Is there an adapter to convert Firewire "400" to Firewire "800"?

There are a variety of adapters that make it possible to connect a Firewire "400" device to a computer that only has a Firewire "800" port (like the "Unibody" MacBook Pro line). Sonnet offers an adapter and site sponsor Other World Computing does as well.

Additionally, for MacBook Pro models with an ExpressCard/34 expansion slot, it alternately is possible to buy an ExpressCard/34 card that provides Firewire "400" ports and leave the onboard Firewire "800" port free for use with Firewire "800" devices.

Site sponsor Other World Computing has a number of ExpressCard/34 options -- including one that provides two Firewire "400" ports and one USB 2.0 port -- as well as the aforementioned Sonnet and OWC brand adapters.

What ports are provided by the "Unibody" MacBook Pro?

The 15-Inch "Late 2008/Unibody" MacBook Pro models have one Mini DisplayPort, two USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "800" port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, optical/digital audio input/output ports, a Kensington security port, and a "MagSafe" power connector.

Additionally, these models have AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR as well as an ExpressCard/34 slot. The "Mid-2009" MacBook Pro models drop the ExpressCard/34 slot and instead have an SD Card slot. The 13-Inch MacBook Pro "Mid-2009" models have the same ports as the 15-Inch "Mid-2009" models, except that it lacks optical audio in and instead packs the same "combined optical digital output/headphone out (user-selectable analog audio line in)" port used by the iPhone.

All 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models have the same ports as the 15-Inch models and add a third USB 2.0 port. All 17-Inch models -- regardless of release date -- also have an ExpressCard/34 expansion slot.

Who designed the "Unibody" MacBook Pro?

Apple's industrial design for the last several years has been performed entirely in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group, led by Jonathan Ive.

Where can I buy a "Unibody" MacBook Pro?

In the US, you may purchase a MacBook Pro directly from Apple, but doing so often will require you to pay sales tax, which easily can exceed US$100. Those interested in getting the best deal would be better served by purchasing their 13-Inch MacBook Pro, 15-Inch MacBook Pro or 17-Inch MacBook Pro from an Apple Authorized Reseller that does not charge sales tax, like site sponsor PowerMax.

PowerMax also offers a large selection of refurbished and used systems, including the PowerBook G4 and iBook G4 as well as the MacBook, 13-Inch MacBook Pro, 15-Inch MacBook Pro or 17-Inch MacBook Pro.

What are the default configurations? What custom configurations are available?

For the default configurations of each model, please refer to the specs pages for the model of interest.

In addition to the stock configurations, you also can choose to customize the processor (in some configurations), the amount of RAM, the hard drive, and whether or not to add a display adapter (US$29 each for Mini DisplayPort to DVI or VGA and US$99 for Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI), an external Apple USB Modem for US$49 (an internal modem is not offered), a MagSafe Airline Adapter for US$49, or an Apple Remote for US$19.