Description
The MacBook Pro “Core i7” 2.66 17-Inch (Mid-2010) technically is a “configure-to-order” configuration of the MacBook Pro “Core i5” 2.53 17-Inch (Mid-2010), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor, these two models are identical.
The MacBook Pro “Core i7” 2.66 17-Inch (Mid-2010) is powered by a 32 nm, dual-core 2.66 GHz Intel “Core i7” I7-620M (Arrandale) processor, with dedicated 256k level 2 cache for each core and an 3 MB shared level 3 cache. This system also supports “Turbo Boost” — which “automatically boosts the processor speed based on workload” — and “Hyper Threading” — which allows the system to recognize four “virtual cores” or “threads.”
By default, it is configured with 4 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500) installed in pairs (two 2 GB modules), a 500 GB Serial ATA (5400 RPM) hard drive, an 8X DL “SuperDrive”, and dual graphics processors — a NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory and Intel HD Graphics with 256 MB of RAM shared with the system — that Mac OS X automatically switches between for better graphics performance and better battery life, respectively, depending on application use.
The standard configuration of this model has an LED-backlit 17.0″ widescreen TFT active-matrix “glossy” display (1920×1200 native resolution), but it also was offered via custom configuration with an “antiglare” display for an additional US50.
Connectivity includes 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” that supports an external display at 2560×1600 (it also passes an audio signal), and an ExpressCard/34 slot. It lacks an SD card slot.
This model uses a “Unibody” aluminum case design — milled from a single piece of aluminum — and has a backlit keyboard, a new “no button” glass “inertial” multi-touch trackpad, and a non-swappable battery design that provides up to 8-9 hours of battery life.
Compared to its predecessor, this model has a very similar external enclosure, but an enhanced trackpad, and the same connectivity, except for the enhanced audio passing Mini DisplayPort. Internally, however, it has a substantially different architecture with a faster “Core i7” processor and faster graphics as well, although it shares the same memory. Battery life is improved too.
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