What are the differences between the "Mid-2010" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models and the "Mid-2009" MacBook Pro models that they replaced?

Please note that all Macs mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. The "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro line was replaced by the "Early 2011" MacBook Pro line on February 24, 2011.

The "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro models -- the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13-Inch "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 13-Inch, "Core i5" 2.4 15-Inch, "Core i5" 2.53 15-Inch, "Core i7" 2.66 15-Inch and "Core i5" 2.53 17-Inch -- look effectively identical to the "Mid-2009" models -- the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 13-Inch (SD/FW), 2.53 13-Inch (SD/FW), 2.53 15-Inch (SD), 2.66 15-Inch (SD), 2.8 15-Inch (SD) and 2.8 17-Inch (Mid-2009).

However, there are a number of internal differences as well as minor differences in capability, configuration, and introductory pricing that merit further evaluation.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

External Differences

All of these models have a black and silver "Unibody" case -- milled from a single block of aluminum -- and all have a backlit keyboard and a "no button" glass multi-touch trackpad. However, the "Mid-2010" line has an enhanced trackpad with support for new "inertial scrolling" -- which Apple describes as an "intuitive way to scroll through large photo libraries, lengthy documents and long web sites."

All of these systems have LED-backlit displays and by default each display has a glossy finish. However, the 15-Inch and 17-Inch "Mid-2009" models were available with an anti-glare display via custom configuration for an additional US$50. By contrast, the 17-Inch "Mid-2010" model also is offered with an anti-glare display of the same size and price as its predecessor, but the "Mid-2010" 15-Inch models are offered with a high-resolution 1680x1050 display in either a glossy or anti-glare finish for an additional US$100 or US$150, respectively.

All "Mid-2009" and "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro models have a built-in non-swappable battery design, and this battery is not designed to be removed or serviced by end users although it can be replaced with a bit of effort. However, the "Mid-2010" line offers longer runtimes -- 10 hours (up from 7 hours), 8-9 hours (up from 7 hours), and 8-9 hours (up from 8 hours), for the 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch models, when compared to the "Mid-2009" line, respectively.

Connectivity Differences

With the exception of the Mini DisplayPort -- which supports an external display at 2560x1600 for all systems, but passes an audio signal for the "Mid-2010" series and not for the "Mid-2009" series -- connectivity is identical between models with the same display size. All of these Macs include AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, and a single Firewire "800" port.

However, the 15-Inch and 17-Inch models have optical digital/analog audio in/out and the 13-Inch models do not -- they lack optical audio in and instead has the same "combined optical digital output/headphone out (user-selectable analog audio line in)" port used by the iPhone. The 13-Inch and 15-Inch models have an SD card slot, whereas the 17-Inch models have an ExpressCard/34 expansion slot instead. The 17-Inch models also have three USB 2.0 ports and the 13-Inch and 15-Inch models only have two.

Identification Differences

Externally, the "Mid-2009" and "Mid-2010" lines unfortunately use the same model numbers as several other MacBook Pro models and EMC numbers are not listed externally at all, so they only can be externally differentiated by the last three or four characters of the serial number -- the last three characters for models with eleven character serial numbers and the last fourh characters for models with twelve character serial numbers -- courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature.

In software, the "Mid-2009" and "Mid-2010" 13-Inch, 15-Inch and 17-Inch models can be identified by model identifier. When model identifiers are combined with processor speed, it is possible to pinpoint the exact model (but these identifiers are not available if the system will not boot).

Consequently, for the "Mid-2009" and "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro lines, the most convenient method to precisely identify these models is by the last three or four characters of the serial number using EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature.

Internal Differences

Internally, there are some similarities between the "Mid-2009" and "Mid-2010" lines -- all support the same 8 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500), support 3 Gb/s Serial ATA hard drives, and have an 8X DL "SuperDrive". However, processor types and speeds and graphics as well as the architecture used by 15-Inch and 17-Inch models are quite different from one another.

Comparison Charts

Complete details of each "Mid-2010" model and the "Mid-2009" model that each replaced are provided below.

The entry-level MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13-Inch gains modest improvements in processor speed, graphics, and configuration as well as a significant boost in battery life compared to the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 13-Inch (SD/FW) replaced.

	2.26 13" (Mid-2009)	2.4 13" (Mid-2010)
Processor Type:	Core 2 Duo	Core 2 Duo
Processor Number:	P8400	P8600
Processor Speed:	2.26 GHz	2.4 GHz
Video System:	GeForce 9400M	GeForce 320M
Video Type:	Integrated	Integrated
Video Memory:	256 MB	256 MB
Display Size:	13.3"	13.3"
Native Resolution:	1280x800	1280x800
Ext. Display:	2560x1600	2560x1600
Default Memory:	2 GB	4 GB
Maximum Memory:	8 GB	8 GB
Hard Drive Size:	160 GB	250 GB
SuperDrive:	8X DL	8X DL
SD Card Slot:	Yes	Yes
ExpressCard/34:	No	No
Firewire 800:	Yes (1)	Yes (1)
USB 2.0:	Yes (2)	Yes (2)
Ambient KB:	Yes	Yes
Trackpad:	Multitouch	Inertial Multitouch
Size (Inches):	0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94	0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94
Weight:	4.5 lbs (2.04 kg)	4.5 lbs (2.04 kg)
Battery Life:	7 Hours	10 Hours
Battery W/Hr:	58 W/Hr	63.5 W/Hr
Apple Order No:	MB990LL/A	MC374LL/A
Intro Price:	US$1199	US$1199

The high-end 13" MacBook Pro model -- the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 13-Inch -- also gains modest improvements in processor speed, graphics, and configuration as well as a significant boost in battery life compared to the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 13-Inch (SD/FW) replaced.

	2.53 13" (Mid-2009)	2.66 13" (Mid-2010)
Processor Type:	Core 2 Duo	Core 2 Duo
Processor Number:	P8700	P8800
Processor Speed:	2.53 GHz	2.66 GHz
Video System:	GeForce 9400M	GeForce 320M
Video Type:	Integrated	Integrated
Video Memory:	256 MB	256 MB
Display Size:	13.3"	13.3"
Native Resolution:	1280x800	1280x800
Ext. Display:	2560x1600	2560x1600
Default Memory:	4 GB	4 GB
Maximum Memory:	8 GB	8 GB
Hard Drive Size:	250 GB	320 GB
SuperDrive:	8X DL	8X DL
SD Card Slot:	Yes	Yes
ExpressCard/34:	No	No
Firewire 800:	Yes (1)	Yes (1)
USB 2.0:	Yes (2)	Yes (2)
Ambient KB:	Yes	Yes
Trackpad:	Multitouch	Inertial Multitouch
Size (Inches):	0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94	0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94
Weight:	4.5 lbs (2.04 kg)	4.5 lbs (2.04 kg)
Battery Life:	7 Hours	10 Hours
Battery W/Hr:	58 W/Hr	63.5 W/Hr
Apple Order No:	MB991LL/A	MC375LL/A
Intro Price:	US$1499	US$1499

The low-end 15" MacBook Pro -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.4 15-Inch -- gains the largest relative improvements of any of the "Mid-2010" models when compared to the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 15-Inch (SD) that it replaced. The "Mid-2010" model has a significantly faster processor and dedicated rather than integrated graphics. It also has improvements in configuration and battery life as well as a US$100 higher price tag.

	2.53 15" (Mid-2009)	2.4 15" (Mid-2010)
Processor Type:	Core 2 Duo	Core i5
Processor Number:	P8700	I5-520M
Processor Speed:	2.53 GHz	2.4 GHz
Turbo Boost:	None	2.93 GHz
Video System:	GeForce 9400M	Intel HD Graphics/GeForce 330M
Video Type:	Integrated	Integrated/Dedicated
Video Memory:	256 MB	256 MB/256 MB
Autoswitching:	N/A	Yes
Display Size:	15.4"	15.4"
Native Resolution:	1440x900	1440x900
Ext. Display:	2560x1600	2560x1600
Default Memory:	4 GB	4 GB
Maximum Memory:	8 GB	8 GB
Hard Drive Size:	250 GB	320 GB
SuperDrive:	8X DL	8X DL
SD Card Slot:	Yes	Yes
ExpressCard/34:	No	No
Firewire 800:	Yes (1)	Yes (1)
USB 2.0:	Yes (2)	Yes (2)
Ambient KB:	Yes	Yes
Trackpad:	Multitouch	Inertial Multitouch
Size (Inches):	0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82	0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82
Weight:	5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)	5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)
Battery Life:	7 Hours	8-9 Hours
Battery W/Hr:	73 W/Hr	77.5 W/Hr
Apple Order No:	MC118LL/A	MC371LL/A
Intro Price:	US$1699	US$1799

The mid-level 15" MacBook Pro -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.53 15-Inch -- gains notable improvement in processor speed, graphics, and configuration as well as a boost in battery life compared to the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 15-Inch (SD) replaced.

	2.66 15" (Mid-2009)	2.53 15" (Mid-2010)
Processor Type:	Core 2 Duo	Core i5
Processor Number:	P8800	I5-540M
Processor Speed:	2.66 GHz	2.53 GHz
Turbo Boost:	None	3.06 GHz
Video System:	GeForce 9400M GeForce 9600M GT	Intel HD Graphics GeForce 330M
Video Type:	Integrated/Dedicated	Integrated/Dedicated
Video Memory:	256 MB/256 MB	256 MB/256 MB
Autoswitching:	No	Yes
Display Size:	15.4"	15.4"
Native Resolution:	1440x900	1440x900
Ext. Display:	2560x1600	2560x1600
Default Memory:	4 GB	4 GB
Maximum Memory:	8 GB	8 GB
Hard Drive Size:	320 GB	500 GB
SuperDrive:	8X DL	8X DL
SD Card Slot:	Yes	Yes
ExpressCard/34:	No	No
Firewire 800:	Yes (1)	Yes (1)
USB 2.0:	Yes (2)	Yes (2)
Ambient KB:	Yes	Yes
Trackpad:	Multitouch	Inertial Multitouch
Size (Inches):	0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82	0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82
Weight:	5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)	5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)
Battery Life:	7 Hours	8-9 Hours
Battery W/Hr:	73 W/Hr	77.5 W/Hr
Apple Order No:	MB985LL/A	MC372LL/A
Intro Price:	US$1999	US$1999

The high-end 15" MacBook Pro -- the MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.66 15-Inch 2.8 15-Inch (SD) -- likewise gains significant improvement in processor speed, graphics, and configuration compared to the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 15-Inch (SD) replaced. Battery life has been improved too and it costs US$100 less.

	2.8 15" (Mid-2009)	2.66 15" (Mid-2010)
Processor Type:	Core 2 Duo	Core i7
Processor Number:	T9600	I7-620M
Processor Speed:	2.8 GHz	2.66 GHz
Turbo Boost:	None	3.33 GHz
Video System:	GeForce 9400M GeForce 9600M GT	Intel HD Graphics GeForce 330M
Video Type:	Integrated/Dedicated	Integrated/Dedicated
Video Memory:	256 MB/512 MB	256 MB/512 MB
Autoswitching:	No	Yes
Display Size:	15.4"	15.4"
Native Resolution:	1440x900	1440x900
Ext. Display:	2560x1600	2560x1600
Default Memory:	4 GB	4 GB
Maximum Memory:	8 GB	8 GB
Hard Drive Size:	500 GB	500 GB
SuperDrive:	8X DL	8X DL
SD Card Slot:	Yes	Yes
ExpressCard/34:	No	No
Firewire 800:	Yes (1)	Yes (1)
USB 2.0:	Yes (2)	Yes (2)
Ambient KB:	Yes	Yes
Trackpad:	Multitouch	Inertial Multitouch
Size (Inches):	0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82	0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82
Weight:	5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)	5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)
Battery Life:	7 Hours	8-9 Hours
Battery W/Hr:	73 W/Hr	77.5 W/Hr
Apple Order No:	MB986LL/A	MC373LL/A
Intro Price:	US$2299	US$2199

Finally, the 17" MacBook Pro -- the MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.53 17-Inch -- gains worthwhile improvements in processor speed, graphics, and configuration compared to the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 17-Inch (Mid-2009) replaced. The "Mid-2010" model costs a welcomed US$200 less as well.

	2.8 17" (Mid-2009)	2.53 17" (Mid-2010)
Processor Type:	Core 2 Duo	Core i5
Processor Number:	T9600	I5-540M
Processor Speed:	2.8 GHz	2.53 GHz
Turbo Boost:	None	3.06 GHz
Video System:	GeForce 9400M GeForce 9600M GT	Intel HD Graphics GeForce 330M
Video Type:	Integrated/Dedicated	Integrated/Dedicated
Video Memory:	256 MB/512 MB	256 MB/512 MB
Autoswitching:	No	Yes
Display Size:	17.0"	17.0"
Native Resolution:	1920x1200	1920x1200
Ext. Display:	2560x1600	2560x1600
Default Memory:	4 GB	4 GB
Maximum Memory:	8 GB	8 GB
Hard Drive Size:	500 GB	500 GB
SuperDrive:	8X DL	8X DL
SD Card Slot:	No	No
ExpressCard/34:	Yes	Yes
Firewire 800:	Yes (1)	Yes (1)
USB 2.0:	Yes (3)	Yes (3)
Ambient KB:	Yes	Yes
Trackpad:	Multitouch	Inertial Multitouch
Size (Inches):	0.98 x 15.47 x 10.51	0.98 x 15.47 x 10.51
Weight:	6.6 lbs (2.99 kg)	6.6 lbs (2.99 kg)
Battery Life:	7 Hours	8-9 Hours
Battery W/Hr:	95 W/Hr	95 W/Hr
Apple Order No:	MC226LL/A	MC024LL/A
Intro Price:	US$2499	US$2299

Ultimately, most users likely would be quite happy with the enhanced performance and other improvements provided by the "Mid-2010" models. However, the "Mid-2009" models remain well worth consideration, particularly given discount prices on the used market.

Site sponsor PowerMax has new and used configurations of the MacBook Pro models available free of sales tax and OWC sells quality memory and hard drive/SSD upgrades for all MacBook Pro models at affordable prices.

Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook or MacBook Pro model to any other G3 or later Mac.