Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 9, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
SAN FRANCISCO, California—June 8, 2009—Apple today updated its aluminium unibody MacBook Pro line, now including 13-, 15- and 17-inch models. Every model features a built-in battery for up to 40 percent longer life. Each MacBook Pro includes an LED-backlit display with greater colour intensity, an innovative glass Multi-Touch trackpad, illuminated keyboard, SD or ExpressCard slot, FireWire 800 port and advanced NVIDIA graphics. Starting at €1,149 including VAT, the line is more affordable than ever, with some models costing up to €200 less than the previous generation. Apple sets a new standard for environmentally friendly notebook design, with every Mac achieving EPEAT Gold status and meeting Energy Star 5.0 requirements.
“Every MacBook Pro model now features Apple’s innovative built-in battery with up to seven hours of life while remaining as light and thin as before,” says Philip Schiller, Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Starting at just €1,149, MacBook Pro is more affordable than ever and establishes new standards for environmentally friendly notebook design.”
The new 13- and 15-inch models feature an innovative built-in battery providing up to seven hours of wireless productivity on one charge without becoming thicker, heavier or more expensive. Adaptive charging technology using advanced chemistry was introduced with the 17-inch MacBook Pro earlier this year. The battery supports as many as 1,000 charging cycles before reaching 80 percent of original capacity—more than three times the lifespan of conventional batteries.** Its long life means fewer discarded batteries and less environmental impact.
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro is a major upgrade at a lower price than the original aluminium MacBook it replaces. Retaining the elegant, robust design popular with consumers, students and professionals, every 13-inch model receives a built-in battery with up to seven hours of operation, an SD card slot, FireWire 800 port, illuminated keyboard and improved LED-backlit display with a 60 percent wider colour gamut. Equipped with integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, it is available as a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo model with 2 GB RAM and 160 GB hard drive for €1,149 including VAT, and a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo model with 4 GB RAM and a 250 GB hard drive for €1,399.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro balances performance and portability with up to seven hours of battery life, an SD card slot, an improved LED-backlit display with a 60 percent wider colour gamut and 4 GB RAM, at an entry price €200 lower than before. Three versions are available: a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with 250 GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics for €1,599; a 2.66 GHz system with 320 GB hard drive and NVIDIA 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for €1,799; and a 2.8 GHz system with 500 GB hard drive and NVIDIA 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for €2,099, all including VAT.
The 17-inch MacBook Pro, equipped with up to eight hours of battery life, an SD card slot, improved LED-backlit display, 4 GB RAM and NVIDIA 9400M and 9600M GT graphics, is updated to a 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a larger 500 GB hard drive for €2,299 including VAT—€200 less than its predecessor.
Every model uses Apple’s revolutionary aluminium unibody enclosure and can for the first time be upgraded to 8 GB RAM, a 500 GB hard drive or a 256 GB solid-state drive. The 15- and 17-inch models can also be upgraded to a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. All models feature next-generation Mini DisplayPort, optimised for connection to Apple’s 24-inch LED Cinema Display.
Apple also updated the exceptionally thin and light MacBook Air, making it more powerful and affordable. Measuring 0.4 to 1.9 cm high and weighing 1.36 kg, it is available in two versions: a 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo model with 120 GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics for €1,399, and a 2.13 GHz system with 128 GB solid-state drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics for €1,699, including VAT.
Every Mac notebook achieves EPEAT Gold status and meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements. Each unibody enclosure is made from highly recyclable aluminium and ships with an energy-efficient, mercury-free LED-backlit display using arsenic-free glass. Every MacBook Pro and MacBook Air is free of brominated flame retardants and uses only PVC-free internal cables and components. The built-in battery results in fewer discarded batteries and less waste. A depleted battery can be replaced for €139 or €179 including VAT, including installation and environmentally responsible disposal.
Every MacBook Pro ships with Apple’s iLife ’09 suite of digital-lifestyle applications, enabling users to organise photographs in iPhoto, create films in iMovie, and learn instruments and compose music in GarageBand. Every Mac also includes Leopard, Apple’s advanced operating system, featuring Time Machine for effortless automatic backup; Spaces for grouping and rapidly switching applications; Mail with simple setup and elegant personalised templates; and iChat video chat.
* EPEAT is an independent organisation helping buyers compare computers by environmental characteristics. Gold products meet every mandatory criterion and at least 75 percent of optional criteria.
** When used correctly, the battery is designed to retain 80 percent or more of its original capacity over up to 1,000 charging cycles. Battery life and cycles vary with use and system settings.
