Apple drops LED-backlit, Santa Rosa MacBook Pros

Looks like Shaw Wu was right on the money with at least one of his predictions: today Apple unveiled its long-awaited Santa Rosa-based MacBook Pros and as we've been expecting, the 15-inch model sports an LED-backlit screen, just like Steve promised. What else did Apple upgrade in its new high-end portables?

• NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 128MB SDRAM standard
• Higher-res 1920 x 1200 display optional in 17" model
• 2.2Ghz-2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo standard
• 2GB of RAM, upgradeable to 4GB
• 120GB-160GB hard drive standard
• 8x slot-loading SuperDrive
• Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR
• 802.11n AirPort Extreme

While the new machines have the same dimensions and design as those of the previous generation, the new 15-inch MacBook Pro is now 0.4 lbs lighter. I must say, it comes as quite a surprise that Apple has announced updated MacBooks, the iPhone release date and now, new MacBook Pros--all in advance of WWDC. It almost makes you wonder what surprises Mr. Jobs is saving for his keynote...

For more on the new MacBook Pros:
- see this product page