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Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15" (08) Specs

Identifiers: Early 2008 - MB133LL/A - MacBookPro4,1 - A1260 - 2198

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Apple MacBook ProThe Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15-Inch (Early 2008/Penryn) features a 45 nm "Penryn" 2.4 GHz "Core 2 Duo" processor (T8300), with two independent processor "cores", a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache, an 800 MHz frontside bus, 2.0 GB of 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM, a 200 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive with "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology, and an 8X dual-layer DVD�RW/CD-RW SuperDrive. It also includes a NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor with 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM and dual-link DVI functionality, and an antiglare LED-backlit 15.4" widescreen 1440x900 active-matrix display (a glossy display was available via build-to-order).

With the exception of the keyboard -- which retains the "ambient lighting" capability but eliminates the "embedded numeric keypad", replaces the "enter" key next to the right-hand "command" key with a second option key, and has a different function key mapping -- and the trackpad -- which adds support for "multi-touch gesturing" (two finger scroll, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag) -- the 15-Inch "Early 2008/Penryn" MacBook Pro models effectively are externally identical compared to the previously released "Mid-2007/Santa Rosa" systems. The "MagSafe" power connector and integrated iSight video camera also remain (the previously bundled Apple Remote is a US$19 extra).

Connectivity likewise includes the same ExpressCard/34 slot, AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire "400" port, Firewire "800" port, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio in/out, and DVI out (Bluetooth has been upgraded to the 2.1+EDR standard).

Internally, however, the "Early 2008/Penryn" models use modestly faster and more energy-efficient 45 nm "Penryn" processors -- compared to 65 nm "Merom" processors in the "Mid-2007 Santa Rosa" series -- larger 6 MB level 2 caches (on the 2.5 GHz and faster models, compared to 4 MB caches on their predecessors, albeit the 2.4 GHz model has a 3 MB cache), more video memory (256 MB or 512 MB, compared to 128 MB or 256 MB), and larger stock hard drives.

Also see:

  • What are the differences between the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Early 2008/Penryn" models?
  • What is the difference between the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Early 2008/Penryn" models and the previous MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Mid-2007/Santa Rosa" models that they replaced?

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  • Tech Specs
  • Ports
  • Global Original Prices
  • Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.


February 26, 2008 October 14, 2008
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 2008.
1 (2 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
3170 3591
Details: Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1220 2099
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1411 2473
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
1354 2284
Details: These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
286 522
Details: These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo (T8300)
Details: The Intel "Core 2 Duo" (T8300) 45 nm "Penryn" processor includes two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip.

Also see: How much faster are the MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo "Early 2008/Penryn" models compared to the "Mid-2007/Santa Rosa" models that they replaced?
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
Soldered Integrated
Details: Also see: Is the CPU on the MacBook Pro upgradable?
800 MHz 2.4 GHz (Built-in)
Details: 800 MHz frontside bus. The system bus in this model can be dynamically "downclocked" to conserve battery life.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: Also see: Does the MacBook Pro have a ROM or BIOS?
32k/32k 3 MB (on chip)
Details: Includes a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed.
PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz
Details: Supports 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the MacBook Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support?
2 GB 6 GB*
Details: 2 GB installed as two 1 GB modules. No slots free.

*Apple officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM but third-parties have been able to upgrade the system to 6 GB of RAM using one 2 GB and one 4 GB memory module.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this MacBook Pro.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells memory and other upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
None 2
Details: N/A
GeForce 8600M GT GDDR3 SDRAM
Details: The NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM uses a 16 lane PCI Express bus.
256 MB 256 MB
Details: N/A
15.4" Widescreen 1440x900
Details: 15.4" color "antiglare widescreen TFT LED backlit display" with a 1440 by 900 native resolution.

Apple reports that the system also supports "1280 by 800, 1152 by 720, 1024 by 640, and 800 by 500 at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 at 4:3 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 at 4:3 aspect ratio stretched; 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio, [and] 720 by 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio stretched."

In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Pro. No fix, no fee!

In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Pro.
Dual/Mirroring 2560x1600
Details: Simultaneously supports native resolution on the internal display and a maximum of 2560x1600 on an external display.
200 GB HDD 5400 RPM
Details: This model also could be configured with a 250 GB 5400 RPM or 200 GB 7200 RPM hard drive.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Pro.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.
2.5" (9.5 mm) Serial ATA (1.5 Gb/s)
Details: This model supports a single SATA I (1.5 Gb/s) 2.5" hard drive or SSD that is up to 9.5 mm thick.
8X DL "SuperDrive" None
Details: Apple reports that the 8X dual-layer DVD+R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW SuperDrive has a maximum write speed of "8x DVD-R, DVD+R; 4x DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW" and read speed of "8x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-ROM; 6x DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD."
None 10/100/1000Base-T
Details: An external Apple USB Modem (56.6k v.92) was offered for US$49.
802.11a/b/g/n 2.1+EDR
Details: AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.

Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
2 (2.0) 1 (400), 1 (800)
Details: Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports. One Firewire "400" port, one Firewire "800" port.
ExpressCard/34 None
Details: One ExpressCard/34 expansion slot.

Also see: What is ExpressCard/34? Is it compatible with PC Cards?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of ExpressCard/34 cards as well as external expansion options and accessories including docks, adapters, cables, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Pro.
Full-size Trackpad
Details: Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has "78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)." It also includes a fiber-optic-based "ambient light sensor" that automatically "measures ambient light and works with integrated software to adjust keyboard illumination and screen brightness based on user preferences".

The trackpad features "multi-touch gesture support for precise cursor control; [and] supports two-finger scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities."

Also see: What is the difference between the "multi-touch gesture" trackpad and the trackpad used in earlier Apple notebooks?
Notebook MacBook Pro
Details: N/A
MB133LL/A Early 2008
Details: The Apple order number should be unique to this system.

Apple formally refers to this system as a member of the "Early 2008" series but users commonly call it "Penryn" referring to Intel's processor type.
A1260 (EMC 2198) MacBookPro4,1
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1260 Model Number, the 2198 EMC Number, and the MacBookPro4,1 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
60 W h Li-Poly 5 Hours
Details: For previous MacBook Pro models, Apple provided estimated battery life for usage without wireless, but for the "Early 2008/Penryn" models the company decided to report battery life in terms of "wireless productivity". The company notes that battery life "depends on configuration and use" and the "wireless productivity test measured battery life by wirelessly browsing various websites and editing text in a word processing document with display brightness set to 50%".

Also see: How long is the battery life of the MacBook Pro in real-world tests?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Pro.
X 10.5.2 (9C2018) X 10.11.6*
Details: *This system can run the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion" and OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" although it does not support the AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring, or Power Nap features. It also supports the last version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan," but no advanced features are supported. It is not supported booting into 64-bit mode when running Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," either. It does support "OpenCL" and Grand Central Dispatch, though. It is not capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all.

Please also note that OS X "Lion" 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the "Rosetta" environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" or earlier.

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features?
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* 7 (64-Bit)*
Details: *Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit version of Windows XP SP2 as well as the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-Bit and 64-bit versions of this operating system with appropriate drivers.
None Boot/Virtualization
Details: Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?

For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A.
1.0 x 14.1 x 9.6 5.4 lbs. (2.45 kg)
Details: In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (2.59 cm, 35.7 cm, 24.3 cm).
US$1999 US$100-US$150
Details: Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.



Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.


1 (DVI) None
Details: Supports external display in dual display and mirroring modes. VGA output provided by included Apple DVI-to-VGA adapter, S-video output provided by optional adapter (sold separately).
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
2 (2.0) 1 (400), 1 (800)
Details: Two 480-Mbps USB 2.0 ports. One Firewire "400" port, one Firewire "800" port.
None 1 (RJ-45)
Details: No internal modem. External Apple USB modem offered for US$49. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.
None 1
Details: S-video output provided by optional adapter (sold separately).
1 (Internal) 1
Details: Internal omnidirectional microphone. Optical digital audio in.
1 1
Details: Single Optical digital audio out port doubles as a headphone jack.
1 None
Details: N/A
N/A 1
Details: 100V-240V AC, 85W "MagSafe" power adapter. Also see: What is the "Magsafe" power connector? How does it work? How was it designed to not cause data loss?

Global original prices for the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15" (08) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

C$2099 R$7.199
N/A US$1999

Original Prices - Europe

€1799 €1799
N/A €1799
€1799 €1799
€1799 €1799
N/A €1799
NOK 15.490 €1799
€1749 SEK 17.495
N/A £1299

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 17,998 HK$15,400
N/A N/A
¥249,800 N/A
N/A N/A
S$3,088 NT$69,900
N/A N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$2699 NZ$3198

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.


Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Pro models follow.



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