Apple Intros Impressive MacBook Pro Lineup

I've always had a beef with Apple referring to their newest product as the fastest "x" ever. Theses are computers, of course they are going to get faster with each iteration. With that said, today's MacBook Pros look to be some of the most significant, (and surprisingly low-key) notebook upgrades in years.

Thanks in large part to Intel, (hard to believe there was a time when Apple and Intel weren't buddy-buddy) the new models have Intel's ultra-fast I/O connection, re-branded by Apple as Thunderbolt. Cleverly this is the same connector type used by the Apple DisplayPort, allowing you to already use the port if you have a DisplayPort monitor. Additionally, quad core processors are standard on the 15 and 17-inch models, and there's a new HD camera for FaceTime. (What happened to iChat?) Prices start at the same $1,199 as the last model.

Overall, Apple has delivered a very solid update, and again, its a bit surprising there wasn't an event to highlight the Thunderbolt technology, although Intel will be holding their own event later today.

Now then, on to the iPad2 event next week...