NVinNYC

Apple finally dropped the 17-inch MacBook Pro today as expected. It’s basically the same thing as the 15-inch model except it still has a FireWire 800 port and a Dual Layer SuperDrive (these were dropped on the 15-inch MacBook when it transitioned from the PowerBook). Other than those things, it’s basically the same as a fully loaded 15-inch model (with the high speed 2.16 GHz Core Duo). Good stuff.

Update (4/24/06): Though I did note it this morning when I was checking out the 17-inch MacBook, I didn’t mention the third USB port on this new model. After thinking about it (and having a friend note it to me), I realized this is noteworthy. All previous models of PowerBook G4 & MacBook have only had two USB ports, so this is a very welcome addition which brings the 17-inch model in line with the Intel mini & iMac and is highly appropriate for its role as a desktop replacement machine. Really, this highlights one of the large inadequacies of the 15-inch model (which is severly lacking in ports). I mean, how can 2 USB ports be enough for anyone now days (especially since iPods now only work over USB)?

Also, I wonder if Apple will update Boot Camp with drivers for this machine when it starts shipping out next week. There’s no mention of anything that would suggest that they’ll need to and it uses nearly the same hardware to the 15-inch model so I’m guessing no, but it will be interesting to see.

Update 2 (still 4/24/06): ThinkSecret points out that if you custom order the 15-inch MacBook Pro 2.0 GHz model and then bump it up to a 2.16 GHz processor it costs the same ($2799) as the 17-inch model. This is a little disturbing considering how much more you get on the bigger model: larger, higher-resolution screen, 120 GB hard drive (versus 100 GB in the 15-inch), and all the extra ports mentioned above. On the other hand you also get all the extra size and weight so I’m sure it’s a worthwhile trade off for some. It just makes me wonder if Apple will be dropping the price/bumping the specs of the 15-inch model soon (especially in light of the rumored Core Duo price drops).