MacBook Pro Mid/Late 2007, 2.4/2.2GHz

The Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15-Inch (Santa Rosa) is driven by a 2.4 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor (T7700), featuring two independent cores and a 4 MB shared on-chip level 2 cache. It includes an 800 MHz frontside bus, 2.0 GB of 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM, a 160 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive with "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology, and an 8X dual-layer SuperDrive. Graphics are handled by an NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT processor with 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI functionality. A notable feature is its new 15.4-inch widescreen 1440x900 TFT active-matrix display, praised for being a mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit screen, available in both matte and glossy finishes.

Except for the display, the external design of the 15-inch "Santa Rosa" models is virtually unchanged from the previous "Core 2 Duo" systems. It retains the fiber-optic "ambient light sensor," "scrolling TrackPad," "MagSafe" power connector, integrated iSight camera (with an unadvertised 1.3-megapixel resolution), and a bundled Apple Remote. Connectivity options remain the same, including an ExpressCard/34 slot, AirPort Extreme (with 802.11n now 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 DVI out.

Internally, the "Santa Rosa" models feature a more advanced architecture. Key upgrades include 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 improved power management. This includes a dynamically adjustable frontside bus, which, combined with the LED-backlit display, adds an estimated hour to the battery life. The 15-inch "Santa Rosa" systems also come with a slightly faster 8X dual-layer SuperDrive, an upgrade from the previous 6X version.

From November 1, 2007, a custom configuration with a 2.6 GHz "Core 2 Duo" (T7800) processor was also available for an additional US$250.

The "Santa Rosa" generation MacBook Pro, introduced in 2007, marked a significant leap forward in both performance and efficiency due to a major overhaul of its internal architecture. The adoption of the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor, in particular, dramatically improved graphics capabilities and was highly praised for creative tasks. Furthermore, the introduction of an LED-backlit display on this model contributed to longer battery life, a significant boon for mobile users. Although the design was carried over from the previous model, internal improvements like a faster front-side bus and increased RAM capacity solidified its value. It was remembered as a machine equipped with cutting-edge components that stood strong even against contemporary Windows-based laptops.