Apple MacBook Pro
Apple has finally unveiled the new generation of MacBook Pro at a press event in Cupertino. The refreshed version of MacBook Pro comes in two variants: 13-inch and 15-inch. The lineup includes three new laptops with updated hardware: two of these feature the newly-unveiled Touch Bar feature. Microsoft revealed its new Surface Book and Surface Studio few days ago. Let’s have a look at the features of this updated MacBook Pro device.
New Touch Bar Features
The most noteworthy feature is the new Touch Bar. It replaces the old physical function keys on a traditional laptop. It is fully interactive and context-sensitive. This means the touch bar will display options specific and relevant to the app that is used. The function key has been replaced by a new Retina-quality multi-touch display. It also brings the Touch ID feature on the device that will allows users to quickly unlock Mac and use Apple Pay on the web.
13-inch MacBook Pro
MacBooks are always known for being a dependable mid-range option and this trend continues to be with the new 13-inch models. The laptop which lacks the aforementioned Touch Bar sports a 2.0GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor and the one with Touch Bar has a 2.9GHz Core i5. It has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB of SSD. The laptop comes with Intel Iris Graphics 540. It runs on Mac OS Sierra. It weighs about 1.37 kg and will come in Silver and Space Grey colors. The device is priced at $1,499.
13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
MacBook Pro 13-inch with Touch Bar comes in two variants priced at $1,799 and $1,999 respectively. It will feature a 13-inch display with 2560 x 1600 resolution. Both are powered by a 2,9GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor along with 8GB of RAM. The storage variants are 256GB and 512GB SSD. It also runs on same operating system. As far as the battery life, weight and color options are concerned, they are same as the other MacBook 13-inch models.
15-inch MacBook Pro
The new 15-inch MacBook Pro has been taken to another level. The base model has a 2.6GHz quad-core Intel i7 and the one with a 2.7GHz processor costs an additional $400. It also feature the unique Touch Bar. The notebook comes with Intel HD Graphics 530 and runs Mac OS Sierra. It also comes with 10 hours of battery life and weighs 1.83 kg.
A quick look at specifications of Apple MacBook Pro:
| Specifications | MacBook Pro 13 | MacBook Pro 13 | MacBook Pro 15 | Display | 13-inch | 13-inch | 15-inch |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels | 2560 x 1600 pixels | 2880 x 1800 pixels |
| Weight | 1.37 kg | 1.37 kg | 1.83 kg |
| OS | Mac OS Sierra | Mac OS Sierra | Mac OS Sierra |
| Processor | 2.0 GHz Intel Core i5 | 2.9 GHz Intel Core i5 | 2.6/2.7 GHz Intel Core i5 |
| Battery | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 16GB |
| Storage Space | 256 GB | 256 GB/512 GB | 256 GB/512 GB |
| Touch Bar | No | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | Silver, Space Grey | Silver, Space Grey | Silver, Space Grey |
| Battery | 38.5-watt hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery | Exact capacity not mentioned | |
| Price | $1,499 | $1,799/$1,999 | $2,399/$2,799 |
I feel the touch bar is a good addition but is it great enough to make people more productive. I think users will now have to multitask even more with the touch bar. This certainly takes away the focus users have on the main screen as they have to look down on the keyboard to access the touch bar. So, what are your thoughts about the new MacBook Pro lineup by Apple? Do you think they should have added a touch screen? Share with us in the comments.
