Your new MacBook Pro
About this article
This article highlights major changes and new features introduced by the latest laptop and tablet models offered through the E-Warrior Digital Life and Learning Program. It is intended for all students and employees who are scheduled to exchange their laptops and tablets during summer 2016 or during the 2016-2017 academic year.
The Apple MacBook Pro
Apple M3 Chip
Apple claims that this chip is the fastest it created to this date. That should translate into faster processing on large programs, cooler running temperatures, and quicker response times for all your computing needs.
Touch Bar and Touch ID
The Touch Bar and Touch ID are designed to provide contextual function keys that change with every application and tab you have open. The Touch Bar will allow software designers update functionality that is added as the program is updated. Below is a great introduction to the Touch Bar.
macOS Sonoma
This operating system includes a number of new features and functions and will be pre-installed on your new MacBook Pro. If this is your first Mac laptop, you may want to consider spending some time familiarizing yourself with the macOS operating system.
Thunderbolt port
Beginning in summer 2011, Apple started replacing the Mini DisplayPort port with a new Thunderbolt port. The port has the same shape as the Mini DisplayPort and accommodates any Mini DisplayPort adapter you may have purchased previously. For example, if you have a Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter that you use to connect your current MacBook to a projector, this will work with your new MacBook Pro. The benefits of Thunderbolt include an increased data transfer rate (10 Gb/sec) and the ability to connect high-resolution displays and high-performance data devices through a single port. For more information, consult Apple's Thunderbolt FAQ article. Note: employees interested in this adapter should contact the Technical Support Center (TechSupport@winona.edu, 507-457-5240, Somsen Hall 207).