our review about the new unibody MacBook.

The new 17-inch MBP features a FireWire 800 port, a Mini DisplayPort, three USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, an ExpressCard 34 slot, and a battery life indicator. Let's keep our fingers crossed that there will be no more Mini DisplayPort or trackpad issues. The glass trackpad has not got a size upgradation and is of the same size as that found in the 15-inch MacBook Pro.

Apple boasts of the new 17-inch MacBook Pro being the thinnest and lightest 17-inch notebook since it measures just under an inch and weighs only 6.6 pounds.

A distinct feature of the new 17-inch MBP is a non-removable MacBook Air-like lithium polymer battery. Apple claims that the new lithium polymer battery will last 8 hours when used with integrated graphics and 7 hours when used with discrete graphics. The battery offers 1000 recharge cycles at 200 cycles per year, thus making it last five years. This lithium polymer battery can be replaced at $180 (Rs. 8,750 approx.) from any Apple store or Apple authorized reseller.

The new MacBook Pro's LED backlit display has a contrast ratio of 700:1 with 140x120 viewing angle and has a 60% better color gamut. Apple also offers a $50 matte finish (anti-glare) option to the new glossy 1900x1200 LED backlit screen for those who missed it in previous unibody MacBooks.

 

 

Apple will also run an exchange program for the 17-inch MacBook Pro like with the iPod. The new 17-incher MBP is available for pre-order, and shipping starts late January. Expect the prices for the new 17-inch MacBook Pro in the Indian market to hover around Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 1,65,000, considering that prices for the 15-inch or lower unibody MacBooks and MacBook Airs have been beefed up.