New Macbook Pro Newbie Advice Please !

[rb1234]

Hi All,

Well, I finally took the plunge and bought my first Apple notebook computer. This also happens to be my first notebook purchase and marks a return to Apple for me which saw a gap of 14 years since I had my last 'fruit-adorned computer'...

Anyhow I waited it out and snapped up a new Macbook Pro last week. I bought the 15" 2.4Ghz model here in Hong Kong.

I have a couple of questions though which I hope someone can help answer:

1) Although I believe this is a 'New' Macbook Pro with an LED display and Santa Rosa, etc, I cannot actually find any details on either the fact that the display is an LED one or that there is some Santa Rosa gadgetry running inside... I've checked the 'About this Mac' and the system preferences but cannot actually see these items listed ? Now I'm getting a bit paranoid that I was actually sold the 'Old' Macbook Pro... However I do see 2GBs RAM installed and a GeForce 256MB graphics card inside. Is there any quick way to check the new specs on the machine ?

2) I had the machine plugged in for a couple of hours yesterday running off the AC but it was getting terribly hot. Hot enough that I would certainly not want to have it on my lap for more than a few minutes without some fear for my ahem... reproductive capabilities Any ideas if this is normal ? Is there a way to check the internal temperature to ensure it is within the normal range ?

Any help would be appreciated !

Rgds
Rick

 

[aethelbert]

Hi,
Since I don't yet own a mac (getting one soon, though!), I can't answer your 2nd question. But your first one...

Yes, you own the new MBP. It is the first one to incorporate a nvidia graphics unit. Also, since you bought a 2.4ghz model, it is guaranteed that you have Santa Rosa since that is a new CPU for Santa Rosa machines. Although you won't find that information in the 'about this mac' page, it's still there. Santa Rosa is just the code name for the new chipset and it's not anything that would be necessary to come up in that window. It has to have the new LED display as well since that is on all of the new notebooks from Apple with the new Intel chipset.

Hope this helps.

 

[EricNau]

1) What does it say for processor? If it says, 2.4 GHz, then you definitely have the Santa Rosa. ...If you got 2GB of RAM (without having to upgrade) and a 256 MB graphics card, it sounds like you got the new set.

2) There are several widgets that can tell you internal temps (and report back) .
iStat Pro
miniStat2

 

[shipdestroyer]

Look in System Profiler (Finder's toolbar > Go > Utilities) for hardware information.

As for the heat, I don't really know what's considered normal, but Apple recommends you don't use it on your lap.

 

[gr8tfly]

If you go to "About this Mac", then click on More Info... you will open System Profiler. It should come up with Hardware Overview. You should show Processor Speed as 2.4GHz, and Bus Speed as 800MHz. Model Id is MacBookPro3,1

This thread has some screen shots showing the profiler data. You should have the same info.

As for temperature, make sure there's room for airflow underneath the machine. If it's not on a hard surface (like having it on a couch or pillow), it won't get good air circulation. The bottom acts as a heatsink.

 

[rb1234]

Thanks All !

Thanks all for the prompt replies !

Yes, the CPU does say 2.4GHz, and 2GB RAM (w/o upgrade) and 256MB NVIDIA graphics card. So I guess I am ok and it IS a new Macbook Pro ! Woohoo ! I can already feel the sweat on my brow starting to disperse

As for the best way to keep the temperature under control, any tips on this ? When you say try and keep the airflow going underneath, not sure how I could achieve this without actually placing it over some surface which has a 'gap' in the middle... ?

Rgds again,

Rick

 

[mainomega]

I actually find that the new 2.4 is hotter than my 2.33 (both 17"). I'm gona use the widgets above to "prove it"

 

[TimJim]

Thanks all for the prompt replies !

Yes, the CPU does say 2.4GHz, and 2GB RAM (w/o upgrade) and 256MB NVIDIA graphics card. So I guess I am ok and it IS a new Macbook Pro ! Woohoo ! I can already feel the sweat on my brow starting to disperse

As for the best way to keep the temperature under control, any tips on this ? When you say try and keep the airflow going underneath, not sure how I could achieve this without actually placing it over some surface which has a 'gap' in the middle... ?

Rgds again,

Rick

a program called smc FanControl allows you to customize your fan speed in turn changing your temperature.

 

[gr8tfly]

CoolPad. It's like a little "lazy susan", with rubber pads to support the MBP. Very nice if you have to rotate the computer to show someone the screen. It's small enough to go in a bag, too. They have a couple models, one has an extension to make it a bit wider in the back for larger notebooks.http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Road%20Tools/RTPDCPD/

There are even some that have their own fans internally, but I don't think they're necessary as long as you have at least something functionally similar to a CoolPad. My MBP (was the latest model up until a few days ago...) is much cooler than my PBG4.