The MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.66 17-Inch (Mid-2010) is a "configure-to-order" version of the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.53 17-Inch (Mid-2010), listed as a separate model for convenience. The processor is the only difference between them.
This model is powered by a 32 nm, dual-core 2.66 GHz Intel "Core i7" I7-620M (Arrandale) processor, featuring a dedicated 256k level 2 cache per core and a 3 MB shared level 3 cache. It supports "Turbo Boost" to automatically increase processor speed based on workload, and "Hyper Threading" to recognize four virtual cores.
By default, it comes with 4 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500) in two 2 GB modules, a 500 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive, an 8X DL "SuperDrive," and dual graphics processors. These include a NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory and an Intel HD Graphics with 256 MB of shared RAM, with Mac OS X automatically switching between them for optimal performance and battery life.
The standard version features a 17.0" LED-backlit widescreen TFT active-matrix "glossy" display (1920x1200), with an "antiglare" option available for an extra US$50.
Connectivity options are AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a Firewire "800" port, three USB 2.0 ports, optical digital/analog audio in/out, a "Mini DisplayPort" (supporting 2560x1600 external displays and audio), and an ExpressCard/34 slot. It does not have an SD card slot.
It features a "Unibody" aluminum case milled from a single piece of aluminum, a backlit keyboard, a "no button" glass "inertial" multi-touch trackpad, and a non-swappable battery that provides 8-9 hours of life.
Compared to its predecessor, this model has a nearly identical external case but an enhanced trackpad and Mini DisplayPort. Internally, it has a substantially different architecture with a faster "Core i7" processor and graphics, though it shares the same memory. Battery life is also improved.