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Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A
Revision Published April 10, 2009
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What are the differences between the 15-Inch "Late 2008/Unibody" MacBook Pro models?
Please note that all MacBook Pro models mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and quite useful for anyone considering one of these notebooks on the used market.
The 15-Inch "Late 2008/Unibody" MacBook Pro systems -- the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15" (Unibody) and MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 15" (Unibody) -- are quite similar to one another, but are quite a bit different than the earlier MacBook Pro models that they replaced.
On March 3, 2009, Apple quietly replaced the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 15" (Unibody) with the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 15" (Unibody), which is officially identical apart from a faster 2.66 GHz processor (however it also unofficially supports an additional 2 GB of memory, 8 GB up from 6 GB).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
External Differences
All "Unibody" MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo (Late 2008/Aluminum) models have an all new Aluminum iMac-esq black and silver case design milled from a single block of aluminum providing greater strength and a superior finish than previous systems.
All models also include backlit keyboards, a new "no button" glass "multi-touch" trackpad with support for new "four finger" gestures and programmable "zones", and have LED-backlit 15.4" widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" displays. For the first time, the 15-Inch "Pro" models do not offer "matte" or "anti-glare" displays, even as an option, much to the disappointment of some users (the 17-Inch model does have an "anti-glare" option for an additional US$50).
Connectivity Differences
Connectivity of each includes an ExpressCard/34 slot, AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "800" port, optical digital/analog audio in/out, and a new "Mini DisplayPort" that supports an external display at 2560x1600.
Internal Differences
Internally, the models are quite similar as well, with the same logic board design and 45 nm "Penryn" Intel "Core 2 Duo" processors of different speeds with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 1066 MHz frontside bus, support for 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500), support for Serial ATA hard drives, an 8X DL "SuperDrive", and dual graphics processors -- a NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT with dedicated GDDR3 SDRAM and a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory.
Comparison Chart
The modest differences between the "Late 2008/Unibody" models -- configuration, capabilities, and price -- are summarized in this handy chart:
| MacBook Pro "Unibody" | 2.4 | 2.53† |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Processor: | P8600 | T9400*† |
| Processor Speed: | 2.4 GHz | 2.53 GHz*† |
| Level 2 Cache: | 3 MB | 6 MB |
| Hard Drive Size: | 250 GB | 320 GB |
| Standard RAM: | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Dedicated GDDR3 VRAM: | 256 MB | 512 MB |
| Optical Capabilities: | 8X DL "SuperDrive" | 8X DL "SuperDrive" |
| Apple Part No: | MB470LL/A | MB471LL/A† |
| Price: | US$1999 | US$2499*† |
*This model also was available via custom-configuration with a 2.8 GHz "T9600" processor for an extra US$300.
† On March 3, 2009, Apple quietly replaced the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 15" (Unibody) with the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 15" (Unibody), which is officially identical apart from a faster 2.66 GHz processor (T9550) and a new order number of MC026LL/A, however it also unofficially supports an additional 2 GB of memory (8 GB up from 6 GB). It additionally could be upgraded to a 2.93 GHz processor (T9800) for an additional US$300.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new MacBook Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. On the other hand, if you need to sell a MacBook Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older notebook with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Pro models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook Pro model to any other G3 or later Mac.
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