The MacBook Pro is a line of Macintosh notebook computers by Apple for the professional market. First announced on
January 10 2006 at the Macworld Expo by Apple CEO
Steve Jobs[1], the MacBook Pro was immediately available for pre-sale at online Apple Stores worldwide, with
deliveries beginning in mid-February 2006[2]. The
MacBook Pro was the successor to the 15-inch and 17-inch models of the PowerBook G4 series, and was the first Macintosh laptop to be powered by
the Intel Core Duo and
Core 2 Duo processors.
The MacBook Pro is currently available in two size configurations: a 15.4-inch model first introduced on January 10, 2006 and last revised on June 5,
2007, and a 17" model first introduced on April 24, 2006 and also last revised on June 5,
2007.[3]
Alongside the iMac Core Duo, the MacBook Pro represents Apple's first computers to feature Intel
processors instead of PowerPC processors, a transition that completed on August 7, 2006. Since the introduction of the MacBook Pro, other lines have followed, including the introduction of the Intel
Core powered Mac mini on 28 February 2006 and the consumer line of laptop computers, the MacBook on 16 May 2006.
Overview
Retail box for the 15 inch MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro, last revised on June 5 2007, is available in
three standard configurations. Added were slightly updated processors: The 15.4-inch model comes in 2.2 GHz (US$1999) and 2.4 GHz (US$2499) configurations while
the 17-inch model comes with a 2.4 GHz (US$2799) processor. The latest Core 2 Duo
MacBook Pro appears outwardly similar to its predecessor, and though Apple claims a 39% performance increase, real-world results
have varied. [citation needed] Although it is not highlighted on Apple's website, the 15.4 inch models now
come standard with a new LED backlight system, which supposedly are brighter and create more natural blacks than standard LCD
lamps. They also use less power and are less subject to the "fading" that can occur with traditional lamps.[citation needed] In addition, they contain no
mercury, a benefit for the environment.
All three configurations feature an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 120 GB 5400 RPM drive, 160
GB (5400 or 7200 RPM), or 200 GB (4200 rpm) hard drive; an nVidia Geforce 8600M GT graphics card
(128 or 256 MB GDDR3); an Intel Mobile PM965 Express
chipset; a glossy or matte widescreen LCD (16:10 aspect ratio); up to 4 GB of RAM; and a
built-in iSight camera.
The 15.4-inch MacBook Pro comes standard with two USB ports, one FireWire 400
port, one FireWire 800 port, an ExpressCard/34 expansion slot, DVI and VGA connectivity (VGA via included
adaptor), optical S/PDIF (via TOSLINK cable, not included) and
analog sound output and inputs, gigabit ethernet plus AirPort
Extreme Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless capabilities. Currently, all MacBook Pro models feature 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM running at
667 MHz as standard. The 17" model also adds a third USB port.
Running Mac OS X v10.4, bundled with the machine is an Apple Remote for use with the laptop, with Front Row, Photo Booth, and iLife '08. The MacBook Pro also features MagSafe, a magnetic power connector designed to detach easily when yanked to prevent the laptop from being
pulled off a surface. The MacBook Pro features a light-up keyboard with an ambient
light sensor and a scrolling trackpad standard across the line.
Accessories available for the MacBook Pro include a MagSafe airline power adapter, an external Apple USB modem (the MacBook Pro no longer includes an internal modem) and a DVI to S-Video/composite TV-out adapter (the same one used for the Mac mini and
Power Mac G5).
Processor
The MacBook Pro first used Intel Core Duo processors, which were replaced with Intel Core 2
Duo processors in October 2006. The Core 2 Duo was Intel's 64-bit dual-core processor designed for laptop computers, which
was developed under the code-name "Merom". This processor had a FSB (front-side bus) speed of 667 MHz, and supported
Vanderpool virtualization technology. The
model refresh on June 5 2007 features an upgraded 800 MHz
front side bus speed, as well as faster Merom processors.
Memory
The current model supports up to 4 GB of RAM, though the default model has 2 GB. Also the memory front side bus (FSB) is still
667 MHz, whilst the processor's FSB is 800 MHz. Older Merom models could only utilize a smaller and sometimes less efficient 3 GB
of RAM. It was inefficient if used as a combination of two different capacity slots (one 2 GB and one 1 GB.) [citation needed] When two 2 GB memory modules are
installed the "About This Mac" shows 4 GB, but the Activity Monitor applications reports 3.0 GB as the total amount of physical
RAM available.
Dual-channel architecture
The system will use the dual channel feature when memory is installed in
each slot (called asymmetric dual channel). Using exact pairs is called interleaved dual
channel, and results in optimal performance.[4]
User serviceability
According to Apple support, the memory is user replaceable. This will not void the warranty.[5] A step-by-step guide to removal is provided by iFixit.[6] However, unlike the MacBook the hard drive is
not user replacable,[7][8] and the MacBook Pro's processor is soldered onto the logic board and is
impossible to replace as is possible with the iMac.[9]
Specifications
MacBook Pro 15.4"
This model features a 15.4-inch display with a native resolution of 1440 × 900 and weighs 2.45 kg (5.4 pounds) since
5 June 2007, while the older 15.4-inch models of MacBook Pro weigh
2.54 kg (5.6 pounds). This is slightly thinner than the 15.2-inch PowerBook G4 as well as thinner than the last 17-inch
PowerBook; with a thickness of 2.54 cm (one inch). Differences from the 15.2" PowerBook G4 include a lack of internal modem and
S-video port. The video resolution was reduced by 60 vertical pixels, to 1440 × 900.
At launch on January 10, 2006, the MacBook Pro was announced
at speeds of 1.67 and 1.83 GHz. This was upgraded before shipping to 1.83 and 2.0 GHz, respectively, on February 14, 2006 and an additional build-to-order option with an 2.16 GHz
processor, the fastest Intel Core Duo chip at the time, became available. With the release of the consumer MacBook line of portables on May 15, 2006[10], the MacBook Pro line was upgraded to feature
2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz models only; the 2.16 GHz Core Duo became a standard feature on the top model rather than a build-to-order
option.
| Component |
Early 2006 |
Late 2006 |
Mid 2007 |
| Processor |
1.83, 2.0 or 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo (Yonah) |
2.16 or 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (64-bit Merom) |
2.2 and 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (64-bit Merom) |
| Memory |
Two memory slots, for up to 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM 667 MHz
(PC2-5300) |
Same, but up to 3 GB |
Same, but now 2 GB default and up to 4 GB |
| Display |
15.4-inch (viewable) matte or optional glossy TFT widescreen with 1440 x 900 pixel resolution, 300 cd/m² brightness |
Same |
Same, but now features LED backlighting for 15.4" models |
| Graphics |
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128 MB or 256 MB of GDDR3
SDRAM and dual-link DVI |
Same |
ATI part replaced with nVidia Geforce 8600M GT |
| Hard drive |
80 GB, 100 GB, Serial ATA, 5400 rpm. Optional 100 GB, 7200 rpm. or 120 GB, 5400
rpm. |
100 GB, 120 GB or 160 GB Serial ATA, 5400 rpm. Optional 100 GB, 7200 rpm. |
120 GB or 160 GB Serial ATA, 5400 rpm. Optional 250 GB, 4200 rpm or 160 GB, 7200
rpm. |
| Battery |
60 watt-hour lithium ion polymer
battery, charged by 85 watt power adapter with MagSafe port |
Same |
Same |
| Airport Extreme |
Integrated 802.11a/b/g |
Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n disabled by default)² |
Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n enabled) |
| Internal Slot-Loading Combo drive1 |
8x DVD read, 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW recording |
N/A |
N/A |
| Internal Slot-Loading SuperDrive1 |
8x double-layer discs reads. 4x DVD+/-R & RW recording. 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW
recording (optional) |
2.4x DVD+R DL writes, 6x DVD+/-R read, 4x DVD+/-RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording |
4x DVD+R DL writes, 8x DVD+/-R read, 4x DVD+/-RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording |
| Audio |
Combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/headphone out,
stereo speakers, microphone |
Same |
Same |
| Ethernet |
Built-in 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) |
Same |
Same |
| Modem |
Sold separately (Apple USB Modem) |
Same |
Same |
| Other I/O |
Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port, IR sensor, ExpressCard/34 slot |
Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port, one FireWire 800 port, IR sensor, ExpressCard/34 slot |
Same |
| Dimensions |
Footprint: 35.7 × 24.3 cm / 14.1 × 9.6 inches
Thickness: 2.59 cm / 1.02 inch
Weight: 2.54 kg / 5.6 pounds |
Same |
Same, but weight was reduced to 2.45 kg / 5.4 pounds |
1Combo drive and SuperDrive speeds mentioned are its maximum.
²For wireless-N to function, one can
purchase the Airport Extreme Wireless-N Router, which contains wireless-N enabler software to be installed on your MacBook.
Alternatively, you can purchase the enabler software separately from Apple. [11]
MacBook Pro 17"
Introduced on April 24, 2006, the 17-inch MacBook Pro features
a 17-inch display with a native resolution of 1680 × 1050 and weighs 3.08 kg (6.8 pounds). At the time of release, the 17-inch
featured the Intel Core Duo
processor at 2.16 GHz; similar to the 15-inch, the 17-inch MacBook Pro had an upgrade on October
24, 2006 that gave way to the faster Intel Core 2 Duo
processor clocked at 2.33 GHz. On June 5, 2007 the processor speed
was bumped to 2.4 GHz.
In addition to the standard features of the 15.4-inch model, the 17-inch MacBook Pro also features an additional USB 2.0 port
and an 8× SuperDrive as opposed to the 6× SuperDrive of the 15-inch models (prior to the upgrade on June
5, 2007 which included 8x drives in both 15" and 17" models). Its ATI Radeon X1600 GPU was
replaced with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT on June 5, 2007.
The 17" MacBook Pro replaces the 17-inch PowerBook G4 and has features very similar to those found in its immediate
predecessor. It is, however, slightly thinner at 2.59 cm (one inch).
The 17" MacBook Pro has identical specifications to the top 15.4-inch model, except for the following:
- Display: 17-inch (diagonal), 1680 × 1050 resolution (1920x1200 available
as a build-to-order option).
- The refresh on June 5, 2007 now allows one to chose an optional
high-resolution 1920x1200 pixel display for US$100.
- The 17" displays, even the high-resolution option, do not use LED backlighting.
- Battery: 68 watt-hour
- Hard disk drive: 160 GB, 5400 RPM drive (optional 160 GB, 7200 RPM drive or 250 GB, 4200 RPM drive)
- Optical drive: Pioneer-D150A 8× SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) double-layer
read, DVD+R DL write
- The 17" uses the popular industry standard 12.7 mm size optical drive, as opposed to the 9.5 mm drives used in the 15" and
MacBook. Thus it can be replaced with a Blu-ray[12] or RPC-1[13] optical drive.
- Other I/O: Three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port, one FireWire 800 port, IR sensor
- Weight: 3.1 kg / 6.8 pounds
- Footprint: 39.2 × 26.5 cm / 15.4 × 10.4 inches
Issues
Users have reported numerous issues with some of the MacBook Pro Core Duo and Core 2 Duo laptops. These include:
- A hissing noise often described as a whine, found to be caused by an idle processor. Software workarounds and the effect of
screen position and power source on the issue have been reported.[14][15] As of July
2006, Apple acknowledged the problem[16], and a
replacement mainboard has fixed the "whine" issue for some users.
- A claim of excessive heat generation, which was initially speculated to be caused by the application of excessive quantities
of thermal grease on the processor during manufacturing. Apparently the new Macbook Pros
suffer the same problem [17]
- Some early models (serial numbers starting below W8610) had a screen hum emitting from the right side of the machine present
when display brightness was set somewhere between maximum and minimum brightness.[14]
- In some early models the supplied battery is faulty, and may eventually start swelling while losing capacity[18]. Due to very limited clearance above the battery this can
cause permanent damage to the touchpad if left unfixed.[19] Apple eventually addressed the problem and issued a somewhat "silent recall" of the batteries that
were used in certain models of the 15" Macbook Pro. The batteries did not pose a safety risk and were recalled due to the failure
to meet Apple's "high standards for battery performance." [20]
- In May 2007, Apple extended the warranty on batteries to 2 years from date of purchase after the release of Battery Update
1.2, which was supposed to improve battery performance. Batteries that exhibit certain symptoms after the firmware update are
eligible for replacement by Apple.[21]
- Although no formal test results have been published, many users are reporting that some of these issues were fixed in later
models (week 11 and onwards).[22]
- There have been complaints about the MagSafe power adaptor breaking at its magnetic
connector head, and in some instances melting while the wire is exposed.[23]
- Apple quickly addressed an issue after the June 5 revision involving occasional problems with
"Display Hot Swapping", resulting in one or both screens temporarily dimming or blanking completely.[24]
- Apple has been accused of supplying sub-standard LCD display hardware with their Macbook Pros. While Apple marketing claims
that the display is capable of 8-bit RGB with millions of colors, they are using 6-bit LCD screens that only provide 262,000
colors natively with dithering to simulate millions of colors. This is a fairly common process for laptop manufacturers. However,
a problem has been noticed with their dithering routine that can create artifacts during the display of gradients in images,
which is inconvenient for graphic artists. The problem manifests only on the internal LCD display and not on external monitors.
[25] There is a class action law suit underway. [26]
- Some users have reported that the new LED screen technology for the Mid 2007 15.4" MBP model, has a defective screen, whereby
the lower third of the screen shows a yellowish tint when viewed straight on. The problem has manifested itself on both the
glossy and matte type screens, and on both manufacturers of the screen, LG and Samsung. However it seems that the Samsung screens
are more likely to have this problem. Apple has not publicly acknowledged this problem as of August
1 2007. However, there have not been as many problems reported recently with the newer
builds.[27]
- A small number of users have experienced issues with an unresponsive GUI, which can only be remedied by a reboot. Symptoms
include: The mouse pointer can still be moved, iTunes still does play, and it is possible to log in with SSH.[28]
Timeline of the MacBook family
- See also: Timeline of Macintosh
models
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See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
References
External links
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