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[hide]
1 Polycarbonate model
1.1 Design of Polycarbonate model
1.2 User serviceability
1.3 Quality problems
1.4 Model specifications
2 Aluminum Unibody model
2.1 Design of Aluminum Unibody model
2.2 Reviews
2.3 Model specifications
3 Timeline of the MacBook family
4 See also
5 References
6 External links
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[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 2.0GHzIntel Core Duo (T2400/T2500)
1.83GHz or 2.0GHzIntel Core 2 Duo (T5600/T7200)
2.0GHz or 2.16GHzIntel Core 2 Duo (T7200/T7400)
2.0GHz or 2.2GHzIntel Core 2 Duo (T7300/T7500)
2.1GHz or 2.4GHzIntel Core 2 Duo (T8100/T8300)
2.1GHzIntel Core 2 Duo (T8100)
2.0GHzIntel Core 2 Duo (P7350)
MemoryTwo slots forPC2-5300 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
GraphicsShared 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 80GBOptional 100GB or 120GB
60GB, 80GB or 120GBOptional 160GB or 200GB, 4200-rpm
80GB, 120GB or 160GBOptional 200GB, 4200-rpm
80GB, 120GB or 160GBOptional 250GB, 5400-rpm
120GB, 160GB, or 250GB, 5400-rpm
120GB, 5400-rpmOptional 160GB or 250GB
120GB, 5400-rpmOptional 160GB, 250GB, or 320GB
AirPort Extreme
Integrated 802.11a/b/g
Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n(n disabled by default)1
Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n enabled)
Combo drive3Base 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] 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."[26]
[edit] Model specifications
Model
Late 2008[27]
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)
MemoryTwo 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 drive1Serial ATA 5400-rpm
160GB or 250GB 5400-rpmOptional 320GB HDD; 128GB or 256GB Solid-state drive (SSD)
AirPort Extreme
Integrated 802.11a/b/g/draft-n
Internal Slot-Loading SuperDrive2
Maximum write: 8× DVD±R, 4× DVD±R DL, 4× DVD±RW, 24× CD-R, 10× CD-RWMaximum 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[28]
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
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