Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro Review

MacBook Pro

The new 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro brings a lot of new features to the table from the previous generation. Users now get a large battery that gives pretty amazing life, a better display, faster processor, FireWire, SD-card slot, and best of all a lower starting price. Getting more for less seems to be the trend during this slow economy, so is there any reason not to buy the new 13" MacBook Pro? Read our full review to find out.

13-inch Apple MacBook Pro Specifications:

• Mac OS X v10.5.7 (9J3032)
• Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz (3MB L2 cache, 1066MHz frontside bus)
• 2GB 1067MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• 160GB 5400rpm SATA hard disk drive
• 13.3" glossy widescreen TFT LED backlit display (1280 x 800)
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics (256MB of DDR3 shared memory)
• 8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• iSight webcam
• AirPort Extreme WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n)
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
• Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports (480Mbps), FireWire 800, Audio out and microphone in, SD-Card reader
• Dimensions : 0.95" x 12.78" x 8.94" (H x W x D)
• Weight: 4.51 pounds
• Integrated 58-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
• 60W MagSafe power adapter with cable management system
• MSRP: $1,199

Asus 13.3" U30Jc Laptop, Optimus-Enabled Mobility

It seems like just yesterday that we commented on how many new CULV notebooks had hit the scene, and how Intel had seemingly hit the proverbial sweet spot. These low-voltage Core processors fit perfectly between high-end netbooks and low-end mainstream laptops, offering enough power for most users in a package that would run for hours on end without a recharge. The price point was also good, with many CULV options listing for around $700 to $900. And then, the Core 2010 lineup of processors were launched, and Intel seemingly ate its own in a ploy to get even faster chips on the market.

Today, we're taking a look at one of those very chips, a Core i3-350M that fits into the Arrandale platform. It's housed within a sleek and stunning new ultraportable from Asus, and it just might be the most classy and bold machine we've seen from the company in recent memory. The U30Jc combines the best in new mobile CPU technology with the best in new mobile GPU technology, and the result is a reasonably priced ($899.99; available today at Amazon and NewEgg), but extremely promising machine that will easily fit on a tray table in coach.

The brushed aluminum finish is striking, and it's a definite departure for Asus. This machine is extremely understated, which is perfect for the modern business user or the on-the-go traveler who just wants a portable machine with brawn and brains. In terms of its specifications, it's hard to knock the machine. Asus has done a fine job of outfitting this notebook, with a Core i3 processor and NVIDIA's Optimus graphics solution, which offers seamless switching between the integrated Intel GMA graphics and the NVIDIA GT 310M GPU.