The new MacBook seems to be trying to show up its more expensive big brother by providing many of the same basic features at a lower price. If sibling rivalry can produce such outstanding choices, we’re all for a family feud.
- Lowest cost Mac notebook.
- Same basic capabilities as the entry-level MacBook Pro.
- New unibody construction should be stronger.
- 13-inch LED backlit display.
- Lack of SD card slot.
- No FireWire port.
- Few configuration options
- 4 GB maximum RAM.
- 13-inch glossy display
- 2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo processor
- 2 GB of RAM, expandable to 4 GB
- 250, 320, 500 GB hard drive options
- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
- Mini Display Port
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- Audio in/out
- 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1
- Gigabit Ethernet
Apple’s newest MacBook bundles many of the features found in the MacBook Pro line of notebooks into an inexpensive MacBook that is rugged and versatile.
The case design is one of the biggest changes. Apple combined the lightweight, sturdy nature of polycarbonate plastic with the unique unibody design used in the MacBook Pro line of notebooks to create a strong, lightweight MacBook that is rugged enough for everyday abuse. Apple also incorporated a nonslip coating that will help your MacBook stay where you put it.
The new MacBook uses an LED backlit 13.3-inch display that produces very bright, vibrant colors that are a match for the 13-inch MacBook Pro’s glossy display.
The sharing of features with the MacBook Pro continues with the same large Multi-Touch glass touchpad, the same 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and the same 1066 MHz front side bus, as well as the same basic graphics option: the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M. The new MacBook has a similar 7-hour battery that is not user-replaceable. Apple will offer new batteries, including installation, for $129.
So, what separates the MacBook from its 13-inch MacBook Pro big brother? Well, there is the obvious: the white polycarbonate case. At 4.7 lbs., it’s slightly heavier than the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and a bit bulkier as well. There are also far fewer configuration options. You can choose 2 or 4 GB of RAM and a 250, 320, or 500 GB hard drive, and that’s about it. There is no option for an SSD (Solid State Disk) hard drive, and no processor options. There are also fewer ports, with no FireWire port and no SD card slot. Reflecting these more limited options, the new MacBook is $200 less expensive than the base model MacBook Pro.
The new MacBook will find its main role as an everyday notebook, perfect for most students and families. It combines the basic performance of its big brother with a lower entry cost. For anyone who doesn’t need the flexibility offered by the MacBook Pro’s configuration options, the MacBook will likely be the preferred choice for a 13-inch notebook.
