Regarding the 13" model, it's offered with two basic configurations. The first one, 13", 2.26 GHz CPU Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB 1066 MHz DDR 3 SDRAM (2 x 1 GB), 160 GB serial ATA Drive, SD Card Slot, built in 7 hour battery, NVIDIA GeForce 9400 M graphics chip, is the entry level model in the MacBook Pro line. The second configuration is what customers should buy, 13", 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB 1066 MHz DDR 3 SDRAM (2 x 2 GB), SD Card Slot, the same built in 7 hour battery and NVIDIA GeForce 9400 M graphics chip.The prices start from $1199 (a relatively good price) and can go up to $3350 (scary, I know) if you choose optional 8 GB 1066 MHz DDR 3 SDRAM, 2 x 4 GB - $1100 and a 256 GB solid state drive - at a shocking list price of $850).
The new aluminum MacBook Pro design follows the design of both 15" and 17" MacBook Pro. Apple successfully delivers new quality design to its small notebook / entry level MacBook Pros. The full aluminum case appears to be of top quality. The 13" aluminum MacBook Pro utilizes the same excellent closing mechanism from the MacBook Air. The magnetic lock works perfect and secure the display when closed. All the MacBook Pro models are clearly improved from the old ones through the new design and the new production process (using one aluminum block for the case). In the new design Apple locates all the ports on the left side of the case. On the front side we have the MacRemote Irda, indicator LED. On the left side, MagSafe, Gigabit LAN, 2 x USB 2.0, Line in, headphones and Line out, battery indicator LEDs, Mini Display port, Kensington lock while on the right side we find DVD RW Drive.
The display is relatively new with LED background lighting which offers excellent brightness. Also thanks to the new technology the screen is immediately bright after the MacBook is switched on. A luxury feature is the scratch proof glass pane in front of the display. The maximum brightness offered by the new 13" aluminum MacBook Pro is in the center of the display 300 cd/m2. Apple provides for both 13" plastic MacBook and 13" aluminum MacBook Pro a new NVIDIA video chip, GeForce 9400M. But don't be fooled this is a shared memory graphics chip. The video chip uses 256 MB from the 2 GB or 4 GB DDR 3 RAM 1066 MHz. At the launch, Apple announced that the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M has a five time better performance than the old X3100.
The built in battery is not such a great feature in the long run. According to Apple the battery life is up to five hours. Overall the 13" aluminum MacBook Pro is a must have model which offers great design and good features for only $200 more than the MacBook.