The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Early 2008 is a notable notebook computer crafted, produced, and marketed by Apple in 2008 under its MacBook Pro line. It was unveiled on February 26, 2008, with an initial price point of $1,999.
This iteration of the MacBook Pro series saw significant enhancements, incorporating the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, expanded storage capacities, and a standard memory size of 2GB across most models. Moreover, it boasted updated NVIDIA graphics processors, featuring up to 512 MB of video memory, and introduced Apple’s innovative Multi-Touch trackpad, initially pioneered in the MacBook Air.
Notably, all Mac notebooks of this era were equipped with a built-in iSight video camera, facilitating on-the-go video conferencing, alongside Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter, designed for safe disconnection under strain, and built-in 802.11n wireless networking, delivering enhanced performance and expanded range compared to the preceding 802.11g standard.
Key specifications of the new MacBook Pro included the latest Intel Core 2 Duo technology, offering processor speeds of up to 2.6 GHz with 6 MB of shared L2 cache, accompanied by up to 4 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory and up to a 300 GB hard drive. Graphics performance received a boost with the inclusion of NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics, featuring up to 512 MB of video memory.
Additionally, every MacBook Pro incorporated a trackpad with Multi-Touch gesture support, allowing intuitive interactions such as pinch, rotate, and swipe, further enhancing user experience across various applications.
A standout feature of the MacBook Pro was its illuminated keyboard, ideal for low-light environments like airplanes or conference halls, complemented by a built-in ambient light sensor to automatically adjust key and display brightness for optimal visibility.
In terms of connectivity, the MacBook Pro offered a built-in iSight video camera, MagSafe Power Adapter, 802.11n wireless networking, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, analog and digital audio inputs and outputs, USB 2.0, and FireWire, ensuring comprehensive compatibility and versatility for users.
The software suite bundled with every Mac, including the MacBook Pro 15-inch Early 2008, comprised iLife ‘08 and Leopard, offering enhanced digital lifestyle applications and a robust operating system featuring innovative functionalities like Time Machine, Quick Look, and Spaces, among others.
Spec-wise, the MacBook Pro 15-inch Early 2008 boasted options for Intel Core 2 Duo processors ranging from 2.4 GHz to 2.6 GHz, a 15.4″ TFT Display, 2 GB of RAM, 200 GB or 250 GB hard drive configurations, slot-loading 8x DVD-R/CD-RW dual-layer “SuperDrive”, built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, FireWire “400” and “800”, iSight camera, ambient light sensor, illuminated keyboard, and 256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics in the base model.
On October 14, 2008, the MacBook Pro 15-inch Early 2008 was discontinued, marking the end of its production cycle. Today, it celebrates its 15-year anniversary, reminiscing about its impactful presence in the realm of notebook computing.
MacBook Pro 15-inch Early 2008 Details
| Introduced | February 26, 2008 – 16 years ago |
| Discontinued | October 14, 2008 – 15 years ago |
| Last Software Update | July 18, 2016 – 7 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 231 days (7 months) |
| Time of Support | 100 months (8 years) |
| Model Identifier | MacBookPro4,1 |
| Model Number | A1260 |
| EMC | 2198 |
| Order Number | MB133LL/A MB134LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,999 $2,499 $2,749 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 5.4 Ibs. 2.449 KG |
| Dimensions | 1” H x 14.1” W x 9.6” D 2.54 cm H x 35.81 cm W x 24.38 cm D |
MacBook Pro 15-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 “Penryn” (2.4 GHz) Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 “Penryn” (2.5 GHz) Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 “Penryn” (2.6 GHz) |
| Processor Speed | 2.4 GHz 2.5 GHz 2.6 GHz |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 800 MHz |
| Cache | 3 MB on-chip shared L2 (2.4 GHz) 6 MB on-chip shared L2 (2.5 GHz & 2.6 GHz) |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 200 GB 250 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD-R/CD-RW dual-layer “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 2 GB |
| Maximum Memory | 4 GB (Apple) 6 GB (Actual) |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC2-5300 DDR2 200-pin SO-DIMM 667 MHz |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15.4″ Color TFT Display (Glossy Display Optional) |
| Pixel Density | 110 dpi |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m² |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 720 x 480 800 x 500 800 x 600 1024 x 640 1024 x 768 1152 x 720 1280 x 800 1440 x 900 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT |
| Graphics Memory | 256 MB GDDR3 |
| Display Connection | 1 – dual-link DVI (S-Video, VGA, and Composite with adapter) |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
| External Resolution | Up to 2560 by 1600 pixels |
| Camera | iSight |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – ExpressCard / 34 |
| Hard Drive Interface | 1.5 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
| Optical Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 (UATA/66) |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | Apple USB Modem MA034Z/A (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR |
| Infrared | 1 – For Apple Remote Only |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps 1 – 800 Mbps |
| USB | 2 – 480 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog/optical input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog/optical output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – dual-link DVI (S-Video, VGA, and Composite with adapter) |
| Security Slot | 1 – Kensington cable lock |
Sensors
| Motion Sensor | Sudden Motion Sensor (SMS) |
| Liquid Sensor | None |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 78-key (U.S.) or 79-key (ISO) incl. 12 function and 4 arrow keys, embedded keypad, illuminated with ambient light sensor |
| Trackpad | Solid-state trackpad with Multi-Touch gesture support |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.5.2 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.5.4 |
| Maximum OS | OS X 10.11.6 |
| Firmware | Intel Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.5 iLife ’08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand) |
Power
| System Battery | 60 W Lithium-Polymer (MA348LL/A) |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Maximum Battery Cycles | 300 |
| Maximum Continuous Power | Unknown |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 85 W MagSafe Power Adapter (MA357LL/A) |
Further Reading and References
- MacBook Pro (2008): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces New MacBook and MacBook Pro Models – Apple Newsroom
- Identify your MacBook Pro model – Apple Support
- MacBook Pro – Wikipedia
- 15″ MacBook Pro (Early 2008) – Low End Mac
- MacBook Pro (Early 2008) – Apple History
- MacBook Pro (Early 2008) Benchmarks – Geekbench
- Apple MacBook Pro 2008 Edition review – CNET
