This new version of the 17-inch MacBook Pro (model MD311LL/A) features a
second-generation 2.4 GHz Core i7 quad-core processor, 750 GB hard
drive, and 4 GB of installed RAM. Other features include ultra-fast
Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth connectivity, an ExpressCard/34
slot, three USB 2.0 ports, and a FireWire 800 port.
Thunderbolt Technology
Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, high-speed
Thunderbolt I/O (input/output) technology delivers an amazing 10
gigabits per second of transfer speeds in both directions. Built into
the MacBook Pro, the Thunderbolt port allows you to connect to new
Thunderbolt-compatible peripherals as well as existing USB and FireWire
peripherals using simple adapters. You'll be able to move data up to 20
times faster than with USB 2.0 and more than 12 times faster than with
FireWire 800, and you can daisy-chain multiple high-speed devices
without using a hub.And because Thunderbolt is based on
DisplayPort technology, you'll be able to connect to a high-resolution
display from the same port. Any Mini DisplayPort display plugs right
into the Thunderbolt port, and you can also connect displays that use
DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, or VGA connections with an existing adapter.
You'll also be able to include your display into a daisy-chained set of
peripherals.
Automatic Graphics Switching
The MacBook Pro offers excellent graphics flexibility with two video
processors--the discrete AMD Radeon HD 6770M processor (with 1 GB of
GDDR5 video memory) for heavier workloads and an integrated Intel HD
Graphics 3000 processor for better battery life on the go. When gaming
or using processor-intensive applications like Aperture or Final Cut
Pro, you'll appreciate the power of the AMD Radeon HD 6770M, which lets
you see more frames per second and experience better responsiveness. And
the automatic graphics switching feature determines which graphics
processor an application needs and switches instantly between the
processors.
