Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.4GHz) review

Features
Aside from faster processors and a new chipset, more memory and larger hard drives, the big change to the 15-inch MacBook Pro is its LED-backlit display, similar to those making their way into new Sony and Toshiba laptops.

Apple doesn't claim any difference in image quality or screen brightness -- the new screens feature the same 1,440x900-pixel native resolution as that of the previous 15-inch models -- and based on anecdotal observation, we'd agree. Instead, Apple touts the new display's energy efficiency, and being mercury-free, and our battery drain tests show a marked improvement to battery life.

Apple hasn't added any ports or connections with this new model, but the laptop's 802.11n Wi-Fi capabilities are now turned on by default, rather than requiring a downloaded patch to unlock. It's also the only laptop we can think of with a FireWire 800 jack (along with the more common FireWire 400), useful for digital video fans.

We're still not fans of Apple's nearly obligatory extended warranty upsell. The default warranty for the MacBook is one year of coverage for parts and labour, but complimentary support is limited to a mere 90 days -- well short of what you'd typically find on the PC side -- unless you purchase the £279 AppleCare Protection Plan, which extends phone support and repair coverage to three years.