Apple has updated the MacBook Pro line with faster processors, next-generation Nvidia graphics and longer battery life. The 13-inch MacBook Pro features the new Nvidia GeForce 320M graphics processor for up to 80% faster graphics and a 10-hour built-in battery.

The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models feature Intel Core i5 and i7 processors and Apple’s new automatic graphics switching technology that toggles seamlessly between powerful Nvidia GeForce GT 330M and energy efficient Intel HD Graphics processors, according to Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

All 13-inch MacBook Pro models now include faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 4GB RAM, a 10-hour built-in battery and the new Nvidia GeForce 320M graphics processor. With 48 processing cores, the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M is the fastest integrated graphics processor on the market, ideal for graphics intensive applications or high performance games, says Schiller.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in two configurations: one with a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 250GB hard drive priced at US$1,199 -- and one with a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 320GB hard drive priced at $1,499.

The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models are purportedly up to 50% faster than the previous systems. Using Intel’s 32 nanometer process, Intel Core i5 and i7 processors integrate the memory controller and Level 3 cache for faster access to system memory. Hyper-Threading technology improves data throughput by creating virtual processing cores, while Turbo Boost optimizes performance between the two processor cores, accelerating the system from 2.66GHz to 3.06GHz for intensive dual core tasks, and up to 3.33 GHz for single core tasks.

All 15-inch and 17-inch models include two graphics processors, the new Nvidia GeForce GT 330M and Intel HD Graphics. More than twice as fast as the GeForce 320M, the powerful new GeForce GT 330M provides incredibly smooth, crisp on-screen graphics for the most demanding 3D games, creative software and technical applications, says Schiller.

Apple’s automatic graphics switching determines which graphics processor an application needs and switches instantly between processors to deliver peak performance and long battery life. Tightly integrated hardware and software purportedly allow the new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro to deliver eight to nine hours on a single charge.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is available in three models: one with a 2.4GHz Intel Core i5, Nvidia GeForce GT 330M and 320GB hard drive at $1,799; one with a 2.53GHz Intel Core i5, Nvidia GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive at $1,999; and one with a 2.66GHz Intel Core i7, Nvidia GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive at $2,199. The new 17-inch MacBook Pro features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core i5, Nvidia GeForce GT 330M and 500GB hard drive for $2,299.

The MacBook Pro glass Multi-Touch trackpad now supports inertial scrolling, a way to scroll through large photo libraries, lengthy documents and long web sites. All MacBook Pros feature bright, LED-backlit wide-angle displays. The 17-inch MacBook Pro includes a high resolution 1920 x 1200 display, and the 15-inch MacBook Pro is now available with an optional high resolution 1680 x 1050 display. Customers can also upgrade their MacBook Pro with new 128GB, 256GB and 512GB solid state drives.