Finally! Jumping the gun and going straight to the news: the Macbook Pro line has been refreshed featuring Core i5 and Core i5 processors. The basic Macbook Pro 13-inch comes with 4GB of RAM, 320GB, and a 2.4Ghz Core 2 Duo processor, but the 15-inch and 17-inch models are Core i5 and Core i7 for the record. Also, the higher-end models grab the Nvidia GeForce GT 330M graphics with Optimus switching, meaning that web browsing will be the lightest load of all time, and graphics speed will only be called in when you actually need it. While the 2.4Ghz and 2.66 Ghz Core 2 Duos with a claimed 10 hours of battery life in the 13-inch model definitely are to impress (hey, no Core i5 in the 13?), it’s the 15-inch and 17-inch ones that really count: Core i5 2.4GHz (520M), Core i5 2.53GHz (540M), and Core i7 2.66GHz (620M) processors come in the larger models, as well as the faster Nvidia 330M instead of the 13-inchers 320M. Also, Apple claims that you’ll get between 8 and 9 hours of battery life on these bad guys.
All models come with 4GB of sweet DDR3 RAM, 320GB hard drives and 500GB in higher-end ones, you have the stellar and tempting option of a 512GB SSD for $1,300. So to shoot it all down, the 15-incher gets the Core i7 and the 17-inch gets the Core i5. But let’s go to what this will all cost you, right? It’s $1,799 for the 15, $2,299 for the 17, and $1,199 for the 13. And Apple’s not done with you yet: a 1440 x 900 “glossy” display comes basic on the 15, a 1680 x 1050 glossy display goes for $100 more, and an anti-glare hi-res display for another $50 on top of that (making it $150 for a matte display). Everything’s up at the Apple Store with a shipping date of “24 hours” while the 13-inch model is delayed “2-4 days”. Awesome stuff, if you ask us. (Sans not having Core i5 in the 13, but still a great refresh).
Source: Apple
While all of the rumors were swirling if whether or not HP would do something right and release 14-inch and 17-inch versions of the HP Envy line, today the dudes at Packard have our answers. Starting with the HP Envy 14, which starts at $999 for a 14.5-inch panel, you’ll find a Core i5 processor, ATI Mobility Radeon discrete graphics, 7,200rpm hard drives, 8 hours of claimed battery life with discrete graphics off, and more ways to blow out your credit cards. The second option is the Envy 17, which has enough power to set your wallet and pants on fire. Coming May 19, you’ll have Core i5 and Core i7 CPU options, ATi discrete graphics that support Eyefinity tech, and up to 2TB of storage — yes two terabytes (2,000 GB). PR (press release, duh) is below.
