Apple today unveiled their latest and much anticipated 17-inch MacBook Pro at MacWorld in San Francisco. The new unibody notebook features a battery that can fetch 8-hours of running time and last 1000 recharges, the compromise being that it is not removable.

Apple have gone to great lengths to explain the reasoning behind the move to a non-removable battery, producing an in-depth video explaining the achievements that were made possible by the change. By fitting the battery inside, they cut down on a lot of space used by the battery bay and locking and cover mechanisms, enabling the battery to be 40% larger without increasing the case size. There will be a battery exchange program set up, much like the one that exists for the iPod, for when batteries reach the end of their life.

The new notebook comes equipped with a 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution LED-backlit display with a contrast ratio of 700:1, an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, up to 8GB DDR3 RAM, Nvidia 9400M and 9600M, 320GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive plus Firewire800, 3 x USB ports and of course, the new glass trackpad. Apple will offer a $50 anti-glare option also, for those who don’t much care for the reflectiveness of the glossy display.

At 0.98-inches (25mm) thin, they’re calling the new aluminum and glass unibody the world’s thinnest and lightest 17-inch laptop. Pricing will start at $2799 and is available now on pre-order direct from Apple.com.

UPDATE: MacMall has it listed with prices starting at $2,694 after mail-in rebate.

Sources:
Engadget Live MacWorld Coverage and Apple.com
Via: I4U News