MacBook Pro Refresh: A Speed Bump With a Thunderbolt

Apple quietly updated their MacBook Pro line today and I have to admit to being a bit underwhelmed.  As usual there were a ton of rumors speculating about everything from new screen resolutions to flash storage options.  What we actually got was a processor speed bump across the line and "Thunderbolt".  This (according to Apple's web site) is the re-branded "LightPeak" technology Intel and Apple have been collaborating on.  It promises 10 Gb bi-directional throughput for yet unavailable peripherals.  Sounds great, but hard to get excited about until we see just how many vendors decide to support Thunderbolt with what devices.

The processor selections now include Intel's Sandy Bridge Core i7 grinders.  That's a good thing, but new, faster processors have become a given with each refresh.  The same goes for the new AMD Radeon (6490M & 6750M) GPUs.  They're faster with more memory.  Whodda guessed? The rumors of increased resolution 16 X 9 screens was a bust as was the rumor of a flash storage option (like in the new Airs).  Also, rumored trackpad size increases were just that. With no new screens or trackpad, the MBP unibody remains virtually unchanged.  Aesthetically, the new MBPs look virtually identical to the previous two models.  That's a good thing for us style-conscious types.  We don't have to worry about toting around a MBP that's obviously not current.  In fact, the only obvious external difference I can find is the little thunderbolt logo next to the display port. 

It looks like Apple isn't anxious to radically change the best-selling MacBook Pro in history.  I don't blame them.