When it launched the MacBook Pro in January, Apple said it would begin shipping the Intel Core Duo-based notebook this month. Today, it narrowed the timeframe down to this week, but compensated patiently waiting purchasers with a processor upgrade, bumping the original 1.67GHz and 1.83GHz standard models to 1.83GHz and 2.0GHz.

And buyers ordering via Apple's website can even choose a 2.16GHz processor as one of the build-to-order options.

The other specs remain unchanged: both contains ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 GPUs with 128MB and 256MB of GDDR 3 graphics memory, respectively, driving a 15.4in, 1440 x 900 widescreen display. System memory starts at 512MB of 667MHz DDR 2 SDRAM for the 1.83GHz machine, and 1GB for the other. The lower-end machine ships with an 80GB 5,400rpm Serial ATA hard drive, while the other has 100GB drive. Both notebooks contain a DVD±RW/CD-RW optical drive.

The two machines have built in Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. For expansion, there's one FireWire 400 port, two USB 2.0 ports and an ExpressCard/34 slot. There's an integrated digicam too.

Prices start at £1429/$1999 for the 1.83GHz model, rising to £1779/$2499 and beyond if you opt for the BTO options. ®