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==Overview== ==Overview==
] ]
The MacBook Pro was last revised on ] ] and is available in three standard configurations all including the Crestline chipset, which is part of the Santa Rosa platform. Added were slightly updated processors and the addition of a ] 800 port for the 15.4-inch model: The 15.4-inch model comes in 2.2 GHz (]1999) and 2.4 GHz (]2499) configurations while the 17-inch model comes with a 2.4 GHz (]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. {{Fact|date=July 2007}} 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.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} In addition, they contain no mercury, a benefit for the environment. The MacBook Pro was last revised on ] ] and is available in three standard configurations all including the ] chipset. Added were slightly updated processors and the addition of a ] 800 port for the 15.4-inch model: The 15.4-inch model comes in 2.2 GHz (]1999) and 2.4 GHz (]2499) configurations while the 17-inch model comes with a 2.4 GHz (]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. {{Fact|date=July 2007}} 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.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} In addition, they contain no mercury, a benefit for the environment.


All three configurations feature an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 120 ] 5400 RPM drive, 160 GB (5400 or 7200 RPM), or 200 GB (4200 rpm) hard drive; an ] ] ] ] (128 or 256 MB ]); a glossy or matte ] ] (16:10 aspect ratio); up to 4 GB of ]; and a built-in ] camera. All three configurations feature an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 120 ] 5400 RPM drive, 160 GB (5400 or 7200 RPM), or 200 GB (4200 rpm) hard drive; an ] ] ] ] (128 or 256 MB ]); a glossy or matte ] ] (16:10 aspect ratio); up to 4 GB of ]; and a built-in ] camera.
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===Processor=== ===Processor===
The MacBook Pro first used Intel Core Duo processors, which were replaced with ] 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 ] ] technology. The model refresh on June 5, 2007 utilises the ] chipset, which is part of the Santa Rosa platform, using an upgraded 800 MHz ] speed. The MacBook Pro first used Intel Core Duo processors, which were replaced with ] 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 ] ] technology. The model refresh on June 5, 2007 utilises the ] chipset, using an upgraded 800 MHz ] speed.


===Memory=== ===Memory===
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|- |-
|| ''']''' || 1.83, 2.0 or 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo (]) || 2.16 or 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (]) || 2.2 and 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (] with Crestline chipset/Santa Rosa platform) || ''']''' || 1.83, 2.0 or 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo (]) || 2.16 or 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (]) || 2.2 and 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (] with ] chipset)


|- |-
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*Apple quickly addressed an issue after the June 5th revision involving occasional problems with "Display Hot Swapping", resulting in one or both screens temporarily dimming or blanking completely.<ref>http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305607</ref> *Apple quickly addressed an issue after the June 5th revision involving occasional problems with "Display Hot Swapping", resulting in one or both screens temporarily dimming or blanking completely.<ref>http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305607</ref>
*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. <ref>http://www.colorblindmac.com/</ref> There is a class action law suit underway. <ref>http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7353</ref> *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. <ref>http://www.colorblindmac.com/</ref> There is a class action law suit underway. <ref>http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7353</ref>
*Some users have reported that the new LED screen technology for the Santa Rosa 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 1st 2007. However, there have not been as many problems reported recently with the newer builds.<ref>http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=313239</ref> *Some users have reported that the new LED screen technology for the ] 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 1st 2007. However, there have not been as many problems reported recently with the newer builds.<ref>http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=313239</ref>


==See also== ==See also==

Revision as of 16:05, 15 September 2007

MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro 15"
DeveloperApple Inc.
TypeLaptop
Release dateFebruary 14, 2006
Introductory priceUSD$1999 (as of June 5, 2007)
CPUIntel Core 2 Duo (Merom) T7500, T7700
WebsiteApple — MacBook Pro

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, the MacBook Pro was immediately available for pre-sale at online Apple Stores worldwide, with deliveries beginning in mid-February 2006. 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.

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

File:MacBook Pro box.JPG
Retail box for the 15 inch MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro was last revised on June 5 2007 and is available in three standard configurations all including the Crestline chipset. Added were slightly updated processors and the addition of a FireWire 800 port for the 15.4-inch model: 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. 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. 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); 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 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 utilises the Crestline chipset, using an upgraded 800 MHz front side bus speed.

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.) 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.

User serviceability

According to Apple support, the memory is user replacable. This will not void the warranty. A step-by-step guide to removal is provided by iFixit. However, unlike the MacBook the hard drive is not user replacable, and the MacBook Pro's processor is soldered onto the logic board and is impossible to replace as is possible with the iMac.

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, 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 October 2006 June 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 with Crestline chipset)
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, 120 GB Serial ATA, 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 200 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 drive 8x DVD read, 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW recording N/A N/A
Internal Slot-Loading SuperDrive 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
  • Notes:

Combo 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.

MacBook Pro 17"

April/October 2006 & June 2007

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 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 05, 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 05, 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 05, 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 05, 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 or RPC-1 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. As of July 2006, Apple acknowledged the problem, 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
  • 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.
  • In some early models the supplied battery is faulty, and may eventually start swelling while losing capacity. Due to very limited clearance above the battery this can cause permanent damage to the touchpad if left unfixed. 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."
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • Apple quickly addressed an issue after the June 5th revision involving occasional problems with "Display Hot Swapping", resulting in one or both screens temporarily dimming or blanking completely.
  • 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. There is a class action law suit underway.
  • Some users have reported that the new LED screen technology for the Crestline 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 1st 2007. However, there have not been as many problems reported recently with the newer builds.

See also

Mac transition to
Intel processors
Intel mobile processor

References

  1. Apple PR — Apple Introduces MacBook Pro — January 10, 2006
  2. Apple PR — Apple Begins Shipping MacBook Pro - February 14, 2006
  3. "Apple Updates MacBook Pro". Apple Press Release. June 5, 2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. "Mobile Intel® 945 Express Chipset Family Datasheet". Intel. 12 April 2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. "MacBook Pro DIY Parts". Apple (2007).
  6. "MacBook Pro Disassembly". iFixit.
  7. "Macworld test of third party hard drives". Macworld.
  8. "Apple DIY Parts List". Apple.
  9. "MacBook Pro Fixit Guide". iFixit.
  10. "Apple Unveils New MacBook Featuring Intel Core Duo Processors". Apple Press Release. May 16, 2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. "AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler for Mac". Apple, Inc. Retrieved 2007-04-15.
  12. http://fastmac.com/slim_bluray.php
  13. http://forum.rpc1.org/viewforum.php?f=30
  14. ^ "MacBook Pro: Noise Problems". MacInTouch. 2006.
  15. Thomas Ricker (March 14 2006). "Whining MacBook Pro? You're not alone". Engadget. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  16. "MacBook Pro with noise under the keyboard". Apple. 2006.
  17. "New MacBook Pros still overheating due to misapplied thermal grease?".
  18. "MacBook Pro battery bulge: time for a recall?". CNET.com.au. June 23 2006. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  19. Shane Stacks (June 16, 2006). "MacBook Pro woes continue with expanding batteries". Ars Technica Infinite Loop. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  20. https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/index.html
  21. http://www.apple.com/support/macbook_macbookpro/batteryupdate/
  22. http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/04/04/macbook.pro.issues.solved/
  23. http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=9D352BF2&nplm=MA357LL%2FA/
  24. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305607
  25. http://www.colorblindmac.com/
  26. http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7353
  27. http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=313239

External links

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