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MacBook

Portable and Powerful
Measuring only 1.08-inches thin, weighing only 5 pounds, and packing a brilliant 13.3-inch widescreen display, the MacBook is Apple's consumer entry level portable Mac that offers users a great compromise between price, size, and portability.  The 13.3 inch display hits the sweet spot.  It's large enough for watching movies and running multiple applications yet small enough to pack for your next trip.  It's also light enough to prop on your lap.

The MacBook introduced on May 16, 2006 replaced the iBook notebook.  The MacBook is currently on it's fourth revision or in other words, it's fifth product cycle.  The most recent MacBook revision occured on February 26, 2008.  Apple currently offers three MacBook models to choose from.  A sleek white 2.1GHz or 2.4GHz model or a stunning black 2.4GHz model.

In the Box
  • MacBook
  • 60W MagSafe Power Adapter
  • AC wall plug
  • Courtesy of ApplePower cord
  • Lithium-polymer battery
  • Install/restore DVDs
  • Printed and electronic documentation
  • Display cleaning cloth

Configuration Options

  • Memory up to 4GB
  • Hard drive up to 250GB (2.4GHz models only)
  • Apple USB Modem
  • Apple Remote
  • Video adapters
  • MagSafe Airline Adapter

Installed software
All MacBook models ship pre-installed with:

  • Mac OS X version 10.5 Leopard operating system which includes key features and applications such as Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth)
  • iLife ’08 which includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand

Design - White or Black?
Within the sleek white or black polycarbonate case sits a system with a full feature set.  Each MacBook offers two processing cores, a built-in iSight video camera, built in wireless capability, a slot-loading optical, one Firewire 400 port, two USB 2.0 ports, and digital audio in/out ports.  There's even an optional remote control.

Innovative Features
The innovative MagSafe Power Adapter magnetically attaches to the MacBook but easily detaches if someone accidentally trips over the cord.  You won't see your MacBook flyng off your desk or lap.  There's even a magnetic lid latch that not only makes opening and closing easy but also saves you from those lid parts that can break, snag, or jam.  No mouse, no problem!  The included Scrolling Trackpad can intelligently determine if you're using one or two fingers.  Scrolling through web pages, documents, and photographs is a breeze.

What can you do with a MacBook?
It's the most affordable Mac notebook and gives users the speed and design to set you apart from the crowd.  Performance is no concern as you surf the web, manage and edit photos, and video chat with friends and family. The MacBook is a fully versatile portable system that allows you to:

  • Accomplish daily tasks such as email, web browsing, managing photos, making home movies, designing DVDs, designing websites, and listening to and composing music
  • Truly experience Front Row with the (optional) Apple Remote as you easily navigate through your photos, music, movies, and videos.
  • Use the built-in iSight camera to video chat with family and friends, make a quick video clip, or play around with the snapshots you captured in Photo Booth.
  • Easily burn CDs and DVDs (SuperDrive required to burn DVDs)
  • Use the built-in AirPort Extreme for wireless networking and to connect to nearby hot spots
  • Connect to the latest Bluetooth enabled peripherals and/or mobile phones
  • Listen to music with the built-in speakers, your songs and movies in iTunes will sound great
  • Add a second display (extended desktop mode and video mirroring)
Key improvements in the latest MacBook models (February 2008 models vs the prior models from November 2007)
  • Intel Penryn based chipset (still a Core 2 Duo processor)
  • Faster base processor (CPU): 2.1GHZ vs 2.0GHz
  • Fastest processor (CPU): 2.4GHz vs 2.2GHz
  • More memory on non-base model: 2GB vs 1GB
  • More standard Hard Drive Space: 120GB vs 80GB on base model; 160GB vs 120GB on mid model; 250GB vs 160GB on high model (black)

Conclusion & Buying Advice
The MacBook offers buyers value, performance, and portability at reasonable price.  It's a powerful and highly portable system that offers many of the features found in the desktop iMac but in a notebook configuration.  For many, it can serve as a desktop replacement and is the ideal system for the mobile student.  The MacBook also offers some of the features found on the more expensive MacBook Pro such as dual core processors, digital audio in/out, and the MagSafe power adapter.  If you don't need the extra horse power, features, or expandability features in the MacBook Pro, get the MacBook.  Switchers interested in an affordable yet powerful portable Mac should consider the MacBook.

Updates/Revisions

  • June 5, 2007 - Added information the Mid 2007 models
  • November 1, 2007 - Added information about the Late 2007 models; new images; corrections; content revision
  • February 27, 2008 - Added information about the new models and specifications; content revision.

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