MacBook Pro Update, Will a Redesign Come in 2012?

Apple gave its MacBook Pro product line a few new updates today with a refresh to graphics and twice-as-fast processors. Does this minor update signal a redesign overhaul for 2012?

Start-of-the-art processors. All-new graphics. Breakthrough high-speed I/O. Three very big leaps forward, reads the MacBook Pro page on Apple's website.

While most models were slightly tweaked, most notably, the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro was upgraded from 1.3 GHz to 2.4 GHz with increased storage capabilities from 320GB to 500GB.

Though the processors have increased speed, the prices of the MacBook Pro line have not changed, nor have the disc drives been removed. Here are the updated specs:

New 13-inch MacBook Pros:

2.4 GHz dual-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, 500 GB hard drive, SD card slot $1,199

2.8 GHz dual-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, 750 GB hard drive, SD card slot $1,499

New 15-inch MacBook Pro:

2.2 GHz quad-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, 500 GB hard drive, SD card slot $1,799

2.4 GHz quad-core processor, 4 GB of RAM, 750 GB hard drive, SD card slot $2,199

New 17-inch MacBook Pro:

2.4 GHz quad-core processor, 4GB, 750 GB hard drive, SD card slot, Express Card slot $2,499

For an extra $1,200, all models can upgrade hard drive capacities to 512 GB for $1,200.

The last update to the MacBook Pro was in February 2011, when Apple included Thunderbolt ports and flip-flopped the Core 2 Duo with i-series processors.

The quiet update from Apple comes as a minor tweak to the Pro until a next generation chip is launched by Ivy Bridge in 2012. Rumors are circulating for a 2012 redesign, where Apple will draw inspiration from the MacBook Air, with the Pro being a larger, more professional model.