Apple MacBook Pro notebooks with Core 2 Duo released

Posted on Tuesday, October 24 2006 @ 17:10 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
The first Apple MacBook Pro notebooks with Core 2 Duo processors have been released today. All MacBook Pro models now offer double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a FireWire 800 port for connecting to high-speed peripherals. The new MacBook Pro’s stunning, lightweight, aluminum enclosure is just one-inch thin, available in 15- and 17-inch models, and features a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go.

Every MacBook Pro features the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4MB of shared L2 cache, which is up to 39 percent faster than the previous 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro and more than seven times faster than the 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4 running industry standard benchmarks. Apple has enhanced Mac OS X to take advantage of the technology advances from Intel’s Core 2 Duo processors, resulting in increased performance in professional applications like Aperture 1.5, Final Cut Pro 5 and Logic Pro 7.

Ideal for business and creative professionals, MacBook Pro delivers advanced performance including 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable up to 3GB, ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with up to 256MB of dedicated GDDR3 graphics memory, and a double-layer SuperDrive for burning professional-quality DVDs. With the latest high-performance connectivity options, every new MacBook Pro includes built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a FireWire 800 and a FireWire 400 port, combination analog and optical digital audio input and output ports, an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot, and a DVI video output to connect up to a 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is shipping today, the new 17-inch MacBook Pro will ship next week.

The 2.16 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:
  • 15.4-inch widescreen 1440 x 900 LCD display with 300 cd/m2 brightness;
  • 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
  • 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 3GB;
  • 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
  • a slot-load 6x SuperDrive™ with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
  • PCI Express-based ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory;
  • DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
  • built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
  • built-in iSight video camera;
  • Gigabit Ethernet port;
  • built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
  • ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
  • two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one FireWire 400 port;
  • one audio line in and one headphone out port, each supporting optical digital audio;
  • Scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard;
  • the infrared Apple Remote; and
  • 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.

 

The 2.33 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

  • 15.4-inch widescreen 1440 x 900 LCD display with 300 cd/m2 brightness;
  • 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2Duo processor;
  • 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 3GB;
  • 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
  • a slot-load 6x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
  • PCI Express-based ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
  • DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
  • built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
  • built-in iSight video camera;
  • Gigabit Ethernet port;
  • built-in Airport Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
  • ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
  • two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one FireWire 400 port;
  • one audio line in and one headphone out port, each supporting optical digital audio;
  • Scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard;
  • the infrared Apple Remote; and
  • 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.

 

The 2.33 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,799 (US), includes:

  • 17-inch widescreen 1680 x 1050 LCD display with 300 cd/m2 brightness;
  • 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
  • 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 3GB;
  • 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
  • a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
  • PCI Express-based ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
  • DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
  • built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
  • built-in iSight video camera;
  • Gigabit Ethernet port;
  • built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
  • ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
  • three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one FireWire 400 port;
  • one audio line in and one headphone out port, each supporting optical digital audio;
  • Scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor;
  • the infrared Apple Remote; and
  • 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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