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Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9400M w/ 512MB)

Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MB471LL/A

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CNET Editor rating:
4.0 stars Excellent
Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 41 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Accessories; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: Apple's redesigned 15-inch MacBook Pro boasts a redesigned aluminum body that's stunning, thin, and sturdy; a new trackpad with expanded functionality; and a dual graphics setup for either longer battery life or better performance, but there's now less incentive to spend extra for it because its 13-inch mainstream cousin received a greater overhaul.
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CNET editors' review

Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9400M w/ 512MB)

price range: $1,579.00 - $1,899.00

Reviewed by: Dan Ackerman
Edited by: Matthew Elliott
Reviewed on: 10/21/2008
Updated on:06/10/2009
Released on: 10/15/2008

The good: New aluminum unibody construction looks good, feels solid; giant trackpad; attractive edge-to-edge glass on display; new dual graphics provide more power or more battery life.

The bad: All-clicking trackpad is a bit awkward, at least initially; the extra-glossy screen won't appeal to everyone; switching GPUs not as seamless as it should be; similar performance to the cheaper 13-inch MacBook; still no media card slot.

The bottom line: Apple's redesigned 15-inch MacBook Pro boasts a redesigned aluminum body that's stunning, thin, and sturdy; a new trackpad with expanded functionality; and a dual graphics setup for either longer battery life or better performance, but there's now less incentive to spend extra for it because its 13-inch mainstream cousin received a greater overhaul.

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Editors' note: As of June 2009, the product reviewed here has been replaced by these updated models.

With the new 13-inch MacBook looking and feeling more like the more expensive 15-inch MacBook Pro line than ever, it's harder to tell the difference between the two laptops. Both models feature a "unibody" aluminum chassis, a buttonless (or more accurately, all-button) trackpad, and edge-to-edge glass on the LED backlit display. So aside from 2 inches of display space, what advantages does the MacBook Pro offer compared with the less expensive MacBook?

For starters, FireWire. The Pro is now the only current Apple laptop with a FireWire port--that connection was unceremoniously dumped from the less expensive 13-inch model with the new redesign. Conspiracy theorists may cry foul, but FireWire is becoming increasingly used only in professional applications (although it may not feel like that if you have a FireWire-only camera). One can't help feeling this move was made to push you toward the more expensive systems. But it's worth noting that the $999 basic MacBook model (essentially a less expensive version of the traditional MacBook Apple's been offering for the past couple of years) still has its FireWire port, so there is a low-cost option if FireWire is a must-have.

In addition to its FireWire 800 port, the MacBook Pro also boasts an ExpressCard slot, an expansion option not offered on the MacBook. Regrettably, neither model received a media card slot in the latest revision, an increasingly odd omission since nearly any Windows laptop has served up such an expansion port for years.

Internally, the big news is Apple ditching Intel for an Nvidia chipset with improved integrated graphics, which is then paired with a dedicated Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics card that can be turned off as needed to improve battery life or on to boost performance. Our $2,499 review unit had the 512MB version of the GPU; the $1,999 MacBook Pro features a 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9600M. The more consumer-focused MacBook relies on integrated GeForce 9400M graphics.

Compared with the models they each replace, both the MacBook and MacBook Pro operate on a faster frontside bus (from 800MHz to 1066MHz) and move from DDR2 memory to DDR3, but both new models turned in similar performance in CNET Labs. While the overall MacBook Pro package, while expensive, remains a go-to for media professionals, as well as Mac fans who want a bigger screen, given the fact that there is less to differentiate the MacBook Pro from the MacBook, we think it'll be harder for Apple to make the case that the extra money for the higher-end Pro model is worth it.

Price as reviewed / Starting price	$2,499 / $1,999
Processor	2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory	4GB, 1,066MHz DDR3
Hard drive	320GB 5,400rpm
Chipset	Nvidia GeForce 9400M
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce 9400M (integrated) and 512MB Nvidia 9600M GT (dedicated)
Operating System	Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Dimensions (width x depth)	14.4x9.8 inches
Thickness	0.95 inch
Screen size (diagonal)	15.4 inches
System weight / Weight with AC adapter	5.5/6 pounds
Category	mainstream

While the aluminum chassis may look the same as previous model MacBook Pros, the construction is entirely different, following the MacBook Air model of starting with a solid block of aluminum, which is carved down, rather than a thin outer shell that has had support struts added to it. The result is a lighter and thinner yet stronger chassis that feels even more solid and substantial, although the previous chassis was very roadworthy on its own. Another notable new feature is a radically redesigned trackpad. This larger trackpad still uses the multitouch gestures found on the iPhone, MacBook Air, and previous MacBook Pro, but offers a much larger surface area than before--thanks to the elimination of a separate mouse button. In fact, the entire trackpad presses like a button, although simple tapping, as on a PC laptop, will also work once you turn that option on in the settings menu.

The all-button trackpad concept is a bit hard to get used to and feels a little awkward at first, compared with a traditional fixed-position trackpad. We were always accidentally pressing the button until we learned to use a lighter touch. On the other hand, there are some useful new gestures: you can hide all your applications by sweeping four fingers up on the pad, and you can also designate one corner of the trackpad as a "right-click" zone. Most useful perhaps is sweeping four fingers left or right, which brings up the application switcher. Once you get used to that, going back to a regular trackpad would be difficult.

The wide-spaced, flat-key keyboard is an Apple standard, and we're always a fan of backlit keys, which are standard on the Pro, and also now available on the higher-end 13-inch MacBook.

The 15.4-inch wide-screen display offers a 1,440x900-pixel native resolution, which is the same as on the old MacBook Pro and standard for upscale 15-inch screens (cheaper 15-inch models are often 1,280x800). The MacBook Pro's display was already using backlit LEDs, and now the 13-inch screens are as well, so that's one prior point of differentiation that no longer exists between the two lines. And both the 13- and 15-inch models now have the edge-to-edge glass we're seeing more often on multimedia systems. The colors are rich and deep, but the glass also grabs stray light rays with ease, making the glossy screen seem that much glossier--a problem if you prefer matte screen finishes.

	Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 2.5GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9600M)	Average for category [thin-and-light]
Video	Mini DisplayPort	VGA-out, S-Video
Audio	Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks	Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks
Data	2 USB 2.0, FireWire	4 USB 2.0, SD card reader
Expansion	ExpressCard/34	ExpressCard/54
Networking	Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	modem, Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional WWAN
Optical drive	DVD burner	DVD burner

While only two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire, and a half-size ExpressCard/34 slot may not seem like much in the way of connections, it's more than you'll find in either the MacBook or MacBook Air. We'd still love to see an SD card slot, but at least there's an ExpressCard slot for added expandability. Apple is making a firm move to the DisplayPort camp by including a mini DisplayPort connection instead of mini-DVI or VGA, but a variety of external dongles (sold separately) will give you any video output you need.

With a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, the MacBook Pro performed excellently on our standard benchmark tests, but only marginally faster than the previous version of the Pro we tested. MacBooks generally score better on our tests than similarly configured windows laptops (such as the Dell Studio 15), thanks in part to the efficiency of the Mac operating system, and the fact that applications such as Quicktime, iTunes, and Photoshop run more quickly on Mac OS X. The slightly faster processor and Nvidia GeForce 9600M GPU made only a minor difference compared with the new 13-inch MacBook.

Besides that dedicated GeForce 9600M, the new Pro also included the same integrated GeForce 9400 GPU found in the 13-inch MacBook. The settings menu has two power options: high performance or longer battery life. Choosing high performance turns the 9600 chip on, while choosing longer battery life turns it off, leaving you with just the integrated chip. The switch made virtually no difference in our standard benchmarks, although in our Quake IV test, we saw a notable improvement over the integrated graphics, going from 55.7 to 84.9 frames per second at a 1,024x768-pixel resolution.

One frustrating note about the power-saving option: switching between GPUs is simple, requiring only a button press on the power options menu, but the changeover isn't totally transparent. You have to log out and log back in, requiring you to close all your applications and save your data in the process.

With the GeForce 9600M GPU turned on, we got 3 hours and 16 minutes on our video playback test, which is average for a 15-inch laptop, but we're used to seeing closer to 5 hours from most Apple products. Switching the 9600M off, we got a much more impressive 4 hours and 5 minutes, which isn't quite the "up to 5 hours of wireless productivity," promised by Apple, but for basic Web surfing and general multitasking, it should come very close to 5 total hours, depending on your usage.

Apple continues to both frustrate and impress with its service and support. MacBooks include a standard one-year parts-and-labor warranty, but only 90 days of toll-free telephone support. This, along with the proprietary nature of Apple's products, makes purchasing an extended Apple Care warranty almost a necessity, at $249 for three total years of coverage.

Multimedia multitasking test (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)

Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 15.4 inch - 2.53GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT)

402

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 13.3inch - 2.4GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9400M)

431

Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 15.4 inch - 2.5GHz)

469

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 13.3inch - 2.2GHz)

545

Dell Studio 15

1,040

Lenovo Thinkpad X301

1,386

Adobe Photoshop CS3 image-processing test (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)

Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 15.4 inch - 2.5GHz)

126

Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 15.4 inch - 2.53GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT)

130

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 13.3inch - 2.2GHz)

144

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 13.3inch - 2.4GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9400M)

146

Dell Studio 15

202

Lenovo Thinkpad X301

257

Apple iTunes encoding test (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)

Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 15.4 inch - 2.53GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT)

142

Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 15.4 inch - 2.5GHz)

155

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 13.3inch - 2.4GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9400M)

158

Dell Studio 15

167

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 13.3inch - 2.2GHz)

184

Lenovo Thinkpad X301

262

Video playback battery drain test (in minutes)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 13.3inch - 2.4GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9400M)

243

Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 15.4 inch - 2.53GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT)

196

Lenovo Thinkpad X301

194

Dell Studio 15

166

Find out more about how we test laptops.

System configurations:

Apple MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 15.4 inch - 2.53GHz (Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT)
OS X 10.5.5 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz; 4,096MB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9400M / 512MB Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT; 320GB Hitachi 5,400rpm.

Apple MacBook Core 2 Duo 13.3inch - 2.4GHz (Nvidia GeForce 9400M)
OS X 10.5.5 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz; 2,048MB DDR3 SDRAM 1,066MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9400M; 250GB Toshiba 5,400rpm.

Apple MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo - 2.5GHz / 15.4 inch
OS X 10.5.1 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.5GHz; 4,096MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT; 250GB Hitachi 5,400rpm.

Apple MacBook Core 2 Duo - 2.2GHz / 13.3 inch
OS X 10.5.1 Leopard; Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz; 2,048MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 144MB Intel GMA X3100; 160GB Fujitsu 5,400rpm.

Lenovo Thinkpad X301
Windows Vista Business Edition SP1; 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo U9400; 2,048MB DDR3 SDRAM 667MHz; 256MB Mobile Intel 4500MHD; 64GB Samsung solid-state drive.

Dell Studio 15
Windows Vista Home Premium Edition SP1; 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8100; 2,048MB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz; 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD3400; 250GB Western Digital 5,400rpm.

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Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 41 reviews
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Specifications

Manufacturer: Apple
Part number: MB471LL/A
Description: 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.

General
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, Bluetooth antenna, Wireless LAN antenna
Width 36.4 cm
Depth 24.9 cm
Height 2.4 cm
Weight 2.5 kg
Notebook type Ultraportable (Under 4 lbs.)
Screen type Widescreen
Wireless capabilities Bluetooth
Processor
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo 2.53 GHz
Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
64-bit processor Yes
Data bus speed 1066 MHz
Cache Memory
Type L2 cache
Cache size 6 MB
RAM
Installed Size 4 GB / 4 GB (max)
Technology DDR3 SDRAM - 1066 MHz
Memory specification compliance PC3-8500
RAM form factor SO DIMM 200-pin
RAM configuration features 2 x 2 GB
Environmental Parameters
Environmental standards EPA Energy Star
Min Operating Temperature 50 ?F
Max Operating Temperature 95 ?F
Humidity Range Operating 0 - 90%
Storage Controller
Storage controller type Serial ATA
Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-150
Storage
Floppy Drive None
Hard Drive 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Storage Removable None
Hard drive type Portable
Optical Storage
Type DVD?R (+R DL) - Integrated
CD / DVD read speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
CD / DVD write speed 24x
CD / DVD rewrite speed 10x
Optical Storage (2nd)
2nd optical storage type None
Display
Display Type 15.4 in TFT active matrix
Max Resolution 1440 x 900 ( WXGA+ )
Widescreen Display Yes
Features Glossy, LED-backlit
Video
Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT / GeForce 9400M
Video Memory SDRAM - 512 MB
Audio
Audio output type Sound card
Audio Input Microphone

Notebook Camera
Camera Type Integrated
Input Device(s)
Input device type Trackpad, Backlit keyboard
Features Multi-touch technology
Telecom
Modem None
Networking
Networking Network adapter
Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
Data link protocol Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Networking standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.1, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34, 2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin
Interfaces 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) - 9 pin FireWire 800, 2 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Display / video - Apple mini-DisplayPort, 1 x Audio - SPDIF input/line-in - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK, 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories Cleaning cloth
Features Aluminum enclosure, Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
Power
Power device form factor External
Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
Battery
Technology Lithium polymer
Installed Qty 1
Battery capacity 50 Wh
Mfr estimated battery life 5 hour(s)
Operating System / Software
OS Provided Apple Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Software Front Row, Apple iCal, Apple iChat, Photo Booth, Apple Safari, Apple Spaces, Apple Dashboard, Apple QuickTime, Apple Spotlight, Apple iLife '08, Apple DVD Player, Apple Quick Look, Apple Address Book, Apple Time Machine, Apple Mac OS X Mail, Drivers & Utilities, Apple XCode Developer Tools
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year, Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days
Sustainability
EPA Energy Star Compliant Yes
Greenpeace policy rating (Mar 2009) 4.7

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Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz, Nvidia GeForce 9400M w/ 512MB)

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Specifications

General

Processor

Cache Memory

RAM

Environmental Parameters

Storage Controller

Storage

Optical Storage

Optical Storage (2nd)

Display

Video

Audio

Notebook Camera

Input Device(s)

Telecom

Networking

Expansion / Connectivity

Miscellaneous

Power

Battery

Operating System / Software

Manufacturer Warranty

Sustainability

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