Apple is making the MacBook Pro with Retina display faster and more affordable with updated processors and lower starting prices. The 13-inch model starts at $1,499 and comes equipped with an appreciable 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz and 8 GB of memory. However, the restrictive 128 GB of flash storage (non-upgradeable) is likely to prompt many users to spring for the $1,699 option that provides a more ample 256 GB of flash storage and slightly faster Intel Core i5.
Pricing for the 15-inch model remains the same, but inclusion of the faster 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7, 16GB of memory, and 512 GB of flash storage in the highest preconfigured option now sets it clearly apart from the base 2.4 GHz Intel Core i7 with 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of flash storage. Previously, both configurations of the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display were offered with 8 GB of memory, driving many consumers to the Apple Online Store that offers configured-to-order computers with best-available components.
Meanwhile, Apple has reduced the price of the highest-available preconfigured 13-inch MacBook Air with a 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5, 4 GB of memory, and 256 GB of flash storage by $100, bringing the option to $1,399. While the Air is the heaviest duty of the preconfigured MacBook Air lineup, configure-to-order options allow consumers to order an impressive 2.0 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 with Turbo Bust up to 3.2 GHz, 8 GB of memory, and 512 GB of flash storage for $1,899.
All of this will likely serve to make Apple’s foothold in the marketplace that much stronger.
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