Buzz
Right now, at the launch event for Apple's new computer, the Macbook Pro (MBP) has officially taken the stage. It's a machine with numerous distinctive design elements and features, promising an exceptional user experience.
1. Apple Unveils the Latest Macbook Pro: Thinnest and Lightest Ever, Featuring Touch Bar and Touch ID, Massive Dual-sized Trackpad
Right now, at the launch event for Apple's Macbook Pro (MBP), it has officially taken the stage. It's a machine with numerous distinctive design elements and features, promising to create a fantastic user experience.
In a recent article, we joyfully compared the Macbook Pro models from the last 4 years, and surprisingly, they all look the same. However, with the 2016 Macbook Pro, users are in for a truly revolutionary experience.
In terms of design, the New Macbook Pro will be the thinnest and lightest Macbook Pro ever. Specifically, the 13-inch MBP will only be 14.9mm thick, 17% thinner than the previous generation. As for the 15-inch MPB, the thickness of this device will be 15mm, compared to the previous generation's 18mm. The weight of the two new machines will be 1.3 and 1.8 kg respectively, quite impressive as both are mostly crafted from metal.
The standout feature on the new MBPs is the introduction of the Touch Bar, a touch-sensitive strip that has recently surfaced in rumors. This new component replaces the traditional F1-F12 function keys. Notably, the fingerprint sensor makes its debut on an Apple notebook, with Touch ID located right beside the Touch Bar and potentially doubling as the power button.
Going a bit deeper into the Touch Bar, this special touch strip (with Force Touch similar to the iPhone) allows users to customize functions, even browse images directly on it. Apple's virtual assistant, Siri, also makes an appearance on the latest Mac OSX version, and a dedicated Siri activation key on the Touch Bar seems incredibly convenient.
Apple provides additional details about the new Touch Bar, highlighting its ability to browse emojis and even support programming for developers by integrating code in Terminal directly on it.
The innovations don't stop there; we have a slightly rearranged keyboard, especially with a touchpad now doubled in size compared to before. The MacBook's touchpad has always been large and responsive, and increasing its size is sure to make the new Macbook Pro feel like it has 'grown wings.'
The screen on the new MacBook also undergoes some changes, specifically a 67% increase in brightness and contrast ratio. Notably, the new MBP features a display capable of showing 25% more colors, truly impressive!
In terms of specifications, the Macbook Pro naturally retains the option for the highest processing power with Intel Core i7, a maximum of 64GB DDR4 RAM, and notably, storage options up to a 2TB SSD compared to the previous 1TB limit. This new SSD boasts super-fast speeds, reaching 3.1GB/s, a 50% improvement over the previous MBP generation.
The graphics technology on the new MBP is undoubtedly the AMD Polaris GPU. As shown in the presentation slides, Apple mentioned it as a Radeon GPU manufactured on a 14nm process, likely Polaris. This GPU will feature 4GB VRAM, delivering graphics power up to 2.3 times greater than before.
Apple pays special attention to heat dissipation in the optimized design of the new MBP, ensuring smooth, quiet operation. While the machine remains silent, the 'noise' will come from the upgraded speakers, promising louder and clearer audio, according to Apple representatives.
Finally, with all the configuration upgrades, the new MBP will experience a 60% boost in gaming performance, a 57% improvement in video editing capabilities, and notably, a 130% increase in graphics power compared to the previous generation.
The connectivity ports on the 2016 MBP also see significant changes. With up to 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports, these ports serve both data transfer and can function as the MBP's charging ports. With a bandwidth of up to 40Gb/s, data transfer speed via USB 3.0 is 10Gb/s. Thunderbolt 3 also serves as a DisplayPort 1.2 for image output.
NOTE: There will still be a 13-inch Macbook Pro without a Touch Bar, priced lower and available shortly after this event.
The prices for the Macbook Pro 13-inch and 15-inch with Touch Bar are $1799 and $2399 respectively. They will be available for purchase in approximately 2-3 weeks.
