Apple has updated its MacBook Pro lineup, adding the Thunderbolt interconnect formerly known as Intel's Light Peak.
Apple's MacBook Pro was the first device to use the new interconnect technology, which combines data transfers via PCI Express and displays using DisplayPort on a single dual-channel cable at 10Gbits/sec.
"All Thunderbolt technology devices share a common connector, and let individuals simply daisy-chain their devices one after another, connected by electrical or optical cables," Intel said.
Although DisplayPort offers bandwidth up to 17.28Gbits/sec, above Thunderbolt's 10Gbits/sec, that shouldn't be a problem with a single-monitor setup, as running a 1080p display at 60Hz demands just over 4Gbits/sec.
Using adaptors, Thunderbolt also supports FireWire and USB, and Intel stressed it was "complementary" to existing interconnect technologies. Thunderbird offers more than twice the bandwidth of USB 3's 4.8Gbits/sec.
Intel said a host of tech manufacturers planned to use Thunderbolt in their products, including LaCie and Western Digital.
Revamped specs
Apple claimed the new MacBook Pros are twice as fast as the previous line-up, thanks to Intel's Sandy Bridge processors. The 13in MacBook Pro runs Intel's Core i5 or i7 dual-core processors, while the 15in and 17in versions run quad-core i7 processors.
The new laptops will feature a built-in HD camera and be preloaded with Apple's FaceTime video-conferencing software.
In Australia, the 13in MacBook Pro will start from $1399 with a 2.3 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 and 320GB HDD. The 13in MacBook Pro with a 2.7 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 and 500GB HDD starts at $1698.
The 15in MacBook Pro starts at $2099, with a 2.0 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, AMD Radeon HD 6490M and 500GB HDD. The 15in MacBook Pro with 2.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 750GB HDD costs $2499. The 17in MacBook Pro costs $2899 and includes features a 2.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 750GB HDD.
Apple also released a developer preview for its next operating system, dubbed Mac OS X Lion, showing off new features including the Launchpad app organiser, a new version of the mail client, wireless file transfers called AirDrop, and FileVault encryption.
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