In the annals of computing history, certain devices stand out as true game-changers. One such device was Apple’s 17-inch MacBook Pro also known as “MacBook Pro Early 2006”, which made its debut back in 2006. Despite its relatively brief existence on the market, this notebook computer left an indelible mark on Apple’s legacy, embodying the company’s ethos of innovation and design excellence.
Apple introduced the 17-inch MacBook Pro with much fanfare, heralding a new era in portable computing. Powered by the Intel Core Duo processor and boasting a revolutionary system architecture, this device promised unparalleled performance in a sleek and slender form factor. With features like the built-in iSight camera for video conferencing and the groundbreaking Front Row media experience, the 17-inch MacBook Pro redefined what users could expect from a notebook computer.
At the heart of the 17-inch MacBook Pro was the 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, delivering dual-core performance in a power-efficient design. This translated to blazing-fast speeds, making it the ideal choice for both business professionals and creative users alike. Moreover, the aluminum enclosure, measuring just one inch thin and weighing a mere 6.8 pounds, showcased Apple’s commitment to marrying form with function.
One of the standout features of the 17-inch MacBook Pro was the inclusion of Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter, a pioneering solution designed to make charging the device safer and more convenient. Additionally, the built-in iSight camera, coupled with Apple’s suite of software applications like iChat AV and Photo Booth, elevated the user experience to new heights.
The 17-inch MacBook Pro was not just a powerhouse in terms of performance; it also offered unrivaled connectivity options. From FireWire and USB ports to Bluetooth and integrated AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi networking, this device was equipped to handle the demands of modern computing with ease.
Every 17-inch MacBook Pro came pre-loaded with Apple’s iLife ’06 suite of applications, empowering users to unleash their creativity with tools like iPhoto, iMovie HD, and GarageBand. Furthermore, the inclusion of Mac OS X 10.4.6 Tiger ensured a seamless and intuitive computing experience, with support for a wide range of applications.
Despite its groundbreaking features and widespread acclaim, the first 17-inch MacBook Pro met an untimely end, being discontinued just months after its release. Nevertheless, its legacy lives on, serving as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. Even today, 18 years later, the Original 17-inch MacBook Pro remains a cherished relic of a bygone era, reminding us of the company’s storied history.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain products leave an indelible mark, transcending their time to become iconic symbols of innovation. The 17-inch MacBook Pro was one such device, embodying Apple’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. While it may have been short-lived, its impact continues to reverberate through the halls of computing history, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Original MacBook Pro 17-inch Details
| Introduced | April 26, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Discontinued | October 24, 2006 – 17 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 181 days (5 months) |
| Model Identifier | MacBookPro1,2 |
| Model Number | A1151 |
| EMC | 2102 |
| Order Number | MA092LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,799 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 6.8 Ibs. 3.084 KG |
| Dimensions | 1” H x 15.4” W x 10.6” D 2.54 cm H x 39.11 cm W x 26.92 cm D |
MacBook Pro Early 2006 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T2600 “Yonah” |
| Processor Speed | 2.16 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 667 MHz |
| Cache | 2 MB on-chip shared L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 120 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD-R/CD-RW dual-layer “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 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 | 17″ Color TFT Display (Optional glossy Display) |
| Pixel Density | 116 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 1280 x 1024 1680 by 1050 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 |
| 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 802.11b/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 1 – 800 Mbps |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 3 – 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 4 – 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 10.4.6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.6.8 |
| Firmware | Intel Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) |
| 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 | 68 W Lithium-Polymer (MA458G/A) |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 5.5 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 (17-inch): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces 17-inch MacBook Pro – Apple Newsroom
- MacBook Pro – Wikipedia
- 17″ MacBook Pro (Early 2006) – Low End Mac
- MacBook Pro 17-inch (2006) review – MacWorld
- Apple Macbook Pro (17-inch) – Review 2006 – PCMag UK
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.
