New Apple Macbook Pro 2011 vs the Old Macbook Pro - Do You Really Want or Need One?

While we all wait on the edge of our seats for Apple to release their upgraded version of the iPad 2 and iPhone 5, the new Macbook Pro 2011 arrives. Of course, it was common knowledge that a new Macbook Pro was on its way. It’s arrival is probably timed to take our attention of away from the iPad or iPhone for a short while. So, while the spot light is on the new Macbook Pro 2011, we better take a look at Apple’s new offering. And the big question is do you want or need one?

Upgrade, Not Redesigned :

Some people were expecting a completed revamped version of the Macbook Pro design with a new style unibody, perhaps with even slimmer body closer to the Mac Air. However, Apple has stayed with the same unibody design of its predecessors. The aluminium Macbook Pro design has proven very popular and as they say, if something works, leave it alone. So, I guess if you are a bit of a technophobe, who wants to be seen with the latest sexy cool gadgets, then Apple’s new Macbook Pro 2011 is going to be a major let down as it looks no different to the one you have already. We are talking an upgrade here, not a revamp or new design.

All Improvements Under the Hood :

The many improvements on the new Macbook Pro 2011 are tucked away out of sight under the hood. As you might expect with an upgrade it’s more powerful, got more graphics and stuffed with many new features. Speeds are now turbo boosted thanks to a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 in the new 13in Macbook Pro and a 2.7GHz Intel Core i7 in both the 15 and 17in Macbook Pros combined with increased memory means that applications open and run twice as fast than there predecessors.

Graphics & Thunderbolts :

Also under the hood is a big ramp up in graphic performance thanks to the new high-performance AMD Radeon graphics processors in both the 15 and 17in Macbook Pros , which is 3x the performance of the previous models, giving more frames per second in 3D games. In addition to graphic boost, another new feature is Thunderbolt which is basically a pipeline, which is more than 12 times faster than FireWire 800 and up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0. Thunderbolt technology is designed to connect the next generation of high-performance peripherals to the next generation of computers.

More Batteries are Included :

As you might expect there is more battery life, faster DVD burning (Apple hasn’t completely ditched the disc drive just yet), a new superb multi trackpad and high definition camera for Face Time (so all your relatives or friends can really see how rough you look in the mornings). But, is all this new hardware enough for you to upgrade from your old Macbook to a new more powerful model?

Old Black & White :

If you have one of the old white or black MacBooks, the answer is definitely yes. If you love to play games or need a massive graphic kick, then again its a huge yes. However, if your not a power hungry monster craving more and more turbo charged boosts and super quality graphics, then its probably best to stay with your old Macbook Pro for the moment. Again, then if your old MacBook is a getting tired then an upgrade is probably for you.

Writers Macbook Pro :

Writers don’t need all that high performance power and graphics, and while Apple’s new Macbook Pro looks very tempting, you can still do all the things you need to do on your old model without splashing out loads of your hard earned cash. Writers are probably better with the lighter new MacBook Air as they don’t need the graphics and power of the Apple’s New MacBook Pros.

© David Lloyd-Jones 2010