Users/Systems/MacBook Pro

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[edit] MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro

Introduced on January 10th, 2006, the MacBook Pro is the long awaited revision to the now discontinued Powerbook. It is currently the only mobile computing solution from Apple running on the Intel Core class of CPUs.

Installation Images from Nirlog.com

[edit] System Specs

All systems represent base models that can be upgraded in limited ways. These should not affect the installation technique. The MacBook Pro comes with a 1.83 GHz, 2.0 GHz, 2.16 GHz, or 2.33 GHz Intel Core Duo processor.

MacBook Pro:

• Processory & Memory
  • CPU: Soldered 1.83, 2.0, 2.16 or 2.33 GHz Intel Core Duo (2.16 GHz only available as built-to-order on 2.0 GHz model.)
  • Cache: 2MB shared L2 Cache (Full processor speed)
  • Bus Speed: 667MHz system bus
  • Chipset: Mobile 945GM Express Chipset
  • Memory: PC2-5300 (667MHz) DDR2 memory.

• Storage
  • Hard Drive Interface: Serial ATA hard disk drive
    • 80GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive on 1.83GHz configuration.
    • Optional 100GB 5400-rpm (standard for 2.0GHz), 100GB 7200-rpm, 120GB 5400-rpm drives
  • CD/DVD Drive: Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
    • Max Write: 4x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
    • Max Read: 8x DVD-ROM; 6x DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW; 4x DVD+R (double layered); 24x CD

• Display
  • TFT panel: 15.4-inch (diagonal)
    • support for millions of colors
    • Supported resolutions: 1440 by 900 (native), 1280 by 800, 1152 by 720, 1024 by 768, 1024 by 640, 800 by 600, 800 by 500, 720 by 480 and 640 by 480 at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio

• Graphics and Video
  • Graphics Chipset: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128 MB or 256 MB of VRAM (256 MB standard and only on 2.0/2.16 GHz model)
  • Camera: iSight
  • Other: Dual-link DVI output port (Supports: DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video)

• Communications
  • Wireless: 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme Card (802.11a/b/g standard)
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
  • Networking: 10/100/1000 Gigabit BASE-T Ethernet

• Peripheral connections
  • Firewire: (1) FireWire 400 port
  • USB: (2) USB 2.0 ports
  • ExpressCard: (1) ExpressCard/34 slot

• Audio
  • Audio Chipset:
  • Audio Output: Combined optical digital output/headphone out (1/8" minijack)
  • Audio Input: Combined optical digital input/audio line in (1/8" minijack), internal omnidirectional microphone (located under left speaker grille)

• Other
  • Ambient Light Backlit Keyboard
    • Full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys; 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement), and embedded numeric keypad
  • Solid-state scrolling Trackpad; supports two finger scrolling, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities

[edit] Known Issues

• System crashes upon restart, as Windows doesn't know how to handle the MacBook Pro's onboard power management.
  • Windows can be shutdown completely through Shutdown as opposed to restart by disabling the Welcome Screen in Control Panel ==> Users ==> Change the Way Users Log On and off. This is only possible if the Intel chipset drivers are installed. You must remap a DEL key prior to disabling the welcome screen - otherwise you will not be able to log back in without a USB keyboard - See Superscript 4

• Fans do not spin up, again as windows doesn't know how to do onboard power management.
  • This is unconfirmed to this day since some MBP owners have reported the fans turning on under high processor load. This makes sense due to the fact that fans operate based on the processor need (within its own firmware) rather than drivers. Proper power management drivers (once found/created) will optimize fan control as well as other power issues.