Manage updates with the Download AppApple MacBook Pro Spring 2010 (Core i7 2.66GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 15-inch)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MC373LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro keeps the same look and feel, but offers major internal changes, including an optional Intel Core i7 CPU, making it a very serious portable powerhouse.
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CNET editors' review
Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010 (Core i7 2.66GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 15-inch) price range: $1,999.00
- Reviewed by: Dan Ackerman
- Reviewed on: 04/14/2010
- Released on: 04/12/2010
The good: Adds fast, efficient Intel Core i5, i7 processors, new Nvidia graphics, seamless switching between integrated, discrete GPUs...
The bad: At the top end of the price scale; still no HDMI, Blu-ray, or other high-end options.
The bottom line: Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro keeps the same look and feel, but offers major internal changes, including an optional Intel Core i7 CPU, making it a very serious portable powerhouse.
User reviews
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Finally apple moves to the latest intel chip technology
by javawolfpack on April 17, 2010
Pros: Nehalem microarchitecture (core i7 Arrandale)
Improved graphicsCons: SD card slot instead of ExpressCard/34 slot
Summary: I'm going to start with, CNET should remove most of these reviews, you can review a product you don't currently own with out issue, assuming you have a ...
Summary: I'm going to start with, CNET should remove most of these reviews, you can review a product you don't currently own with out issue, assuming you have a clue what the technology contained in the product actually is. Additionally how this technology stacks up against the rest of the products on the market. I am a rarity apparently of the other reviewers in that I have degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering, and I'm currently pursuing a doctorate in computer science. I can make my current macbook pro (2.4GHz core 2 duo w/ 4GB RAM and 7200RPM HDD) slow to a crawl... so yes I actually push my computer to its physical limits, unlike a few of the other reviewers who couldn't tell if there was a speed boost by the sole fact they hardly have their computers do more than surf the web.
Ok as promised, I have gotten a chance to see what an improvement the new macbook pro is over my old one, which was still a very nice machine; however, for some very specific tasks and under a few conditions it would become problematic as it didn't have the power to handle the load I was placing on it. I have run two different virtual machines on the new macbook pro and don't notice a slow down in my regular applications that i use or any lag in the mouse or other interfaces that did occur on my old macbook pro. It has matched my expectations and exceeded them... I can restart a virtual machine in nearly no time and it behaves as if it was its own machine with out much trouble.
I have moved from a core 2 quad to core i7, so previous 4 core technology to the latest 4 core technology and can verify that the nehalem microarchitecture offers a notable improvement even if you don't increase the number of cores on the system. I have been able to now encode video on my desktop at nearly 1/3 the time it used to take, which is a remarkable improvement. And even better I now no longer notice a slow down when I'm encoding video and want to use the computer for another task as well. So the many complaints that apple isn't using a 4 core version of the core i7 shouldn't put people off from wanting to buy.
Additionally, concerning the core i7 that apple is using. They chose to wait for the latest update to the mobile processor line, though still called core i7, is codenamed Arrandale, and is far different from the 4 core mobile chip or Clarksdale. The main difference would be the the Arrandale includes integrated graphics into its chip, which means that you don't actually need discrete graphics, though intel still hasn't gotten these graphics to be as good as some of the discrete options... so apple apparently created their own solution to allow you to switch to a discrete solution with superior graphics when you need to, or opt for the more energy efficient solution when you don't. Thus saving power. Additionally the Arrandale uses far less power than the Clarksdale, which is another reason apple chose this chip.
Honestly would you rather you could use your laptop w/ out having to be tethered to a power outlet, or have the bigger chip with more cores? I would rather get the speed boost of the Arrandale core i7 and not have to be tethered to a power outlet... I used to have a desktop replacement laptop, that I couldn't take with me anywhere because it needed so much power. Apple wanted this to be something you could actually use on the go. So yes it has less cores than some of the other core i7 mobile chips, but its a newer more efficient chip, designed for actual mobile use with a notable speedup over any core 2 duo chip, just look at the benchmarks (hope you can use google to find these yourself).
Another note people have brought forward as a point of contention is the fact the bus speed is less than some of the other "core i7" laptop options offered by PC vendors... this is again along the same line of this is a different core i7, and the fact the Clarksdale has a 1333MHz memory bus whereas the Arrandale has a 1066MHz bus. But as the Arrandale chip apple is using offers a higher clock speed/throughput you'd be hard to tell the difference between it and even the highend Clarksdale unless your running some extreme multi-threaded processes (and lets face it almost nothing is multi-threaded, more the fact its hard to program) But the core i7 Arrandale, that apple is using, has nearly a GHz over even the core i7 920XM (or the extreme edition chip) that a few people were upset wasn't offered.
I guess the bottom line is, do your homework... actually read up on the components your comparing before you start saying that something better is out there, or that something is cheaper yet comparable. Just because its a core i7, doesn't mean its the same line of core i7...
Ok chipset out of the way, the mini display port is a far better standard than VGA, HDMI, and even DVI (which I would prefer)... read up on it, or at the very least there are converters which don't cost that much so get one of those if its an issue. Hell the only time i connect my laptop to anything its projectors which all use VGA, so I got a mini-dp to VGA converter when i bought my new macbook pro, my current one offers DVI, and came with a DVI-> VGA convertor... And I have my mac mini hooked to my TV via VGA as well, as it isn't as glitchy as trying to do it via HDMI. HDMI is a pain, and i'm glad they didn't include it.
Well that's my rant... I have ordered one of the new macbook pros (17" anti-glare 2.66GHz core i7, 8GB RAM, 128SSD) which'll arrive this coming week, but after reading many of these reviews I figured I needed to make some clarifications people apparently are having over the technology.
Updated on Apr 21, 2010
My 64bit geekbench score was over 6100... impressive since older macbooks apparently scored between 3000-4000... though my score may be a bit high, I think most users are likely to be in the 5200 range though. Anyway the new macbook pro definitely performs... anyway if you have any questions drop me a reply.20 out of 27 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Outstanding Design - FAST - High Quality Laptop
by hbrake69 on April 18, 2010
Pros: High end CPU - Intel i5 and i7, Outstanding Graphics, Light, Small form factor, 9 hour battery, Apple Mac Quality, Outstanding Customer Service
Cons: No Blu-Ray option yet
Summary: I have been anxiously awaiting the MacBook Pro update, and on the day it was announced, I ordered the MacBook Pro 17" with the i7 processor, Anti-glare screen, 8 GB ...
Summary: I have been anxiously awaiting the MacBook Pro update, and on the day it was announced, I ordered the MacBook Pro 17" with the i7 processor, Anti-glare screen, 8 GB memory and 7200 rpm 500 GB Hard Drive. I am not disappointed. My time doing video encoding has been cut by about 68%, and with the extra memory, running multiple applications such as Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, HandBrake & QuickTimePro with Mail and a Browser open, no problems, no glitches, excellent machine. Intel did a great chip on the i5 & i7. They work so much better than the Dual Core chips that were the predecessors. These chips know how to fully utilize the full potential of the chips and pretend to be quad core without the excessive battery drain and heat of a quad core.
I have now found out that the i7 running Quicktime Pro for video encoding from mpeg to iPhone format, what took 45 minutes on the MacBook Pro Dual Core 2.8GHz now takes 6 minutes on the i7. What an improvement. I couldn't be more impressed, except if Apple would have slipped in a Blu-Ray Burner - but then hardly anyone offers a Blu-ray player on a laptop yet. Thanks Apple!
I would highly recommend this Mac over the former Macs as well as over any PC. The Mac OS is so far the finest Operating System available to the users! Powerful, efficient and user friendly - just like the Mac! Thanks you Apple!
Updated on Apr 22, 20107 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Disappointing
by zarzak719 on April 15, 2010
Pros: * Same great unibody design
* Great battery life
* Updated processors / graphicsCons: * No Blu-ray
* No SATA 3
* No USB 3.0
* Higher resolution costs money
* No HDMI
* USB ports are still horribly placed
* PriceSummary: I have a love-hate relationship with macbook pros. I've used them (or the equivalent before there were macbook pros) for the last 7 years as my main computer, always ...
Summary: I have a love-hate relationship with macbook pros. I've used them (or the equivalent before there were macbook pros) for the last 7 years as my main computer, always the highest level 15'' model. They've had be replaced consistently by apple due to continuous major component failures (I don't know if its shoddy overall construction or I just get lemons) but when they work they work great, and I love the design.
That said I've been really excited at the possibility of having a macbook pro with blu-ray, core i-series chips, and an increased resolution. THis upgrade ... didn't really deliver.
First off, the core series chips aren't quad core, and you don't have the option for that. I really wanted/needed that increased power for my work, and all other laptops in this price range offer quad core. There is no excuse for not having it as an option.
You have to pay extra for the higher resolution. Again, in this price range it should be standard.
No blu-ray. Another thing that should be standard in this price range.
HDMI is also missing - I don't like having to use a special mini-hdmi connector, its just another thing to lug around. Also, unless you buy a very pricey one it doesn't transfer audio, meaning you need a separate audio cable as well.
The lack of USB 3.0 and SATA 3 is understandable as they are new technologies, and you don't really get the benefit of SATA 3 without a solid state drive.
A complaint I've had from earlier models that hasn't been resolved is the horrible placement of the USB ports - they are far too close! For many usb devices it is impossible to connect two at once due to the usb placement. Since there are only two ports (only two!!! my $300 netbook has more!) you are stuck without some extra hardware, again. A complete ripoff.
Finally the graphics card update is nice, but again, its old tech. On a $2000 laptop you should be getting a better graphics card than the one provided - the alienware m11x has a better card for goodness sakes, and its $1k less!
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Usually these macbook pros at least manage to be somewhat up to date with their tech, which is as it should be for their price. This current update is unacceptable in my mind. You are basically paying a $1000 premium for OSX (which lately has been crashing more than windows for me). If apple would stop their monopolistic practices and let users install osx and whatever hardware they want without it having be a complete pain (and illegal) you can bet that they would start offering more competitive prices/technology.
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If you haven't noticed, most of what I said is relevant to the 15''/17'' versions. The 13'' is an even bigger disappointment.
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I Guess on the good side is the fact that the battery life is pretty impressive, and it is *is* a much needed update of internals. If this computer was $1000-$1500 it would be fine, but at its current $2k price range (more if you add a solid state drive) it really needs to have all of the bells and whistles.10 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Laptop Too Expensive...
by lanceuppercut123 on April 15, 2010
Pros: It's a mac.
Cons: Too expensive.
Summary: I have been waiting for this update to buy a 13" laptop and well this is disappointing. I looked at what 1200.00 would buy me and I was shocked. ...
Summary: I have been waiting for this update to buy a 13" laptop and well this is disappointing. I looked at what 1200.00 would buy me and I was shocked. I can get i5 or i3 core processor on other laptops for much less. Sorry Apple.
25 out of 54 users found this user opinion helpful.
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2300bucks for a thing like this? Heavy junk?
by alienkami on April 14, 2010
Pros: It do have update new CPU and new graphic card.
Cons: -appearance doesn't change
-still heavy for daily use
-price is disapoitingSummary: The new processor and graphic does make a difference in every day computing, however, I am amazed that apple didn't take advantage of its design team. Take a look ...
Summary: The new processor and graphic does make a difference in every day computing, however, I am amazed that apple didn't take advantage of its design team. Take a look back, iphone 3gs is no difference in appearance from iphone 3g, ipad looks identical to ipod except the size and this time new macbook pro changes nothing, every single inch is identical to the former macbook pro. Apple fans such as me are so disappointed that apple is no longer the "apple" famous for sleek design but "apple" just cost you double for its "brand" !!!
25 out of 54 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Pricey, but excellent laptop
by kkuzia on April 27, 2010
Pros: Speed of computer. Excellent usability of OS X. Very sharp and vivid screen/graphics. Excellent build quality. Great functionality on the multi-touch trackpad.
Cons: Only 2 USB ports (which is a little limiting). Pricey.
Summary: This is my first foray in the world of Apple after many years of dedicated PC ownership. Thus far I have been tremendously impressed with the new MacBook Pro. I ...
Summary: This is my first foray in the world of Apple after many years of dedicated PC ownership. Thus far I have been tremendously impressed with the new MacBook Pro. I got the i7 processor, the higher resolution screen and the 7200 RPM 500GB hard drive as upgrades.
While I know some feel that the i7 as a dual core (vs. quad) is a letdown, the speed of pretty much every task I throw at the computer has been great, even running multiple applications.
It's certainly not a cheap computer for the money and if you went on a spec-by-spec comparison to other computers out there, you could certainly find a computer with a faster processor, more RAM, larger HD, 1 GB video RAM, etc. for the money. No doubt about it. That being said, I'm extremely happy with this purchase and have not regretted it at all. I am becoming a little more of a convert each day to OS X and just how easy it makes things. The thoughtful touches on the multi-touch trackpad alone are amazing to me. I come into work and feel frustrated that I cannot accomplish the same things with such ease.
So while it's a pricey investment, if you are looking for a great laptop that can do (almost) it all, you really cannot go wrong with this new MacBook Pro.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What I was waiting for...
by jbach on April 16, 2010
Pros: (15" i7) - more power at less cost than last years MBP
Ability to use superior OSX for productivity but also respectable gaming performance in windows
Automatic switching of graphics, battery life
Easier displayport-HDMI connector
TrackpadCons: Lower cost than last year for high end, but still pricy
Hassle installing, activating win7 in bootcamp - should be a BTO option
Fewer upgrade options than win machines
Good mid-level note book graphics, but why not better ATI options?Summary: This blows away my 3 year old dell in every way, and is a significant upgrade even compared to 2009 MBP. Love the trackpad functionality - incredible ease of use ...
Summary: This blows away my 3 year old dell in every way, and is a significant upgrade even compared to 2009 MBP. Love the trackpad functionality - incredible ease of use linked to key OSX features like expose. Still discovering new tricks, like rotating figures in power point, 4 finger swipe to switch to open programs. This machine gives you access to the best of OSX and windows in notebook form. Looks fabulous, and is significantly cooler in my lap compared to the Dell, and cooler on top than I recall from checking out 2009 MBPs in the store.
Installation issues gave me a chance to compare Apple and Microsoft service. No contest. One call to apple and 5 minutes later my simple file sharing issue was fixed. My simple activation problem with windows 7, however, took 4 calls and over an hour, with the final knowlegable agent fixing it in about 10 minutes - which is all it should have taken to start with. Although all CS reps from both were polite, Apple CS wins hands down.
In sum, I couldn't be happier with the performance and functionality so far - I just wish it cost a bit less to get this kind of quality machine and service.8 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What a Joke. Biased reviewers.
by IReviewToo on May 6, 2010
Pros: Wow, Apple finally gets with the times. Apple should applaud themselves for being so proactive.
Cons: This review is a joke. The Macbook Pro won in the comparisons, because the reviewers compared the Macbook Pro to lesser computers. What they couldn't find an i7 to compare it too? Weak graphics card for the price. A 5400rpm HD for this price? Sucka!
Summary: The Macbook Pro offers less features than all similar priced products. What makes this Apple excellent, is that they can get people to pay so much more for so much ...
Summary: The Macbook Pro offers less features than all similar priced products. What makes this Apple excellent, is that they can get people to pay so much more for so much less. The Macbook Pro should be priced a $1000 less. No HMDI, no BD, no 1080p resolution, 5400rpm HD, no USB 3.0, no eSATA. Sure, be an ignorant consumer and buy overpriced, lesser products from Apple that have high rates of failure. I expect more from CNET. I guess fashion over function wins again.
7 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great buy!!!
by libarak on April 18, 2010
Pros: -Very Fast
-Can play almost any game on it
-Long Battery life
-Lots of awesome software included
-Runs Snow LeopardCons: -no hdmi
-no blueraySummary: The Apple Macbook pros by far are great pieces of machinery. They may seem a little expensive but that is because you get very useful software free of charge when ...
Summary: The Apple Macbook pros by far are great pieces of machinery. They may seem a little expensive but that is because you get very useful software free of charge when you purchase it. This computer will not let you down and also it runs the best OS out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Another over priced hamstrung apple.
by deeponetech on April 14, 2010
Pros: core i7. Graphics?
Cons: Price, Price, small HD,Ram, and always one step behind it's competitors. Did i mention price?
Summary: If you're a hipster and you think owning an apple raises your social status, then this is for you. You can get a much better pc with all the ...
Summary: If you're a hipster and you think owning an apple raises your social status, then this is for you. You can get a much better pc with all the bells and whistles for almost half the price and will do twice as much. I was a fool for buying this.
27 out of 62 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MC373LL/A
- Description: MacBook Pro is machined from a single piece of aluminum, an engineering breakthrough that replaced many parts with just one. It's called the unibody. And the first time you pick up a MacBook Pro you'll notice the difference it makes. The entire enclosure is thinner and lighter than other notebooks. It looks polished and refined. And it feels strong and durable - perfect for life inside (and outside) your briefcase or backpack.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- System Type Notebook
- OS Provided Apple Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
- Notebook type HD display,
Midsize Processor / Chipset
- CPU Intel Core i7 2.66 GHz
- Number of Cores Dual-Core
- Cache L3 cache - 4 MB
- 64-bit Computing Yes
Memory
- RAM 4 GB,
( 2 x 2 GB ) - Max RAM Supported 8 GB
- Technology DDR3 SDRAM
- Speed 1066 MHz / PC3-8500
- Form Factor SO DIMM 204-pin
- Slots Qty 2
- Empty Slots 0
Storage
- Floppy Drive None
- Hard Drive 500 GB,
HDD / 5400 rpm - Interface Serial ATA-150
- Storage Removable None
- Optical Drive DVD±RW (±R DL) - Fixed
- Read Speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
- Write Speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 4x (DVD±R DL)
- Rewrite Speed 10x (CD) / 4x (DVD±RW)
- Optical Drive (2nd) None
- Hard drive type Standard
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 50 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 0 - 90%
Display
- Type 15.0 in
- LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight
- Max Resolution 1440 x 900 ( WXGA+ )
- Widescreen Yes
- Features Glossy,
Ambient light sensor Audio & Video
- Multi-GPU Configuration 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU
- Graphics Processor NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M / Intel HD Graphics - 512 MB GDDR3 SDRAM
- Camera Yes
- Sound Stereo speakers , Microphone
Input
- Type Backlit keyboard,
Trackpad - Features Multi-touch touchpad
Communications
- Wireless Bluetooth 2.1 EDR,
802.11 a/b/g/n - Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet
Battery
- Technology Lithium polymer
- Installed Qty 1
- Capacity 77.5 Wh
- Run Time 9 hour(s)
AC Adapter
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Connections & Expansion
- Slots Memory,
Memory card reader - Interfaces LAN,
FireWire 800,
2 x USB 2.0,
Mini DisplayPort,
Microphone input,
Headphone/SPDIF combo jack - Interfaces 2 x USB 2.0 - USB 2.0,
1 x Ethernet - RJ-45,
1 x Firewire 800,
1 x DisplayPort,
1 x Line-in,
1 x Microphone,
1 x Headphones - Memory Card Reader Card reader ( SD Memory Card )
Software
- Software Included Apple iCal,
Apple QuickTime,
Apple iTunes,
Apple Dashboard,
Apple Spotlight,
Apple XCode Developer Tools,
Drivers & Utilities,
Apple Address Book,
Apple Safari,
Apple DVD Player,
Apple iLife,
Apple Time Machine,
Apple Quick Look,
Apple Spaces,
Photo Booth,
Front Row,
Apple iChat,
Apple Mac OS X Mail Miscellaneous
- Features Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) ,
Aluminum enclosure - Included Accessories Cleaning cloth
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 14.3 in
- Depth 9.8 in
- Height 0.9 in
- Weight 5.5 lbs
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year,
Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days Sustainability
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2011) 4.6
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2012) 4.5
Product series
-
Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010 (Core i7 2.66GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 15-inch)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Intel Core i7 2.66 GHz ( Dual-Core ),
4 GB,
/ 8 GB (max),
500 GB,
- Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm,
Apple Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard,
15.0 in,
TFT active matrix,
1440 x 900 ( WXGA+ ),
NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M / Intel HD Graphics,
DVD±RW (±R DL) - Integrated,
512 MB GDDR3 SDRAM,
5.5 lbs,
L3 cache,
4 MB
Accessories
- Action Sport Drives Birdhouse SkateDrive Ptero - USB flash drive - 16 GB (35141986)17.99 - 19.99
- Action Sport Drives Birdhouse SkateDrive Ptero - USB flash drive - 8 GB (34933084)11.99 - 12.99
- Action Sport Drives Burton SnowDrive Feather 11 - USB flash drive - 4 GB (35074397)9.99
- Apple Magic Mouse (33783857)47.99 - 114.38
- Apple Mighty Mouse (wireless) (31985391)69.89
- Ergoguys mouse (34828802)
- Cisco Linksys E4200 v2 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 router (35098697)149.99 - 216.92
- Asus RT-N56U Dual-Band Gigabit Wireless-N Router (34200558)115.24 - 143.89
- ASUS RT-N12 B1 - wireless router - none - 802.11b/g/n - desktop (35025047)39.99 - 70.00
- ASUS WL-330N - wireless router - 802.11b/g/n - desktop (35224227)
- Belkin N300 Wireless N Router - wireless router - none - 802.11b/g/n - desktop (34859949)38.35 - 39.99
- Belkin N750 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ Router - wireless router - 802.11 a/b/g/n - desktop (35190485)99.09 - 149.66
- Belkin N900 Dual-Band Wireless Router - wireless router - 802.11n - desktop (35262637)195.99 - 299.34
- Cisco 881 Fast Ethernet Security Router supporting EVDO/1xRTT - router - cellular modem - 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.0) - desktop (35026157)886.99 - 907.99
- CradlePoint CBR400 Compact Broadband Router - wireless router - 802.11b/g/n - desktop (34846899)190.45 - 216.40
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Apple
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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