MacBook Pro Mid/Late 2007, 2.4/2.2GHz

The MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.6 15-Inch (Santa Rosa) is technically a build-to-order version of the 2.4 15-Inch (Santa Rosa) model, but is listed separately for clarity. Apart from the processor, these two models are identical.

This Apple MacBook Pro features a 2.6 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor (T7800) with two independent cores and a 4 MB shared on-chip L2 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 powered by an NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI support, displayed on a new, highly regarded "mercury-free power-efficient LED-backlit" 15.4-inch widescreen 1440x900 TFT active-matrix screen, available in matte or glossy.

With the exception of the display, the 15-Inch "Santa Rosa" models are externally identical to their "Core 2 Duo" predecessors, retaining the fiber-optic "ambient light sensor," "scrolling TrackPad," "MagSafe" power connector, integrated iSight camera (with an unadvertised 1.3-megapixel resolution), and an Apple Remote. Connectivity includes the same ExpressCard/34 slot, AirPort Extreme (with 802.11n enabled by default), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, and FireWire "400" and "800" ports, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio in/out, and DVI out.

Internally, the "Santa Rosa" models feature an advanced architecture with a faster frontside bus (800 MHz vs. 667 MHz), more RAM capacity (4 GB vs. 3 GB), a faster graphics processor (NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT over the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600), and superior power management, including a dynamically adjustable frontside bus that, combined with the LED display, provides an extra hour of battery life. These systems also have a slightly faster 8X dual-layer SuperDrive compared to the previous 6X.

Appearing as a custom option in late 2007, this 2.6 GHz model drew the attention of power users as a configuration that maximized the potential of the "Santa Rosa" platform. The faster processor, combined with the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics, delivered top-tier performance for a professional notebook of its time. The power-efficient LED-backlit display was particularly well-regarded, as it also contributed to longer battery life. While retaining the previous design, the revamped internal architecture achieved a high-level balance of performance and practicality, making it a highly accomplished machine. This model remained a solid choice for professionals with demanding requirements.