Apple releases new MacBook Pros with LED backlit displays

Apple updated its online stores today and released updated MacBook Pros with speed, storage, ram and graphics improvements. The 15 inch models also benefit from a LED backlit display while the 17 inch adds higher resolution display option.

Here's what the new line-up consists of:

MacBook Pro 15 inch LED 2.2Ghz

* 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 1440 x 900 resolution
* 2GB memory
* 120GB hard drive
* 8x double-layer SuperDrive
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 128MB SDRAM
$1999

MacBook Pro 15 inch LED 2.4Ghz

* 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 1440 x 900 resolution
* 2GB memory
* 160GB hard drive
* 8x double-layer SuperDrive
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM
$2499

MacBook Pro 17 inch 2.4Ghz

* 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 1680 x 1050 pixels
* 2GB memory
* 160GB hard drive
* 8x double-layer SuperDrive
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB SDRAM
$2799

The Nvidia's GeForce 8600GT Mobility replaces the the Radeon X1600 as graphic chip. The GeForce sports 128MB of DDR2 VRAM in the 2.2Ghz model and 256MB in the 2.4Ghz models.

We can also appreciate boosted RAM to 2GB across the line and more especially the fact iit can be upgrated to 4GB (add $750).

Though not highlighted, the most surprising new feature is the inclusion of LED-backlit displays for the 15 inch models while the 17 inch model now offers a 1920x1200 resolution capable display as option (add $100).

LED backlit displays offer better contrast and consume a bit less battery than traditionnal displays. The 17 inch model's new 1920x1200 resolution is ideal for those who want to work on or watch Full HD productions from their laptop.

Apple recently addressed Greenpiece's concerns regarding its environmental policy by unveiling a clear strategy which mentioned a planed switch to the LED-backlit displays technology starting this year.

Customers still have the choice between matte and glossy displays for the 15 inch models. Chosing the glossy display will save you $150 but it remains unknown if the glossy display is also LED back-lit -> seems like it's a bug in Apple's online stores BTO form.

A close look on the specs hints at the use of Intel's new Santa Rosa architecture but the new notebooks do not appear to offer certain new features the new architectures can offer, such as board embedded flash memory which would allow accelleration on boot time and application launches.

Last but not least, Apple's specs page now claims sux hours of battery life. We can guess that Apple has worked on optimizing power management on this new iteration of MacBook Pros and LED-backlit displays may also help on this.

Rumours that Apple would update its MacBook Pro line-up started spreading on the Internet a few days ago. MacScoop published confirmation of these reports from its own sources yesterday early in the morning.

The new Macbook Pros listed above are available through Apple's online stores with 1-3 business days free shipping. Apple also started a special education offer today. Students can get a free iPod with the purchase of their MacBook Pro.