14 DAY TRIAL // A new batch of MacBook Pro leaked images have surfaced, this time with their sources confirming the existence of a 13-inch model with the rumored ‘Thunderbolt’ (Light Peak technology), a 2.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with a 3MB shared level 3 cache, an optical drive and more.
Debated over at the MacRumors forums, the pictures seem to corroborate some recent claims that Apple’s new MacBook Pros have Light Peak technology built right into them through a “Thunderbolt” port.
The design is also identical to that seen in previous leaked photos.
What isn’t quite consistent with recent rumors is the list of technical specifications found on the system’s alleged box.
Early rumors said Apple would ship new MacBook Pros equipped with dual-storage solutions.
One would be SSD-based for the OS, the other HDD-based for the user’s files.
If these rumors are true, at least the 13-inch model appears to have a single 320GB hard disk drive spinning at 5400-rpm. Whether or not its bigger siblings are equipped with additional storage options remains to be seen.
The new laptop is said to ship with 4 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM as standard, and an Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor with 384MB SDRAM shared memory.
The screen has a 1280x800 resolution, and there’s a built-in “FaceTime HD” camera now, which should mark the end of iSight as we know it.
Going by the same list of hardware specs, Apple is holding on to the optical drive still.
The same 8x slot-loading SuperDrive that exists on current generation MacBooks is listed in the purported imagery of Apple’s new 13-inch MacBook Pro.
Finally, the Thunderbolt port supporting High-Speed I/O and Mini DisplayPort connections is mentioned.
Apple is expected to unveil the new systems soon. The company has confirmed a special event for next week, though the focus appears to be the iPad.