Released on June 8th, 2009, the 15″ MacBook Pro (Unibody, Mid 2009) – MB985LL/A quickly became one of Apple’s most popular laptops, offering a solid balance of performance, design, and portability. With a 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor and dual graphics cards, this model targeted professionals and power users who needed a reliable device for tasks like photo editing, video production, and general multitasking.
With an MSRP of $1999, the MB985LL/A offered a great combination of features and value, especially for those looking for a slightly more affordable yet capable MacBook Pro model compared to the higher-end versions available at the time.
Let’s take a closer look at the features that made this MacBook Pro a standout in its category.
Processor: Smooth Performance with the 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo
The 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor in the MB985LL/A was one of the most powerful options available in the mid-2009 MacBook Pro lineup. With 2 cores, the processor offered good performance for multitasking, running applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, and Microsoft Office without issue. It was a solid choice for users who needed a reliable and fast machine for work, entertainment, or creative tasks.
While the processor was capable and responsive for everyday tasks, the shift toward multi-core processors and i-series chips in later MacBook models would soon improve multitasking and performance. Still, the Core 2 Duo was a powerhouse for its time and a great fit for many users.
Dual Graphics: Switch Between Power and Efficiency
One of the standout features of the MB985LL/A was its dual graphics setup. This model featured two graphics cards: the GeForce 9400M and the more powerful GeForce 9600M GT with 256MB of VRAM.
The 9400M integrated graphics were sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, and watching videos, while the 9600M GT was designed for more demanding tasks such as photo editing, video rendering, and gaming. With 256MB of VRAM, the 9600M GT allowed for better rendering performance in creative applications and smoother video playback.
The ability to switch between these two graphics cards helped optimize battery life when using the lower-power 9400M while still offering excellent performance when needed with the 9600M GT.
Display: A Crisp 15-Inch Screen
The 15-inch display of the MB985LL/A provided a sharp, vibrant viewing experience that appealed to a wide range of users. Whether you were using the MacBook for photo editing, watching movies, or just working on documents, the screen size was ideal for a balance between portability and workspace.
Though it wasn’t as bright as some of the newer Retina displays that came later, the high-resolution screen of the mid-2009 MacBook Pro still offered excellent clarity for most tasks. The glossy finish also contributed to vibrant colors, though it could reflect ambient light in bright environments, which some users found distracting.
Storage and RAM: Efficient and Expandable
The 320GB 5400 RPM hard drive provided enough space for files, documents, and media for most users, but it could feel a bit slow when dealing with larger files or intensive workloads. However, users could easily upgrade to a faster hard drive or a solid-state drive (SSD) for significantly improved performance, especially in terms of read and write speeds.
With 4GB of RAM (expandable to 8GB), the MB985LL/A could handle basic multitasking with ease. For users who regularly ran multiple applications at once or used memory-hungry software, upgrading the RAM was a relatively inexpensive and straightforward way to boost performance.
Design: Unibody Construction for Durability and Style
Like other MacBook Pro models, the MB985LL/A featured Apple’s signature unibody aluminum construction, which provided a sturdy, premium feel while maintaining a sleek, minimalist look. The 15-inch form factor offered an excellent balance between screen size and portability, making it an ideal choice for users who needed a powerful machine but didn’t want something too bulky or heavy.
At 5.5 lbs and measuring 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 inches, the MB985LL/A was relatively easy to carry for its size, making it suitable for those who traveled frequently or worked on the go. The unibody design also contributed to better heat dissipation, keeping the device cooler during intensive tasks.
Battery Life and Connectivity: Stay Productive Anywhere
With an 85W MagSafe 1 power adapter, the MB985LL/A could provide up to 7 hours of wireless web usage on a single charge, depending on the tasks being performed. While not exceptional by today’s standards, the battery life was still sufficient for a full day’s work.
Connectivity options were also impressive, with 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and USB 2.0 ports for peripherals. For those needing faster data transfer speeds, the FireWire 800 port offered an additional option for connecting to external drives or other devices. The Mini DisplayPort also allowed users to connect the MacBook to external monitors or projectors.
Optical Drive: Read and Write CDs and DVDs
The MB985LL/A featured an 8x DL SuperDrive, allowing users to burn CDs and DVDs, an essential feature for users who still relied on physical media at the time. However, as Apple moved away from optical drives in future models, this feature became increasingly less common in newer devices.
Final Thoughts: A Reliable and Affordable MacBook Pro for Its Time
The 15″ MacBook Pro (Unibody, Mid 2009) – MB985LL/A was a great all-around device for professionals, students, and home users alike. The 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, dual graphics cards, and 15-inch display made it a capable machine for creative work, media consumption, and general productivity tasks. At its $1999 MSRP, it offered solid performance and build quality without breaking the bank.
Though newer MacBook models have surpassed the MB985LL/A in terms of speed, screen quality, and battery life, this mid-2009 MacBook Pro still holds up as a reliable option for users looking for an affordable, classic MacBook Pro design. Whether you’re looking for a machine to handle everyday tasks or creative projects, the MB985LL/A remains a great value for those who appreciate its vintage appeal and timeless quality.
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MacBook Pro MB985LL/A Specs
- Order Number
- MB985LL/A
- Identifier
- MacBookPro5,3
- Model Number
- A1286
- EMC
- 2325
- Processor Speed
- 2.66GHz
- Processors (Cores)
- 1 (2 Cores)
- Processor Type
- Core 2 Duo
- Hard Drive
- 320GB 5400 RPM
- Hard Drive Type
- 2.5″
- RAM
- 4GB
- RAM Type
- PC3-8500-1066MHZ-DDR3-SO-DIMM
- Video Card 1
- GeForce 9400M
- Video Card 2
- GeForce 9600M GT
- VRAM
- 256MB
- Built-in Display
- 15″
- Color
- Silver
- Input
- Multi-Touch Trackpad
- Optical Drive
- 8x DL SuperDrive
- AirPort
- 802.11a/b/g
- Bluetooth
- 2.1+EDR
- Power Brick
- 85w MagSafe 1
- Dimensions
- 0.95 x 14.35 x 9.82 inches
- Avg. Weight
- 5.5 lbs
- Release Date
- June 8th 2009
- MSRP
- 1999