As of Friday morning (28.10.16) Apple has released a new model of 13” and 15″ MacBook Pros.
The major overhaul of the machines are long overdue according to some and sport some big differences.
One of these differences is that it now introduces a Touch Bar to the machine. This Multi-Touch enabled strip replaces the function keys, allowing the user instant access to the tools they want. It changes automatically based on what you happen to be doing at the time, allowing you faster access to the features you want within the currently open application.
It contains system controls such as volume and screen brightness, interactive ways to adjust or browse through your photos and other content, and intelligent typing features (just like what’s available on the iPhone).
Touch ID is also available for the first time ever on an Apple computer, enabling instant access to logins and fast secure purchases via Apple Pay (only with eligible cards on participating websites).
The display on the Mac Book Pro has also been improved. It features a brighter LED backlighting and an increased contrast ratio. This means that you will have deeper blacks and bright whites. It is also the first machine to support wide colour. Meaning, you will experience more vibrant greens and reds. The larger pixel aperture and variable refresh rate makes it a more power efficient machine than the previous generations of Macbook Pro.
Other changes include:
– The speakers have been moved to the side of the TrackPad and have been redesigned to pack more of a punch and provide as much as twice the dynamic range, and up to 58% more volume.
– The keyboard has new keys. These rely on the ‘butterfly’ mechanism and provide a greater responsiveness and comfort.
– The TrackPad has been made significantly larger to give your fingers more room to move and click.
– The machine comes with 4 universal Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports. A single port integrates data transfer, charging and video output in a single connector, and delivers twice the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 2. Existing devices are easily connected via an adapter, and with Thunderbolt 3 being reversible, there’s no wrong way to plug in the adapters.
The new MacBook Pros come in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes and are available in Space Grey or Silver.
Machines are also available for order as of today, but due to the machines being new, will need to be built and then shipped. This means that there will likely be a 3-4 week wait for your new goodies to arrive to your door.
