Leak suggests specs for new Mac Pros, MacBook Pros [u]
updated 11:21 am EDT, Mon June 11, 2012
Standard Mac Pro may see 2.4GHz 12-core processor
(Updated with Retina MacBook Pro specs) Specifications have been leaked for Apple's new Mac Pros and MacBook Pros, expected to be announced later today at WWDC 2012, according to 9to5Mac. The Mac Pro is anticipated to come in two regular stock configurations, and one server setup. The base configuration includes a 3.2GHz quad-core processor, 6GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and ATI Radeon 5770 graphics. A higher-end option includes the same hard disk and graphics, but switches to a 2.4GHz 12-core processor and 12GB of RAM. The server is closer to the base configuration, but uses 8GB of RAM and two 1TB hard drives, while losing the Radeon graphics.
More advanced parts should be available in custom systems. With the MacBook Pro, meanwhile, Apple is expected to be unusually diverse, selling notebooks based on the current design as well as a new lineup with a thinner shell and 15-inch Retina displays. The former group is said to have four configurations, divided between two 13- and two 15-inch models. 13-inch buyers will have a choice between 2.5GHz or 2.9GHz dual-core processors, 4 or 8GB of RAM, and 500GB or 750GB of hard drive space, respectively. Moving up to 15-inch allows for 2.3GHz or 2.6GHz quad-core CPUs, but otherwise includes the same RAM and hard disk tiers.
People looking to push the specifications of the 15-inch systems will be able to pick a 2.7GHz quad-core processor and/or a 1TB hard drive. Details on the Retina MacBooks are unknown; 9to5 does add, however, that Apple is expected to put out a new AirPort Express, as well as an upgraded USB SuperDrive, which may be rebranded to avoid mentioning the MacBook Air if the Retina MacBook Pros lose their optical drives, as is rumored.
Apple is also said to be possibly updating its MagSafe connector and adapter, and selling adapters and converters to cope with the old MagSafe design. A new Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapter may also become available.
Update: Three different Retina MacBook Pros have been identified. The base system allegedly uses a 2.3GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The middle tier has a 2.6GHz CPU and a 512GB SSD, while the peak configuration sports a 2.7GHz processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 768GB SSD.
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Joined: Jul 2006
MagSafe-like Ethernet
Still no word on a MagSafe-like Ethernet connector. The 70s-era connector is ugly, clumsy-to-connect, and the most space-grabbing connector on Mac laptops. It needs to be replaced--and not by a pricey Thunderbolt connector/cable.