Filed under: Hardware, Retail, Macbook Pro, MacBook
New MacBook and MacBook Pros now available
MacBook
The price configuration is the same same (starting at $1099 US for the non-Super Drive white base model, $1499 for the BlackBook), but the base features have received a nice upgrade. The significant changes:
- Processor speeds now start at 2.1 GHz for the base model, 2.4 GHz for the $1299 and $1499 models
- 120 GB drive is standard for the base level MacBook, 160 GB for the $1299 MacBook and a whopping 250 GB drive for the BlackBook. All drives are 5400 RPM
- 2 GB RAM standard for all but entry-level MacBooks (that remains at 1 GB)
MacBook Pro
- Processor speeds now start at 2.4 GHz, and are available up to 2.6 GHz (2.5 GHz is standard for the 17"); the new 2.5 GHz chip has 6 MB of L2 cache
- The MBP 17" now has an LED backlit screen option
- 200 GB is the starting HD size (this is up from 120 GB in the last revision), 250 GB standard for the upper 15" and 17" models. A 300 GB drive is available BTO, as is a 7200 rpm 200 GB drive
- NVidia 8600GT now starts at 256 MB of VRAM -- 512 for the higher end 15" and stock 17"
- Multi-touch trackpad a la the Air.
Update:
As the commenters have pointed out, the Apple Remote is no longer included in the box. That's right, you know have to spend an extra $19, for what I think is one of the most convenient Mac accessories. With $18 billion in cash, you'd think they could throw in something that we all know probably costs $0.30 to make. Oh well.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
DoctorFedora said 9:15AM on 2-26-2008
For the record, there's no "t" in "GHz."
Reply
Chris Coleman said 9:16AM on 2-26-2008
Thank you! How does one write for a blog about computers and not get that sort of stuff right? Pick up an AP Stylebook or something, jeez!
Chris Coleman said 9:18AM on 2-26-2008
Why does Apple refuse to upgrade the keyboard!?!
Reply
fishbert said 2:01PM on 2-26-2008
keyboard is changed... doesn't have the 'chicklet' keys, but it does have the so-called media keys like every other keyboard they sell now.
AlphaTeam said 7:12PM on 2-26-2008
Having used the keyboard for a day now (Yes I went and did a swap for my 2 week old MBP this morning), the keyboard has a lot more tactile feedback and less flex, which is good). However the touchpad is not solid, has terrible flex, and not to mention I don't use iPhoto or Safari, so the multitouch is useless.
ryan said 9:19AM on 2-26-2008
Did anyone notice that the customization page for the MacBooks is starting to look a lot like the customization page for a Dell? There used to be like 3 options, now they are hawking every bit of apple software in existence.
Reply
Mike said 10:16AM on 2-26-2008
So, Apple isn't supposed to try and make money? At least Apple has everything on a single page, unlike Dell's convoluted and bloated pages.
ryan said 10:41AM on 2-26-2008
Who says hawking more software is going to make them more money? One of the benefits of a Mac is you don't have to make 100,000 choices just to purchase a computer. Geeks may love having all those choices, but John Doe doesn't.
Kev Orng said 11:08AM on 2-26-2008
you might appreciate this: "Configure a Dell in 38 easy steps" http://tinyurl.com/yw9tt3
- Not my webpage, but this brief Dell commentary made me laugh because it true
ryan said 11:17AM on 2-26-2008
Kev,
Nice, that's exactly the road I don't want to see Apple going down.
nations14 said 12:23PM on 2-26-2008
[Quoting Ryan]ryan said...
Who says hawking more software is going to make them more money? One of the benefits of a Mac is you don't have to make 100,000 choices just to purchase a computer. Geeks may love having all those choices, but John Doe doesn't.[/Ryan's Quote]
So let John Doe pick the default setup and let the Geeks choose amongst customization. Honestly, I can't understand why people whine over nothing. It's either too much or too little, and there's no pleasing everyone.
Baysharam Ortiz said 9:20AM on 2-26-2008
Ok, looking good. So, can someone tell me if I bought a Macbook ($1299 one) on Saturday, can I go back and get it exchanged for the bumped specs?
Reply
conigs said 9:25AM on 2-26-2008
There is a 14 day return policy. Though I'm not sure if there's a restocking fee. I'd call your local Apple Store and ask there.
Michael Rose said 9:30AM on 2-26-2008
Yes, you're within the returnable/upgradeable window.
hessi said 9:48AM on 2-26-2008
Haha, I know that feeling.
Ordered a black MB on Saturday, as well.
At first, I added a Time Capsule, but since it would have taken another 4 weeks for the whole package to be delivered, I canceled the TC. MB is on the way right now...
I think I'll stick to the old one. The speed bump is not that important, HDD and RAM are upgradeable, if necessary...
Any other change in this revision which I didn't detect until now?
wheelsee said 10:03AM on 2-26-2008
yeah but if it's the same price why wouldn't you exchange it for more memory, processor bump, and the bigger HD?
keep it sealed and take it into the Apple Store they will take care of you
-wC
hessi said 10:12AM on 2-26-2008
@wheelsee:
Might be an easy decision in the USA, but in Europe, ordered by mail, it takes a lot of effort and patience to return the old and re-order a new one...
Might change as soon as the Apple Stores are spreading in Europe as well.
Dan S. said 10:35AM on 2-26-2008
Within the 14-day return period, you can either:
1) Return the machine for an exchange -- you will pay a 10% restocking fee (if you opened your current MacBook's carton), plus any difference in price/taxes,
-- or --
2) Take in the receipt for your current MacBook and have the price adjusted -- essentially, they will return the machine, then sell it back to you at the reduced price of the EOL'd model (~$200), crediting the difference to your card.
Robbie Liu said 11:18AM on 2-26-2008
so can't upgrade to the new without extra fees?
I just bought it last Friday
And another question is whether all areas share the same policy. I am in Hong Kong.
Evan said 11:25AM on 2-26-2008
Yes there are fee's for taking back opened merchandise. Though, having been an Apple Store Manager, I always waived restocking fee's if you were exchanging for something more expensive. Otherwise, that's just the way things go...
Also, keep in mind, if you bought it from the online store and customized the computer, IE: larger hard drive, more ram, faster processor... It is considered a "CTO" (Custom to Order) and CAN NOT be returned to an Apple retail store. You have to go through the online store for your exchange.
Apple Store return/exchange policies are the same worldwide.