Apple MacBook Pro MC118LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop
Apple MacBook Pro MC118LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop
Featuring a precision unibody enclosure made 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 did not stop with an innovative design of the body. The MacBook Pro also includes a new 15-inch LED-backlit glass display (instead of an LCD panel), as well as a glass trackpad that does not include a button (for larger tracking area) that the features of Apple Multi-Touch technology.
The 15-inch unibody MacBook Pro (see larger version).
This 15-inch MacBook Pro (model MC118LL / A) now includes Apple’s innovative built-in battery of the notebook up to 7 hours of wireless productivity on a single charge, without adding thickness, weight and cost. Using Adaptive charging and advanced chemistry first introduced with the 17-inch MacBook Pro built-in battery offers up to 1000 recharges before it reaches 80 per cent of its original capacity – nearly three times the life of conventional batteries.
Under the hood, the MacBook Pro is powered by a powerful 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (with 3 MB of L2 cache and 1066 MHz front-side bus), which runs applications faster and more efficiently and helps reduce power requirements and save battery life. And the video is powered by the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor, which offers an exceptional graphics experience every day up to a 5x performance boost.
Among other hardware features of a hard drive, 250 GB, 4 GB of installed RAM (which can be upgraded to 8 GB), an 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs and CDs), built-in Gigabit high-speed Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), FireWire 800 port, Mini DisplayPort video output (for DVI and VGA) and a slot for Secure Digital card for easy access to pictures and audio stored on digital cards SD memory and MMC.
It comes pre-loaded with Apple’s Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system – a custom operating system designed for the advanced technology inside – and it comes with the iLife ‘09 suite of applications, including iPhoto, iMovie , GarageBand, and iTunes.
The MacBook Pro Unibody Design
Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the MacBook Pro all the parts with one part – the breakthrough unibody enclosure. Every MacBook Pro starts its life as a single block of aluminum, which is precisely worked in the basic unibody design. Another pass and the unibody takes shape. Another, and the integrated keyboard emerges. Upon delivery of a new MacBook Pro, you immediately notice the shell is thinner and lighter. It feels strong and durable – perfect for life inside (and outside), the purse or backpack.
Off-the-shelf lithium-ion cells to enter the fixed cylindrical shapes. Polymer battery The 15-inch MacBook Pro is powered by custom-made, ultra-thin lithium.
The standard aluminum electro-static trackpad has been replaced with a new glass Multi-Touch trackpad, which provides for monitoring an area 40 per cent more than before. Use two fingers to scroll up and down a page. Pinch zoom in and out. Rotate an image with your fingertips. Swipe with three fingers to flip through your photos. Swipe with four fingers to show your desktop, view all open windows, or switch applications. The entire trackpad surface is also a button that lets you monitor both practically anywhere and click on the trackpad. And you can easily enable multiple virtual buttons in software, such as the right mouse button.
The keyboard has been improved, with the rigid aluminum keyboard webbing cut precisely to hold the keys, which are curved to perfectly fit fingers. And it is illuminated, so that when you’re in low-light environments, such as airplanes or conference rooms, you can always see what you are typing.
The 15-inch display is made of edge-to-edge, uninterrupted glass for a smooth and seamless and features LED backlighting for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less power than its predecessor . The ultra-thin displays provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies
Long battery
The 15-inch MacBook Pro now includes a new lithium polymer battery that lasts up engineering to 7 hours on a single charge thanks to the chemistry advanced intelligent control system and battery, and the adaptive charging. The battery is integrated directly into the computer, eliminating the space consumption and mechanisms of containers that require removable standard batteries. This also provides a removable battery longer battery life, up to 1000 recharges – which means less run out of batteries and less waste, which is better for the environment.
Giving a period up to 1000 recharges necessary innovations in battery technology. Apple electro-chemical developed advanced chemical that keeps the charge capacity of the battery is more than ever. And while most notebooks wear down their batteries charged at a constant speed, 15-inch MacBook Pro has a different approach. Using a technology developed by Apple called Adaptive charging a microchip on the battery constantly communicates with the computer to determine the best way to charge his cell by adjusting the current up and down on a variety of conditions. Combined, these advances offer a significant improvement in battery life: more than three times the battery life for notebook typical – up to five years.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life, with 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, which features a super-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 3 MB of L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data and a larger L2 cache can help speed up system performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will provide better overall performance .)
The hafnium-infused circuitry – which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors – conserves even more energy, giving more time away from the wall outlet. With 3 MB 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 appears to be inactive.
Video Processing & Output
The MacBook Pro has both graphics performance and long battery life through the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor, which offers an exceptional graphics experience every day up to a 5x performance boost. Power your way through the latest 3D games – including Call of Duty and Quake – and enjoy improved graphics performance with iWork ‘09, iLife ‘09, and everything you do in Mac OS X. Energy saving NVIDIA integrated graphics processor and also keeps you all day, up to 7 hours of battery life.
The MacBook Pro includes a new generation Mini DisplayPort, which provides 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 24-inch Apple Cinema Display. Adapters are also available for using VGA, DVI / HDMI and Dual-Link DVI
Hard Drive and Memory
The 250 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM), accelerate the pace with a higher speed transfer of data – similar to USB 2.0. The 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1024 MB), has an industry-leading speed of 1066 MHz, and the capacity of RAM can be increased to 8 GB.
Wireless Connectivity
The networking built-in wireless 802.11n provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it is also compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with a wide variety of Wi – FI resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Using Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your 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 on the glass display is an iSight camera, which allows for easy video conferencing as it allows you to take pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat list, in order to initiate 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 movie with the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.
Environmental
Apple has worked hard to eliminate many of the toxins, which are a common part of computer manufacturing. Apple engineers have removed most of the brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from printed circuit boards, internal cables, connectors, insulators, adhesives, and more MacBook Pro.
Because Apple makes both the hardware and software for the MacBook, are designed to work together to produce an intelligent product that uses less electricity. For example, to reduce energy consumption, the hard drive turns down automatically when idle. MacBook Air also decides which processor – CPU or GPU – is best suited to carry out a task efficiently. The LED-backlit display with the MacBook Pro is another factor that plays an important role in energy conservation, energy consumption 30 percent lower than traditional LCD. And the display is designed to reduce the brightness when you enter a dark room.
The MacBook Pro meets the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, giving it ENERGY STAR certification. MacBook also meets the latest performance requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 specification for computers in July 2009 before its effective date.
The MacBook Pro has also received the highest rating of EPEAT Gold. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or EPEAT, evaluates the environmental impacts of a product in terms of how it can be recycled, how much energy you use and how it is designed and manufactured.
Pre-loaded with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and iLife ‘09
Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard is based on a decade of innovation and the success of OS X with hundreds of improvements, new technology base and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife iPhoto features, easily organize and manage photos, iMovie with powerful, easy to use new features like precision Editor, stabilization, advanced video and drag and drop, and GarageBand, which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.
Software installed
* Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard Snow Leopard (including Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)
* ILife ‘09 (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, iDVD)
What’s in the Box
MacBook Pro, Display cleaning cloth, 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, installation and repair, Printed and electronic documentation
Product description
MacBook Pro delivers high performance and design of precision at all. Every new MacBook Pro has a breakthrough, long-lasting battery that provides up to 7 hours of wireless productivity on a single charge2 and can be recharged up to 1000 times, almost three times the lifespan of the typical notebook batteries.3 The new LED-backlit display has a color gamut greater than 60 percent of that of previous generations, giving richer, more vivid colors. Every MacBook Pro features the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor, which offers an exceptional graphics experience for everyday activities. Power your way through 3D games, including Call of Duty and Quake and enjoy improved graphics performance with iWork, iLife, and everything you do in Mac OS X. This 15-inch model features an advanced graphics architecture that uses the 9400M integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics processor. The experience of the graphics faster, more regular, and even more evident for professional applications like Aperture and Motion, productivity tools like Keynote, and intensive 3D games. Depending on how much battery life performance is required, it is a breeze to switch between the two processors. And with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz, is the most powerful Mac notebook ever. All in a precision unibody aluminum enclosure that is less than an inch thick.
Customer Reviews
By Parry “laptop freak” (MI, USA)
Coming from a troubled MacBook Pro Nvidia 8600M GT – let me say that I was very skeptical about buying another Apple notebook with nVidia chip in it.
However, one weekend I decided to visit the nearest Apple Retail Store and check the models just released. My decision was mainly influenced by lower prices and greater battery life.
After some discussion about buying the old model for the same price or getting the latest we chose the most recent mid-end $ 1999 model with 2 GPU. As is common, I had a very good resale price for my old MacBook Pro as had AppleCare.
This generation is an improvement over the past generation all unless you happen to be ExpressCard with 15 “model it is. In our case we never used the ExpressCard after trying to use an eSATA card that did not work very well. And we have some SD cards can easily use that figure.
So improving specific than its predecessor –
1) Battery Life – I was very doubtful that the battery would last longer than 4 hours, but was pleasantly surprised to discover that the surf / type of e-mail and the occasional CNN / Youtube flash video received 6 + now has been fairly easy.
2) Prices – No doubt, the prices are more reasonable laptop Apple has ever had. If you have no need for dual GPU you can get the $ 1699 model, which comes with a respectable 2.53GHz processor, 4GB of RAM and a very capable 9400M GPU.
3) Operating temperature – I have owned my share of laptop computers (Apple and Apple), and I must say that this is the finest – never gets too hot and I can not use it in my lap all the time – even the video encoding using HandBrake application does not make uncomfortably warm. However, if I switch to use the 9600M GPU it gets warmer even on regular use. Also works very quiet – the fans may be coming up, but I never notice.
Initially there were a lot of rage on the downgrade of Apple in the Serial-ATA interface speed (used to transfer data to and from the hard drive) to 1.5 Gbps, but Apple quickly restored the speed of 3Gbps – but not notice any difference with the 5400RPM hard drive.
About the display – which is beautiful and the colors are vivid. I had the opportunity to use a calibrated color profile to make it look even better. However I find the display to be a bit ‘too reflective, but I am almost always with matte screen so I figure it is a matter of getting used to it.
Using Apple’s Mini DisplayPort is ahead of its time – not many shows of support, so I had to buy a DVI $ 30 – not a big problem, but Apple is the king much less start bundling the card with Pro machines also another USB port instead of the SD Card Reader is quite welcome – people can only use the SD Card Reader for SD, but a USB port can be used for SD cards and other peripherals.
That said, this generation is overall a very nice improvement – the great life of the battery is sufficient to convince one for the update.
[Edited to add some results after prolonged use]
After using it for a few months, I found a handful of moderately annoying things about this laptop –
1) The placement of the USB ports – two USB ports are on one side of the laptop and are located far too close to use both simultaneously. For example, I found I could not attach my Sandisk USB stick and any other thing at a time. And I have no irregular / unusual devices. What should really go back to having doors on both sides, or at least their position a little ‘further.
2) The lid of the laptop is loose – this was known to me before, but I never thought it would become annoying. I do not usually use the laptop in bed, but every time I do it’s annoying.
3) The amount of RAM Apple advertises (4GB) is not really very usable – it is only 3.75GB. So you lose 256 MB of RAM for dual GPU.
By Debbie Lee Wesselmann (the Lehigh Valley, PA)
Latest version of the Apple MacBook Pro combines a case sleeker, more GB of RAM, an SD slot, and battery life, all with a reduced price. The 15-inch LED backlit display (available on previous models, as well) is simply stunning, with crisp graphics and easy-on-the-eyes clarity.
Unlike old models of MacBook and MacBook Pro, the laptop works pretty cool, even after hours of use a lot of processor power. The case, though not as thin as the air is thinner than most (not Apple), laptops I’ve seen, with an aluminum case that resists fingerprints better than the old MacBook. The keyboard is comfortable, with responsive keys, and is illuminated from behind with blue light. The touch pad is a square one, without a clicker visibly separated, even if it’s there, deep down, beneath the pad, with left and right click functions, navigation with touch pad and the clicker is very easy, but the heaviest users want to purchase a separate mouse, as they would with any laptop.
The 4 GM RAM is twice what the lower end of the Pro features above. The battery life is now seven hours. Of course, the actual time depends on what you are doing, but the estimate is very close. The SD slot is a nice touch. NVIDIA GeForce integrated graphics has been in the Pro for at least a generation, with generally good reviews, but this latest entry-level Pro no longer has a dedicated graphics chip. If you want the best graphics Mac, you must purchase one of the most expensive professionals that include integrated graphics and the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT. For most people, however, this version is sufficient.
The MacBook Pro comes bundled with the latest iLife suite, a fantastic set of programs that continue to improve: iPhoto, iMovie, Garage Band, PhotoBooth, iDVD, etc. Users of earlier versions of these programs will be wiped out. This MacBook should come with Snow Leopard, Apple’s latest OS X, released in September 2009. (For more information about Snow Leopard, see the version of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard)
If you want to run Windows from time to time on this, you will need to purchase a copy of Windows, including Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 Full Version or other version, and a program like Parallels Desktop 4.0 for Mac or VMware Fusion 2. Keep in mind that if you plan to run multiple programs on a Windows platform, you probably should not get a Mac. Most programs these days will have versions for each platform, but there are exceptions.
Students and word-processing/presentation heavy users should consider buying Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Home and Student Edition.
The MacBook Pro is a fantastic car. The debate between PC and Mac will continue to rage, even computers like this Pro win converts. Consumers who want a small budget desktop Mac instead of a laptop should look at Apple Mac mini MB463LL / A Desktop.
NOTE: This review is for the MacBook Pro 15.4-inch. Amazon has collected the reviews for all sizes. According to another client, the size of 17 inches has an SD slot and Express Card slot instead
By Michael J. Christensen (Elk Grove Village, IL United States)
After installing an update from Trend Micro and bricking my PC (which was then able to correct after 8 + hours of system restoration and modifications to the firewall), I had enough and decided I was done Microsoft. I was with the MacBook Pro 15 for a little ‘less than a week, and so far, I’m glad I made the switch. Obviously, there’s a steep premium on the MacBook Pro, and I will try to cover the elements that make it more worthy of the medal, as well as some discomfort that I have encountered as a Mac user before.
Here are some advantages:
+ Beautiful 15 “widescreen display. I come from a 17″ for PC, and since the display is a bit ‘more teams, I do not believe that the reduction in screen size is too obvious
+ Much lighter PC. At 5.5 pounds, it is easier to carry around similar-sized PC
+ Power Super fast shutdown. I would say it takes between 30-40 seconds to turn on, and less than 10 seconds to shut-suspended
+ Battery robust. E ‘rated in 7 hours. This time may vary depending on usage, but this is right if not taken the brightness and the surf is too heavy
+ Refined, a gesture trackpad. If you want to select, just swipe two fingers to select options or web pages, a single tap on the trackpad will do this. It is also the possibility to enlarge the web pages a bit ‘the iPod / iPhone pinch. I wish you could save a zoom to default if the Safari
+ N. crash, except for surfing the Internet (more on that later)
Love + application is pre-installed iPhoto to view and edit photos
+ No problem with spyware, viruses, or crappy, intrusive spyware (such as Trend Micro) to combat
+ Support outstanding (and I used them a lot so far!)
And now for not so good:
- If you want the functionality of word processing / spreadsheet, you’re basically stuck with the shelled out $ 100 for Microsoft Office. You could use alternatives such as iWork, but with most people using the standard Office, it makes sense for reasons of compatibility. No pre-installed generic word processing software, Apple?
- The learning curve (if you’re a PC user for a long time). The menus and interface using the Mac is pretty well done, but is a pain to relearn where some elements are. For example, in Mail and you want to add an e-mail folder. The solution? Select “New Mailbox”. I’m sure that most PC users have been scratching their heads with that solution
- There is no “maximize” function on the windows. It will save the settings, once you resize everything, but if you want a window for the screen, you’ll be doing some manual dragging with them the way you want
- The doors is not enough. Here’s an example. Say you have a USB mouse, you’re listening to in iTunes on your iPod, and you are saving up your data on a USB disk as you work in MS Word. Well, this is one too many apps usb, so you constantly unplug everything to meet your needs
- N. keypad. Now I realize that this does not affect a large percentage of users, but I am a boy of Finance, and Excel spreadsheets in a sack. Do not put a numeric keypad on the keyboard is reasonable, but what is not reasonable, is that they do not offer first / third party solutions for a USB / Bluetooth numpad. Props to anyone who can find such an accessory
- A little ‘complicated to port iTunes media from PC to Mac We will contact the help on this, believe me
- Too many additional costs by Apple. $ 350 for 3 years of service, $ 99 for each year of backup storage. Considering what we are paying for your MacBook, you might think that Apple would cut a chance on some of the extras “”
- Here is my greatest sorrow. I had serious stability problems with my MacBook and AT & T 2Wire DSL modem / router to work together. I initially had a problem with the airport dropped my signal (fixed with a Google search). Then, I had numerous problems with the “Broadband Link Not Established errors” from my 2Wire modem. Once again, I managed to find online posting that allowed me to turn off notification messages 2Wire, resolution of this. So, after numerous Google searches, and technical support of Apple and AT & T, my Internet connection is pretty stable, but still not great. I still have problems when the common Web sites will not be loaded without stopping the application and clicking the Reload button. Some users have had these stability problems solved by purchasing the Airport Extreme router, but at $ 179, this is not a solution at low cost. I had none of these problems running other internet devices from 2Wire. I do not know whose fault it is, but my gut tells me that Apple did not go out of their way to make their MacBook too friendly with the network 2Wire’s. I feel like Apple should send me a partial refund for all the research that I put hard to get a stable connection
So it’s worth it to switch to Mac? In a word, yes. Although they are certainly more expensive 13 “models are available at $ 1,200, which provide a decent value. New Mac users will definitely notice an increased level of sophistication and simplicity, when making the switch. Overall, a very portable computer nice that they deserve to be easy 5 star rating if it were not for the terrible problems of compatibility 2Wire.
8/5/09 update:
My 2Wire modem continued to error on itself and restore the web pages while browsing. DSL and Internet lights would flash red, and my internet would disconnect for 20 seconds every time this has happened. I finally found a solution to this problem. Not thrilled about the extra $ 89, but my experience of the Internet is finally stable. The product that I took the D-Link ADSL2 / 2 + Modem / Wireless Router combo. I have also reviewed the product on Amazon.
D-Link is highly recommended for users with DSL AT & T compatibility issues Mac/2Wire.