MacBook Pro

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MacBook Pro
Image:MacBook Pro.jpg The MacBook Pro 15"
Type:	Laptop
Developer:	Apple Computer
Released:	February 14, 2006
Processor(s):	2.16 — 2.33 GHz 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo
Base Price:	USD$1999 (as of 2006)
Website:	Apple — MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro is a line of Macintosh notebook computers developed by Apple Computer for the professional market. First announced on 10 January 2006 at the MacWorld Expo by Apple CEO Steve Jobs<ref name=intro>Apple PR — Apple Introduces MacBook Pro — January 10, 2006</ref>, the MacBook Pro was immediately available for pre-sale at online Apple Stores worldwide, with deliveries beginning in mid-February 2006<ref name=ship>Apple PR — Apple Begins Shipping MacBook Pro - February 14, 2006</ref>. The MacBook Pro is 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 processor.

The MacBook Pro is currently available in two size configurations: a 15.4-inch model first introduced on 10 January 2006 and last revised on 24 October 2006, and a 17" model first introduced on 24 April 2006 and also last revised on 24 October 2006.<ref name=17-inch>Apple PR — Apple Introduces 17-inch MacBook Pro - April 24, 2006</ref>

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.

1 Specifications
- 1.1 MacBook Pro 15.4"
  - 1.1.1 January/May/October 2006
- 1.2 MacBook Pro 17"
  - 1.2.1 April/October 2006
2 Hardware
- 2.1 Issues
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Specifications

The MacBook Pro is available in three standard configurations, last revised on October 24 2006 to include an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and the addition of a FireWire 800 port for the 15.4-inch model: The 15.4-inch model comes in 2.16 GHz (US$1999) and 2.33 GHz ($2499) configurations while the 17-inch model comes with a 2.33 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, as always, have varied.

All three configurations feature an Intel Core 2 Duo processor; a 120 GB, 160 GB (5400 rpm), or 200 GB hard drive (4200 rpm); an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics card (128 or 256 MiB GDDR3); a glossy or matte widescreen LCD (16:10 aspect ratio); up to 3 GiB 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-P/DIF and analog sound output and inputs, gigabit ethernet plus AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless capabilities. The basic model comes with 1 GB of DDR2 SDRAM at 667 MHz. The other two models come with 2 GB. The 17" model also adds a third USB port.

Running Mac OS 10.4, bundled with the machine is an Apple Remote with Front Row, Photo Booth, and iLife '06. 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 also features a backlit keyboard 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).

[edit] MacBook Pro 15.4"

[edit] January/May/October 2006

The 15.4-inch model features a 15.4-inch display with a native resolution of 1440 × 900 and weighs 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<ref name=MacBook>Apple Unveils New MacBook Featuring Intel Core Duo Processors. Apple Press Release (May 16 2006).</ref>, 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.

Processor:
- Originally, a 1.67 GHz or 1.83 GHz 32-bit Intel Core Duo processor was announced.
- On February 14, 2006, Apple upgraded the processors to 1.83 GHz and 2 GHz, adding a 2.16 GHz build-to-order option.
- On May 16, 2006, the 1.83 GHz model was discontinued, and 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz became the two standard (and only) CPU speeds.
- On Oct 24, 2006, the processors were upgraded once again. As was the case earlier with the iMac, Apple introduced the faster Intel Core 2 Duo processor to replace the Intel Core Duo processor in the MacBook Pro. Processor speeds were also upgraded, now offered at either 2.16 GHz or 2.33 GHz, with Apple touting a 39% increase in processing power.
Memory: 1 GiB to 3 GiB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (two SO-DIMM slots). The Core 2 Duo Macbook Pro's hardware does support up to 4GB of ram, and the Operating System will display 4GB of memory installed, however the operating system will not actually currently use more than 3.2GB of ram on this platform. The system will use the "Dual Channel" feature if memory is installed in exact pairs, which will result in higher performance if both memory chips are exactly the same.
Display: 15.4-inch (diagonal), 1440 × 900 resolution, TFT LCD widescreen, 300 cd/m² brightness. There is also a choice of a glossy or matte widescreen display for no additional charge.
Battery: 60 watt-hour lithium ion polymer battery, charged by 85 watt power adapter with MagSafe port
Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128 MiB or 256 MiB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI
Video: Built-in USB 2.0 iSight camera (1.3 megapixels), DVI output, VGA (DVI to VGA adapter included), Dual-Link DVI, composite and S-video output (with DVI-video adapter)
Audio: Combined optical digital input/audio line in, combined optical digital output/headphone out, stereo speakers, microphone
Hard disk drive: 120 GB, 160 GB or 200 GB Serial ATA/150; 5400 RPM (Option of 200 GB, 4200 RPM drive), with Sudden Motion Sensor
Optical drive: Core 2 Duo: 6x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Ethernet: Built-in 10/100/1000 (Gigabit)
Wireless: Built-in 54 Mbit/s AirPort Extreme (802.11b/g); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. Hardware supports draft 802.11n, but the operating system's drivers do not currently enable this feature.
Modem: Sold separately (Apple USB Modem)
Other I/O: Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port, one FireWire 800 port, IR sensor
Expansion: ExpressCard/34 slot
Weight: 2.54 kg / 5.6 pounds
Footprint: 35.7 × 24.3 cm / 14.1 × 9.6 inches
Thickness: 2.59 cm / 1.02 inch
Firmware: Extensible Firmware Interface <ref name=efi>Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI). Apple Developer Connection.</ref>

[edit] MacBook Pro 17"

[edit] April/October 2006

Image:MacBook Pro 17.jpg 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.

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. Its ATI Radeon X1600 GPU also comes standard with 256 MiB of GDDR3 memory.

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.
Battery: 68 watt-hour
Hard disk drive: 160 GB, 5400 RPM drive (optional 100 GB, 7200 RPMdrive or 200 GB, 4200 RPM drive)
Optical drive: Pioneer-D150A 8× SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) double-layer read, DVD+R DL write
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

[edit] Hardware

MacBook Pro uses an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Intel's 64-bit dual-core processor designed for laptop computers (developed under the code-name "Merom"). Features of this processor include SSE, SSE2, SSE3, and SSSE3 instruction sets, 4 MiB of shared L2 Cache and Vanderpool virtualization technology.

Unlike the iMac, the processor is soldered onto the logic board. Consequently, it is impossible to replace a system's processor with a newer, faster model when the current one has reached obsolescence.<ref>MacBook Pro Fixit Guide. iFixit.</ref>

Unlike the MacBook, the MacBook Pro's hard drive is not easily replaced. <ref>Macworld - MacBook Battery Bay (2). YouTube (May 17 2006).</ref> However, a step-by-step guide to removal is provided by iFixit.<ref>MacBook Pro Disassembly. iFixit.</ref>

[edit] Issues

Users have reported numerous issues with some of the MacBook Pro Core 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.<ref name=macintouch_noise>MacBook Pro: Noise Problems. MacInTouch (2006).</ref><ref>Thomas Ricker (March 14 2006). Whining MacBook Pro? You're not alone. Engadget.</ref> As of July 2006, Apple has acknowledged the problem<ref>MacBook Pro with noise under the keyboard. Apple (2006).</ref>, and a replacement mainboard has fixed the "whine" issue for some users.
A 'mooing' noise, caused by the sound of the cooling fan spinning-up from a stop when the processor would become heated. Potentially fixed by the SMC Firmware update. <ref>Daniel Jalkut (March 24 2006). MBP: Noise Update. Red Sweater Blog.</ref> The firmware update causes the fan to idle at low-speed, rather than stop, and still allows it to accelerate as core temperature increases.
Excessive heating, apparently caused by the application of excessive quantities of thermal grease on the processor during manufacturing. Apple threatened to sue an internet forum for releasing images of confidential internal publications.<ref>Apple Sics Lawyers on SomethingAwful. Slashdot (May 06 2006).</ref> Recently, some tests have challenged this explanation of heat issues, showing a minimal (one or two degrees Celsius) drop in temperature when thermal grease was re-applied.<ref>James Duncan Davidson (May 23 2006). MacBook Pro: The Thermal Paste Question. MacDevCenter.</ref>
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.<ref name=macintouch_noise/>
Possibility that the MacBook Pro's GPU has been intentionally underclocked by Apple to reduce reliance on noisy cooling fans. <ref>Gregg Keizer (April 19, 2006). Apple Purposely Slows MacBook Pro Graphics. TechWeb.</ref> It has been reported that the October '06 MBP's GPU is no longer underclocked. <ref>The First Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros Arrive].</ref>

In later models, some users complain that the WiFi adapter keeps dropping its connection to a secure network, the trackpad is not as accurate with a 'double-tap' action that opens documents, the ambient light sensor is not as responsive as the PowerBook's, and the sound, although somewhat richer than the PowerBook's, is not as 'loud' at lower volumes.

In some early models the supplied battery is faulty, and may eventually start swelling while losing capacity<ref>MacBook Pro battery bulge: time for a recall?. CNET.com.au (June 23 2006).</ref>. Due to very limited clearance above the battery this can cause permanent damage to the touchpad if left unfixed.<ref>Shane Stacks (June 16, 2006). MacBook Pro woes continue with expanding batteries. Ars Technica Infinite Loop.</ref> 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." <ref>https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/index.html</ref>

Peeling and flaking paint on the case area located just under the bottom row of keys of the keyboard.<ref>Flaw With Finish Around Keyboard. Apple Support Discussions (2006).</ref><ref>Already The Paint Is Going. Apple Support Discussions (2006).</ref><ref>Macbook Pro Paint Flaking or Peeling. appledefects.com (2006).</ref>

Although no official tests have been conducted, many users are reporting that some of these issues were fixed in later models (week 11 and onwards).<ref>http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/04/04/macbook.pro.issues.solved/</ref>

[edit] See also

Image:Commons-logo.svg	Wikimedia Commons has media related to: MacBook Pro

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Apple hardware since 1998
Consumer Macs:	iMac \| iMac G3 \| iMac G4 \| iMac G5 \| iMac Core Duo \| iMac Core 2 Duo \| Mac mini \| eMac \| iBook \| MacBook
Professional Macs:	Power Macintosh G3 \| Power Mac G4 \| Cube \| Power Mac G5 \| Mac Pro \| Xserve \| PowerBook G3 \| PowerBook G4 \| MacBook Pro
iPods:	iPod \| iPod mini \| iPod photo \| iPod shuffle \| iPod nano
Accessories:	AirPort \| iSight \| Cinema Display \| Xserve RAID \| Mighty Mouse \| iPod Hi-Fi
Italics denote discontinued products