Brief Report--Apple Updated MacBooks and MacBook Pros

Yesterday, Apple released revised the lineups of the MacBook and MacBook Pro for the same price breaks as before, i.e. more Mac for the same buck. They represent the fifth version of the MacBook Pro released since early 2006. I'm glad to see that Apple is keeping them up to date.

The MacBook lineup comes in three models and includes faster processors and larger hard drives across the line: white 2.1GHz and 2.4GHz models with 120GB or 160GB 5400 rpm hard drives and a black 2.4GHz model with a massive 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive.

The MacBook Pro lineup also comes in three models and includes faster processors and larger hard drives across the line: a 2.4GHz entry model with a 200GB drive and 2.5GHz 15" and 17" models with 250GB hard drives. The two top models have a 2.6GHz CPU option for an additional $250 and several drive options.

The main new features of the MacBook Pros are the addition of a multitouch trackpad, like the one in the MacBook Air, and an optional ($100) LED Backlit screen for the 17" model that has already appeared as standard in the 15" model.

All feature Intel's latest version, i.e. "Penryn," of the Core 2 Duo CPU. It is manufactured on a smaller 45nm die so it is more energy efficient at the same clock speed (GHz). Here's Apple's press release for more details. [Bill Fox]