MacBook
 MacBook in aluminum, released October 2008 |
|
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
|---|---|
| Type | Laptop |
| Release date | 2006-05-16 (last updated 2008-10-14) |
| CPU | 2.0 / 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Web site | Apple — MacBook |
The MacBook is a line of Macintosh notebook computers by Apple Inc. Introduced in May 2006, it replaced the iBook G4 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, the midrange model of the MacBook has been the single best-selling laptop of any brand in U.S. retail stores for the past five months.[1]
There have been 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 aluminum MacBook was announced, the low-end white MacBook was given an optical drive update and a lower price and was kept as the MacBook White. The aluminum MacBook was released in October 2008.
Contents |
Polycarbonate MacBook
The original MacBook was released on May 16, 2006, and used the Intel Core Duo processor and 945GM chipset, with Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics on a 667 MHz front-side bus. Later revisions of the MacBook moved to the Core 2 Duo processor and the GM965 chipset, with Intel's X3100 integrated graphics on an 800 MHz system bus.[2]
While thinner than the iBook G4 that it replaced, the MacBook was wider than the 12" model due to its widescreen display. In addition, the MacBook adopted Apple's newer MagSafe power connector and replaced the iBook's mini-VGA display port with a mini-DVI display port. The iBook's discrete graphics chip was replaced with an integrated Intel GMA solution. Apple changed the name of the first MacBook model to MacBook White and lowered its price when the aluminum MacBook was announced.
Industrial design
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: adding the same player-function hot-keys and removing the embedded virtual numeric keypad and the Apple logo from the command keys.Booker, Zac (2008-01-09). "The Vanishing Numeric Keypad" (in English). New York Times blog. New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-11-19.
Offered in white and black models, the MacBook was also the first Macintosh notebook to be offered in more than one color since the iBook G3 (Clamshell).
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, 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.[3]
Quality problems
After some owners complained of discoloration on the palm rests of early white MacBooks,[4] Apple replaced the defective part with more smudge-resistant plastics.[5][6]
Model specifications
| Model | Early 2006[2]1 | Late 2006[7] | Mid 2007[8] | Late 2007[9] | Early 2008[10] | October 2008[11] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release date |
May 16, 2006 | November 8, 2006 | May 15, 2007 | November 1, 2007 | February 26, 2008 | October 14, 2008 |
| Display | 13.3-inch (viewable) glossy widescreen; 1280 x 800 pixel resolution | |||||
| Front side bus | 667MHz | 800MHz | ||||
| Processor | 1.83GHz; 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo (T2400/T2500) |
1.83GHz; 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (T5600/T7200) |
2.0GHz; 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (T7200/T7400) |
2.0GHz; 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (T7300/T7500) |
2.1GHz; 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (T8100/T8300) |
2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (T8100) |
| Memory Two slots for DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) |
512MB stock (two 256MB) Expandable to 2GB |
512MB (two 256MB) or 1GB (two 512MB) Expandable to 4GB, with 3GB usable[12] |
1GB (two 512MB) Expandable to 4GB, with 3GB usable[12] |
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 |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 950 graphics processor using 64MB (64MiB) of DDR2 SDRAM shared by main memory (up to 224MB in Windows through Boot Camp).[13] | Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor using 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared by main memory | ||||
| Hard drive | 60GB or 80GB Optional 100GB, 120GB |
60GB, 80GB or 120GB Optional 160GB, 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 |
| AirPort Extreme | Integrated 802.11a/b/g | Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n disabled by default)3 |
Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n enabled) | |||
| Combo drive4 Base model only |
8x DVD read, 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW recording | 8x DVD read, 24x CD-R and 16x CD-RW recording | n/a | |||
| Internal slot-loading SuperDrive3 | 8x double-layer discs reads. 4x DVD±R & RW recording. 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW recording | 2.4x DVD+R DL writes, 6x DVD±R read, 4x DVD±RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording | 4x DVD+R DL writes, 8x DVD±R read, 4x DVD±RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording | |||
| Minimum operating system required | Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.6[14] | Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.10[8] | Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.0[15](introduces non-beta Boot Camp for other operating systems) | Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.5 | ||
| Weight | 5.2 pounds / 2.36 kg | 5.1 pounds / 2.31 kg | 5.0 pounds / 2.27 kg | |||
| Dimensions | 1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92 inches / 27.5 x 325 x 227 mm | |||||
Notes:
1 Some early MacBooks had an issue with "random shutdowns". According to Apple,[16] software and firmware updates have fixed the problem.
2 Enabling Wireless-N functionality may require an 802.11n-capable AirPort Extreme Base Station, which includes wireless-N enabler software to be installed on older MacBooks. Alternatively, the enabler software may be purchased from Apple separately.[17]
3 Given optical drive speeds are the theoretical maximum possible.
4 Commencing with the Early 2008 revision, the Apple Remote became an optional add-on.
Aluminum MacBook
Apple announced the aluminum MacBook and its new nVidia chipset on October 14, 2008, at a Cupertino press conference called "The Spotlight Turns To Notebooks". The chipset brought a 1066 MHz system bus, use of DDR3 system memory, and integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics that is up to five times faster than the graphics offered on the White MacBook.[18] Other changes include an LED backlit display, a new Mini DisplayPort (replacing the polycarbonate MacBook's mini-DVI port), a multi-touch glass trackpad, and the removal of the FireWire 400 port.[19]
Industrial design
The aluminum MacBook resembles the MacBook Pro, but with smaller dimensions. It is thinner than earlier MacBooks and has a unibody aluminum case with tapered edges. The keyboard of the high-end model is backlit, like that of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
Reviews
Some reviews called the aluminum MacBook's display inferior to those found on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air,[20][21] alleging a smaller viewing angle, washed-out colors, and dimmer backlighting.[22][23]
Model specifications
| Model | Late 2008[24] |
|---|---|
| Release date |
October 14, 2008 |
| Display | 13.3-inch LED backlit glossy widescreen; 1280 x 800 pixel resolution |
| Front Side Bus | 1066MHz |
| Processor | 2.0GHz or 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (P7350/P8600) |
| Memory 1066MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM |
2GB (two 1GB) Expandable to 4GB |
| Graphics | Integrated nVidia GeForce 9400M with 256MB shared with main memory |
| Hard drive1 Serial ATA 5400 rpm |
160GB or 250GB 5400-rpm Optional 320GB HDD or 128GB SSD |
| AirPort Extreme | Integrated 802.11a/b/g/draft-n |
| Internal Slot-Loading SuperDrive2 | 8x DVD+R DL writes, 8x DVD±R read, 4x DVD±RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording |
| Minimum operating system required | Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.5 |
| Weight | 4.5 pounds / 2.04 kg |
| Dimensions | 0.95 × 12.78 × 8.94 inches / 24.1 × 325 × 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 the use of faster 7200-rpm drives.
2 Given optical drive speeds are the theoretical maximum possible.
Timeline of the MacBook family
- See also: Timeline of Macintosh models
See also
References
- ^ Mossberg, Walter (2008-10-28). "Apple Polishes Popular MacBook for a Higher Price" (in English). All Things Digital. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.
- ^ a b "MacBook - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com (2008-10-13). Retrieved on 2008-10-27.
- ^ Apple (2008-10-14). "MacBook Manuals". Retrieved on 2008-10-14.
- ^ Evan Blass (2006-06-13). "White MacBooks showing premature discoloration?". Engadget.com. Retrieved on 2006-12-23.
- ^ Victor Mihailescu (2008-06-29). "Apple Acknowledges MacBook Stains As Manufacturing Defect". Softpedia. Retrieved on 2006-12-23.
- ^ "About white MacBooks' palmrest area". Apple Computer (2008-11-04). Retrieved on 2008-11-19.
- ^ "MacBook (Late 2006) - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com (2008-10-13). Retrieved on 2008-10-27.
- ^ a b "MacBook (Mid 2007) - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com (2008-10-13). Retrieved on 2008-10-27.
- ^ "MacBook (Late 2007) - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com (2008-10-13). Retrieved on 2008-10-27.
- ^ "MacBook (Early 2008) - Technical Specifications". Support.apple.com (2008-10-13). Retrieved on 2008-10-27.
- ^ "Apple - MacBook - White - Technical Specifications". Apple.com (2008-10-14). Retrieved on 2008-10-27.
- ^ a b "3GB MacBook" (in English). OtherWorldComputing (2008-10-24). Retrieved on 2008-10-24.
- ^ "Mobile Intel 945 Express Chipset Family Datasheet". Intel (2007-04-12). Retrieved on 2008-11-19.
- ^ Michelle Thatcher, Justin Jaffe (2006-05-23). "Apple MacBook (13-inch, 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo)" (in English). CNET. Retrieved on 2008-11-19.
- ^ "MacBook Developer Note" (in English). Apple (2007-11-10). Retrieved on 2008-11-19.
- ^ "MacBook: Shuts down intermittently". Apple Inc. (2008-09-08). Retrieved on 2008-11-19.
- ^ "AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler for Mac". Apple, Inc.. Retrieved on 2007-04-15.
- ^ Apple. "Apple MacBook Graphics". Retrieved on 2008-10-14.
- ^ "Apple Announces New Aluminum MacBooks - Mac Rumors". Macrumors.com (2008-10-14). Retrieved on 2008-10-27.
- ^ "Review: MacBook and MacBook Pro Dual Review". Gizmodo (2008-10-16). Retrieved on 2008-10-22.
- ^ "MacBook Screen Shoutout". Gizmodo (2008-10-29). Retrieved on 2008-10-30.
- ^ "MacBook and MacBook Pro Review" (in English). Engadget (2008-10-21). Retrieved on 2008-10-22.
- ^ "Apple's unibody MacBook Review". AppleInsider (2008-11-02). Retrieved on 2008-11-03.
- ^ "Apple - MacBook - Technical Specifications". Apple.com (2008-10-14). Retrieved on 2008-10-27.
External links
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