Which is better: a laptop with Mac OS X or Windows operating system. What is the difference between a MacBook and a laptop? How are MacBooks different from each other?

11.10.2023 -

Which Apple laptop is the best? Light as a feather MacBook Air, or reliable and powerful MacBook Pro? Have you decided it's time to trade in your old Mac for one of Apple's new laptops? Or maybe you've finally decided to switch to the Mac platform? MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro with Retina display - a lot of options. Keep in mind that these models cover a wide price range. What will you get for the money that you still planned to part with? And which model is right for you? Let's figure it out.

New MacBook models and price tag

Apple's MacBook line consists of two products: MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. These two laptops differ in size, weight, and performance. Well, for the price, of course.

MacBook Air is Apple's lightest laptop. It comes in two different screen sizes - 11-inch and 13-inch. This is Apple's most inexpensive laptop. Prices start at $999 for the 11-inch model, and $1,099 for the 13-inch.

Base models of both sizes of this year's MacBook Air feature 1.3GHz Intel Haswell processors, 4GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. In the 2013 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Retina models, the hard drive is now connected via PCI Express or PCIe. This is significantly faster than the Serial ATA (SATA) interface used in last year's systems.

You can order a MacBook Air with a faster processor, more RAM, and a larger hard drive. Please note that the processor cannot be changed later. The SSD hard drive can be upgraded, although this is quite difficult - Apple doesn't sell individual SSD drives, so if you decide you need more storage space, you'll either have to get the hard drive from another MacBook Air or take it to a service center. which will help to do this.

The latest generation "standard" 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,199. These Macs have an internal "SuperDrive" optical drive. It has 4 GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive working with a SATA controller. This makes the MacBook Pro quite snappy, even though it still uses a regular hard drive rather than an SSD. The processor operates at a frequency of 2.5 GHz. This is a fairly fast processor that works well in conjunction with good RAM. Also, various data storage options are provided, including a classic hard drive or SSD.

For $1,299 you can get the new MacBook Pro with Retina display. It is equipped with a 2.4 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD. The Retina display found on MacBook Pros is coupled with an internal optical drive, making Retina display models thinner and lighter than traditional PCs.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display completes Apple's line of laptops. It is equipped with a 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel i7 processor, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. It uses integrated Intel Iris Pro graphics. This year, the model with a Retina display is the only 15-inch model Apple is making. It retails for $1,999.

It’s worth mentioning separately about the more expensive 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display - this is the only model that is equipped with a fast discrete graphics chip. It's powered by a 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and also includes Nvidia GeForce GT 750 discrete graphics. It's Apple's top-of-the-line model, so it's priced accordingly at $2,599. Like other MacBooks, the MacBook Pro with Retina display can be customized with faster processors or a larger hard drive.

Comparing screens by size and pixel density

MacBook Airs are not yet available with a Retina display—both the 11-inch and 13-inch models feature classic LED panels. The 11-inch MacBook Air has a resolution of 1366 x 768, while the 13-inch model uses 1440 x 900 pixels.

The MacBook Air's 11-inch display is a bit of an outlier—the screen has a different aspect ratio than any other MacBook model. Most MacBooks come with 16:10 aspect ratio screens; and the 11-inch MacBook Air has a 16:9 aspect ratio screen. This results in the 11-inch MacBook Air having a more elongated display than other MacBook models.

Either way, the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models have pixel densities of 135 pixels per inch (PPI) and 128 PPI, respectively. These are sharp and crisp displays that are capable of displaying millions of colors, even though they don't have Retina resolution.

As does the $1,199 MacBook Pro. This is a fast model with a native resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, equipped with a 13.3-inch display. It's in the same segment as the MacBook Air, with a pixel density of around 113 PPI.

The concept of “Retina display” came into fashion with the iPhone 4 and soon Retina displays appeared on the iPad. Also, since 2012 we have seen the MacBook Pro with a Retina display. This doesn't mean the MacBook Pro has the same pixel density as, say, the iPhone 5S or iPad Mini Retina - it just means you won't be able to see individual pixels when looking at the screen from a medium distance.

In this particular case, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display has a standard "Retina" resolution of 2560 x 1600 - an even higher resolution than the iPad Air. Although the screen is the same size as a standard 13-inch MacBook Pro, it has double the pixel density at 227 PPI. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display has a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. This is about 220 PPI.

The difference between a Retina display and a standard screen is huge. Retina displays show more detail in photos and are much easier to read because they have smaller pixels. Naturally, you can judge the difference yourself at any Apple store or reseller.

Haswell platform

With the exception of the "standard" 13-inch MacBook Pro, which is a holdover from Apple's 2012 product lineup, all MacBooks now come with a fourth-generation Intel processor, codenamed "Haswell."

Haswell is an improvement over the Ivy Bridge chips found in last year's models. They include a smaller die size and have improved power management, which is why this year's MacBook models have such improved battery life.

Haswell-equipped MacBooks also have a decent graphics subprocessor. According to Apple, tests have shown that the processor's integrated Haswell graphics are up to 40 percent faster than before.

In the MacBook chain, graphics power gradually improves along with price. The MacBook Air uses Intel HD 5000 graphics, while the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display uses an Iris chip, which is faster than the Intel HD 5000. The 15-inch MacBook Pro uses Iris Pro, which is even faster thanks to the addition of memory EDRAM. The most expensive 15-inch model uses a discrete Nvidia GeForce GT 750 graphics chip, which is automatically activated when running graphics-intensive applications such as games or Photoshop.

Battery life

An important aspect of a laptop's performance is how long you can use it away from an electrical outlet. After all, what's the point of carrying around a power bank all the time that adds weight to your bag? So the main idea is lost - to have a laptop computer.

The tiny 11-inch MacBook Air lasts about 9 hours on a single charge when surfing the web, and about 8 hours when watching videos. The 13-inch MacBook Air, which has almost a third more battery capacity, can run up to 12 hours on a single charge. This model rules the roost in battery capacity tests.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, despite its high-resolution screen, has an impressive 9 hours of battery life. And the 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina has a battery life of 8 hours, despite all its powerful hardware inside.

The standard 13-inch MacBook Pro, with its hardware from 2012, has a battery life of approximately 7 hours.

Wireless connections

This year's entire lineup of laptops, except the $1,199 MacBook Pro, comes with 802.11ac wireless. In practice, an 802.11ac-equipped Mac can transfer data wirelessly up to three times faster than the 802.11n Wi-Fi found on older machines like the standard MacBook Pro.

Naturally, the signal must be transmitted from 802.11ac base stations, such as the new AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule from Apple or other equipment operating in the same range. Otherwise, your new MacBook Pros won't make the most of 802.11ac speeds.

The Bluetooth 4.0 module is installed in the entire line of laptops from Apple.

External connectors

MacBook Air has two USB 3.0 ports and one Thunderbolt port. The Thunderbolt connector can be used to connect to an external monitor, RAID system, and other devices. The 13-inch MacBook Air adds an SDXC card slot, making it easy to import photos and videos from SD cards to your computer.

SDXC card slots are standard on MacBook Pro with Retina display. They are also the first Apple laptops to support Thunderbolt 2. This is a high-speed interface that transfers data twice as fast as the original Thunderbolt. What's more, there are two Thunderbolt 2 ports. There are also two USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI connector, so you can connect the MacBook Pro directly to an HDTV if necessary.

$1,199 MacBook Pro has built-in Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, one Thunderbolt port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SDXC card slot.

operating system

All new Macs come pre-installed with OS X 10.9 Mavericks. Mavericks, released in October 2013, features new UI elements like Finder tabs, as well as new apps like a redesigned Calendar, Maps, and iBooks. iCloud integration has increased significantly, so you'll notice improved workflow efficiency when you share files and data between your Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

But what really makes Mavericks an exceptional OS is the way Apple has redesigned its internals to improve performance and battery life. Laptops running Mavericks will last longer than before thanks to important changes like Timer Coalescing and App Nap. Thanks to them, it was possible to use processor resources more efficiently.

Who should buy a MacBook Air?

I would compare the MacBook Air to a roadster like the Mazda Miata. It looks airy and flying over the waves. But once you get behind the wheel, you get a completely different feeling - it's flexible, nimble and a lot of fun to drive.

For the same reason, the MacBook Air is very pleasant to use; its PCIe-coupled holistic architecture makes it fast and responsive. Mac users who surf the web will enjoy the software's performance, graphics, and design. The MacBook Air is a perfectly balanced machine that does a lot without costing a fortune.

The disadvantage is the limited memory capacity. 128 GB may not be enough for everyone. But there is an inexpensive solution - an external hard drive.

Who should buy the standard one?MacBook Pro?

The standard MacBook Pro sits between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro with Retina display. It plays an important role in the Apple ecosystem: it's a laptop for people who need much more space than they can afford with an SSD-equipped system or built-in optical storage.

The downside is that it lacks the fast Wi-Fi, high-speed graphics and better battery life of this year's models. Thus, it is a compromise solution. It can be said that the 13-inch MacBook Pro remains a popular choice for many users. This is the Mac for those looking for a good, reliable laptop with a lot of features. That's why Apple kept it in the current lineup. If you are looking for a powerful computer with a lot of memory, then this is a great option.

Who should buy a MacBook Pro withRetina display?

At $1,299, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is the best in its class. Its size fits most people. The price is also not overpriced. Don't forget that this year's MacBook models are faster than ever, thanks to powerful processors and Mavericks.

If you work with heavy graphics and video, you must work on a laptop that can quickly edit large files, such as Photoshop. Well, if you want to achieve maximum performance, then the 15-inch MacBook Pro will be your best solution. The Iris Pro graphics on it are simply amazing, and the discrete Nvidia graphics on the expensive version of the 15-inch MacBook Pro mean you don't have to compromise.

Still undecided?

If you're still having trouble deciding between MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Pro with Retina display, search forums for more information before you go shopping. Either way, you're looking at the best 2013 MacBook lineup, better than ever, and no matter your choice, you'll end up with the best laptop on the market.

We hope this article will help you make your choice. If you have any questions or suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments.

For those who choose a laptop, most experts will recommend a MacBook. However, an inexperienced user immediately has a logical question: what is a MacBook? How is it different from all other laptops and what are the advantages of purchasing it?

Distinctive features of MacBook

So, like other laptop models, the MacBook is a portable personal computer. Its form factor is folding. There is no need to connect peripheral devices for operation, since the case is equipped with everything necessary.

The MacBook is manufactured by the world famous Apple Corporation. The MacBook line includes many devices of various configurations.

Nevertheless, a number of distinctive features are common to all models:

manufacturer. MacBook is patented by Apple. Accordingly, only this company has the rights to produce this equipment. The lid of each model will certainly display the famous logo - a bitten apple. Apple carefully controls the production of its equipment, which guarantees high reliability of the laptop computer;
design. MacBook has an original, unique design. When creating it, not only ergonomic requirements are taken into account, but also current global trends. We can say that the MacBook is a laptop that looks extremely fashionable and stylish;
operating system. One of the main features is that Apple installs its own operating system on the MacBook - MacOS of various versions. Its use differs in many ways from using Windows.

Types of MacBook laptops

The line of laptops from Apple is quite wide. It includes equipment from various model ranges:

MacBook. The first laptops were released in 2006. They are entry-level equipment designed for undemanding users. The screen diagonal is 13.3 inches. There is an internal camera, microphone, speakers, which allows you to solve multimedia problems. The MacBook was discontinued in 2011, but was replaced in 2015 by the MacBook Retina, and in 2016 the company released a MacBook that does not have a keyboard;
MacBook Air. This is an alternative to regular basic MacBooks. The screen diagonal is 11-13 inches, but the equipment weighs about 1.5 kg less than other models. Air is an ultra-thin technology for those who value maximum mobility. Models are offered with 2 and 4 GB of RAM, various hard drive sizes;
MacBook Pro. These are the most powerful laptops that are designed for advanced users and solving the most complex tasks. They are characterized by increased productivity and the presence of large screens. The display diagonal can be 13.3, 15.4, 17 inches. The parameters of the processor, hard drive, and optical drive can be selected before purchasing. Most models are equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor - dual-core and quad-core. MacBook Pro is Apple's most expensive laptop.

Thus, MacBooks are designed for a variety of categories of users and are suitable for performing various types of tasks.

Reasons for the popularity of Apple laptops

MacBooks, like other Apple equipment, are considered not just popular, but cult. There are many reasons why the MacBook is the choice of millions of people around the world:

unique design. As you know, people are greeted by their clothes, and the MacBook’s are incomparably stylish. This immediately attracts buyers, because no other laptop has such a stylish appearance. Apple carefully crafts the design around the idea of the exceptional people who use MacBooks;
user support. Apple provides strong, free support to users. For help, the user can contact any company store or official service center, regardless of where exactly the equipment was purchased;
quality. The build quality of the MacBook is unprecedented. In Apple laptops, everything works reliably, without crashes or freezes. The corporation uses the most modern components, which makes working with a laptop a real pleasure;
safety. The uniqueness of the MacOS operating system is that it is not afraid of viruses. That is why MacBooks are chosen by people for whom data security comes to the fore.

Of course, the advantages of MacBooks are traditionally hotly debated. Nevertheless, the fact remains: to this day, not a single computer manufacturer has been able to release a laptop that would surpass the MacBook. At the moment, MacBook is No. 1 in the world among laptops!

What is the difference between a MacBook and a laptop? This question can often be seen on forums and comments under various articles about computer technology. However, initially the question was posed absolutely incorrectly. What is a laptop? In modern times, this is a compact computer that contains all the basic elements of a desktop computer, as well as a rechargeable battery that can hold a charge during active use from 1 to 9 hours. We've sorted these out. What is a MacBook? This is a laptop by definition, named differently by the manufacturing company.

Why do people so often perceive these concepts as completely different things? For the most part, all modern laptops initially run Windows, while the MacBook has a unique Mac OS X, developed by Apple specifically for its devices. Therefore, in the minds of ordinary users, a laptop and a MacBook are different things precisely because of the differences in the OS, and they calmly compare which is better. Another strange fact is that when purchasing a MacBook, people rush to install their native and beloved Windows on it, without even trying the original operating system. It is better to buy a laptop from another company that is optimized for it. Consider a MacBook and any other laptop.

Cons of Mac OS X

In order not to seem biased, let us first consider the disadvantages of the system. The first disadvantage is that the operating system is designed and optimized only for Apple devices. That is, you can install Windows on a Mac laptop, but the OS X operating system will not work on any Samsung. Even if you managed to install it on your laptop in some unknown way, it is unlikely to lead to anything good.

The second feature can be called the high price category. Yes, these are not budget gadgets. You spend a considerable amount of money on them, and if you need a laptop for social networking, a MacBook is simply not needed. The latest models of gadgets often feature updated Mac OS X systems that work even more clearly and well. The MacBook itself and the iPhone also do not stand still. Every year new modifications are released that amaze the entire civilized world. Naturally only in a good way.

The third disadvantage is the most noticeable - a very small number of applications, programs and games that are optimized for the system. Of course, many developers are already trying to correct this injustice, but it is not happening as quickly as we would like.

Pros of Mac OS X

It’s not even worth talking about the advantages for a long time. Advantages: simple controls with various Easter eggs; easy installation and updating of the operating system; Stable operation better than any other system; a small number of “pests”; a simple and at the same time skillful security system (we are talking about passwords and other security mechanisms); availability of various drivers.

Cons of Windows

A Windows laptop often causes irritation due to software incompatibility. Microsoft at one time chose a profitable path, producing hardware for the OS from various manufacturers. And given the love of people in the post-Soviet space for “pirated” versions of the operating system, you will have to forget about licensed technical support. How many malicious files did your antivirus miss?

The second mistake we can name is the huge amount of energy that a laptop with Windows absorbs. It is best to always take a charger with you. You can work autonomously for only 4-5 hours. This is especially noticeable on older computer models. And games will generally eat up the charge in 1.5-2 hours. Therefore, no mobility. Do you want to sit in a cafe alone? Look for a place just next to an outlet. Do you like to travel? Well, then the laptop will happily sit for a couple of days without working if you forgot the charger.

The interface can also be considered a disadvantage, although people accustomed to stability may disagree. The bottom toolbar is clear and simple, but the Start menu is completely out of place. Also, the interface is often overloaded, there is absolutely no consistency.

Pros of Windows

We can honestly admit that the amount of software released throughout its existence for various versions of the OS is simply amazing. Standard programs, however, leave much to be desired, but you can easily replace any of them.

Microsoft constantly fixes the system, releasing a large number of patches every year that update and solve problems with the operating system. This is good news, because raw versions often simply need improvements.

Optimization of a large number of programs and games that “sit like a glove” on the system. Of course, if the laptop itself allows you to do this. To be honest, the system is loved by a very large number of people due to the availability of a large number of “perks”. All these are also significant advantages.

Bottom line

Now you can make your own choice, choosing based on your own wishes. We advise, nevertheless, to lean towards the MacBook, because, despite its price, it will serve for a long time and with dignity. But the decision is always yours in almost everything! After all, only you know what is best for you.

Fair, not overpriced and not underestimated. There should be prices on the Service website. Necessarily! without asterisks, clear and detailed, where technically possible - as accurate and concise as possible.

If spare parts are available, up to 85% of complex repairs can be completed in 1-2 days. Modular repairs require much less time. The website shows the approximate duration of any repair.

Warranty and responsibility

A guarantee must be given for any repairs. Everything is described on the website and in the documents. The guarantee is self-confidence and respect for you. A 3-6 month warranty is good and sufficient. It is needed to check quality and hidden defects that cannot be detected immediately. You see honest and realistic terms (not 3 years), you can be sure that they will help you.

Half the success in Apple repair is the quality and reliability of spare parts, so a good service works directly with suppliers, there are always several reliable channels and your own warehouse with proven spare parts for current models, so you don’t have to waste extra time.

Free diagnostics

This is very important and has already become a rule of good manners for the service center. Diagnostics is the most difficult and important part of the repair, but you don't have to pay a penny for it, even if you don't repair the device based on its results.

Service repairs and delivery

A good service values your time, so it offers free delivery. And for the same reason, repairs are carried out only in the workshop of a service center: they can be done correctly and according to technology only in a prepared place.

Convenient schedule

If the Service works for you, and not for yourself, then it is always open! absolutely. The schedule should be convenient to fit in before and after work. Good service works on weekends and holidays. We are waiting for you and working on your devices every day: 9:00 - 21:00

The reputation of professionals consists of several points

Company age and experience

Reliable and experienced service has been known for a long time.
If a company has been on the market for many years and has managed to establish itself as an expert, people turn to it, write about it, and recommend it. We know what we are talking about, since 98% of incoming devices in the service center are restored.
Other service centers trust us and refer complex cases to us.

How many masters in areas

If there are always several engineers waiting for you for each type of equipment, you can be sure:
1. there will be no queue (or it will be minimal) - your device will be taken care of right away.
2. you give your Macbook for repair to an expert in the field of Mac repairs. He knows all the secrets of these devices

Technical literacy

If you ask a question, a specialist should answer it as accurately as possible.
So that you can imagine what exactly you need.
They will try to solve the problem. In most cases, from the description you can understand what happened and how to fix the problem.

What have we come to in 10 years?

2016 has arrived, and a whole 10 years have passed since the release of the first professional laptops from Apple! Let's remember together how it all began and where we have come to today.

It’s better not to remember how they became more expensive in terms of rubles. Especially when you can buy any in installments without additional payment. There's no better way to upgrade your working Mac. Moreover, they have always been considered the ultimate laptop for busy people.

How it all started

On June 6, 2005, at the Worldwide Developer Conference, Steve Jobs announced the imminent arrival of a new era in the Apple world - the transition from PowerPC processors to Intel.

Steve Jobs announced two main disadvantages of the PowerPC: the processor heats up too much during operation and the banal failure to fulfill promises. Heating was a very serious disadvantage for laptops, the cooling of which requires additional energy, and the processors themselves were not at all economical (performance per 1 Watt was too low). At the same time, the company was in no hurry to provide new processor models for Apple, and the long-awaited release of the PowerBook G5 was postponed indefinitely.

It is impossible to say unequivocally whether the transition to Intel occurred only for these two reasons or there are other aspects. Perhaps Apple has decided to cooperate with what it considers a more promising company in the future. Or maybe the company wanted users to be able to install... Windows on its products?

But it was precisely this moment that became the starting point for Apple’s creation of new MacBook Pro laptops.

First generation MacBook Pro

Release date: 2006
Main characteristics:

Intel Core Duo processor 1.83 GHz to 2.16 GHz
Hard drive from 80 to 120 GB
LCD display from 15” (1440 x 900) to 17” (1680 x 1050)
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics card
Two memory slots up to 2 GB RAM

The very first MacBook Pro was presented as a laptop for professional users by Steve Jobs at the Macworld Conference & Expo in January 2006.

The renaming of the laptop name from PowerBook to MacBook Pro occurred, as you might guess, for two reasons: firstly, Apple decided to abandon all associations with the PowerPC processor, and secondly, to add the word Mac to the name.

The MacBook Pro turned out to be similar, but not at all identical to the PowerBook G4. Externally, it became a little larger (by a centimeter in length and 3 mm in width) and a little thinner (by three millimeters). It also has a lot of new features:

The graphics and display brightness were significantly improved due to the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600, which had 128 or 256 MB of video memory and ran on GDDR3 SDRAM.
A built-in iSight camera has appeared, located above the display.
An infrared sensor appeared to work with the Front Row multimedia player via the remote control that came with the kit.
The MagSafe power connector has been replaced. The company paid special attention to it, demonstrating that if someone accidentally touches the power cable, it will be safely disconnected from the laptop and will not drag it along with it in an unknown direction. This is achieved thanks to a special magnet and a very shallow connector.
The adapter has become more powerful (85 W instead of the previous 65), and the battery is more energy-intensive (60 W/hour instead of 50).
According to tests from Apple, the performance of the MacBook Pro compared to the PowerBook G4 has increased by 4 times.
The backlit keyboard, large trackpad and almost silent operation of the computer received special praise from future users.

Despite this, several disadvantages were noted in the new product: the FireWire 800 port and the PCMCIA slot were completely removed (a smaller ExpressCard/34 appeared instead), and the SuperDrive turned out to be significantly weaker than the one installed in the PowerBook G4.

In October 2006, in addition to the new Intel Core 2 Duo processors, the entire MacBook Pro line received double the amount of RAM. Hard drive capacity has also been increased.

In June 2007, models appeared equipped with a backlit LED display, an Nvidia Geforce 8600M GT video card and support for 802.11n Wi-Fi networks.

And between mid-2007 and early 2008, models appeared with an improved Core 2 Duo processor with a frequency of up to 2.5 GHz, an FSB bus with a frequency of 667 MHz to 800 MHz (which increased the speed of communication between memory and the central processor), and an even larger amount of hard disk space. disk and RAM up to 8 GB.

These were just the first MacBook Pro models, their display was surrounded by a wide plastic frame, which is now difficult to even imagine on Apple products. The next significant step was a complete redesign of the chassis, which brought us to the second generation of MacBook Pro laptops.

Second generation MacBook Pro (Unibody)

Release date: 2008
Main characteristics:

Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2.26 GHz to 2.53 GHz
Hard drive from 160 to 320 GB
LCD display from 15” (1440 x 900) to 17” (1920 x 1200) with LED backlight
Video card NVIDIA GeForce 9400M and NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
RAM 2 GB, expandable up to 4 GB

On October 14, 2008, during a press conference held at Apple head office, a new MacBook Pro model was presented, the key difference from previous versions was use of new Unibody cases.

The essence of this technology comes down to the gradual “turning out” of the laptop body from a single piece of aluminum, and not to the connection of pre-created parts. This allowed the new laptops to be made smaller and more durable.

In addition to the new body, the MacBook Pro has also changed in its technical equipment:

The new line received a choice of two video cards: Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT with 256 or 512 MB of dedicated memory and GeForce 9400M with 256 MB of shared system memory.
The FSB bus bandwidth has increased from 800 MHz to 1066 MHz.
Increased hard drive capacity with solid-state drive option.
The optical drive is no longer placed in front, but on the side of the case.
The keyboard has completely changed, which is now black with bright backlighting.
The trackpad has become larger, providing additional space for scrolling and using multi-touch gestures.
Magnetic gaskets have appeared on the lid instead of mechanical latches, so that when closing there is a small gap that allows you to conveniently open the laptop.
This is not to say that performance has increased slightly, be it the performance of the processor or video card.
The battery became removable, and access to the hard drive also appeared.

The 17-inch Unibody version of the MacBook Pro was introduced in January 2009 at the MacWorld conference by Phil Schiller. This model differed from its 15-inch brother in a matte display version and a non-removable lithium-polymer battery.

In June 2009, it was announced that all models will be equipped with a non-removable lithium polymer battery that allows up to seven hours of battery life.

In April 2010, when the line received another update, the models received Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors, a GeForce GT 330M video card with 256 or 512 MB of memory, and the amount of RAM increased to 8 GB. Inertial scrolling has also been added, making scrolling evocative of the iPhone and iPad user interface.

In February 2011, a new model range was released, featuring Intel Core i5 and i7 Sandy Bridge processors, the latest Intel Thunderbolt technology and a high-resolution FaceTime camera. Also in the new models it was possible to use discrete video cards from AMD: Radeon HD 6490M and Radeon HD 6750M.

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Third generation MacBook Pro (Retina display)

Release date: year 2012
Main characteristics:

Intel Core i5 and i7 processor 2.4 GHz to 2.6 GHz
Hard drive from 256 GB to 1 TB
Retina display from 13” (2560 x 1600) to 15” (2880 x 1800)
Video card built-in Intel HD Graphics 4000 and discrete NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M 1GB
RAM 4, 8 and 16 GB

The generation of MacBook Pro laptops with Retina display was introduced on June 11, 2012 at WWDC. Apple positioned this laptop as a completely new line of MacBook Pro laptops.

It might seem that the most significant difference from the previous generation is the Retina display. Of course, this innovation was an important step, because the quality of the picture has increased significantly, the image has become more contrasty, and there is much less glare. However, these are not all the features of the new generation:

The size and weight of laptops have changed - they have become thinner and lighter. In addition, a MacBook Pro model appeared with a 13-inch display.
Increased productivity and speed.
An important change was the joint operation of the integrated GPU processor Ivy Bridge (Intel HD Graphics 4000) and a discrete video card in the form of the GeForce GT 650M.
The battery life has also increased.
The new model features two Thunderbolt ports, a pair of USB 3.0 ports, an SDXC card slot, an HDMI port and a new MagSafe 2 connector.
The built-in camera has been upgraded to 720p.
The hard drive has been replaced with a full-fledged SSD drive.
A big plus was the increase in RAM.
The keyboard has changed a little, which has now become more protected from crumbs getting into it, which is why pressing the buttons has become more dense.

Among the shortcomings, we can note the lack of an optical drive, which now may not be so important for users, and an Ethernet connector. Also, holes for ventilation appeared in the case in the bottom panel, which upset those who like to use the laptop while holding it on their laps.

In 2013, the MacBook Pro underwent changes again - models with Intel Ivy Bridge 2.8 GHz (Turbo Boost 3.8 GHz) and Intel Haswell 2.6 GHz (Turbo Boost 3.8 GHz) processors appeared. In the fall of 2013, the graphics processor was also updated - now Intel Iris Pro Graphics and NVidia Geforce GT 750M 2GB were installed in fully equipped models.