17-inch MacBook Pro

The 15-inch MacBook Pro was one of the first Mac models to make the switch over to Intel processors back in January. In some ways, though, that first MacBook Pro was merely what they call ‘proof of concept’ – the PowerBook range was stuck in the doldrums, using IBM’s ageing G4 processor, and Apple needed to show that its laptop range wasn’t dead in the water.

The MacBook Pro was certainly a big step forward. However, there were signs that it was a bit of a rush job. The 15-inch screen disappointed some users who wanted a larger screen for video and graphics work. The lack of FireWire 800 ports also left a few people scratching their heads, because many people use high-performance FireWire 800 drives for music and video work.

So this recently released 17-inch MacBook Pro is perhaps a better indication of where the MacBook Pro range is heading. The larger screen is, of course, its most obvious feature. It boasts an excellent, high-quality widescreen display, with 1,680x1,050 resolution. You can choose between either a glossy screen, like that of the recently released ‘non-pro’ MacBook, or a conventional screen with a more ‘matte’ surface.

The glossy screen is bold and bright, and looks terrific when you’re watching DVDs or other types of video content. However, some people find that the colour fidelity isn’t as precise as it needs to be for high-quality print work. Print designers may therefore prefer the matte screen – and, thankfully, there’s no difference in price.

This 17-inch model includes both FireWire 400 and 800 ports (one of each), so people who own FireWire 800 kit can rest easy. In most other respects, though, the two versions of the MacBook Pro are very similar. The 17-inch model has a 2.16GHz Core Duo processor, 1GB RAM, 120GB hard disk and an ATI Mobility Radon X1600, which provides good performance for 3D graphics.

The 2.16GHz processor is currently the fastest version of the Core Duo available (though a 2.33GHz is on its way), so in theory the 17-inch MacBook Pro is the fastest Mac model currently available. The big drawback, of course, is that you only get the benefits of the machine’s full speed if you’re using Universal Binary software, which has been updated for the new Intel processor.

Most of Apple’s own audio and video programs, such as Logic and Final Cut Pro, have been updated and will run really well on this – or on any Intel Mac, for that matter. Unfortunately, there are still key programs – anything by Adobe, for example – that are waiting to be updated. An old G4 PowerBook can still run rings around the MacBook Pro when running Photoshop.

If you know you can get Intel-ready versions of your programs, this is the laptop for you. However, regular users of Adobe or Quark software should keep their wallets in their pockets for now.