In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain devices stand out not just as milestones but as timeless classics that leave an indelible mark on the industry. One such marvel was the Original MacBook Pro 15-inch also known as “MacBook Pro Early 2006”, introduced in 2006 as a revolutionary addition to the MacBook Pro line.
The year 2006 marked a significant milestone in Apple’s history with the unveiling of the MacBook Pro 15-inch. Pioneering the integration of Intel Core Duo processors, this notebook redefined performance standards, boasting up to four times the power of its predecessor, the PowerBook G4. With a sleek aluminum enclosure measuring just one inch thin and weighing a mere 5.6 pounds, it was a testament to Apple’s commitment to blending power with portability.
Steve Jobs, the visionary CEO of Apple, described the MacBook Pro as a fusion of dual-processor desktop performance within a slender notebook frame. The Intel Core Duo processor heralded a new era of efficiency, offering dual-core capabilities ideal for the MacBook Pro’s lightweight design. This powerhouse was up to four times faster than its predecessor, setting a new benchmark in performance standards.
The MacBook Pro wasn’t just about power; it was about enhancing user experience. Equipped with a built-in iSight video camera, users could indulge in seamless video conferencing on the go, a feature ahead of its time. The inclusion of the Apple Remote and Front Row software transformed the MacBook Pro into a portable theater, allowing users to enjoy their content effortlessly.
One of the standout features of the MacBook Pro was the MagSafe magnetic power connector, a game-changer in charging convenience. Designed for mobile users, this innovative connector ensured easy attachment and detachment, minimizing the risk of accidents caused by tangled cords. Safety and convenience merged seamlessly in this groundbreaking addition.
The MacBook Pro dazzled users with its 67-percent brighter 15-inch display, rivaling the brilliance of Apple’s renowned Cinema Displays. Underneath the sleek exterior lay a robust system architecture, featuring a 667 MHz front-side bus and DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable to 2 GB, ensuring lightning-fast performance for demanding tasks.
Incorporating Apple’s iLife ’06 suite, the MacBook Pro offered a myriad of creative possibilities. From capturing moments with the built-in iSight camera to unleashing artistic flair with iMovie HD and GarageBand, creativity knew no bounds. The introduction of iWeb simplified website creation, empowering users to share their passion with the world effortlessly.
Each MacBook Pro came equipped with Mac OS X 10.4.4 Tiger, the epitome of advanced operating systems. With features like Safari, iChat AV, and Photo Booth, coupled with the revolutionary Rosetta software translation technology, users could seamlessly run most PowerPC applications, ensuring a smooth transition into the Intel-based era.
Despite its groundbreaking features, the MacBook Pro 15-inch bid adieu in 2006, marking the end of an era. However, its legacy lives on, etched in the memories of Apple enthusiasts worldwide. Today 18 years later, it remains a symbol of innovation and craftsmanship, a timeless classic that continues to inspire.
The Original MacBook Pro 15-inch was more than just a notebook computer; it was a symbol of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the world of technology. From its sleek design to its groundbreaking features, it captivated the hearts of users worldwide and left an indelible mark on the industry. As we reflect on its legacy, we’re reminded of the transformative power of innovation and the enduring impact of iconic devices like the MacBook Pro.
Original MacBook Pro 15-inch Details
| Introduced | January 10, 2006 (1.67 GHz and 1.83 GHz) – 18 years ago February 14, 2006 (2 GHz and 2.16 GHz) – 18 years ago |
| Released | February 14, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Discontinued | February 14, 2006 (1.67 GHz – Introduced but never shipped) – 18 years ago May 16, 2006 (1.83 GHz) – 18 years ago October 24, 2006 (2 GHz and 2.16 GHz) – 17 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 252 days (8 months) |
| Model Identifier | MacBookPro1,1 |
| Model Number | A1150 |
| EMC | 2101 |
| Order Number | MA090LL/A MA463LL/A MA091LL/A MA464LL/A MA600LL/A MA601LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,999 $2,499 $2,799 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 5.6 Ibs. 2.540 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 Early 2006 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Intel Core Duo L2400 “Yonah” (1.67 GHz) Intel Core Duo T2400 “Yonah” (1.83 GHz) Intel Core Duo T2500 “Yonah” (2 GHz) Intel Core Duo T2600 “Yonah” (2.16 GHz) |
| Processor Speed | 1.67 GHz (Introduced but never shipped) 1.83 GHz 2 GHz 2.16 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 667 MHz |
| Cache | 2 MB on-chip shared L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 GB 100 GB 120 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD-R/CD-RW dual-layer “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 512 MB 1 GB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC2-5300 DDR2 200-pin SO-DIMM 667 MHz |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15.4″ Color TFT Display |
| Pixel Density | 106 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 | ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 |
| Graphics Memory | 128 MB GDDR3 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 802.11b/g |
| 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 |
| ADB | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps |
| SCSI | None |
| 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 | Built-in Solid-state trackpad (Tap, double-tap, drag, and scroll) |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.4.5 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.4.6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.6.8 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.4 iLife ’06 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand) Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive iWork ’06 (30-day trial) QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition Comic Life FileMaker Pro trial Omni Outliner Photo Booth Front Row Apple Hardware Test |
Power
| System Battery | 60 W Lithium-Polymer (MA348G/A) |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 4.5 hours |
| Maximum Battery Cycles | 300 |
| Maximum Continuous Power | Unknown |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 85 W MagSafe Power Adapter (MA357LL/A) |
Original MacBook Pro Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- MacBook Pro (Original): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces MacBook Pro – Apple Newsroom
- MacBook Pro – Wikipedia
- 15″ MacBook Pro (Early 2006) – Low End Mac
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
