Apple MacBook Pro Gets 5K Support: Your Turn, Microsoft Surface Pro

Apple’s new 15-inch MacBook Pro now supports high-resolution 5K displays. We’ll let AppleInsider explain the great news.

“The new 15-inch MacBook Pro has become the third Apple computer to ship with the ability to drive high-resolution 5K displays, but Apple’s flagship 5K device — the iMac with Retina 5K display — continues to lack the popular target display mode feature.”

The article notes that the new MacBook pro can be used with Dell’s 27-inch 5K monitor when carrying the optional AMD Radeon R9 M370x graphics chip. Earlier versions of the 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina, and all versions of the 13-inch MacBook Pro Retina, do not support 5K monitors.

It’s important to note that Microsoft’s flagship device, the Surface Pro, only externally supports a 2560×1600 pixel resolution. When released one year ago, it was more than enough, since 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution monitors and television screens were the norm. However, one year later, things have changed, as companies such as Dell are releasing 5K monitors, and 4K television sets have come down in price. It is rumored that Microsoft’s next Surface Pro 4 will not only have its own 4K screen, but support external 4K screens, as well.

In the meantime, Apple is preparing another device that will possibly support 5K displays: the iPad Pro. MacRumors has some information on Apple’s upcoming tablet.

“Expected to measure in at 12.9 inches, the iPad Pro will be Apple’s largest tablet, dwarfing both the 9.7-inch iPad Air 2 and the 7.9-inch iPad mini 3. At 12.9 inches, the iPad Pro would be closest in size to the 13-inch MacBook Air… It may also ship with an ‘ultra’ high-resolution display and speakers and microphones at both the top and bottom edges of the device, creating an improved stereo audio experience. It could also feature an optional stylus accessory, and perhaps even USB 3.0 ports.”

There are also rumors that the iPad Pro will have a digital stylus and run a variant of Apple’s OS X operating system. Basically, the iPad Pro could be the MacBook Pro in tablet form. In the past, Apple has wisely stayed away from using its desktop operating system on its tablets — that didn’t work out so well for Microsoft in the 2000s. However, now that companies are able to make powerful computers in tablet form, Apple may have changed its mind. Then again, it would be a very touchy choice on whether one should buy the iPad Pro or the MacBook Pro.

[Photo Credit: Engadget]