by , 3:05 PM EDT, April 25th, 2006

When Apple introduced the 17-inch MacBook Pro on Monday, some observers scratched their heads over the pricing when compared to the 15-inch model. For example, the 15-inch MacBook Pro sells for US$2,499, and upgrading its processor to the 2.16GHz Core Duo one used in the $2,799 17-inch version adds $300, making the cost equal with its sibling but without the larger hard drive, 8X Dual Layer SuperDrive, FireWire 800 port, and other amenities.

Gizmodo was one of several Web sites pointing out the disparity on Tuesday. Some believe the issue could lead to Apple slicing prices or making changes to the 15-inch MacBook Pro. "No doubt that portends an upcoming price reduction or processor enhancement for the original model, but it does seem strange right now," Gene Steinberg wrote on his Web site, The Mac Night Owl.