Ok, this smacks of the nifty.
Apple’s implementation of Intel’s Light Peak technology could be dubbed “Thunderbolt,” according to alleged new pictures of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro hardware and box.
Per AppleInsider, alleged hardware specifications show that in addition to a supposed Thunderbolt port, the new 13-inch MacBook Pro will also sport an input for an SDXC card. The specs also suggest that the 2.3GHz Core i5 processor will not be accompanied by a discrete graphics card.
The provided specifications include:
– 2.3GHz Core i5 Processor
– 4 GB DDR3 @ 1333 MHz
– 320 GB HDD
– 13.3-inch display @ 1280×800 pixels
– Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384 MB shared memory
– FaceTime high-definition camera
– Thunderbolt connector supporting High-Speed-E/A and MiniDisplay-Port devices
– SDXC, Firewire 800, and two USB 2.0 slots
– Backlit keyboard
– 2.04kg weight
Finally, a picture claiming to show the ports on the new 13-inch MacBook Pro, including Thunderbolt, has also surfaced. It shows the new high-speed port in the exact same shape as an existing Mini DisplayPort input, which could allow the picture to be easily doctored.
Apple is expected to introduce its new line of MacBook Pro notebooks on Thursday. In addition to Intel’s latest generation Sandy Bridge processors, the systems are rumored to have support for Intel’s high-speed Light Peak data connections.
Intel is also set to hold a press briefing on Light Peak the same day. Sources have stated that Apple’s new MacBook Pros would feature new enhancements outside of the jump to Intel’s Sandy Bridge CPUs.
If accurate, the alleged pictures of Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Pro and use of the term “Thunderbolt” suggest that the company could include a unique implementation of Light Peak with its own branding that would be unique to Apple products. It would also lend support to rumors that the forthcoming iPad 2 would feature a built-in Mini DisplayPort, perhaps for more than just a video out.
