MacBook

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This article is about the Apple computer called "MacBook". For the MacBook family as a whole, see MacBook family.
Apple MacBook

Apple MacBook, released October 2008
Developer Apple Inc.
Type Laptop
Release date January 21, 2009 (current model)
May 16, 2006 (original release)
CPU Intel Core 2 Duo (current model)
Intel Core Duo (original release)
Web site Apple — MacBook

The MacBook is a brand of Macintosh notebook computers by Apple Inc. First introduced in May 2006, it replaced the iBook and 12" PowerBook series of notebooks as a part of the Apple Intel transition. Part of the MacBook family, the MacBook is aimed at the education and consumer markets. It is the best-selling Macintosh in history, and according to the sales-research organization NPD Group in October 2008, the midrange model of the MacBook was the single best-selling laptop of any brand in U.S. retail stores for the preceeding five months.[1]

There are two designs of the MacBook: the first uses a polycarbonate casing that was modeled after the iBook G4, while the second uses a unibody aluminum casing. When the current MacBook was announced in October 2008, the original polycarbonate based MacBook was renamed 'MacBook White'. Aside from the name change, it received a standard SuperDrive, and later its chipset was updated to the same one used in the current MacBook model.

Contents

[edit] Polycarbonate model

The original MacBook in white

The original MacBook was released on May 16, 2006, and used the Intel Core Duo processor and 945GM chipset, with Intel's GMA 950 integrated graphics on a 667MHz front side bus. Later revisions of the MacBook moved to the Core 2 Duo processor and the GM 965 chipset, with Intel's X3100 integrated graphics on an 800MHz system bus.[2] An updated MacBook White with the same nVidia chipset found in the aluminum model was released in January 2009. However, the new model retains its DDR2 memory, whilst the aluminum uses DDR3.[3]

While thinner than the iBook G4 that it replaced, the MacBook was wider than the 12-inch model due to its widescreen display. In addition, the MacBook was the first to adopt Apple's MagSafe power connector and it replaced the iBook's mini-VGA display port with a mini-DVI display port. The iBook's discrete graphics chip was initially replaced by an integrated Intel GMA solution, though the latest MacBook White now uses a nVidia GeForce 9400M graphics solution.[3]

[edit] Design of Polycarbonate model

While the MacBook largely followed the industrial design standard set by the PowerBook G4, the MacBook was Apple's first notebook to use features now standard in its notebooks: the glossy display, the sunken keyboard design, and the non-mechanical magnetic latch. With the late 2007 revision, the keyboard received several changes to closely mirror the one that shipped with the iMac, by adding the same keyboard shortcut to control multimedia, and removing the embedded virtual numeric keypad and the Apple logo from the command keys.[4]

Also offered in a more expensive black model until the introduction of the later aluminum MacBook, the polycarbonate MacBook was the only Macintosh notebook to be offered in more than one color since the iBook G3 (Clamshell).

[edit] User serviceability

The polycarbonate Intel MacBook is easier for users to fix or upgrade than its predecessor. Where the iBook required substantial disassembly to access most internal components, including removal of the keyboard and RAM[5], users need only remove the polycarbonate MacBook's outer shell to access almost any interior component. Replacing the hard drive and memory requires merely the removal of the battery, and Apple provides do-it-yourself manuals for these tasks.[6]

[edit] Quality problems

Some early polycarbonate MacBook models suffered from include random shutdowns, which were resolved through software and firmware updates.[7]

There were also cases reported of discolored palmrests. In such cases, Apple asked affected owners to contact AppleCare.[8]

[edit] Model specifications

Discontinued Current
Model Early 2006[2] Late 2006[9] Mid 2007[10] Late 2007[11] Early 2008[12] White
(Late 2008)[13]		 White
(Early 2009)[3]
Release date
 May 16, 2006 November 8, 2006 May 15, 2007 November 1, 2007 February 26, 2008 October 14, 2008 January 21, 2009
Model Numbers MA254LL/A, MA255LL/A, MA472LL/A MA699LL/A, MA700LL/A, MA701LL/A MB061LL/A, MB062LL/A, MB063LL/A MB061LL/B, MB062LL/B, MB063LL/B MB402LL/A, MB403LL/A, MB404LL/A MB402LL/B MB881LL/A
Display 13.3" glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
Front side bus 667MHz 800MHz 1066MHz
Processor 1.83GHz or 2.0GHz
Intel Core Duo (T2400/T2500)		 1.83GHz or 2.0GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T5600/T7200)		 2.0GHz or 2.16GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T7200/T7400)		 2.0GHz or 2.2GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T7300/T7500)		 2.1GHz or 2.4GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T8100/T8300)		 2.1GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T8100)		 2.0GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (P7350)
Memory
Two slots for
PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM
(667MHz)		 512MB (two 256MB)
Expandable to 2GB		 512MB (two 256MB) or 1GB (two 512MB)
Expandable to 4GB, with 3GB usable[14]		 1GB (two 512MB)
Expandable to 4GB, with 3GB usable[14]		 1GB (two 512MB) or 2GB (two 1GB)
Expandable to 4GB		 1GB (two 512MB) or 2GB (two 1GB)
Expandable to 4GB		 1GB (two 512MB)
Expandable to 4GB		 2GB (two 1GB)
Expandable to 4GB
Graphics
Shared with system memory		 Intel GMA 950 using 64MB RAM (up to 224MB in Windows through Boot Camp).[15] Intel GMA X3100 using 144MB RAM nVidia GeForce 9400M using 256MB RAM
Hard drive2 60GB or 80GB
Optional 100GB or 120GB		 60GB, 80GB or 120GB
Optional 160GB or 200GB, 4200-rpm		 80GB, 120GB or 160GB
Optional 200GB, 4200-rpm		 80GB, 120GB or 160GB
Optional 250GB, 5400-rpm
 120GB, 160GB, or 250GB, 5400-rpm 120GB, 5400-rpm
Optional 160GB or 250GB		 120GB, 5400-rpm
Optional 160GB, 250GB, or 320GB
AirPort Extreme Integrated 802.11a/b/g (AR5007 chipset) Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n
(n disabled by default)1 (AR5008 chipset)		 Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n enabled) (AR5008 or BCM4322 chipset depending on revision)
Combo drive3
Base model only
 8× DVD read, 24× CD-R and 10× CD-RW recording 8× DVD read, 24× CD-R and 16× CD-RW recording n/a
Internal slot-loading SuperDrive3 double-layer]] discs reads. 4× DVD±R & RW recording. 24× CD-R and 10× CD-RW recording 2.4× DVD+R DL writes, 6× DVD±R read, 4× DVD±RW writes, 24× CD-R, and 10× CD-RW recording 4× DVD+R DL writes, 8× DVD±R read, 4× DVD±RW writes, 24× CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording
Minimum operating system required Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.6[16] Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.8[17] Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.8[18] Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.0 Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.2 Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.4[19] Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.6
Weight 5.2 lb/2.4 kg 5.1 lb/2.3 kg 5.0 lb/2.3 kg
Dimensions 1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92 in/27.5 x 325 x 227 mm

Notes:
1 Requires the purchase of a wireless-N enabler software from Apple in order to enable the functionality.[20]
2 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are custom configurations available, including use of 7200-rpm drives.
3 Given optical drive speed is its maximum.
4 Commencing with the Early 2008 revision, the Apple Remote became an optional add-on.

[edit] Aluminum Unibody model

Apple announced the new MacBook with its new Nvidia chipset on October 14, 2008, at a Cupertino press conference called "The Spotlight Turns To Notebooks". The chipset brought a 1066MHz system bus, use of DDR3 system memory, and integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics that is up to five times faster than the Intel integrated graphics used by the white MacBook at the time of introduction.[21] Other changes include an LED backlit display, a new Mini DisplayPort (replacing the polycarbonate MacBook's mini-DVI port), a multi-touch glass trackpad which also acts as the mouse button, removal of toxins such as mercury, and the removal of the FireWire 400 port (thus it doesn't support Target Disk Mode, used for data transfers or operating system repairs without booting the system).[22]

[edit] Design of Aluminum Unibody model

The MacBook resembles the current MacBook Pro, but with smaller dimensions. It is thinner than the original polycarbonate based MacBooks and makes use of a unibody aluminum case with tapered edges. The keyboard of only the high-end model is backlit, like that of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

[edit] Reviews

Although Gizmodo concluded it to be "our favorite MacBook to date," they did claim that its display was inferior to that found on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, alleging a smaller viewing angle, washed-out colors, and dimmer backlighting.[23] Similarly AppleInsider and Engadget concluded that it "may well be Apple's best MacBook to date" and "these are terrific choices -- not only from an industrial design standpoint, but in specs as well" respectively, while also drawing attention to a lower quality display as compared with the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.[24][25] Charlie Sorrel of Wired News reached an identical conclusion about the MacBook display, citing its poor contrast and lack of vertical angle in comparison with the MacBook Pro and even the older white MacBook.[26] Peter Cohen wrote an article discussing the loss of the FireWire port for Macworld, said "The absence of FireWire ports is certainly an inconvenience for some users. But it shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker for most of us, anyway."[27]

[edit] Model specifications

Model Late 2008[28]
Release date
 October 14, 2008
Model Numbers MB466LL/A; MB467LL/A
Display 13.3" LED backlit glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
Front side bus 1066MHz
Processor 2.0GHz or 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (P7350/P8600)
Memory
Two slots for PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM (1066MHz)		 2GB (two 1GB)
Expandable to 4GB
Graphics Integrated nVidia GeForce 9400M with 256MB shared with main memory
(up to 512MB available in Windows through Boot Camp)
Hard drive1
Serial ATA 5400-rpm		 160GB or 250GB 5400-rpm
Optional 320GB HDD; 128GB or 256GB Solid-state drive (SSD)
AirPort Extreme Integrated 802.11a/b/g/draft-n (BCM4322 chipset)
Internal Slot-Loading SuperDrive2 Maximum write: 8× DVD±R, 4× DVD±R DL, 4× DVD±RW, 24× CD-R, 10× CD-RW
Maximum read: 8× DVD±R, DVD-ROM, 6× DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD±R DL, DVD±RW, 24× CD
Minimum operating system required Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.5[29]
Weight 4.5 lb/2.0 kg
Dimensions 0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94 in/24.1 x 325 x 227 mm

Notes:
1 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are custom configurations available, including use of 7200-rpm drives and SSDs.
2 Given optical drive speed is its maximum.

Timeline of the MacBook family

See also: Timeline of Macintosh models


[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Mossberg, Walter (2008-10-28). "Apple Polishes Popular MacBook for a Higher Price" (in English). All Things Digital. The Wall Street Journal. http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20081022/apple-polishes-popular-macbook-for-a-higher-price/?sr=hotnews. Retrieved on 2008-11-18. 
  2. ^ a b "MacBook - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com. 2008-10-13. http://support.apple.com/kb/SP31. Retrieved on 2008-10-27. 
  3. ^ a b c "Apple - MacBook - White - Technical Specifications". Apple.com. 2009-1-21. http://www.apple.com/macbook/white/specs.html. Retrieved on 2009-1-21. 
  4. ^ Booker, Zac (2008-01-09). "The Vanishing Numeric Keypad" (in English). New York Times blog. New York Times. http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/the-vanishing-numeric-keypad/. Retrieved on 2008-11-19. 
  5. ^ "iBook G4 Hard Disk replacement". faqintosh.com. http://www.faqintosh.com/risorse/en/guides/hw/ibook/g4hd/. Retrieved on 2009-03-16. 
  6. ^ Apple (2008-10-14). "MacBook Manuals". http://support.apple.com/manuals/#macbook. Retrieved on 2008-10-14. 
  7. ^ "MacBook: Shuts down intermittently". Apple Inc.. 2008-09-08. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304308. Retrieved on 2008-11-19. 
  8. ^ "About white MacBooks' palmrest area". Apple Computer. 2008-11-04. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304058. Retrieved on 2008-11-19. 
  9. ^ "MacBook (Late 2006) - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com. 2008-10-13. http://support.apple.com/kb/SP23. Retrieved on 2008-10-27. 
  10. ^ "MacBook (Mid 2007) - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com. 2008-10-13. http://support.apple.com/kb/SP18. Retrieved on 2008-10-27. 
  11. ^ "MacBook (Late 2007) - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com. 2008-10-13. http://support.apple.com/kb/SP12. Retrieved on 2008-10-27. 
  12. ^ "MacBook (Early 2008) - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com. 2008-10-13. http://support.apple.com/kb/SP5. Retrieved on 2008-10-27. 
  13. ^ "Apple - MacBook - White - Technical Specifications". Apple.com. 2008-10-14. http://www.apple.com/macbook/white/specs.html. Retrieved on 2008-10-27. 
  14. ^ a b "3GB MacBook" (in English). OtherWorldComputing. 2008-10-24. http://eshop.macsales.com/Reviews/Framework.cfm?page=/Tips/macbookcore23gb/macbookcore23gb.html. Retrieved on 2008-10-24. 
  15. ^ "Mobile Intel 945 Express Chipset Family Datasheet". Intel. 2007-04-12. http://www.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/309219.htm. Retrieved on 2008-11-19. 
  16. ^ Michelle Thatcher, Justin Jaffe (2006-05-23). "Apple MacBook (13-inch, 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo)" (in English). CNET. http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/apple-macbook-13-inch/4505-3121_7-31884384.html. Retrieved on 2008-11-19. 
  17. ^ "13" MacBook Core 2 (Late 2006)". Low End Mac. http://lowendmac.com/macbook/macbook-core2-duo-nov-2006.html. Retrieved on 2008-12-21. 
  18. ^ "13" MacBook Core 2 (May 2007)". Low End Mac. http://lowendmac.com/macbook/macbook-core2-duo-may-2007.html. Retrieved on 2008-12-21. 
  19. ^ "Mac OS X versions (builds) included with Intel-based Macs". Apple.com. 2009-02-19. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1159. Retrieved on 2009-02-24. 
  20. ^ "AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler for Mac". Apple, Inc.. http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=6C04E07A&nplm=D4141ZM%2FA. Retrieved on 2007-04-15. 
  21. ^ Apple. "Apple MacBook Graphics". http://www.apple.com/macbook/graphics.html. Retrieved on 2008-10-14. 
  22. ^ "Apple Announces New Aluminum MacBooks - Mac Rumors". Macrumors.com. 2008-10-14. http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/14/apple-announces-new-aluminum-macbooks/. Retrieved on 2008-10-27. 
  23. ^ "Review: MacBook and MacBook Pro Dual Review". Gizmodo. 2008-10-16. http://gizmodo.com/5063492/macbook-and-macbook-pro-dual-review. Retrieved on 2008-10-22. 
  24. ^ "Apple's unibody MacBook Review". AppleInsider. 2008-11-02. http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/11/02/apples_unibody_macbook_the_review.html. Retrieved on 2008-11-03. 
  25. ^ "MacBook and MacBook Pro Review" (in English). Engadget. 2008-10-21. http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/macbook-and-macbook-pro-review/2. Retrieved on 2008-10-22. 
  26. ^ Sorrel, Charlie (2009-02-19). "Hands On: Old MacBook Pro vs New MacBook". Wired News. http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/02/hands-on-old-ma.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-06. 
  27. ^ Cohen, Peter (2008-10-07). "FireWire’s MacBook absence—inconvenience or fatal flaw?" (in English). Macworld.com. http://www.macworld.com/article/136200/2008/10/macbook_firewire.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-16. 
  28. ^ "MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) - Technical Specifications". Apple.com. 2008-10-15. http://support.apple.com/kb/SP500. Retrieved on 2008-10-27. 
  29. ^ "Mac OS X versions (builds) included with Intel-based Macs". Apple.com. 2009-02-19. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1159. Retrieved on 2009-02-24. 

[edit] External links

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