Apple Unveils Enhanced MacBook Pros

Cupertino, CA (AHN) - Apple on Tuesday unveiled upgraded versions of its high-end MacBook Pro notebook computers, just a month after it released enhanced versions of its lower-end MacBooks.

The new MacBook Pro laptops feature the latest Intel Centrino chipset platform, called Santa Rosa, which boast of faster processor speed, better graphics and enhanced memory support.

Apple’s new laptops come in three models. The first two models feature 15.4-inch monitors and equipped with Intel’s 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo processor, while the higher-end laptop features a 17-inch monitor and 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The lower-end laptop retails for $1,999 while the higher-end version sells for $2,499.

All of the new MacBook Pros can support up to 4GB of memory, with 2GB memory as a standard. They also feature an Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics cards designed for media-intensive animation and gaming.

As part of Apple’s green technology initiative, the 15-inch models have mercury-free, LED-backlit displays. Previous MacBook Pros used Cold Cathode Florescent Lamp (CCFL) technology that were less energy-efficient than LEDs.

The new MacBook Pros come after enhanced versions of lower-priced MacBook notebooks were announced in May and just before the much-anticipated iPhones ship out on June 29.