Apple just updated their MacBook Pro laptops. The 17-inch version got a display upgrade, now giving buyers a choice to opt for the 1920 x 1200 high-resolution display. Both 15-inch and 17-inch versions are now equipped with Intel’s latest Santa Rosa platform. This update to Intel’s Centrino platform sports an 800Mhz FSB which dynamically changes based on power. Another much-anticipated update is the use of LED backlighting for the 15-inch model. So now there’s a 15-inch model that tops at 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 1440 by 900 display resolution, 160GB 5,400rpm hard disk, 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM with support up to 4GB. The high end 17-inch model has a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor and a 1920 by 1200 high resolution. Wireless 802.11n is built-in, as well as the Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR. The superdrive has also been bumped to 8x speed.

One feature to note is the new LED backlighting for the 15-inch models (LED backlight for the 17-inch models is coming next). This backlighting technology is better than the traditional cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) because it helps to improve the color presentation of the LCD.

The new MacBook Pros still carry some legendary design elements found in Apple’s pro laptops such as backlit keyboard that automatically adjusts its brightness based on ambient light, the power adapter with mag-safe connector and the scrolling trackpad.

The 15-inch, 2.2GHz model costs $1,999 while the high-end 17-inch, 2.4GHz one with the high resolution display is available for $2,899.