MacBook Pro Mid-2010 15"

The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.66 15-Inch (Mid-2010) is driven by a 32 nm, dual-core 2.66 GHz Intel "Core i7" I7-620M (Arrandale) processor, which includes a dedicated 256k level 2 cache for each core and a 4 MB shared level 3 cache. This system leverages "Turbo Boost," which can automatically increase the processor speed up to 3.33 GHz based on workload, and "Hyper Threading," enabling the system to recognize four "virtual cores" or "threads."

By default, it is equipped with 4 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500) as two 2 GB modules, a 500 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive, an 8X DL "SuperDrive," and dual graphics processors. These are a NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory and an Intel HD Graphics chip with 256 MB of shared RAM, between which Mac OS X automatically switches for optimal graphics performance or battery life depending on the application.

The standard configuration features a 15.4" LED-backlit widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display with a 1440x900 native resolution. Custom options included a "high-resolution glossy" 1680x1050 display for an extra US$100 or a "high-resolution antiglare" version for an additional US$150.

Connectivity includes AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a Firewire "800" port, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital/analog audio in/out, a "Mini DisplayPort" supporting an external display at 2560x1600 (and also passing an audio signal), and an SD card slot, but it omits an ExpressCard/34 slot.

This model features a "Unibody" aluminum case milled from a single block of aluminum, a backlit keyboard, an updated "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, and a non-swappable battery providing up to 8-9 hours of life.

Compared to its predecessor, this model has a very similar external design but adds an improved trackpad and Mini DisplayPort with audio output. Internally, it boasts a significantly different architecture with a faster "Core i7" processor and improved graphics, although memory specs are similar. Battery life is also enhanced.

The high-end Mid-2010 15-inch MacBook Pro, featuring the Core i7 processor, was lauded as a wicked fast machine for its era. The jump to the Arrandale CPU architecture delivered a significant performance increase of up to 30% over previous Core 2 Duo models, making it a compelling choice for professionals. Its automatic graphics switching between the powerful NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and the integrated Intel HD graphics was a key innovation that provided an excellent balance of performance and long battery life. The unibody construction remained a benchmark of quality, and the inertial scrolling trackpad was a welcome refinement. Though pricey, it was considered a worthy investment for its considerable power and robust build.