MacBook Pro 2011 13″ Refresh Specs Leaked: Core i5 CPU, Thunderbolt is Lightpeak, No Case Redesign

Update: The MacBook Pro 2011 refresh is out, check out specs and prices, all Pro models have been updated.

The MacBook Pro 13″ 2011 refresh hardware specs have been leaked. Most notable is the addition of Core i5 processors to the 13″ lineup, and the new Thunderbolt (Light peak) high speed I/O port that doubles as the Mini-Displayport. Despite the rumors, there is no case redesign.

MacBook Pro 13″ 2011 Refresh Specs

These specs are transcribed from the above image:

• 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor with 3MB shared level 3 cache
• 4GB of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
• 320GB 5400-rpm hard drive
• 13.3″ LED-backlit glossy display at 1280×800 pixels
• Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor with 384MB of shared SDRAM
• FaceTime camera
• Thunderbolt (Lightpeak) port doubles as high speed I/O and Mini-Displayport
• SDXC card slot, Firewire 800 port, two USB 2.0 ports
• Optical audio shared in/out port
• 10/100/1000BASE-T ethernet
• 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1
• Backlit keyboard and ambient light sensor
• Size & Weight: 12.78×8.94×0.95 inches, 4.5lbs
• Aluminum unibody enclosure

This information comes from an alleged box shot on MacRumors of the upcoming MacBook Pro 13″, presumably it’s the lower-end base model.

MacBook Pro 2011 13″ Leaked Specs vs Rumors

You’ll notice there are several major differences with what the rumormill anticipated, most notably that there is not a redesigned chasis which I suggested could be the case yesterday in lieu of the alleged iPad 2 release date a week from now.

• No Chasis Redesign: despite the intel ad and various mockups, the chasis remains the same unibody aluminum enclosure as existing models. Comparing the leaked specs dimensions and weight are identical to the existing MacBook Pro 13″ model.
• No SSD: this may come as a build to order option, but the idea of a hybrid SSD drive or straight SSD drive as standard isn’t happening
• No High-Resolution Screen: keeping the same screen resolution on the 13″ Pro model is what surprises me the most about this update, the MacBook Air 13″ still has a better resolution
• SuperDrive is Still Here: I’m not too surprised that the superdrive is still around, but I am a little disappointed. I’ve used mine twice, I’d rather have less weight and thickness than a dusty DVD drive, but then again this is a Pro machine and many Pro users need to burn and read media still

The other proof of there not being a redesigned case is a picture of an alleged product box taken by Mac4Ever.com and shown on MacRumors.com, where the current unibody enclosure is clearly visible:

Now the questions surround the MacBook Pro 15″ and MacBook Pro 17″ and what features they will include, but you can be sure improved CPU’s and Thunderbolt will be on their lists too.