MacBook Pro Loaded With Thunderbolt Port, Intel Sandy Bridge and More, Website Claims

Photos and information reportedly detailing specifications of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro have surfaced, and Apple enthusiasts are finding much to discuss.

German-language Mac blog fscklog posted a shot of the MacBook Pro's spec sheet (in German). For those who don't Deutsch sprechen, MacRumors offers a translation and says the information is legit.

The new MacBook's key features:

1. A Light Peak "Thunderbolt" port
A variation of Intel's Light Peak technology, the Thunderbolt port is designed to surpass USB and FireWire connectivity with faster transfer times and more device flexibility. As GigaOm explains:

Imagine a future where every port running down the side of your MacBook is the same, and all of your devices can connect to any one of them in order to perform their intended function, including data drives, external displays and even your power adapter. It seems utopian, but Light Peak offers the potential to make that future a reality, and with Apple's ever-growing market share (and influence), it's in a better position than ever to help usher that future in.

Although Apple may be hoping to move users toward Thunderbolt technology, it'll be some time before everyone throws away their USB and FireWire cables. The new MacBook Pro reportedly contains a FireWire 800 port and two USB ports.

2. Sandy Bridge processor
Or, if you prefer, a 2.3 Ghz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor. Sandy Bridge is Intel's second-generation processor, which integrates processor cores, memory, last-level cache, graphics and media processing on a single chip. That means it's faster and more efficient than first-generation processors.

3. FaceTime HD camera
A revamp of the built-in iSight camera you'll find in previous MacBooks, FaceTime HD could be essentially the same as higher-resolution iSights, or it could offer additional improvements. Apple's FaceTime technology enables video calls on iPhones, iPod Touches or Macs with a WiFi connection.

These specs are for the base-level MacBook Pro, which means premium models could be packed with even more bells and whistles.

Rumor has it that the new MacBook Pro will be released Thursday. As Mashable notes, that's Steve Jobs' 56th birthday. Will a candle fit in that Thunderbolt port?

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