Apple unveils Macbook Pros using Intel's Sandy Bridge processor

Apple has updated its Macbook Pro laptops with next-generation Intel processors.

Available now, the new models include Intel's new Sandy Bridge processors, available in either dual- or quad-core versions.

Apple also said the new Macbook Pro laptops will have what the company calls 'Thunderbolt', potentially a high-speed successor to the USB connection port that also supports Firewire.

Another addition is a Facetime HD camera that allows for higher-quality video calling.

The lowest priced Macbook Pro at £1,000 has a 13-inch screen and a 2.3GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 processor and 320GB hard disk.

At the other end of the scale, the £2,100 17-inch Macbook Pro has a 2.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 processor, an AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics card and a 750GB hard disk.

Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice-president of worldwide product marketing, said: "The new Macbook Pro brings next-generation dual- and quad-core processors, high performance graphics, Thunderbolt technology and Facetime HD to the great design loved by our pro customers."

Apple also announced that a preview of its latest operating system, OS X Lion, was now available to developers.

Due for release this summer, Lion will have a number of new features based on the Apple iPad operating system including full-screen apps from the Mac App Store and a new file system called Launchpad which displays all the applications installed on the system.