MacBook Pro

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MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro 15"
Type Notebook
Developer Apple Inc.
Released February 14, 2006
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T8300, T9300, T9500
Base price USD$1999 (as of February 26, 2008)
Website Apple - MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro is a line of Macintosh portable computers by Apple Inc. for the professional and power user market. It makes up the high end of the MacBook family.

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 different sizes with differently-sized screens: a 15-inch model, with a 15.4-inch (diagonal) screen, first introduced on January 10, 2006 and last revised on February 26, 2008, and a 17-inch model, with a 17-inch (diagonal) screen, first introduced on April 24, 2006 and also last revised on February 26, 2008.

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 MacBook consumer line of laptop computers on May 16, 2006.

Contents

[edit] Overview

Retail box for the 15-inch MacBook Pro
Retail box for the 15-inch MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro, last revised on February 26, 2008, is available in three standard configurations: The 15.4-inch model comes in 2.4 GHz (US$1999), 2.5 GHz (US$2499), 2.6 GHz (US$2749) configurations while the 17-inch model comes with a 2.5 GHz (US$2799) processor, or (US$3049) with the 2.6 GHz option. The 15-inch models come standard with an LED backlight system, which supposedly are brighter and create more natural blacks than standard LCD lamps as well as providing lower power consumption; in addition, they contain no mercury.

All three configurations feature:

The 15-inch MacBook Pro comes standard with two USB ports, the 17 inch comes with 3, 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/draft-n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR wireless capabilities. All MacBook Pro models feature 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM running at 667 MHz as standard.

The MacBook Pro uses 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 back-lit keyboard with an ambient light sensor and a Multi-Touch (previously scrolling) trackpad standard across the line.

The MacBook Pro is pre-loaded with Mac OS X v10.5, which includes Time Machine, Boot Camp, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, iTunes, and Xcode Developer Tools. It comes with iLife '08, which includes iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand. 30-day trials of Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac and iWork '08 are also included.

Accessories available for the MacBook Pro include a MagSafe airline power adapter, an external Apple USB modem, and a DVI to S-Video/composite TV-out adapter (the same one used for the Mac mini and Mac Pro). Also, the Apple Remote became a user-selectable option on the Apple Store as of the Early 2008 revision.

[edit] 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 an 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. On February 26, 2008 the MacBook Pro line was fitted with "Penryn" Intel Core 2 Duo processors.

[edit] Memory

The current models support up to 4 GB of RAM, though they ship with 2 GB included. The memory front side bus (FSB) is still 667 MHz, while the processor's FSB is 800 MHz. The earliest models support a maximum of 2 GB (two 1 GB modules or one 2 GB module). More recent Merom models based on the "Napa Refresh" chipset could have 4 GB installed, but 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).[3] When two 2 GB memory modules are installed the "About This Mac" shows 4 GB, but on these models the Activity Monitor applications reports 3.0 GB as the total amount of physical RAM available. Newer models can address and fully utilize 4 GB of RAM without an issue.

[edit] Dual-channel architecture

Using matched memory modules is called interleaved dual channel, and results in optimal performance. Mismatched modules lead to asymmetric dual channel, and a slight performance hit.[4]

[edit] 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] and Apple[7]. However, unlike the MacBook the hard drive is a bit more difficult to replace, but still possible.[8][9] The MacBook Pro's processor is soldered onto the logic board and is impossible to replace, the same as all recent Mac portables.[10]

[edit] Models

[edit] MacBook Pro 15"

This model features a 15.4-inch (diagonal) display with a native resolution of 1440 × 900 and weighs 5.4 lb (2.45 kg) since 5 June 2007, while the older 15-inch models of MacBook Pro weigh 5.6 pounds (2.54 kg). This is slightly thinner than and with a larger screen than the earlier PowerBook G4 (which has a 15.2-inch screen) as well as thinner than the last 17-inch PowerBook; with a thickness of one inch (2.54 cm). Differences from the earlier PowerBook G4 include a lack of internal modem and S-video port. Although the screen has increased in overall size, the video resolution was reduced on the MacBook Pro 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[11], 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.

The footprint of the 15" MacBook Pro measures 14.1 × 9.6 inches / 35.7 × 24.3 cm and it is 1.02 inches thick / 2.59 cm. It weighed 5.6 pounds / 2.54 kg until June 5, 2007, when the weight was reduced to 5.4 pounds / 2.45 kg.

[edit] MacBook Pro 17"

The 17-inch MacBook Pro
The 17-inch MacBook Pro

Introduced on April 24, 2006, the 17-inch MacBook Pro features a 17-inch display with a native resolution of 1680 × 1050 or 1920 x 1200 and weighs 6.8 lb (3.1 kg). 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.

In addition to the standard features of the 15-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-inch and 17-inch models). Its ATI Radeon X1600 GPU was replaced with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT on June 5, 2007 and remains the current graphics solution.

The 17-inch 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 one inch (2.54 cm).

  • Weight: 6.8 lb / 3.1 kg
  • Footprint: 15.4 × 10.4 inches / 39.2 × 26.5 cm

[edit] Specifications

Component Intel Core Duo Intel Core 2 Duo
Model Early 2006 [1] [2] [3] Late 2006 [4] Mid 2007 [5] [6] Early 2008 [7]
Display
(all widescreen)		 15", matte or glossy, 1440x900 17", matte or glossy, 1680×1050 15", matte or glossy, 1440x900 17", matte or glossy, 1680×1050 15", matte or glossy, 1440x900
with LED backlight		 17", matte or glossy, 1680×1050
Optional 1920x1200		 15", matte or glossy, 1440x900
with LED backlight		 17", matte or glossy, 1680×1050
Optional LED backlit 1920x1200
Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128 MB (128 MiB) or 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI nVidia Geforce 8600M GT with 128 MB or 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI nVidia Geforce 8600M GT with 256 MB or 512 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI
Hard drive1 80 GB, 100 GB, Serial ATA, 5400 rpm.
Optional 100 GB, 7200 rpm. or 120 GB, 5400 rpm.		 120 GB 160 GB or 200 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.
Optional 250 GB, 5400 rpm or 200 GB, 7200 rpm after November 1, 2007.		 200 GB or 250 GB Serial ATA, 5400 rpm.
Optional 200 GB, 7200 rpm or 300 GB, 4200 rpm
Processor 1.83, 2.0 or 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo Yonah 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo Yonah 2.16 or 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Merom 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Merom 2.2 and 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Merom
Optional 2.6 GHz after November 1, 2007		 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Merom
Optional 2.6 GHz after November 1, 2007		 2.4 and 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Penryn
Optional 2.6 GHz		 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Penryn
Optional 2.6 GHz
Memory 512 MB or 1 GB (1 GiB) PC2-5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM SDRAM
(Expandable4 to 2 GB)		 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM SDRAM
(Expandable4 to 2 GB)		 1 GB or 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM SDRAM
(Expandable4 to 4 GB, but only 3 GB addressable[12])		 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM SDRAM
(Expandable4 to 4 GB, but only 3 GB addressable)		 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM SDRAM
(Expandable4 to 4 GB)
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 drive3 8x DVD read, 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW recording n/a
Internal Slot-Loading SuperDrive3 (optional)8x DVD-DL discs reads. 4x DVD+/-R & RW recording. 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW recording 4x DVD+R writes, 8x DVD+/-R read, 4x DVD+/-RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording 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/write, 4x DVD+/-RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording 4x DVD+R DL writes, 8x DVD+/-R read/write, 8x DVD+RW writes, 6x DVD-RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 16x CD-RW recording
  • Notes:

1Hard drives listed are configurations available from Apple.
2Wireless-N functionality requires the AirPort Extreme Wireless-N Router, which contains wireless-N enabler software to be installed on your MacBook. Alternatively, the enabler software may be purchased from Apple separately.[13]
3Quoted optical drive speeds are the maximum possible for each drive.
4Existing memory modules may need to be replaced.

[edit] Issues

 It has been suggested that some of the information in this article's Criticism or Controversy section(s) be merged into other sections to achieve a more neutral presentation. (Discuss)

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. As of August 28, 2007, that problem has been resolved.[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 touch pad if left unfixed.[19] Apple eventually addressed the problem and issued a 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 released Battery Update 1.2, which was designed to improve battery life. In conjunction with this update, Apple created a repair extension program to extend the replacement coverage of batteries that exhibited some specific failure symptoms that were not corrected by the new update.[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]
  • A large number of users have noticed that the keyboard is not responsive to some typing. Many say that when typing in a new field the first letter is missing. Others have problems with specific letters not being recognized. This is a known Apple bug issue with report Bug ID# 4333743. The discussion on the Apple forum can be found here: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1036890&start=0&tstart=0 (one must have an Apple ID to view this discussion.)
  • A small number of users have noticed that the audio-out jack on the 2007 revision MacBook Pro puts out varying amounts of hiss, static, and whine. This issue affects all 2007 revision MacBook Pro models and appears to be a design flaw of the computer's logic board. A description of the problem can be found here: http://www.macintouch.com/reviews/mbp15led. The issue has not been acknowledged by Apple or resolved as of the February 2008 revision.
  • On the latest 2008 MacBook Pros, users are reporting that the backlit LED screens display vertical bands of alternating light and dark stripes. This seems to mainly affect the 15 inch matte screen versions. Relevant discussion can be found here: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1423301&tstart=0

Timeline of the MacBook family

See also: Timeline of Macintosh models

[edit] See also

Apple Intel transition

Architecture
Universal binary
Boot Camp
Rosetta

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[edit] References

  1. ^ Apple PR — Apple Introduces MacBook Pro — January 10, 2006
  2. ^ Apple PR — Apple Begins Shipping MacBook Pro - February 14, 2006
  3. ^ MacBook Pro: For maximum performance, upgrade memory in matched pairs. Apple Inc..
  4. ^ Mobile Intel 945 Express Chipset Family Datasheet. Intel (12 April 2007).
  5. ^ MacBook Pro DIY Parts. Apple (2007).
  6. ^ MacBook Pro Disassembly. iFixit.
  7. ^ MacBook Pro: How to install memory. Apple.
  8. ^ Macworld test of third party hard drives. Macworld.
  9. ^ Apple DIY Parts List. Apple.
  10. ^ MacBook Pro Fixit Guide. iFixit.
  11. ^ Apple Unveils New MacBook Featuring Intel Core Duo Processors. Apple Press Release (May 16, 2006).
  12. ^ Inside the MacBook Pro’s 3 GB RAM limitation, Jason D. O'Grady and David Morgenstern, ZDNet, 30 October 2006.
  13. ^ AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler for Mac. Apple, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-04-15.
  14. ^ a b MacBook Pro: Noise Problems. MacInTouch (2006).
  15. ^ Thomas Ricker (March 14, 2006). Whining MacBook Pro? You're not alone. Engadget.
  16. ^ MacBook Pro with noise under the keyboard. Apple (2006).
  17. ^ Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch (Core 2 Duo T7700) PC Magazine Review.
  18. ^ MacBook Pro battery bulge: time for a recall?. CNET.com.au (June 23, 2006).
  19. ^ Shane Stacks (June 16, 2006). MacBook Pro woes continue with expanding batteries. Ars Technica Infinite Loop.
  20. ^ 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Exchange Program
  21. ^ Apple - Support - MacBook and MacBook Pro Battery Update
  22. ^ MacNN |Apple quietly fixes MacBook Pro issues
  23. ^ The Apple Store (U.S.) - Welcome to the Apple Store
  24. ^ MacBook Pro display issue related to "hot-plugging"
  25. ^ colorblind mac color blind test at colorblindmac.com
  26. ^ DailyTech - Apple Sued for Deceptive MacBook and MacBook Pro Advertising
  27. ^ SR MBP LED LCD yellowish and gradients issue - Mac Forums
  28. ^ Apple - Support - Discussions - C2D weird locking up/freezing/hanging?

[edit] External links

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