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MacBook Pro Q&A - Updated March 17, 2008
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What kind of expansion slots are provided by the MacBook Pro?
The MacBook Pro provides one ExpressCard/34 expansion slot. For more information, please refer to:
- What is ExpressCard/34? Is it compatible with PC Cards?
- What is the difference between ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54? Speed?
Is the CPU on the MacBook Pro upgradable?
No. Unfortunately, as confirmed by the always excellent iFixit, all MacBook Pro models have the processor soldered to the logic board. Given the design of the system, it is clear that Apple does not intend for the processor to be upgraded.
What type of video processor is provided by the MacBook Pro? Is it upgradable?
The details regarding the video processor provided by each system are included on the applicable specifications page, but also are included below for your convenience. The video is not upgradable in any model.
MacBook Pro |
Video Processor |
128 MB Radeon X1600 |
|
128 MB Radeon X1600 |
|
128, 256 MB Radeon X1600 |
|
256 MB Radeon X1600 |
|
256 MB Radeon X1600 |
|
128 MB Radeon X1600 |
|
256 MB Radeon X1600 |
|
256 MB Radeon X1600 |
|
128 MB GeForce 8600M GT |
|
256 MB GeForce 8600M GT |
|
256 MB GeForce 8600M GT |
|
256 MB GeForce 8600M GT |
|
512 MB GeForce 8600M GT |
|
512 MB GeForce 8600M GT |
Does the MacBook Pro support monitor mirroring? Dual displays?
Yes. Page 67-68 of the original MacBook Pro User's Guide reports that:
Your computer has an external monitor (DVI) port that allows you to directly connect a display or projector with a DVI port. Use the included DVI to VGA adapter to connect your MacBook Pro to monitors and projectors that have VGA connectors.
When an external monitor or TV is connected, you can either have the same image appear on both the built-in display and the external monitor (known as video mirroring) or use the external monitor to extend the size of the Mac OS desktop (known as dual-display or extended desktop mode). By default, your MacBook Pro starts up in dual-display mode. Press the F7 key to switch between dual-display and video-mirroring modes.
What is the maximum resolution for an external display? Does the MacBook Pro operate properly while "closed"?
Apple reports that all MacBook Pro models support the internal display at the native resolution and simultaneously supports "up to 2560x1600 on an external display".
The MacBook Pro can operate properly while closed. Page 54 of the original MacBook Pro User's Guide confirms that the system provides "DVI video output with included DVI to VGA adapter for using your MacBook Pro with an external monitor or digital flat-panel display, including support for closed-lid operation."
What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the MacBook Pro? Which can read and write dual-layer DVDs?
The specific capabilities of each system are included on the specifications page of each model, but also are included below for your convenience.
MacBook Pro |
Optical Drive |
4X SL "SuperDrive" |
|
4X SL "SuperDrive" |
|
4X SL "SuperDrive" |
|
4X SL "SuperDrive" |
|
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
|
6X DL "SuperDrive" |
|
6X DL "SuperDrive" |
|
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
|
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
|
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
|
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
|
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
|
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
|
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
Systems with a 4X single-layer "SuperDrive" are capable of reading dual-layer DVD, but only can write to single-layer DVD. Systems with a "dual-layer" SuperDrive can read and write dual-layer DVD.
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