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Review Apple MacBook Pro 15'' Notebook (Santa Rosa)

Design meets Performance. One is already nearly used to the first-class design of Apple Notebooks. Ever since they are also equipped with Intel CPUs and it is possible to run them under Windows, they are true competitors to comparably equipped notebooks. As expected the MacBook Pro scores also high. This elegant notebook is really powerful, because of a T7700 CPU and a NVidia Geforce 8600M GT video card. So, gaming is possible with a Mac - „Sounds strange, but is true“.

Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Logo

Case

The MacBook Pro 15'' with Intel chipset was already reviewed by us some time ago. At that time it was the pioneer Apple notebook with Intel CPU. The look of MacBooks did not chance much since then, at least at the first glance. Inside the noble aluminum case, you'll now find the most up-to-date technology, which provides a lot of power. A good reason for reviewing the new MacBook Pro.

In the meanwhile, the installation routine of Windows on a Mac was improved and, so, also the possibility to reasonably work under it. The procedure is rather easy: 1) Download the Bootcamp software. 2) Install and execute it under MacOS. 3) Insert and install the Vista CD. 4) Install Drivers for Vista. 5) Choose the operating system in the start menu at boot time (Alt).

This is all. And as one is accustomed to, this procedure by Apple is simple and user-friendly. Also the support for Apple functions under Vista was optimized in the meanwhile. E.g., scrolling with 2 fingers on the touchpad is no problem and also the integrated web cam (iSight) works troublefree. However, there are slight problems with some hardware differences, like the single touchpad button or the Apple specific keyboard layout.

Back to the notebook. The case is nearly completely made of aluminum. The surface's haptics is first-class. Despite of an edgy and linear design, there are no sharp or uncomfortable edges or corners.

The workmanship and stability of the MacBook are as good as the look elegant. All parts are seamlessly connected to one another. Scrutinizing the notebook for weaknesses regarding workmanship is a waste of time.

The aluminum case does neither react to applied forces nor are deflections possible. Handling the notebook is also as expected, you' won't hear any creaking. The total weight of only 2.4kg is one of the MacBook's strengthes.

The big, reversely attached hinge seems to be very robust. There might be usability limitations, because the opening angle of the display is, therefore, limited.

The MacBook Pro's display transport hook is advantageous.  Immediately before completely closed, two hooks which lock the display in closed state, are moved out of the display by a magnetic mechanism. However, the release at the front side is difficult to use, because it is rather narrow.

The whole back edge is used as vent hole for the fan. So, the interfaces are provided at the notebook's flanks. The notebook is not equipped with many interfaces, but, the ones provided are of high-quality. Among others there are a Firewire 400, Firewire 800, DVI out, and also a 34mm ExpressCard slot. However, there are two points of critique: First of all only two USB ports are provided. Secondly, a docking port is missing.

The already known MagSave power connector is again amongst the interfaces. This is a power connector, which is attached by magnetism. It does not only look good, it also protects the notebook in case somebody falls over the power cable.

Apple MacBook Pro 15'' Interfaces
Front Side: DVD Drive
Apple MacBook Pro 15'' Interfaces
Left Side: MagSave Power Connector, USB, Audio Ports, Expresscard 34mm
Apple MacBook Pro 15'' Interfaces
Back Side: No Ports
Apple MacBook Pro 15'' Interfaces
Right Side: Kensington Lock, USB, Firewire 400/800, Lan, DVI

Input Devices

Regarding input devices, i.e., keyboard and touch pad, no difference to predecessor models can be noticed. However, the previous statement should not be negatively interpreted. The size of nearly all keys is comfortable. However, there is one significant exception: the enter key. Although it extends over two rows, it is rather narrow, so, requiring some adaption time, to definitely hit it all the times.

Also the keyboard layout needs a little critique. For the sake of a nearly perfect design, all the keys were put in a strictly rectangular frame. So, the layout is not really concise. Furthermore, the keyboard is optimized for MacOS providing some special keys. That means, you'll need getting used to it first. The Ctrl and the Alt keys are left beside the space bar, the AltGr key (for Windows) is missing.

Typing feels very comfortable. It is soft and quiet with sufficient travel and a clear point of pressure. Depending on the hands' position the notebook's front edge might disturb if you continue typing over a longer period of time.
Uneven gaps between single keys could not be detected at the reviewed notebook - something criticized at predecessor models.

The automatic keyboard lighting is a nice feature. If you cover the light sensors, which are left and right beside the keyboard with your hands, or if the brightness of the environment is below a certain level, the MacBook Pro automatically switches on an optically impressing keyboard lighting (LEDs under each key).

The touch pad is generally user-friendly, however, it only provides a single, but especially spacious button. While this is no problem under MacOS, this can be, depending on the application, uncomfortable under Windows. Up to now, you can only overcome these difficulties by using an external mouse (or by positioning two fingers on the pad and then click). Conditionally, one can criticize that the touch pad button is somewhat too rickety attached to the case.

Super new feature of the touch pad: Scrolling with two fingers. While conventional touch pads need a dedicated scroll-zone, the MacBook's touchpad allows browsing trough a document by placing one finger at the pad and moving a second one up or down. With the new version of the Bootcamp software, this is also supported under Windows.

Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Touch pad (Track pad)
Track pad
Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Keyboard
Keyboard

Display

Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Display Measurement
Color Diagram

The MacBook Pro is equipped with a 1440x900 Pixel WXGA+ display. This slightly improves the overview compared to the standard resolution of 1280x800 pixels, while the font size is still comfortable.

The matt display scored excellently. The maximum brightness amounted to exellent 346.6 cd/m² at the bottom part of the screen. The rather below-average illumination of 70% is put into perspective by a still excellent minimum brightness of 242.5 cd/m². The average brightness of 290.4 cd/m² is also very good. 

Looking at the color correction diagram we see that mostly the blue color curve has to be lowered to reach a neutral coloring.

283.4
cd/m²
285.9
cd/m²
257.2
cd/m²
264
cd/m²
303.4
cd/m²
287.2
cd/m²
242.5
cd/m²
343.7
cd/m²
346.6
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 346.6 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 290.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 70 %
Contrast: 506:1 (Black: 0.6 cd/m²)

The panel's measured black value is 0.6 cd/m². Together with the excellent measured maximum brightness of 346.6 cd/m² this gives a very good contrast ratio of 548:1. We could not detect any anomalies regarding speed of reaction by performing scroll tests.

Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Outdoor
Operation Outdoors

One can say with a clear conscience that the MacBook Pro is completely fit for outdoor usage. The matt non-reflecting display surface (in our review sample, you can also get a reflecting screen optionally) and the excellent brightness ensure a good picture also in the sunshine. Working in sunshine at the pool? - No problem for the MacBook Pro.

Horizontally, the stability to to the vantage point is good and sufficient. At acute angles there is a loss of contrast.  Vertically, the stability to the vantage point is good when looking from top down. Looking from bottom up the display soon darkens. However, displayed text stays passable legible.

Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Stability to the Vantage Point
Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Stability to the Vantage Point
Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Stability to the Vantage Point
Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Stability to the Vantage Point
Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Stability to the Vantage Point
Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Stability to the Vantage Point
Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Stability to the Vantage Point
Apple MacBook Pro 15“ Stability to the Vantage Point


Video of Display's Stability to the Vantage Point

Performance

Equipped with a mobile High-End CPU, a Core 2 Duo T7700 processor with 2.4 GHz, and a fast video card, the MacBook sets extremely high standards for comparisons with other multimedia notebooks. This is also proved by benchmark tests.

The built-in NVIDIA Geforce 8600M GT is responsible for these good results. It provides also sufficient performance for playing up-to-date games in a high resolution. So, performance is one of the MacBook's strengthes, although it is still slightly outperformed by the comparably equipped Asus G1S in the practical test.

Furthermore, the reviewed notebook was equipped with a total of 2GB main memory (2x 1GB, 667 MHz) and a 160GB 5400 revs/min hard disk. Regarding hard disk there is also a 7200 revs/min hard disk available.

Further information about the video card can be found here or in our comparison of mobile video cards. Detailed information about the Core 2 Duo CPU can be found here.

Please also look at our benchmark list of mobile processors or at our benchmark list of mobile video cards, in order to compare this notebook to other configurations.

Benchmarkvergleich 3DMark
Benchmark Comparison 3DMark
Benchmarkvergleich PCMark
Benchmark Comparison PCMark
3DMark 2001SE Standard
24798 points
3DMark 03 Standard
11214 points
3DMark 05 Standard
7331 points
3DMark 06 Score Unknown Setting
3900 points
Help
PCMark 05 Standard
5517 points
Help
160 GB - 5400 rpm
Transfer Rate Minimum: 21.8 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 48 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 36.5 MB/s
Access Time: 17.8 ms
Burst Rate: 74 MB/s
CPU Usage: 4.2 %

Further Benchmark Results:

Age of Empires 3
Skirmish at 8t with 30-40 fps very well playable

Further reviewed (Mac OS X):

Cinebench 9.5
Rendering (Single CPU): 200 CB-CPU
Rendering (Multiple CPU): 371 CB-CPU
Shading (CINEMA 4D): 246 CB-GFX
Shading (OpenGL Software Lighting): 968 CB-GFX
Shading (OpenGL Hardware Lighting): 3440 CB-GFX

Xbench 1.3
Results: 88.72
CPU Test: 62.06
Memory Test 108.73
Quartz Graphics Test 75.48
OpenGL Graphics Test 69.80
User Interface Test 139.72
Disk Test 40.71

Overall, the Geforce 8600M GT is well fit for games, even for up-to-date demanding games. However, for absolute top performance the demanding gamer should rather choose a forthcoming Geforce 8700M GT or a 8800M.

Emissions

Loudness

A special strength of the MacBook Pro is its low emissions in idle mode and under load. Considering the excellent equipment this aspect is even more interesting.

Apple was once again able to combine first-class performance with very low noise emissions by an innovative ventilation technology. In idle mode the notebook is hardly audible. Under load the fan continuously speeds up and finally reaches a noise level of just 42dB. If the load falls, the fan reacts immediately and reduces its revolution speed and therewith also the noise level at once.

Under Windows the measured emissions are a little higher. Obviously, this is the result of a better optimized energy/performance management under MacOS.

Noise Level

Idle
30.5 / 40 / 37 dB(A)
HDD
31.8 dB(A)
Load
0 / 42.8 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light    (15 cm distance)

Temperature

The rather decently running fan and a well thermoconducting case cause a clear temperature increase under load especially at the back part of the case, where the vent holes are located. However, at the keyboard and the front part the overall temperature is within reasonable limits.

At the bottom side there aren't any vent holes. So, the air necessary for cooling is ingested trough the keyboard and blown off through the back edge. This avoids considerably heating of the input devices and makes the notebook fit for use on soft surfaces.

Upper side

palmwrist: 36.0°C max: 40.0°C avg: 36.9°C

Bottom side

max: 46.0°C avg: 40.7°C

Speakers

The sound of the two speakers is clear and present. Weaknesses are the maximum volume and the basses. However, overall the speakers are alright. The notebook also be directly and lossless connected to an existing sound system by means of an optical out. So, it is possible to fully enjoy music.

Battery Runtime

The 60 Wh 10.8 V lithium-polymer battery of the MacBook does not only look good, it also provides the notebook with sufficient energy for a useful mobile use. The runtime ranges from more than one hour to more than 4 hours at optimized energy settings under Windows. From experience the runtime is even better under MacOS.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
4h 10min
DVD
2h 56min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 14min
Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 15.7 / 26.6 / 27.6 Watt
Load midlight 75.2 / 69 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Verdict

Apple MacBook Pro 15 Inch "Santa Rosa"
Apple MacBook Pro 15 Inch "Santa Rosa"

The only thing we can say about the MacBook Pro's design and workmanship is: first class. Of course this is to some degree our personal impression, but the first class materials (case completely made of aluminum) and the reliable workmanship contribute to this impression.

Maybe you'll need some time to adapt to the keyboard layout, especially if you are a Windows user. The enter key could also be a little bigger. However, typing is very user-friendly.

The display convinces by concise resolution, excellent brightness, and a non-reflecting surface. All together this allows an outdoor operation without limitations, even in very bright environments.

The battery runtime passably ranges from one to four hours and does also not limit the mobile use.

Also the performance of the MacBook Pro is excellent. It is equipped with the, at the time of writing, most powerful mobile CPU, the C2D T7700 with 2.4 GHz. A Geforce 8600M GT ensures first-class video performance and makes the MacBook Pro fit for playing even demanding games.

It's a miracle, how Apple could put this first-class equipment into such a slim case and also keep the noise emissions low at the same time. You can only call it: Art - The art to design top-class and sophisticated mobile notebooks.

Apple MacBook Pro 15"
Apple MacBook Pro 15"
Apple MacBook Pro 15"
Apple MacBook Pro 15"
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Apple MacBook Pro 15“
Reviewed: Apple MacBook Pro 15“

Specifications

Apple MacBook Pro 15" 2.4GHz
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT - 256 MB VRAM, GDDR3
Memory
2048 MB 
, DDR2 PC5300 667Mhz SDRAM, max. 4096MB, 2x1024MB
Display
15.40 inch 16:10, 1440 x 900 pixel, WXGA+ TFT Display mit LED Technologie, optional auch spiegelnd erhältlich, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel PM965
Storage
160 GB - 5400 rpm, 160 GB 
, 5400 rpm, Fujitsu MHW2160BHPL: 160GB, 5400rpm
Soundcard
Realtek HD Audio
Connections
1 Express Card 34mm, 2 USB 2.0, 2 Firewire, 1 DVI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Headphones (opt. und analog), Mikrofon
Networking
Marvell Yukon 88E8056 10/100/1000 (10/100/1000MBit/s), Atheros AR5008X Wireless Network Adapter (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 26 x 357 x 243 ( = 1.02 x 14.06 x 9.57 in)
Battery
60 Wh Lithium-Polymer
Operating System
Apple Mac Os X 10.4
Additional features
12 Months Warranty, Intel 965M, HDD: 160GB, 5400rpm, Fujitsu MHW2160BHPL, Realtek HD Audio, DVD +/-R (DL) Matshita UJ-857E,
Weight
2.41 kg ( = 85.01 oz / 5.31 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
2400 Euro

 

Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
The Apple MacBook 15" once again reviewed by notebookCHECK.com.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
The keyboard is comfortable in use, but, Windows user need to adapt to its layout first.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
Super feature: Light sensors activate keyboard lightening.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
The brightness of the matt 1440x900 WXGA+ display is excellent...
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
...so making it fit for outdoor usage.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
Successful ventilation technology: Air is ingested through the keyboard and blown off at the back side.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
So, the bottom side could be free of vent holes.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
Especially under load the bottom side gets considerably warmer.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
The lithium-polymer battery provides a runtime of up to more than 4 hours.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
The capacity left can be accessed at any time by a LED charge status display.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
...and also the innovative MagSave power connector.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
...however, a DVI Port with VGA adapter is provided...
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
The number of interfaces is small,...
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
This time with up-to-date Santa Rosa technology...
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
...with T7700 CPU and Geforce 8600M GT video card.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
The MacBook's design is as usually decent,...
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
...with linear and geometric forms and an elegant silver case.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
Not only the look,...
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
also robustness and stability of the aluminum case could convince.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
The Macbook Pro provides well-known Apple Gimmicks,...
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
...e.g., automatically moved in transport hooks...
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
...and a light sensor for keyboard lightening and adapting the display's brightness.
Apple MacBook Pro 15" Image
Also provided: The Apple remote control makes the MacBook Pro a multimedia center.

Pro

  • High quality materials and nice look
  • Excellent workmanship
  • Optically impressing keyboard lightening
  • MagSafe - magnetic power connector
  • Bright, matt display, fit for outdoor usage
  • Light sensor for display and keyboard lightening
  • Excellent performance
  • Low noise emissions
  • Passable battery runtime
  • Contra

  • Limited opening angles of the display
  • Only 2 USB ports, modem and docking port are missing
  • Partly the aluminum case gets clearly warmer
  • Similar Notebooks

    Price Comparison

    Ciao.uk

    Apple Macbook Pro 15.4"

    Apple MacBook Pro 15" 2.4GHz - 10/20/2007
    J. Simon Leitner

    Chassis
    98%
    Keyboard
    96%
    Pointing Device
    82%
    Connectivity
    84%
    Weight
    84%
    Battery
    83%
    Display
    96%
    Games Performance
    94%
    Application Performance
    100%
    Temperature
    65%
    Noise
    86%
    Add Points
    96%
    Average
    89%
    90%
    Multimedia - Weighted Average
    J. Simon Leitner, 2007-08- 4 (Update: 2013-05- 8)