Computers

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch MC118LL/A

Price range:

$1,679.00 - $1,698.00

Summary: A 15.4-inch laptop with Mac OS X and an Intel processor. Tested with 4GB of memory, Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics, and a 250GB hard disk.

17 people have reviewed this model.

See all 17 user reviews

Write a review

Type: 15- to 16-inch models

About - Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch MC118LL/A
The MacBook Pro 15-inch MC118LL/A is part of the computer test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, laptop models like the MacBook Pro 15-inch MC118LL/A are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below. Performance: Based on performance while running productivity applications, multimedia applications, and 3D games. Ergonomics: Represents the quality of the keyboard and touchpad and accessibility of features. Versatility: Includes hardware such as memory-card slots and AV connections, software such as security programs and productivity applications, and tech support and warranty provisions.

About - Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch MC118LL/A

The MacBook Pro 15-inch MC118LL/A is part of the computer test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, laptop models like the MacBook Pro 15-inch MC118LL/A are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Performance:: Based on performance while running productivity applications, multimedia applications, and 3D games.
Ergonomics:: Represents the quality of the keyboard and touchpad and accessibility of features.
Versatility:: Includes hardware such as memory-card slots and AV connections, software such as security programs and productivity applications, and tech support and warranty provisions.

About This Brand
Positioned as a premium brand, Apple computers usually cost more than Windows-based systems. Apple computers use Apple's operating system, Mac OS X. Macs can also run Windows. Mac OS X is known to have fewer problems with viruses and other malware. The company primarily offers several consumer lines, the MacBook and MacBook Pro (laptops), the iMac (all-in-one desktops), and the Mac mini (a small form-factor budget desktop). Apple's telephone tech support is limited to three months, but you can get unlimited free tech support at the Genius Bar in Apple stores.
Read our Brand Reliability

About This Brand

Positioned as a premium brand, Apple computers usually cost more than Windows-based systems. Apple computers use Apple's operating system, Mac OS X. Macs can also run Windows. Mac OS X is known to have fewer problems with viruses and other malware. The company primarily offers several consumer lines, the MacBook and MacBook Pro (laptops), the iMac (all-in-one desktops), and the Mac mini (a small form-factor budget desktop). Apple's telephone tech support is limited to three months, but you can get unlimited free tech support at the Genius Bar in Apple stores.

Read our Brand Reliability

Features & Specs - Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch MC118LL/A
LCD size (in.) The LCD size is the diagonal measure of the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen on a PC. Most consumer laptops come with widescreen displays that are more suitable for watching widescreen movies. 15.4" screens are the most popular, giving you the most screen size for your money. 14.1" have a smaller screen but tend to weigh a pound less. If price isn't an issue, get a 17" screen if you need a large screen or a 12.1-13.3" screen if you want a laptop for travel. LCD size (in.)	15.4
Processor Also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the processor is responsible for running commands and handling data. Processors come in different speeds and may have two or more cores (ex. dual-core), which let you more quickly process multiple complex tasks. We recommend a dual-core processor such as the Intel Core 2 Duo. However, those with basic needs can settle for a less expensive processor such as the Intel Pentium Dual-Core or AMD Turion 64 X2. Processor	2.53GHz Core 2 Duo
Memory (GB) Also known as RAM, memory is a temporary storage area for data. Its size is an important factor for performance. We recommend at least 1GB of memory, preferably 2GB. Memory (GB)	4
Hard drive (GB) The hard drive is a permanent storage area for data. This is where all of your files, such as documents, music, and programs are stored. Hard drives come in various sizes and speeds. Most laptops come with at least an 80GB hard disk, which is plenty for storing music and photos. But you may want a larger hard disk if you intend to store video. Most laptops have 5400 RPM hard disks which are fast, but 7200 RPM hard disks will allow programs to load faster. Hard drive (GB)	250
Video memory (MB) The amount of dedicated memory built into a graphics adapter. Most laptops have integrated graphics, which have no dedicated memory but are still suitable for most applications, including photo editing and watching movies. Some laptops have discrete graphic adapters, which typically have 256 MB or more video memory, to deliver smoother and more realistic graphics for 3D games. Video memory (MB)	NA
Wi-Fi type (802.11) The type of built-in 802.11 wireless networking supported. Laptops with 802.11n also support 802.11g routers. Some laptops with 802.11n also support the 5GHz "high band," a standard suitable for apartments and other crowded areas. Wi-Fi type (802.11)	n
Memory-card reader At least one flash memory-card slot (CF, SD, XD, MS, etc.) Memory-card reader	Yes
Built-in webcam A built-in webcam for videoconferencing. Built-in webcam	Yes
Blu-ray reader Lets you play Blu-ray high definition movies. Blu-ray reader	No
FireWire / eSATA port Has a FireWire or eSATA port for connecting an external hard drive. FireWire / eSATA port	Yes
Digital video out Has a DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort video output for sending a digital video signal to a computer monitor or HDTV. Digital video out	Yes
Multitouch touchpad The touchpad supports use of multiple-finger gestures to zoom and scroll. Multitouch touchpad	Yes
More features and specs

User Reviews - Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch MC118LL/A

Average User Rating

(based on 17 reviews)

Write a review

Displaying Reviews 1-3 of 17 See all 17 user reviews

Excellent

By Alix from Riverside, CA on 1/27/2010

Pros:

Adequate Storage, Durable Construction, Easy To Use, Fast, Good Battery Life, Large Screen, Lightweight, Reliable Performance

Best Uses:

Graphics, Music, Web Browsing, Word Processing

Describe Yourself:

Tech Savvy

Primary use:

Personal

How long have you owned it:

Three-to-six months

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Although expensive, I have found it to be definitely worth the money! It is very fast and its speed is not compromised when 15 different applications are all running at once. I love the backlit keyboard and the multi-touch trackpad! Also, the speakers are quite loud and the battery has consistently lasted 5 to 5.5 hours with multiple applications running. I have not had a single problem with it. And switching from a PC to a Mac was as easy as can be!

Windows? Sorry, not familiar with that.

By Catch of the day from Earth on 1/24/2010

Pros:

Adequate Storage, Durable Construction, Easy To Use, Fast, Good Battery Life, Large Screen, Lightweight, Reliable Performance

Cons:

Poor Speaker Quality, Would like a better sound

Best Uses:

Business Use, Graphics, Music, Video, Web Browsing

Describe Yourself:

Pro Football Player

Primary use:

Personal

How long have you owned it:

More than six months

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This unit is incredible. I was hoping for a better sound. The sound quality is average and manageable. All summed up, I would purchase it again.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

Very Happy

By John M. from Avondale, Pa on 1/15/2010

Pros:

Adequate Storage, Durable Construction, Fast, Good Battery Life, Lightweight

Cons:

Expensive

Best Uses:

Music, Web Browsing, Word Processing

Describe Yourself:

Average Tech

Primary use:

Personal

How long have you owned it:

One-to-three months

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I note it is expensive, compared to PC's, but worth it to me. Mac OS is easy to use. Compatability with MS Office not an issue.

See all 17 user reviews

Nobody Tests Like We Do: Our testers put 100s of products through their paces at our National Testing and Research Center. Learn more about how we test for:; Performance; Safety; Reliability; Learn more

To find the model that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value. Here's one tip: Don't pay for more features than you'll use.