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). Site sponsor Other World Computing offers multiple compatble adapters.

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.

Other World Computing also 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 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 15-Inch "Mid-2009" and "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro models, on the other hand, have an SD Card slot instead of an ExpressCard/34 slot. The 15-Inch "Early 2011" and "Late 2011" MacBook Pro models have the same ports as the "Mid-2010" series but trade the Mini DisplayPort for a "Thunderbolt" port that is backwards compatible with Mini DisplayPort and supports other Thunderbolt-equipped hardware as well.

The 13-Inch "Mid-2009" and "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro models have the same ports as their 15-Inch brethren, except that they lack optical audio in and instead pack the same "combined optical digital output/headphone out (user-selectable analog audio line in)" port used by the iPhone. Just like their 15-Inch counterparts, the 13-Inch "Early 2011" and "Late 2011" models have a Thunderbolt port rather than a Mini DisplayPort.

All 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models have the same ports as the 15-Inch models available at the same time 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 -- or could -- choose to customize the processor (in some configurations), the amount of RAM, the hard drive or SSD, and whether or not to add a display adapter, an external Apple USB Modem (no longer available), or a MagSafe Airline Adapter. Other options have been offered for different models at different times as well.