Apple just announced new MacBook Pro models with the same upgraded, 7-hour battery life as the 17-inch MacBook Pro. It'll also feature an SD-card slot. Most importantly, they'll be shipping today. Yes!


Apple promises the battery will last 5 years or 1,000 recharges in the same body we've come to know and love, which is pretty important since it's non-removable. Along with the battery come upgrades across the board: A 3.06 GHz Dual Core Intel processor, up to 8GB of memory (4GB standard), a 500GB 7200rpm HDD (or 256GB SSD), and an upgraded display (Apple claims it has 60% more color gamut) all at $1,699—$300 less than the current model. If you want to upgrade to a 2.66GHz proc, that'll run you $1,999, while the 2.8GHz model will hit at $2,299.


The 15-inch Pro still won't have an ExpressCard slot—you'll have to bump up to the 17-inch model if you want that. On the plus side, Apple just dropped the price of the 17-inch model (which is otherwise unchanged) to $2,499, a $200 cut. The SD card should stick out a bit from the Pro's body, but that's absolutely a sacrifice we're willing to make.


The 15-incher isn't the only one updated: Check out the Air and the new 13-inch MacBook Pro for more new kit.