MacBook Pro is even more powerful with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Up to 200GB of storage(2) and 2GB of RAM make the MacBook Pro bigger on the inside and faster than ever. Next-generation NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics and 802.11n-based AirPort Extreme wireless capabilities(3) keep it on the cutting edge. And now Multi-Touch technology comes to the MacBook Pro in an advanced trackpad. Encased in lightweight aluminum and one inch thin the MacBook Pro packs astounding performance into a stunning design. (1) Wireless Internet access requires a base station or other wireless access point and Internet access; fees may apply. Some ISPs are not currently compatible with AirPort Extreme. 21GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity less. (3) Based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Wireless Internet access requires a base station or other wireless access point and Internet access; fees may apply. Some ISPs are not currently compatible with AirPort Extreme. (4) Based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Wireless Internet access requires a base station or other wireless access point and Internet access; fees may apply. Some ISPs are not currently compatible with AirPort Extreme. Actual performance will vary based on range connection rate site conditions size of network and other factors. Range will vary with site conditions.

• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3 MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard


• 2 GB RAM (two SO-DIMM) 677 MHz DDR2 SD-RAM (PC2-5300) 200 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA hard drive slot load 8x Super Drive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)


• One FireWire 400 one FireWire 800 two USB 2.0 ports and ExpressCard/34 slot


• Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit); built-in 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme (802.11n); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR


• 15.4-inch (diagonal) 1440 by 900 resolution matte TFT LED widescreen display with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256 MB of GDDR3 memory and dual-link DVI

More detail ...

This is a "Pro" in every sense.

In March 2008 I decided it was time to upgrade from a G4-based laptop to one of the new Intel models. I deliberated back and forth whether the lower priced MacBook would be sufficient or whether to pay the premium for the "Pro" model. Ultimately I decided upon the MacBook Pro for these reasons.



Construction quality

The aluminum case of the MacBook Pro reminds me of a product made by the Swiss. The build quality is outstanding for a mass-produced device. It feels very substantial and all the pieces fit together nearly seamlessly. The MacBook's case however is made from a high-grade plastic rather than metal. It's nice ... but I found the front edge of the MacBook's case a bit sharp on my wrists as I typed.



Ports

Compared with the MacBook the MacBook Pro provides an additional USB port plus Firewire 800. The latter is desirable for people who work with video and external drives that have Firewire 800 connectors. The ExpressCard slot is useful for future expansion and services such as wireless broadband (EVDO).



Keyboard

Keyboard experiences are subjective; but I find the keyboard on the MacBook Pro the most comfortable of any laptop I've ever used. It feels solid and responsive. Plus its backlighting is helpful when typing in dark environments.



Dedicated video

Unlike the MacBook that shares system memory for video (integrated graphics) the MacBook Pro has a dedicated video processor. This is beneficial for driving large external displays and running graphics-intensive applications.



Is the MacBook Pro worth the $700 price differential over a MacBook? That depends on whether you are a general home computer user (i.e. e-mail web browsing iTunes word processing) or someone who uses their laptop for more advanced purposes. My user profile is more in the second category. Also since I intend to keep this computer for three years I figure that the premium breaks down to about $233 each year. This seems reasonable to me for something I use every day.



In view of the additional quality and benefits that the MacBook Pro offers I think its higher price brings with it commensurate value. It's hard to imagine even finicky laptop users being disappointed with the MacBook Pro.



P.S. -- There are two 15-inch MacBook Pro models. I bought the 2.4 gHz "entry level" model. It is the better value. I do not feel the 2.5 gHz MacBook Pro is worth the extra $500.



Also people who care to add system memory (beyond the stock 2 gigabytes supplied by Apple) ought to purchase it from a third-party vendor and install it themselves. It is a simple process.More detail ...

This is a "Pro" in every sense.

In March 2008 I decided it was time to upgrade from a G4-based laptop to one of the new Intel models. I deliberated back and forth whether the lower priced MacBook would be sufficient or whether to pay the premium for the "Pro" model. Ultimately I decided upon the MacBook Pro for these reasons.



Construction quality

The aluminum case of the MacBook Pro reminds me of a product made by the Swiss. The build quality is outstanding for a mass-produced device. It feels very substantial and all the pieces fit together nearly seamlessly. The MacBook's case however is made from a high-grade plastic rather than metal. It's nice ... but I found the front edge of the MacBook's case a bit sharp on my wrists as I typed.



Ports

Compared with the MacBook the MacBook Pro provides an additional USB port plus Firewire 800. The latter is desirable for people who work with video and external drives that have Firewire 800 connectors. The ExpressCard slot is useful for future expansion and services such as wireless broadband (EVDO).



Keyboard

Keyboard experiences are subjective; but I find the keyboard on the MacBook Pro the most comfortable of any laptop I've ever used. It feels solid and responsive. Plus its backlighting is helpful when typing in dark environments.



Dedicated video

Unlike the MacBook that shares system memory for video (integrated graphics) the MacBook Pro has a dedicated video processor. This is beneficial for driving large external displays and running graphics-intensive applications.



Is the MacBook Pro worth the $700 price differential over a MacBook? That depends on whether you are a general home computer user (i.e. e-mail web browsing iTunes word processing) or someone who uses their laptop for more advanced purposes. My user profile is more in the second category. Also since I intend to keep this computer for three years I figure that the premium breaks down to about $233 each year. This seems reasonable to me for something I use every day.



In view of the additional quality and benefits that the MacBook Pro offers I think its higher price brings with it commensurate value. It's hard to imagine even finicky laptop users being disappointed with the MacBook Pro.



P.S. -- There are two 15-inch MacBook Pro models. I bought the 2.4 gHz "entry level" model. It is the better value. I do not feel the 2.5 gHz MacBook Pro is worth the extra $500.



Also people who care to add system memory (beyond the stock 2 gigabytes supplied by Apple) ought to purchase it from a third-party vendor and install it themselves. It is a simple process.More detail ...