News: Apple Releases New MacBooks & Display

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that Apple introduced new versions of the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air computers today. Also released along with the new ‘Books is a new version of the Apple Cinema Display. The Air remains mostly the same, while the other two machines now look pretty similar, doing away with the “aluminum for Pros, plastic for consumers” look.

Regarding the MacBook and MacBook Pro, both machines feature the same unibody construction process which basically makes the computer out of a block of aluminum. The entire top half of the inside of the computers are glossy black glass, much like the iMac, with a glossy LCD display with LED backlighting. They keys are of the MacBook/MacBook Air-style, black and backlit (on some models). The trackpad is now entirely the button, and made of glass, reducing the chances of wear and tear. Both models feature a DisplayPort instead of a mini-DVI or standard DVI connector, although DisplayPort works with DVI, Dual-Link DVI, and VGA with an adapter.

The MacBook features an NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics chip with 256MB shared video memory, which is a substantial upgrade from the previous integrated Intel graphics system on prior MacBooks. Missing from the MacBook is a FireWire port! It starts at $1299.

The MacBook Pro features both the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics chip and an NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics chip that you can switch between. One gives you better battery life, while the other offers quite a bit of power. Finally, the FireWire 400 port has been removed, leaving only a FireWire 800 port. It starts at $1999.

The MacBook Air was speed-bumped and given more storage, as well as the aforementioned DisplayPort connector. It includes the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, as well. It still features the traditional trackpad. It starts at $1799.

Finally, for when people are at home or the office, Apple introduced a new 24″ Cinema Display with an iSight, speakers, LED backlighting, DisplayPort connector, and a built-in AC adapter for your computer. Gone are any FireWire ports. The front is glass and matches the current iMac. It will be available in November for $899.

Finally, in addition to the almost-death of FireWire in Apple’s portables, you can still own a bit of the past—Apple is selling the white MacBook for $999.