When Apple introduced the aluminum Unibody design in October 2008 they simply called the 13-inch model MacBook, whereas the 15- and 17-inch models were called MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro had discrete graphics and faster processors, while the 13-inch MacBook came with GeForce 9400M GPU that shared memory with the main system. However, in 2009 Apple decided that all aluminum Unibody laptops would be branded as MacBook Pro, even though the 13-inch model didn’t come with Pro features like discrete graphics.

Calling the 13-inch model MacBook Pro in 2009 was ok because performance difference between 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models was little. But that has changed now, as the new 15-inch MacBook Pro with quad core processors and AMD graphics are twice as fast as the 13-inch models with dual-core processors and integrated Intel HD graphics. Specially, when it comes to graphics performance.

The new 13-inch MacBook Pro is basically white MacBook in aluminum unibody with new Core i5 and i7 processors. Intel HD graphics is comparable to the NVIDIA 320M graphics on white MacBook, but in many cases the 320M is still superior. The worst part is even the $1,499 model doesn’t offer discrete graphics. Most 13- and 14-inch Windows laptops in this price range have discrete graphics, for example, Sony Vaio S comes with 512MB NVIDIA graphics and HP ENVY 14 comes with 1GB AMD graphics, both the laptops are priced $1,299.

Also, when it comes to display resolution the new 13-inch MacBook Pro (1280 x 800) is behind the curve. Both Sony and HP laptops offer displays with 1366 x 768 resolution and even Apple’s own 13-inch MacBook Air offers display with 1440 x 900 resolution. I don’t understand why the new MacBook Pro still uses the low-resolution display when MacBook Air, which was released almost six months back has higher resolution display.

Specifications-wise the new 13-inch MacBook Pro is actually an entry-level laptop in Apple universe and not a Pro laptop offering top of the line features.