Apple has always pushed the envelope on being revolutionary. Marking their first notebook’s 25th anniversary is the reveal of the lightest and most powerful MacBook Pro ever. The base level has a 13-inch display while the top of the line has 15 inches of screen real estate.
Here’s a closer look at what groundbreaking features Mac users will soon enjoy.
Touch Bar Replaces Function Keys
The release highlighted many new awesome features, but one truly stood out – the Touch Bar. Instead of going along with the trend of having touch-based screen controls, Apple decided to do away with the whole row of function keys completely. They then replaced those keys with a slim panel of dynamic controls. The Touch Bar enables users to have access to a wide range of important functions right at their fingertips.
It is highly adaptive and provides touch buttons for whatever application you are using. For example, if you are listening to a playlist, controls for play, pause, volume, and so on will automatically appear. Looking through a bunch of photos? Cycle through the images by swiping on the bar! It even provides a row of emojis for when you are typing on a messaging platform.
The Touch Bar is expected to be a hit among third-party developers, as well, since it provides a huge opportunity for the creation of a whole new range of apps.
Touch ID is No Longer Just for iPhones and iPads
MacBook Pro users will be glad to know that Touch ID, now a standard feature in iPhones and iPads, will be part of the latest release. Touch ID accurately scans your fingerprint and, with the use of algorithmic magic, authenticates the print through the most recent Apple T1 chip.
This effectively bolsters device security and is quite handy, too, since it is integrated into the power button. All users have to do is enroll their fingerprints and then use Touch ID to unlock the Mac. As with the iPad and iPhone, this authentication process can also be used to switch accounts and to make secure purchases within Apple Pay.
Thin and Light for Convenience and Portability
Apple finally decided that a redesign is in order to achieve an ultra-thin and lightweight notebook. As such, this recent release of the MacBook Pro is the lightest notebook yet. The 13-inch version is only 14.9 mm thin, while the 15-inch version is 15.5 mm. This makes the newest generation 14% – 17% thinner than previous releases.
The new release also sheds a lot of weight by having a more compact and rigid metal body, which puts the 13-inch Mac at 3 lbs on the scale. The 15-inch, meanwhile, only weighs 4 lbs. As a result, the current Mac has 20% – 23% less weight than the previous versions.
Reliable Performance
The lighter and denser design does not take away from the device’s functionality at all. The new MacBook Pro is definitely made for professionals and everything under its hood proves that.
The latest models are equipped with top-notch processors, which vary depending on what level you are looking for. Choices include the quad-core Core i7 Intel, dual-core Core i7 with eDRAM, and the 6th-generation dual-core Core i5 with eDRAM. The new MacBook Pro also comes with super fast SSDs and a thermal system you can rely on, even during heavy and prolonged usage.
The 13-inch Mac runs with Intel Iris Graphics, promising twice the speed of previous MacBook Pros. The 15-inch Mac tops that with a Radeon Pro discrete graphics, which equates to up to 2.3 times better performance. Also, the SSDs provide amazingly great sequential read speeds (more than 3GBps).
Aside from all of that, each model also features Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, which does a wonderful job of consolidating data transfers, video output, and charging – all with the use of one connector! Connection speeds can reach more than 40 GBps, and with the appropriate cable, allows you to connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices as well. The 13-inch model comes with two Thunderbolt 3 ports while the 15-inch model has four.
With these new specs, performance is certainly brought to a whole new level.
Gorgeous Display that Doesn’t Zap Power
Not only is the latest MacBook Pro the lightest so far, it also has the brightest display. Support for a wider range of vivid colors is provided, which makes everything look gorgeous. The details appear clearer and even more lifelike than before.
The display’s thickness is only .88 mm, but this does not detract from the Retina Display, which comes at 500 nits of brightness. This makes it 67% brighter than the previous models. The best part is that the display is paired with battery-saving features, such as energy-efficient LEDs, a variable refresh rate, and larger pixel aperture. To round all of that out is the deeper contrast. As a result, the Mac’s display now consumes 30% less battery compared to the older generation.
Massive Trackpad and Backlit Keyboard
When it comes to the trackpad, the word that comes to mind is “huge”! In fact, the current release features a trackpad that is two times bigger than older models. Expect your palms to be resting a lot on this trackpad, but with Apple’s palm-rejection system, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
As for the keyboard, it is a backlit beauty utilizing a fairly dependable context-based system, providing users word suggestions when typing messages. The design is very similar to that of the MacBook’s butterfly keyboard, which will be pleasing to anyone who loves a shallower keyboard.
16 GB Memory for Longer Battery Life
The one thing that might be a sore spot for the hundreds anticipating the new MacBook Pro is the 16 GB memory. This may look meager at first glance, especially since there is no option to upgrade it, but there is a good reason for this.
Apple released word that this is the sweet spot to maintain a longer battery life. This actually makes sense if you consider that the MacBook Pro is for on-the-go professionals who need loads of functionality on a lightweight device that can last throughout the day.
Other Features
The new MacBook Pro’s operating system is the advanced macOS Sierra. The cool part is that Siri is integrated into it. The speakers were updated as well, now providing better and louder sound quality, with improved bass. Are loud speakers are not your thing? Don’t worry, they kept the headphone jack this time.
Pricing
Apple products have always been considered premium devices and this is, of course, reflected in the pricing.
The base level 13-inch MacBook Pro is priced at $1,499 in the US. At this price level, the revolutionary Touch Bar isn’t included. You have to upgrade to the $1,799 model to enjoy it. As for the 15-inch models with the Touch Bar? They start at $2,399.
Each model can be configured as you please, which affects the price. A wide range of accessories is available as well.
Summary
The late 2016 MacBook Pro models deliver loads of nifty features designed for loyal Apple users. If you’re looking for a premium notebook that easily balances form and function, this is the computer for you. The Touch Bar is very cool and highly useful. The security brought on by the Touch ID is also a welcome addition.
Overall, this is a well-rounded and satisfying device that will help Apple continue redefining the technology landscape!