Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.6 15" (08) Specs
Identifiers: Early 2008 - BTO/CTO - MacBookPro4,1 - A1260 - 2198
All MacBook Pro Models | All 2008 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.6 15-Inch (Early 2008/Penryn) technically is a "build-to-order" configuration of the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.5 15-Inch (Early 2008/Penryn), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor, these two models are identical.
The Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.6 15-Inch (Early 2008/Penryn) features a 45 nm "Penryn" 2.6 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor (T9500), with two independent processor "cores", a 6 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache, an 800 MHz frontside bus, 2.0 GB of 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM, a 250 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive with "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology, and an 8X dual-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive. It also includes a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor with 512 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI functionality, and an antiglare LED-backlit 15.4" widescreen 1440x900 active-matrix display (a glossy display is available via build-to-order).
With the exception of the keyboard -- which retains the "ambient lighting" capability but eliminates the "embedded numeric keypad", replaces the "enter" key next to the right-hand "command" key with a second option key, and has a different function key mapping -- and the trackpad -- which adds support for "multi-touch gesturing" (two finger scroll, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag) -- the 15-Inch "Early 2008/Penryn" MacBook Pro models effectively are externally identical compared to the previously released "Mid-2007/Santa Rosa" systems. The "MagSafe" power connector and integrated iSight video camera also remain (the previously bundled Apple Remote is a US$19 extra).
Connectivity likewise includes the same ExpressCard/34 slot, AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire "400" port, Firewire "800" port, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio in/out, and DVI out (Bluetooth has been upgraded to the 2.1+EDR standard).
Internally, however, the "Early 2008/Penryn" models use modestly faster and more energy-efficient 45 nm "Penryn" processors -- compared to 65 nm "Merom" processors in the "Mid-2007 Santa Rosa" series -- larger 6 MB level 2 caches (on the 2.5 GHz and faster models, compared to 4 MB caches on their predecessors, albeit the 2.4 GHz model has a 3 MB cache), more video memory (256 MB or 512 MB, compared to 128 MB or 256 MB), and larger stock hard drives.
Apple also offers this model with a 2.6 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T9500) processor via custom configuration for an additional US$250.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Early 2008/Penryn" models?
- What is the difference between the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Early 2008/Penryn" models and the previous MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Mid-2007/Santa Rosa" models that they replaced?
Buy Newer Macs at site sponsor OWC. Click for current options.
Sell Newer Macs at A+ BBB rated site sponsor Cash For Your Mac. Quick quote!
Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor OWC. Memory, storage & more.
- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
February 26, 2008 |
Discontinued Date: |
October 14, 2008 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2008. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
3397 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
3744 |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
1395 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
2461 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
1528 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
2707 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
1431 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
2479 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
322 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
587 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
2.6 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core 2 Duo (T9500) |
| Details: |
The Intel "Core 2 Duo" (T9500) 45 nm "Penryn" processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip.
Also see: How much faster are the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Early 2008/Penryn" models compared to the "Mid-2007/Santa Rosa" models that they replaced? |
| Turbo Boost: |
N/A |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
Also see: Is the CPU on the MacBook Pro upgradable? |
| System Bus Speed: |
800 MHz |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.6 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
800 MHz frontside bus. The system bus in this model can be dynamically "downclocked" to conserve battery life. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Details: |
Also see: Does the MacBook Pro have a ROM or BIOS? |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
6 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Includes a 6 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed. |
| RAM Type: |
PC2-5300 DDR2 |
Min. RAM Speed: |
667 MHz |
| Details: |
Supports 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the MacBook Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support? |
| Standard RAM: |
2 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
6 GB* |
| Motherboard RAM: |
None |
RAM Slots: |
2 |
| Video Card: |
GeForce 8600M GT |
VRAM Type: |
GDDR3 SDRAM |
| Details: |
The NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM uses a 16 lane PCI Express bus. |
| Standard VRAM: |
512 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
512 MB |
| Built-in Display: |
15.4" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1440x900 |
| Details: |
15.4" color "antiglare widescreen TFT LED backlit display" with a 1440 by 900 native resolution.
Apple reports that the system also supports "1280 by 800, 1152 by 720, 1024 by 640, and 800 by 500 at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 at 4:3 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 at 4:3 aspect ratio stretched; 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio, [and] 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio stretched."
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Pro. No fix, no fee!
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Pro.
|
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
Simultaneously supports native resolution on the internal display and a maximum of 2560x1600 on an external display. |
| Standard Storage: |
250 GB HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
5400 RPM |
| Storage Dimensions: |
2.5" (9.5 mm) |
Storage Interface: |
Serial ATA (1.5 Gb/s) |
| Details: |
This model supports a single SATA I (1.5 Gb/s) 2.5" hard drive or SSD that is up to 9.5 mm thick. |
| Standard Optical: |
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the 8X dual-layer DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive has a maximum write speed of "8x DVD-R, DVD+R; 4x DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW" and read speed of "8x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-ROM; 6x DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD." |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Details: |
An external Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) was offered for US$49. |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
Standard Bluetooth: |
2.1+EDR |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
2 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
1 (400), 1 (800) |
| Details: |
Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports. One Firewire "400" port, one Firewire "800" port. |
| Expansion Slots: |
ExpressCard/34 |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
One ExpressCard/34 expansion slot.
Also see: What is ExpressCard/34? Is it compatible with PC Cards?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of ExpressCard/34 cards as well as external expansion options and accessories including docks, adapters, cables, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Pro. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Full-size |
Incl. Input: |
Trackpad |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)." It also includes a fiber-optic-based "ambient light sensor" that automatically "measures ambient light and works with integrated software to adjust keyboard illumination and screen brightness based on user preferences".
The trackpad features "multi-touch gesture support for precise cursor control; [and] supports two-finger scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities."
Also see: What is the difference between the "multi-touch gesture" trackpad and the trackpad used in earlier Apple notebooks? |
| Case Type: |
Notebook |
Form Factor: |
MacBook Pro |
| Apple Order No: |
BTO/CTO |
Apple Subfamily: |
Early 2008 |
| Apple Model No: |
A1260 (EMC 2198) |
Model ID: |
MacBookPro4,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1260 Model Number, the 2198 EMC Number, and the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
60 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
5 Hours |
| Details: |
For previous MacBook Pro models, Apple provided estimated battery life for usage without wireless, but for the "Early 2008/Penryn" models the company decided to report battery life in terms of "wireless productivity". The company notes that battery life "depends on configuration and use" and the "wireless productivity test measured battery life by wirelessly browsing various websites and editing text in a word processing document with display brightness set to 50%".
Also see: How long is the battery life of the MacBook Pro in real-world tests?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.5.2 (9C2018) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.11.6* |
| Details: |
*This system can run the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion" and OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" although it does not support the AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring, or Power Nap features. It also supports the last version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan", but no advanced features are supported. It is not supported booting into 64-bit mode when running Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," either. It does support "OpenCL" and Grand Central Dispatch, though. It is not supported running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all.
Please also note that OS X "Lion" 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the "Rosetta" environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" or earlier.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features? |
| Minimum Windows: |
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
7 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit version of Windows XP SP2 as well as the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-Bit and 64-bit versions of this operating system with appropriate drivers. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: |
Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
1.0 x 14.1 x 9.6 |
Avg. Weight: |
5.4 lbs. (2.45 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (2.59 cm, 35.7 cm, 24.3 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$2749 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$100-US$150 |
| Details: |
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.6 15" (08) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$2749 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
N/A |
Belgium: |
N/A |
| Denmark: |
N/A |
Finland: |
N/A |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
N/A |
| Norway: |
N/A |
Portugal: |
N/A |
| Switzerland: |
N/A |
United Kingdom: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
N/A |
Hong Kong: |
N/A |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
N/A |
Taiwan: |
N/A |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$3749 |
New Zealand: |
N/A |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Pro models follow.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< MacBook Pro (Home) | Also see: MacBook Pro FAQ
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect.
Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever.
EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any
damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright
information please read and understand the Terms
of Use and the Privacy Policy before
using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.
1 (DVI) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
2 (2.0)
1 (400), 1 (800)
1 (RJ-45)
None
1
1 (Internal)
1
1
1
1
None
N/A
1