MacBook Pro Mid/Late 2007, 2.4/2.2GHz

The Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.2 15-Inch (Santa Rosa) is equipped with a 2.2 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor (T7500) featuring two independent cores and a 4 MB shared level 2 cache on the chip. This model utilizes an 800 MHz frontside bus, 2.0 GB of 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM, a 120 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive with "Sudden Motion Sensor" protection, and an 8X dual-layer SuperDrive. For graphics, it boasts an NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT processor with 128 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI capabilities. A key feature is its new 15.4-inch widescreen 1440x900 TFT active-matrix display, which is a mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit screen available in either "matte" or "glossy" finishes.

Externally, aside from the new display, the 15-Inch "Santa Rosa" MacBook Pro models are virtually identical to their "Core 2 Duo" predecessors. They retain the fiber-optic "ambient light sensor," "scrolling TrackPad," "MagSafe" power connector, an integrated iSight camera (with an unadvertised 1.3-megapixel resolution), and an Apple Remote. Connectivity options remain consistent, including an ExpressCard/34 slot, AirPort Extreme (with 802.11n enabled by default), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, both FireWire "400" and "800" ports, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio in/out, and a DVI out port.

Internally, the "Santa Rosa" models introduce significant upgrades. They are built on a more advanced architecture with a faster 800 MHz frontside bus (up from 667 MHz), increased maximum RAM capacity to 4 GB (from 3 GB), a more powerful NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor (replacing the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600), and enhanced power management. This includes a dynamically adjustable frontside bus, which, paired with the LED-backlit display, extends estimated battery life by an hour. These systems also feature a slightly faster 8X dual-layer SuperDrive, compared to the previous 6X speed.

The 15-inch MacBook Pro with the "Santa Rosa" platform, released in mid-2007, was regarded as a significant upgrade. Beyond the processor clock speed increase, the move to a faster 800 MHz front-side bus and the powerful NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor substantially elevated overall performance. A particularly valued feature was the introduction of a power-efficient LED-backlit display, which contributed to improved battery life, a practical benefit praised by users. While maintaining a nearly identical external appearance, the refreshed internal architecture solidified this model's position as a more reliable and powerful tool for professionals. This generation was remembered as a well-rounded machine that struck an excellent balance between performance and portability.