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!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
2-26-2008 @ 9:15AM
DoctorFedora said...
For the record, there's no "t" in "GHz."
Reply
2-26-2008 @ 9:16AM
Chris Coleman said...
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!
2-26-2008 @ 9:18AM
Chris Coleman said...
Why does Apple refuse to upgrade the keyboard!?!
Reply
2-26-2008 @ 2:01PM
fishbert said...
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.
2-26-2008 @ 7:12PM
AlphaTeam said...
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.
2-26-2008 @ 9:19AM
ryan said...
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
2-26-2008 @ 10:16AM
Mike said...
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.
2-26-2008 @ 10:41AM
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.
2-26-2008 @ 11:08AM
Kev Orng said...
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
2-26-2008 @ 11:17AM
ryan said...
Kev,
Nice, that's exactly the road I don't want to see Apple going down.
2-26-2008 @ 12:23PM
nations14 said...
[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.
2-26-2008 @ 9:20AM
Kent Horvath said...
From the pictures, the multi-touch trackpad on the MBP looks like it is no larger than the previous model MBP. Also, they didn't change the keyboard. Are they going to keep the MBP design the way it is, or is this just another transition?
Reply
2-26-2008 @ 5:27PM
nikster said...
No new keyboard is a glaring omission.
And the design needs an update... perhaps Apple is going the way of car manufacturers?! New designs every 3 years, only minor tweaks in-between...
2-26-2008 @ 5:50PM
Joel said...
I would argue that it's been 5 long years since any creative design alterations on the PowerBook/MacBook Pro line.
Aluminum PowerBooks made their debut in January 2003.
Technical innovations have come with the iSight Cam, remote sensor, and the shrinkage to just 1". But that's it. I know they say "if it ain't broke don't fix it" but c'mon! It's stale! : )
2-26-2008 @ 9:20AM
Baysharam Ortiz said...
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
2-26-2008 @ 9:25AM
conigs said...
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.
2-26-2008 @ 9:30AM
Michael Rose said...
Yes, you're within the returnable/upgradeable window.
2-26-2008 @ 9:48AM
hessi said...
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?
2-26-2008 @ 10:03AM
wheelsee said...
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
2-26-2008 @ 10:12AM
hessi said...
@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.