MacBook Pro Core Duo (T2500) 2006

The Apple MacBook Pro "Core Duo" 2.0 15-Inch is driven by a 2.0 GHz "Core Duo" processor (T2500), which features two independent cores, a 2 MB shared L2 cache, and a 667 MHz frontside bus. It comes with either 512 MB or 1.0 GB of 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM, an 80.0 GB or 100.0 GB hard drive equipped with "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology, and a 4X single-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive. For graphics, it has an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 processor with either 128 MB or 256 MB of GDDR3 video memory and dual-link DVI, and a 15.4" widescreen 1440x900 TFT active-matrix display, for which a glossy option became available on May 16, 2006.

Inheriting features from its predecessor, the PowerBook G4/1.67 15" (HR), this model includes the fiber-optic "ambient light sensor," a "scrolling TrackPad," AirPort Extreme (802.11g), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a FireWire "400" port, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio in/out, and DVI out. However, it omits the Firewire "800" and S-video out ports, replaces the PC card slot with an ExpressCard/34 slot, and does not have an internal modem. The MacBook Pro also introduces a built-in iSight camera, an Apple Remote for Front Row, and the new "MagSafe" power connector.

Please be aware that two configurations were offered: MA464LL/A (Feb 14 - May 16, 2006, US$2499) featured 1 GB RAM, a 100 GB HDD, and 256 MB VRAM. The MA600LL (May 16 - Oct 24, 2006, US$1999) came with 512 MB RAM, an 80 GB HDD, and 128 MB VRAM. The latter was also offered with a custom-ordered glossy display.

The 2.0 GHz "Core Duo" MacBook Pro established itself as a strong mid-range option in the inaugural lineup of Intel-based Macs. It provided a clear performance benefit over the base 1.83 GHz model, making it a popular choice. A key development during its time on the market was the introduction of a glossy display option. This sparked a lasting debate among users, pitting those who favored the vibrant colors of the new glossy screens against professionals who relied on the anti-reflective nature of the traditional matte finish for color-critical work. While it shared the first generation's thermal challenges, its solid performance made it a capable workhorse for many.