MacBook Pro goes the Core 2 Duo way

Apple’s MacBook Pro is back in competition as it has finally released machines based on Intel’s Core 2 Duo processor.

With Core 2 Duo being today’s most powerful mainstream processor, Apple had a leg down by not having such laptops whereas its competitors were offering such machines for quite some time.

With the improved processors, Apple hopes that its MacBook Pro laptops will be more appealing to customers who run memory-heavy applications.

The 5.6 pound 15.4" MacBook Pro comes equipped with a 2.16GHz or 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo processor and comes standard with 1GB of RAM, 6x slot-loading SuperDrive and a 120GB hard drive. The higher end 6.8 pound 17" MacBook Pro comes only with the 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo processor and is backed by 2GB of RAM, 8x slot-loading SuperDrive and a 160GB hard drive.

The base model begins at US$ 1999, which offers you 2.16GHz 15.4” machine, whereas the 2.33GHz 15.4" model comes for no greater than $2,499. The top-ranging 17" MacBook Pro has been set for $2,799.

Other features on both the laptops include an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 mobile GPU (128MB on the 2.16GHz models, 256MB on the 2.33GHz models), AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, GbE, ExpressCard/34 slot, Firewire 400/800 support, illuminated keyboard, integrated iSight camera, Front Row and Apple Remote and a MagSafe power connector.

Apple was already making Core 2 Duo available with their iMac for a couple of months, but such was not available for the MacBook users. The company now feels that its new machine is 39% faster than the previous versions available.

Now with the added power, running OS X 10.4 (and soon 10.5), alongside XP and Vista will be smoother, more seamless and more enjoyable than ever.

Ever since Apple's mid-2005 announcement that it would switch to Intel processors, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company has been gradually releasing machines with the new chips. Apple's transition to Intel was complete with the unveiling of the Mac Pro desktop in August.

What are missing from this line-up are the 13.3-inch MacBook models. Smaller and even more portable, they suit users that just don’t want to lug a 15.4-inch or 17-inch model around.