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15-inch MacBook Pro/2.4GHz

The MacBook Pro gets a new chipset, which means processor bumps, a faster frontside bus, and more RAM capacity. However, the more significant refinements in this update are improvements to the display -- this 15-inch model's LCD is backlit by light-emitting diodes for improved battery life and less environmental impact -- and a new graphics system powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT.

 Reviewed Full Review

Current MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo owners will want to skip this upgrade, but owners of the original MacBook Pro and PowerBook will see a dramatic performance boost. Of the two 15-inch models, the $1,999 configuration is a better bargain than this $2,499 counterpart, which offers 40GB more storage capacity, more graphics memory, and a modest processor bump for $500 more.

Pros: Classic design; excellent overall performance; much improved graphics performance; bright and environmentally friendly screen; 2GB of RAM, which is expandable to 4GB.

Cons: Some software needs tuning for new graphics chip; no PCMCIA slot or eSATA port; a little pricey compared with $1,999 model.

Basics

Reviewed Price: $2499

Processor: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Information about this system on Apple's website

Lab Tests

Speedmark 5 Score199
Cinema 4D XL 10.50:55
iMovie HD 60:50
iTunes 7.51:06
Photoshop CS31:17
Compressor2:08
Unreal Tournament 200469.9fps
Tested ConfigurationMac OS X 10.5 with 2GB of RAM

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