| Average Customer Rating: |  4.5 |
| Brand: | Apple Computer |
| Model: | MB470LL/A |
| Display size: | 15.4 inches |
| Weight: | 5.5 pounds |
| Dimensions: | 14.35 inches x 9.82 inches x 0.95 inches
[Width x Length x Height] |
Product Categories
Product description
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The latest Intel processor, a bigger hard drive, plenty of memory, and even more new features all fit inside just one liberating inch. The MacBook Pro has the performance, power, and connectivity of a desktop computer. Without the desk part.
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Redesigned with a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, the MacBook Pro is thinner and lighter than its predecessor as well as stronger and more durable. But Apple didn't stop innovating with the body's design. The MacBook Pro also includes a new 15-inch, LED-backlit glass display (instead of an LCD panel) and a glass trackpad that doesn't include a button (for larger tracking area) and features includes Apple's Multi-Touch technology. 
The redesigned MacBook Pro (see larger version). | Under the hood, the MacBook Pro is powered by a powerful 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (with 3 MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front-side bus), which runs applications faster and more efficiently as well as helps to reduce power requirements and save on battery life. And the MacBook Pro includes two video processors for ultimate flexibility: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics for great everyday performance and NVIDIA 9600M GT discrete graphics for fast, smooth video--perfect for 3D gaming. It's pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which enables easy backup of your most important data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications--including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes--and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser. Other hardware features include a 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (which can be upgraded to 4 GB), an 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs), built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), FireWire 800 port, Mini DisplayPort video output (for DVI and VGA connections), and an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot for expansion solutions such as 3G wireless networking. The New MacBook Pro Design
Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the new MacBook all of those parts with just one part--the breakthrough unibody enclosure. Every MacBook Pro starts its life as a single block of aluminum, which is precisely machined into the basic unibody design. Another pass and the unibody takes shape. Another, and the integrated keyboard emerges. When you pick up a new MacBook Pro, you immediately notice the entire enclosure is thinner and lighter. And it feels strong and durable--perfect for life inside (and outside) your briefcase or backpack.  | The standard aluminum electro-static trackpad has been replaced with a new glass Multi-Touch trackpad, which provides 40 percent more tracking area than before. Use two fingers to scroll up and down a page. Pinch to zoom in and out. Rotate an image with your fingertips. Swipe with three fingers to flip through your photo libraries. Swipe with four fingers to show your desktop, view all open windows, or switch applications. The entire trackpad surface is also a button, allowing you to both track and click virtually anywhere on the trackpad. And you can easily enable multiple virtual buttons in software, such as right-clicking. The keyboard has also been improved, with the rigid aluminum keyboard webbing cut precisely to hold the keys, which are curved to perfectly fit fingers. And it's illuminated, so when you're in low-light settings, such as airplanes or conference rooms, you can always see what you're typing. The 15-inch display is made of edge-to-edge, uninterrupted glass for a smooth, seamless surface and features LED backlighting for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less energy than its predecessor. The ultra-thin displays provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which has a super-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With 3 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle. Video Processing & Output
The new MacBook Pro combines the efficiency of an integrated graphics processor with the desktop-class performance of a discrete graphics processor thanks to the inclusion of both. Out of the box, it runs the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M processor, which provides plenty of performance for everyday use with up to 5 hours of battery life. But when you need turbocharged performance for the most graphically intensive tasks, the discrete NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT processor delivers--such as for demanding 3D games like Quake, Call of Duty, and Spore. And thanks to a new graphics architecture, it's easy to switch between these two processors. The 9400M graphics processor shares 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with main memory, while the 9600M provides 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 video memory.  | The MacBook Pro includes a next generation Mini DisplayPort, which delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, and is compatible with Apple's 24-inch Cinema Display. Adapters are also available for using VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays Hard Drive and Memory
The 250 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 2 GB of PC3-8500 DDR3 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1024 MB) has an industry-leading 1066 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 4 GB. Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague. Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the glass display is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast. Other Features
- Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800, ExpressCard/34 slot
- Mini DisplayPort compatible with DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI connectors (all optional)
- 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD±R; 4x DVD±R DL (double layer); 4x DVD±RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
- Built-in full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)
- Internal omnidirectional microphone and built-in speakers
- Combined optical digital output/headphone out (minijack)
- Combined optical digital input/audio line in (minijack)
- 50-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery providing up to 5 hours of battery life using 9400M graphics (up to 4 hours using 9600M graphics)
- Kensington lock slot
- Measures 14.35 x 9.82 x 0.95 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.5 pounds (including battery)
Environtmental Considerations
The entire new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold and RoHS environmental standards, and leads the industry in the elimination of toxic chemicals by containing no brominated flame retardants, using only PVC-free internal cables and components, and using energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. Preloaded with Leopard and iLife '08
The biggest Mac OS X upgrade ever, the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system features over 300 new features, including: - Time Machine, an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac
- A redesigned Finder that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs
- Quick Look, a new way to instantly see files without opening an application
- Spaces, an intuitive new feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them
- A brand new desktop with Stacks, a new way to easily access files from the Dock
- Major enhancements to Mail and iChat
Preloaded with Leopard, you'll enjoy enhanced productivity and a clutter-free desktop (thanks to the the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks). | Leopard's new desktop includes the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks, a new way to organize files for quick and easy access with just one click. Leopard automatically places web, email and other downloads in a Downloads stack to maintain a clutter-free desktop, and you can instantly fan the contents of this and other Stacks into an elegant arc right from the Dock. The updated Finder includes Cover Flow and a new sidebar with a dramatically simplified way to search for, browse and copy content from any PC or Mac on a local network. Time Machine lets you easily back up all of the data on your Mac, find lost files and even restore all of the software on their Mac. With just a one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, you can search back through time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other digital media and then instantly restore the file. The MacBook also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications that make it easy to live the digital life. Use iPhoto to share entire high-res photo albums with anyone who's got an email address. Record your own songs and podcasts with GarageBand. Break into indie filmmaking with iMovie and iDVD. Then take all the stuff you made on your MacBook and share it on the web in one click with iWeb. Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools) iLife '08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand) What's in the Box
MacBook Pro, display cleaning cloth, lithium-polymer battery, 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation
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FeaturesRedesigned MacBook with thin, strong aluminum unibody frame and 15-inch LED-backlit glass displayNew glass trackpad with 40 percent more tracking area and supports more Multi-Touch gestures2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB DDR3 RAM (4 GB max), DVD/CD SuperDriveDual NVIDIA graphics (integrated and discrete); Draft-N Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 2.1; Gigabit Ethernet; Mini DisplayPort video outputPreloaded with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system and iLife '08 suite of applications
Customer reviews
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Beautiful computer, some mixed feelings
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This is my first Apple computer ever. I am a software developer who mostly used Unix (Solaris) and Linux, rarely venturing into Windows land mostly for Nikon Scan and Photoshop. For a long time I believed Macs were for graphics/video designers, rather than hard core developers. The fact that I've seen lots of MacBooks at conferences such as Web 2.0 in SF, did not convince me enough: I attributed the widespread use of them to a fad, a certain "style" as in clothing. For me a computer is a "knowledge worker's tool" not a fashion statement. Another reason to stay away from Apple products has been high margin pricing. CPUs, GPUs, memory, disks, are quickly getting cheaper, and yet Apple sells these commodities like luxury goods. One can configure a beautiful Lenovo laptop with more horsepower for much cheaper (I've done it recently for a friend).
So why do it?
Here are MY reasons. 1) I needed MAC OS X to port some of my applications to the Mac, maybe go into iPhone development too. 2) I needed *some* laptop (for mobility) to replace my historic trusty Dell Inspiron 8000. Most of my work happens on a custom built desktop. 3) I am not much of a Windows fan and I am a bit tired of Linuxes; I wanted inspiration from something I haven't used before: to learn and expand knowledge/experience horizons.
So that's where I am coming from...
After 3 weeks of usage I can say the following (you will notice the mixed feelings from the title of this review)
This is a computer of *stunning* beauty! It is a work of art: the screen, the keyboard, the body; it belongs on a permanent exibition at the MoMA. As such it is a joy to use and have around, it brightens my daily experience. And yet... why such a small screen resolution (1440x900) for a 15 inch screen?! Even my historic Dell from 2001 sported 1600x1200, great for working with text and hi-res photos. For this kind of money we should be getting higher resolution. I am not talking about numbers for numbers' sake: the font characters (even as I write this) are far from print quality, issues with anti-aliasing software may have something to do with this. Within the first couple of hours I practically decided to return the laptop because of how text looks 70% of the time. It is difficult to understand why Apple is saving on pixels here and impairs an otherwise great product. Is it because higher resolutions are reserved for even pricier models? Apart from the not-so-great-a-resolution (you may google around for other people's opinions on that), pricing is somewhat annoying too (and also discussed in many places on the Web). To connect an external monitor you need a $30 or $100 additional cable. To upgrade to a much more reasonable 4GB of RAM you'll need $100+ (or $300 if you want this commodity to have Apple sign on it :-) )
But... I decided to keep the laptop. It is too beautiful, and I find MAC OS "Leopard" intriguing and a good experience. Then there are other pluses: the keyboard (back-lit w/ smooth key action), great network connectivity, convenient weight and dimensions, glossy screen (I don't have issues with reflections other reviewers mention). From the developer's perspective, I learn some good things and some not so good: apparently I can't just download my Java from Sun (say 32-bit Java 6); I have to live with what Apple endorses :-(
Amazon/UPS delivery was fantastic, packaging is beautiful too: they both made for a very pleasant and exciting experience.
Summary: I am not returning the laptop, I enjoy its beauty and functionality, but if I didn't need MAC OS for my planned work, I would have stayed in the higher value priced PC-land (eg. Lenovo + Ubuntu) where you can customize parameters better and avoid hefty margins.
Rating: 
(3
out of 5) @ 2009-01-09
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Macbook Pro - Totally awesome
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I got the laptop about a month ago to replace my old Windows notebook and have been amazingly surprised with how little (nothing) I miss about the Windows environment. I use it at Client sites on Windows networks and have no issues. I bought VMware Fusion and it is flawless. I haven't used all the software yet but I love the integrated camera and speakers are surprisingly solid. The screen is great for movies on the plane. I also have used the Airline adapter each week for 6 hour plane ride (on American Airlines) and it allows me to work/watch movies as much as I want to. Has made my Ipod touch pretty useless on the plane since I have unlimited battery. The airline adapter does NOT charge the battery but does run the laptop and allows it to charge my Itouch without any problem.
Rating: 
(5
out of 5) @ 2009-01-07
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Great computer
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This is a powerful, elegant computer that can do pretty much anything I want it to do.
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2009-01-06
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Mac Is The BOMB!!!!
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This particular item was a absolute deal, with $400.00 down and the remaining $1500.00 was put on my amazon store card with NO INTEREST for 24 months. The computer is FAST AS HELL, it arrived a week AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, and was completely set up in 3 minutes. Fast, intuitive, and beautiful I recommend this computer to all technology lovers. ***And to anyone worried about switching to Mac, don't worry about it almost every program works with Mac, and all those little annoying things that you thought were normal on all computers, they are all gone on a mac, stream-line and fast as lightening. Death to PC, Long Live the MAC!!!***
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2009-01-06
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Made me into an Apple Convert from Windows
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I purchased this notebook to replace my pre-existing Windows XP based laptop. Whenever I watched a movie and saw a celebrity working on a computer, it was always on a Mac. When you buy a notebook like this, you are buying a Hollywood Superstar.
WHAT IS IN THE BOX
Notebook
Instructions
AC Adapter
SETUP
When you turn on the notebook, there is an initialization process to register your notebook and allow you to password protect the computer. Right out of the box, the Macbook Pro works well. It is accompanied by iLife and iTunes. I initially updated iTunes and updated the operating system after placing my information to work wirelessly.
Operation
The notebook is so easy to operate. As a Windows operator since the Windows 1.0 inception, it was not a steep learning curve. In lieu of the Control button, you push the Command button.
The touchpad is generous and the various mouse gestures are a welcome addition. The keyboard is full-sized and buttons are extremely comfortable.
The hard drive is quiet. There is no screen flex or wrist pad flex, either. The function keys control contrast, volume and screen brightness. Being used to a Dell Latitude D620, I am used to about a 50% brightness. Configured with a 320 GB hard drive that is a lot of space to store my 120 GB of music and over 100 GB of photos/videos. The hard drive appears to run fast at 5400 RPM (for what I do a 7200 RPM HD was not worth it).
I do not game but I wanted the option given the video capabilities. However, to conserve energy I use the integrated memmory card. If I decide one day to play video games, this notebook will afford me that ability.
Installation of programs have never been easier for me on a Mac than my previous 5 generations of Windows based notebooks (ranging from Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq). I was able to install my printer software and drivers in 1/3 of the time of XP and 1/5 of the time from Vista. Password protecting the notebook, ensured that only I would be able to install ANYTHING onto my notebook. It is so frustrating when someone uses your computer only to find junky software installed into your notebook which add spyware and run your computer less efficiently.
Construction
The solid construction by the aluminum body is elegant and durable. The glass screen is highly reflective but at the angle by which I operate the notebook, I find no problems. It is so easy to wipe off. I have read that viewing angles were limited but I don't find that to be the case for me (with regular positioning and use).
For the size of a widescreen 15.4" notebook, this design is thin and lightweight (5.5 lbs) which matches the weight of many notebooks at the 14.1" size of Windows based notebooks.
I use this notebook on a table or my lap. It does not get hot like prior generations of Macbook Pros which got very uncomfortably hot.
The plug attaches by a magnetic type interface which is easy to use and more durable than other notebook interfaces that tend to dislodge from regular use (My old Gateway and an older model Compaq).
There are 2 USB ports, a Firewire 800 port, earphone and microphone jacks, and a monitor port. A slot for the optical drive is convenient and is software/hardware driven. It is relatively quiet for its operation. I do not even hear the cooling fan when it runs.
Integrated webcam with very good field of view and resolution for its size. Using the camera it is easy to do videoconferencing or video chatting (iChat). The video chat also works with Google's Chat interface.
Batteries
The battery is unlike the batteries of its predecessors. I ordered the older battery and obviously, it would not fit.
Battery life is decent with WIFI and Bluetooth inactivated and brightness set to lower levels, allowing me about 3 hours and 45 minutes. I love how you can display batter life as a percentage or absolute time.
Wifi and Bluetooth activation are easy to operate (at the upper right hand corner of the screen).
Programs
Armed with the Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools) and iLife '08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand), you can do a lot with the notebook right out of the box. I did purchase extra software for more versatility:
Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Special Media Edition
Final Cut Express 4
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 (Mac)
I had Windows XP before and syncing the IPOD with that system was well, buggy. With the Macbook Pro, as soon as I turned on the notebook, the updates ran seamlessly and did not affect the performance of the machine. I also decided to sync my notebook with the Macbook Pro which was very easy and I had not one error. I also found it faster to sync with my IPOD when compared to my Windows based predecessor. Overall, it was a more positive experience for me.
PROS
Lightweight for the size of the screen
Thin profile
Next generation trackpad (works similar to an iPhone/IPOD Touch
Ease of operation and installation of programs
Good base of programs installed
Virtually no BLOATWARE
Simplicity of design
Can run windows
Dual video card configuration
CONS
Cost
Average battery life
No matte screen option
I also added the Applecare Protection Plan (3 year duration) which I was advised will be worth the price for technical support and repairs (if necessary). I highly recommend getting the Protection Plan:
AppleCare Protection Plan MA515LL/A for MacBook Pro (w/ or w/o display)
One peripheral that I thought was very useful was the Apple Remote which I found new on the Amazon Marketplace for $5:
Apple Remote Control for iPod (White)
Conclusion
Overall, this is a solid notebook with the capabilities to run Windows (but why?). The design is simple and easy to use.
It has made an Apple convert out of me, out of all of these years (23 years - am I that old?) of PC computing from the IBM AT/XT days (monochrome screens, 5 inch floppy drives, 2400 baud modems, noisy dot matrix printers and clicky keyboards).
I highly recommend this product. It made an Apple Mac OS X convert out of me!
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-12-31
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