New Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros with other Upgrades Released

Apple announced upgraded 15" and 17" MacBook Pros for the same price points of $1999, $2499 and $2799. The upgraded features include:

• Core 2 Duo CPUs at 2.16-2.33GHz (vs 2-2.16), 4MB L2 cache (vs 2MB) and processing 32/64 bits (vs just 32 bits)
• RAM at 1-2GB (vs 512MB-1GB)
• 6x-8x Double Layer SuperDrives (vs Single Layer in the 15" models)
• A FireWire 800 port on all models (vs only on the 17" model)
• Standard hard drives at 120-160GB (vs 80-100GB) with a 200GB option

Everything else from case design and size to weight remain the same. Apple claims that the new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros run up to 39 percent faster on some applications than the previous Core Duo models.

Apple's press release states that the 15" models are shipping as of yesterday and the 17" models next week. We called our local retail Apple Stores in San Diego to check on availability and they both expect to have the 15" models in stock late this week. The Apple Store online is showing 2-4 business days for shipping. [Bill Fox]