Apple updates MacBook range, releases new MacBook Pro

Apple has announced its new lineup of Mac laptop computers, with improved design and beefier specs under the hood.

The revamped MacBook Air, which Apple claims revolutionised the laptop market, will offer processor options up to a 3.2GHz (with TurboBoost) dual-core i7, memory of up to 8GB, 512GB Flash storage, and a high-definition camera for FaceTime. Best of all, and a surprise for Apple, is that it will be $100 cheaper than previous models. The new version is available from today.The MacBook Pro range is also getting an upgrade, with the 13-inch model featuring choices of a 2.5GHz i5 or 2.9GHz i7 processor, while the 15-inch model features a choice between 2.3GHz or 2.6GHz quad-core i7. Graphics will also be improved, up to 60 percent faster than previous models, and the devices will also come with USB 3.0 ports.There will also be a new MacBook Pro with a 15-inch 2880x1800 resolution retina display, called by Apple “the most beautiful computer we have ever made.” It is lighter than the 13-inch model, thinner than a persons finger, and packs a punch, with up to a 2.7GHz quad-core i7, up to 16GB of RAM, up to 768GB of Flash storage, a GeForce GT 650 M graphics card, ThunderBolt and USB 3.0 ports, and a battery life of up to 7 hours. Prices start at $2,199 and the new model is available immediately.The ever wasteful Apple is touting that users can watch full 1080p video with more than three million pixels left over. That is a whopping 220 pixels per inch. It seems that the revamps to all of its devices include the move to the retina display, despite it offering a much higher resolution than needed, or indeed noticeable, on a computer. Some improvements that will help, however, include 75 percent less reflection and 29 percent more contrast.It does not appear that any of the other Mac devices are getting an upgrade at this time.