Difference between revisions of "MacBook Pro"

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== Complete specifications ==
Macbook Pro information.
Based on MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.16 GHz model:


* [http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/945pm/index.htm Intel Mobile 945PM Express Chipset] ([http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/945pm/945pm_diagram.htm Diagram]) - Northbridge
== Macbook Pro late 2008 ==
** PCI Express 16x for graphics
** 533/667 MHz front side bus
** DDR2 SO-DIMM 667 MHz Dual Channel memory bus
** 4x DMI interconnect
* Intel 82801 Chipset - Southbrige FIXME
** Intel GbE networking
** ExpressCard interface
** 2x USB 2.0
** Intel HD Audio/AC97
*** Dual analog/optical output and input
** 2x SATA connections
* [http://www.intel.com/products/processor/core2duo/index.htm Intel Core 2 Duo T7400 processor, 2.16 GHz, 4 MB shared L2 cache, 65-nm build, 667 MHz front side bus, 34W power] ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_Design_Power TDP])
* 2x [http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.Asp?IMODULE=CT12864AC667 Crucial DDR-2 PC-5300 667 MHz CL5 1 GB memory]
* [http://hdd.fujitsu.com/jp/products/25sata/#MHW2BH Fujitsu MHW2120BH, 120 GB, 5400 RPM, 8 MB cache harddisk drive]
* Matshita UJ-857D, 6x DVD-R/DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW/DVD-RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 24x CD-R, 10x CD-RW superdrive
* [http://ati.amd.com/products/mobilityradeonx1600/specs.html ATI Radeon Mobility X1600, 128 MB GDDR3 SDRAM, Core 419 MHz / Memory 450 MHz]
* [http://www.atheros.com/pt/AR5008Bulletins.htm Atheros AR5008 802.11n wireless chipset]
* 1x Firewire 400 via unknown chipset
* 1x Firewire 800 via unknown chipset
* Lithium-polymer battery


== Thoughts - Pro/Cons ==
I got this really nice MBP late 2008 model. First version of Apple's new all aluminium unibody machines.
 
* Macbook Pro 15-inch, 2.4GHz, 4GB memory, OCZ Vertex 2 E 120GB SSD
 
=== References ===
* [http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?p=33435124#post33435124 Macbook Pro LG LED display calibration profiles]
 
== Macbook Pro late 2006 ==
 
''' Returned machine for refund, display quality not satisfied '''
 
For a long time I've wanted a new Mac. Going with a PowerMac G4 400 MHz and a iBook G3 500 MHz doesn't really cut it anymore. I chose the portable route because I already have a nice AMD64 X2 computer and a usable 'home' computer for e-mail and web surfing. A portable fits nicely into that scenario. Portable machines usually isn't that flexible in regard of hardware upgrades and that made my decision to go with the faster 15" MacBook Pro.
 
=== Complete specifications ===
Based on MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.33 GHz model [http://developer.apple.com/documentation/HardwareDrivers/Conceptual/15inMacBookPro_0610/index.html]:
 
{| border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1"
|-
| '''Prosessor:'''
|
* [http://www.intel.com/products/processor/core2duo/index.htm Intel Core 2 Duo T7600 processor, 2.33 GHz, 4 MB shared L2 cache, 65-nm build, 667 MHz front side bus, 34W power] ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_Design_Power TDP])
|-
| '''Memory:'''
|
* [http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.Asp?IMODULE=CT12864AC667 Crucial PC2-5300, DDR2, 667 MHz, CL5, 1 GB memory stick] 2x
|-
| valign="top" | '''Harddrive:'''
|
* [http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/menuitem.dac393208bfae6f199558fe7eac4f0a0/ Hitachi HTS541612J9SA00, 120 GB, 5400 RPM, 8 MB cache, PMR, hard drive]
* ''To be upgraded to Seagate Momentus 7200.2, 7200 RPM, 256 MB flash cache when avaiable in 2007 [http://www.seagate.com/cda/newsinfo/newsroom/releases/article/0,,3199,00.html]''
|-
| valign="top" | '''Northbridge:'''
|
* [http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/945pm/index.htm Intel Mobile 945PM Express Chipset] ([http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/945pm/945pm_diagram.htm Diagram])
* ''Front side bus, cpu-to-northbridge interconnect: 533/667 MHz''
* ''Graphics interface: PCI-Express x16''
* ''System memory interface: Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM 533/667 MHz''
* ''Southbrigde interconnect: DMI x4''
|-
| valign="top" | '''Southbridge:'''
|
* [http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/datashts/307013.htm Intel 82801GHM ICH7-M DH (Mobile Digital Home)]
* ''Direct Media Interface (DMI)''
* ''Six PCI device buses
* ''Six PCI-Express ports''
* ''Two Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s interfaces''
* ''One IDE ATA/100 interface, two ports
* ''Eight Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports''
* ''LAN Controller''
* ''System Managment Bus (SMBus) 2.0''
* ''High Definition Audio Controller / Audio Codec 97 (AC97)''
|-
| '''Optical drive:'''
|
* Matshita UJ-857D / UJ-857C , Slot-loading, 9.7mm, 6x DVD-R/DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW/DVD-RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 24x CD-R, 10x CD-RW superdrive
|-
| '''Graphics card:'''
|
* [http://ati.amd.com/products/mobilityradeonx1600/specs.html ATI Radeon Mobility X1600, 256 MB GDDR3 SDRAM, PCI-Express, dual-link DVI support, max 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution, core clock speed 419 MHz, memory clock speed 445-450 MHz]
|-
| '''Display:'''
|
* Samsung(?) 15.4-inch, TFT widescreen, 1440 x 900 pixel native resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, matte finish, 67% brighter
|-
| valign="top" | '''Networking:'''
|
* Intel 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit ethernet
* [http://www.atheros.com/pt/AR5008Bulletins.htm Atheros AR5008 802.11n, 540 Mbit  wireless chipset with three antennas]
* Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
|-
| '''Camera:'''
|
* iSight, 1/4-inch color CCD image sensor, 640 x 480 pixel resolution
|-
| '''Expansions:'''
|
* ExpressCard/34
|-
| '''I/O ports:'''
|
* 2x SATA connections, 2x USB 2.0, 1x Firewire 400 via unknown chipset, 1x Firewire 800 via unknown chipset
|-
| valign="top" | '''Audio:'''
|
* Intel High Definition Audio/AC97
* Combined optical-digital input and analog audio line-in
* Combined optical-digital output and analog headphone-out
* Stereo speakers built-in
* Internal omnidirectional microphone
|-
| '''Battery:'''
|
* Lithium-polymer model #A1175, 10.8V, 60 Watt-hour, up to 5 hours, typical 3.5 hours
|-
| valign="top" | '''Dimensions:'''
|
* WxHxD: 14.1 inches (35.7 cm) x 1.0 inch (2.59 cm) x 9.6 inches (24.3 cm)
* Weight: 5.6 pounds (2.54 kg)
|-
| valign="top" | '''Various:'''
|
* Scrolling trackpad
* Backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor
* Sudden Motion Sensor harddrive locking mechanism
* 85W MagSafe Power Adapter
* 6-button Apple Remote
* Mac OS X 10.4.8 build 8N1037 and iLife '06 suite, Front Row, and Photo Booth
|}
 
Available Apple hard drives:
* [http://hdd.fujitsu.com/jp/products/25sata/#MHW2BH Fujitsu MHW2120BH 120GB LMR]
* [http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/menuitem.dac393208bfae6f199558fe7eac4f0a0/ Hitachi HTS541612J9SA00 120GB PMR]
* [http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/menuitem.dac393208bfae6f199558fe7eac4f0a0/ Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 160 GB PMR]
* (Fujitsu MHV220BT 200GB LMR)
* [http://sdd.toshiba.com/main.aspx?Path=818200000007000000010000659800001516/818200000aff000000010000659c000026ad/818200000192000000010000659c0000279f/818200000d07000000010000659c00002ea4 Toshiba MK2035GSS 200GB PMR]
 
=== Thoughts - Pro/Cons ===
* I like the thin brezel around the lcd display
* I like the thin brezel around the lcd display
* Orange ribboncable exposed in battery bay
* Orange ribboncable exposed in battery bay
* No dual-layer burner support on current 15" MBP
* No dual-layer burner support on current 15" MBP, added to new MBP line


== Trip 2006-06-26 ==
=== Mac store trip 2006-06-26 ===
On the 23th June I traveled to Oslo for a look at the new portable Apple machines. At first sight I thought the scren-size of the MacBook as too small and the look of the MacBook Pro 15-inch was a bit bigger than what I imagined but still like it. I ran a heat test by using to terminal windows with yes >/dev/null for a few minutes and the MacBook Pro almost got to the point where I couldn't hold my fingers under the left portion of the machine. The MacBooks where a bit cooler and I could hear the fan on the black but not on the white model.
On the 23th June I traveled to Oslo for a look at the new portable Apple machines. At first sight I thought the scren-size of the MacBook as too small and the look of the MacBook Pro 15-inch was a bit bigger than what I imagined but still like it. I ran a heat test by using to terminal windows with yes >/dev/null for a few minutes and the MacBook Pro almost got to the point where I couldn't hold my fingers under the left portion of the machine. The MacBooks where a bit cooler and I could hear the fan on the black but not on the white model.


== MacBook Pro Specs ==
=== MacBook Pro Specs ===
=== 2006-05-xx ===
==== 2006-05-xx ====
==== Original specs ====
===== Original specs =====
* Processor: Intel Core Duo 1.83 Ghz 667 MHz FSB
* Processor: Intel Core Duo 1.83 Ghz 667 MHz FSB
* Memory: OEM/Samsung 512 MB SODIMM-DDR2 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5
* Memory: OEM/Samsung 512 MB SODIMM-DDR2 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5
Line 40: Line 135:
* Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 5400.2/Toshiba 80 GB S-ATA 5400 RPM 8 MB Cache
* Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 5400.2/Toshiba 80 GB S-ATA 5400 RPM 8 MB Cache


==== Upgraded specs ====
===== Upgraded specs =====
* Memory: 2x Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5 (Dual-Channel)
* Memory: 2x Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5 (Dual-Channel)
* Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache
* Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache


=== 2006-06-17 ===
==== 2006-06-17 ====
==== Original specs ====
===== Original specs =====
* Processor: Intel Core Duo 2 Ghz 667 MHz FSB
* Processor: Intel Core Duo 2 Ghz 667 MHz FSB
* Memory: OEM/Samsung 512 MB SODIMM-DDR2 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5
* Memory: OEM/Samsung 512 MB SODIMM-DDR2 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5
Line 52: Line 147:
* Total: NOK 16 990
* Total: NOK 16 990


==== Upgraded specs ====
===== Upgraded specs =====
* Memory: 2x Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5 (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1550 per stick (Komplett)
* Memory: 2x Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5 (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1550 per stick (Komplett)
* Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache - NOK 1495 (Netshop
* Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache - NOK 1495 (Netshop
Total including MacBook Pro: NOK 21 585
Total including MacBook Pro: NOK 21 585


=== 2006-07-14 ===
==== 2006-07-14 ====
==== Upgraded specs ====
===== Upgraded specs =====
* Memory: 2x Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5 (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1595 per stick (Komplett)
* Memory: 2x Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5 (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1595 per stick (Komplett)
* Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache - NOK 1395 (Netshop)
* Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache - NOK 1395 (Netshop)
Total including MacBook Pro: NOK 21 575
Total including MacBook Pro: NOK 21 575


=== 2006-07-29 ===
==== 2006-07-29 ====
==== Intel Merom ====
===== Intel Merom =====
It looks like Apple might use the newly introduced Intel Merom mobile CPU in the MacBook Pro machines and hopefully announce it during the august World Developer Conference. The CPU I'm scoring for is probably the low-end T7200 2.0 GHz, or if Apple gives us a good deal, the mid-range T7400 2.16 GHz. More about Merom at [http://endian.net/details.aspx?ItemNo=3883 endian.net] and [http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=2546 DailyTech.com].
It looks like Apple might use the newly introduced Intel Merom mobile CPU in the MacBook Pro machines and hopefully announce it during the august World Developer Conference. The CPU I'm scoring for is probably the low-end T7200 2.0 GHz, or if Apple gives us a good deal, the mid-range T7400 2.16 GHz. More about Merom at [http://endian.net/details.aspx?ItemNo=3883 endian.net] and [http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=2546 DailyTech.com].


=== 2006-08-01 ===
==== 2006-08-01 ====
==== Upgraded specs ====
===== Upgraded specs =====
* Memory: 2x [http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.asp?sku=317342 Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5] (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1395 per stick (Komplett)
* Memory: 2x [http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.asp?sku=317342 Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5] (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1395 per stick (Komplett)
* Harddisk drive: [http://www.netshop.no/aspx/prdinfo.aspx?plid=14768 Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache] - NOK 1395 (Netshop)
* Harddisk drive: [http://www.netshop.no/aspx/prdinfo.aspx?plid=14768 Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache] - NOK 1395 (Netshop)
Total including MacBook Pro: NOK 21 175
Total including MacBook Pro: NOK 21 175


=== 2006-08-29 ===
==== 2006-08-29 ====
==== Upgraded specs ====
===== Upgraded specs =====
* Memory: 2x [http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.asp?sku=317342 Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5] (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1099 per stick (Komplett)
* Memory: 2x [http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.asp?sku=317342 Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5] (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1099 per stick (Komplett)
* Harddisk drive: [http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.asp?sku=310981 Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache] - NOK 1295 (Komplett)
* Harddisk drive: [http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.asp?sku=310981 Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache] - NOK 1295 (Komplett)
Line 82: Line 177:
Rumors has it that Apple will announce upgrades for the Macbook Pro line with a Core 2 Duo processor during the [http://www.apple-expo.com/uk/ Paris Expo] in mid-september.
Rumors has it that Apple will announce upgrades for the Macbook Pro line with a Core 2 Duo processor during the [http://www.apple-expo.com/uk/ Paris Expo] in mid-september.


==== Alt. upgrade ====
===== Alt. upgrade =====
* Memory: 1x [http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.asp?sku=317342 Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5] (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1099 per stick (Komplett)
* Memory: 1x [http://www.komplett.no/k/ki.asp?sku=317342 Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5] (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1099 per stick (Komplett)
* MacBook Pro 2.16 GHz, 1 GB stick, 100 GB 7200 RPM harddrive - NOK 22 310
* MacBook Pro 2.16 GHz, 1 GB stick, 100 GB 7200 RPM harddrive - NOK 22 310
Total: NOK 23 409 (NOK 2917 over lowest MBP model)
Total: NOK 23 409 (NOK 2917 over lowest MBP model)


=== 2006-10-25 ===
==== 2006-10-25 ====
Yesterday, the 24th, Apple finally announced the Core 2 Duo update for the MacBook Pro line. Typically that day was one of my rare off days, and didn't catch the news before the next day. Anyway, the update is supreme; higher stock cpu speeds, firewire 800 and dual layer wiring on all the machines, minumum 1 GB memory, bigger drives although no option to select a 7200 rpm harddrive, and according to specifications another half an hour extra battery life. This is probably as close to the best portable you can get now. I will probably order one soon, within next week.
Yesterday, the 24th, Apple finally announced the Core 2 Duo update for the MacBook Pro line. Typically that day was one of my rare off days, and didn't catch the news before the next day. Anyway, the update is supreme; higher stock cpu speeds, firewire 800 and dual layer wiring on all the machines, minumum 1 GB memory, bigger drives although no option to select a 7200 rpm harddrive, and according to specifications another half an hour extra battery life. This is probably as close to the best portable you can get now. I will probably order one soon, within next week.


I ordered one the same day, with these specs; MBP 15.4", 2.15 GHz Core 2 Duo, 1 GB Memory with another 1 GB stick ready to go, 120 GB 5400 RPM harddrive to be replaced when the new Seagate Momentus 7200.2 perpendicular drives will be available next year. After remebering the next day that I can take advantage of the education section on the Apple Store I cancelled my first order and placed a new order that grants me 8% discount.
I ordered one the same day, with these specs; MBP 15.4", 2.15 GHz Core 2 Duo, 1 GB Memory with another 1 GB stick ready to go, 120 GB 5400 RPM harddrive to be replaced when the new Seagate Momentus 7200.2 perpendicular drives will be available next year. After remebering the next day that I can take advantage of the education section on the Apple Store I cancelled my first order and placed a new order that grants me 8% discount.


=== 2006-10-27 ===
==== 2006-10-27 ====
People are starting to get their machine and it looks like all the previous problems with the MPB has been addressed; no whine, no mooing or fan noise, and the cpu temperature is lower. Another nice touch is that Apple included draft-n wireless networking into the machine like they did with the latest iMacs. Getting excited now. :)
People are starting to get their machine and it looks like all the previous problems with the MPB has been addressed; no whine, no mooing or fan noise, and the cpu temperature is lower. Another nice touch is that Apple included draft-n wireless networking into the machine like they did with the latest iMacs. Getting excited now. :)


Also seems that the lid can be put further back too, from 120 degrees to 135 degrees.
Also seems that the lid can be put further back too, from 120 degrees to 135 degrees.


=== 2006-10-28 ===
==== 2006-10-28 ====
I decided to cancel the second order and go with the 2.33 GHz, 2 GB, 256 MB VRAM model since I want to future proof abit and don't have the nagging thought later that I could go for the other machine for a few hundred more. And I like to think that I deserve the best as I've been waiting for the C2D to be introduced, and money is temporary -- confidence is not.
I decided to cancel the second order and go with the 2.33 GHz, 2 GB, 256 MB VRAM model since I want to future proof (3-6 years at least) and don't want to have the nagging thought later that I could go for the other machine for a few hundred more. And I like to think that I deserve something bold or the best as I've been waiting for the C2D to be introduced, and money is temporary -- confidence is not.


== My sites ==
The iSight LED has also got a nice redesign, it's now embedded into the bezel and only visible with light is emitting. And another improvement is wider wenting slots beneath the display to let more heat exit and eliminate any mooing caused by air pressure.
* [http://www.intelmactemp.com Intel Mac Temperature Database]


==== 2006-10-30 ====
I did order the MBP but after noticing how bad the [http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/18/apple-macbook-macbook-pro-screens-subject-of-class-action-lawsu/ LCD display] were and that the speakers were off-center, I returned the machine and got a refund. As for such a hi-end machine I don't expect anything else than perfection.


== References ==
=== References ===
* [http://developer.apple.com/documentation/HardwareDrivers/Conceptual/MacBookPro_0601/Articles/MacBookPro_0601.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004361 15 inch Macbook Pro Developer Note]
* [http://developer.apple.com/documentation/HardwareDrivers/Conceptual/MacBookPro_0601/Articles/MacBookPro_0601.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40004361 15 inch Macbook Pro Developer Note]
* [http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?s=44cc771231c483afb76313624c6bf377&threadid=1864582&perpage=40&pagenumber=1 Replace termal grease on Macbook Pro]
* [http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?s=44cc771231c483afb76313624c6bf377&threadid=1864582&perpage=40&pagenumber=1 Replace termal grease on Macbook Pro]
Line 116: Line 212:
* [http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=245617 Macrumors - First C2D MBP reports]
* [http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=245617 Macrumors - First C2D MBP reports]
* [http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?t=67764 Appleinsider - MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo thread]
* [http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?t=67764 Appleinsider - MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo thread]
* [http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=245847 MBP C2D Pictures]
* [http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=245847 MBP C2D 15" 2.16 GHz pictures]
* [http://lartren.com/mac/ MBP C2D answers and benchmarks]
* [http://lartren.com/mac/ MBP C2D answers and benchmarks]
* [http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=245379 Benefit of 125 MB vs 256 MB VRAM]
* [http://www.geekpatrol.ca/blog/160/ GeekPatrol MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo Performance]
* [http://nobi.com/nobilog/archives/001795.html New iSight LED]
* [http://tnl.net/blog/2006/01/11/macbook-pro-comparison-charts/ MacBook Pro Comparison Charts]
* [http://www.maconintel.com/news.php?article=222 Apple Releases Core 2 Duo MBP]
* [http://www.techsearch.cmp.com/blog/archives/2006/07/core_2_duo_imag.html Core 2 Duo Image Gallery]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/33259659@N00/sets/72157594352057578/ MPB 15" 2.33 GHz Unpacking]
* [http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro-Core-2-Duo/First-Look iFixIt disassemble pictures]
* [http://developer.apple.com/documentation/HardwareDrivers/Conceptual/15inMacBookPro_0610/index.html Apple MBP 15" Developer Notes]
* [http://www.hoffshardware.com/?p=13 MPB 15", 2.16 GHz Benchmarks]
* [http://www.seagate.com/cda/newsinfo/newsroom/releases/article/0,,3199,00.html Seagate 2.5" hard drive announcement]
* [http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2188 High-quality photos of Apple's Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro]
* [http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=2189 A closer look at Apple's Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro]
* [http://flickr.com/photos/marianmi/284666838/ Halloween MBP 15" Unboxing]
* [http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=245617 Got your C2D MBP? Please tell us thread]
* [http://barefeats.com/mbcd6.html MBP - Core Duo vs Core 2 Duo Benchmark]
== My sites ==
* [http://www.intelmactemp.com Intel Mac Temperature Database]

Latest revision as of 22:39, 18 May 2011

Macbook Pro information.

Macbook Pro late 2008

I got this really nice MBP late 2008 model. First version of Apple's new all aluminium unibody machines.

  • Macbook Pro 15-inch, 2.4GHz, 4GB memory, OCZ Vertex 2 E 120GB SSD

References

Macbook Pro late 2006

Returned machine for refund, display quality not satisfied

For a long time I've wanted a new Mac. Going with a PowerMac G4 400 MHz and a iBook G3 500 MHz doesn't really cut it anymore. I chose the portable route because I already have a nice AMD64 X2 computer and a usable 'home' computer for e-mail and web surfing. A portable fits nicely into that scenario. Portable machines usually isn't that flexible in regard of hardware upgrades and that made my decision to go with the faster 15" MacBook Pro.

Complete specifications

Based on MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.33 GHz model [1]:

Prosessor:
Memory:
Harddrive:
Northbridge:
  • Intel Mobile 945PM Express Chipset (Diagram)
  • Front side bus, cpu-to-northbridge interconnect: 533/667 MHz
  • Graphics interface: PCI-Express x16
  • System memory interface: Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM 533/667 MHz
  • Southbrigde interconnect: DMI x4
Southbridge:
  • Intel 82801GHM ICH7-M DH (Mobile Digital Home)
  • Direct Media Interface (DMI)
  • Six PCI device buses
  • Six PCI-Express ports
  • Two Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s interfaces
  • One IDE ATA/100 interface, two ports
  • Eight Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports
  • LAN Controller
  • System Managment Bus (SMBus) 2.0
  • High Definition Audio Controller / Audio Codec 97 (AC97)
Optical drive:
  • Matshita UJ-857D / UJ-857C , Slot-loading, 9.7mm, 6x DVD-R/DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW/DVD-RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 24x CD-R, 10x CD-RW superdrive
Graphics card:
Display:
  • Samsung(?) 15.4-inch, TFT widescreen, 1440 x 900 pixel native resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, matte finish, 67% brighter
Networking:
Camera:
  • iSight, 1/4-inch color CCD image sensor, 640 x 480 pixel resolution
Expansions:
  • ExpressCard/34
I/O ports:
  • 2x SATA connections, 2x USB 2.0, 1x Firewire 400 via unknown chipset, 1x Firewire 800 via unknown chipset
Audio:
  • Intel High Definition Audio/AC97
  • Combined optical-digital input and analog audio line-in
  • Combined optical-digital output and analog headphone-out
  • Stereo speakers built-in
  • Internal omnidirectional microphone
Battery:
  • Lithium-polymer model #A1175, 10.8V, 60 Watt-hour, up to 5 hours, typical 3.5 hours
Dimensions:
  • WxHxD: 14.1 inches (35.7 cm) x 1.0 inch (2.59 cm) x 9.6 inches (24.3 cm)
  • Weight: 5.6 pounds (2.54 kg)
Various:
  • Scrolling trackpad
  • Backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor
  • Sudden Motion Sensor harddrive locking mechanism
  • 85W MagSafe Power Adapter
  • 6-button Apple Remote
  • Mac OS X 10.4.8 build 8N1037 and iLife '06 suite, Front Row, and Photo Booth

Available Apple hard drives:

Thoughts - Pro/Cons

  • I like the thin brezel around the lcd display
  • Orange ribboncable exposed in battery bay
  • No dual-layer burner support on current 15" MBP, added to new MBP line

Mac store trip 2006-06-26

On the 23th June I traveled to Oslo for a look at the new portable Apple machines. At first sight I thought the scren-size of the MacBook as too small and the look of the MacBook Pro 15-inch was a bit bigger than what I imagined but still like it. I ran a heat test by using to terminal windows with yes >/dev/null for a few minutes and the MacBook Pro almost got to the point where I couldn't hold my fingers under the left portion of the machine. The MacBooks where a bit cooler and I could hear the fan on the black but not on the white model.

MacBook Pro Specs

2006-05-xx

Original specs
  • Processor: Intel Core Duo 1.83 Ghz 667 MHz FSB
  • Memory: OEM/Samsung 512 MB SODIMM-DDR2 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5
  • Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 128 MB
  • Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 5400.2/Toshiba 80 GB S-ATA 5400 RPM 8 MB Cache
Upgraded specs
  • Memory: 2x Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5 (Dual-Channel)
  • Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache

2006-06-17

Original specs
  • Processor: Intel Core Duo 2 Ghz 667 MHz FSB
  • Memory: OEM/Samsung 512 MB SODIMM-DDR2 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5
  • Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 128 MB
  • Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 5400.2/Toshiba 80 GB S-ATA 5400 RPM 8 MB Cache
  • Total: NOK 16 990
Upgraded specs
  • Memory: 2x Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5 (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1550 per stick (Komplett)
  • Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache - NOK 1495 (Netshop

Total including MacBook Pro: NOK 21 585

2006-07-14

Upgraded specs
  • Memory: 2x Crucial SODIMM-DDR2 1024 MB 667 MHz PC-5300 CL5 (Dual-Channel) - NOK 1595 per stick (Komplett)
  • Harddisk drive: Seagate Momentus 7200.1 100 GB S-ATA 7200 RPM 8 MB Cache - NOK 1395 (Netshop)

Total including MacBook Pro: NOK 21 575

2006-07-29

Intel Merom

It looks like Apple might use the newly introduced Intel Merom mobile CPU in the MacBook Pro machines and hopefully announce it during the august World Developer Conference. The CPU I'm scoring for is probably the low-end T7200 2.0 GHz, or if Apple gives us a good deal, the mid-range T7400 2.16 GHz. More about Merom at endian.net and DailyTech.com.

2006-08-01

Upgraded specs

Total including MacBook Pro: NOK 21 175

2006-08-29

Upgraded specs

Total: NOK 20 492

Rumors has it that Apple will announce upgrades for the Macbook Pro line with a Core 2 Duo processor during the Paris Expo in mid-september.

Alt. upgrade

Total: NOK 23 409 (NOK 2917 over lowest MBP model)

2006-10-25

Yesterday, the 24th, Apple finally announced the Core 2 Duo update for the MacBook Pro line. Typically that day was one of my rare off days, and didn't catch the news before the next day. Anyway, the update is supreme; higher stock cpu speeds, firewire 800 and dual layer wiring on all the machines, minumum 1 GB memory, bigger drives although no option to select a 7200 rpm harddrive, and according to specifications another half an hour extra battery life. This is probably as close to the best portable you can get now. I will probably order one soon, within next week.

I ordered one the same day, with these specs; MBP 15.4", 2.15 GHz Core 2 Duo, 1 GB Memory with another 1 GB stick ready to go, 120 GB 5400 RPM harddrive to be replaced when the new Seagate Momentus 7200.2 perpendicular drives will be available next year. After remebering the next day that I can take advantage of the education section on the Apple Store I cancelled my first order and placed a new order that grants me 8% discount.

2006-10-27

People are starting to get their machine and it looks like all the previous problems with the MPB has been addressed; no whine, no mooing or fan noise, and the cpu temperature is lower. Another nice touch is that Apple included draft-n wireless networking into the machine like they did with the latest iMacs. Getting excited now. :)

Also seems that the lid can be put further back too, from 120 degrees to 135 degrees.

2006-10-28

I decided to cancel the second order and go with the 2.33 GHz, 2 GB, 256 MB VRAM model since I want to future proof (3-6 years at least) and don't want to have the nagging thought later that I could go for the other machine for a few hundred more. And I like to think that I deserve something bold or the best as I've been waiting for the C2D to be introduced, and money is temporary -- confidence is not.

The iSight LED has also got a nice redesign, it's now embedded into the bezel and only visible with light is emitting. And another improvement is wider wenting slots beneath the display to let more heat exit and eliminate any mooing caused by air pressure.

2006-10-30

I did order the MBP but after noticing how bad the LCD display were and that the speakers were off-center, I returned the machine and got a refund. As for such a hi-end machine I don't expect anything else than perfection.

References

My sites

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