Apple updates entry-level MacBook
Apple announced an update to the entry-level MacBook computer today. This is the only true "MacBook" now that the rest of the models have been promoted to the MacBook Pro.As of today, $999 will get you a MacBook with faster RAM (2x1GB SO-DIMM of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM, up from DDR2), a slightly faster processor (2.26GHz, up from 2.13Ghz), and a significantly larger hard drive (250GB, up from 160GB).
But those technical specs are just the beginning. There's a new built-in battery which Apple claims will take 7 hours per charge. This follows the trend of having batteries integrated instead of removable, which Apple has said allows them to make the laptops smaller and lighter. The battery is rated for "up to" 1,000 charges.
The MacBook also now has the glass Multi-Touch trackpad, previously seen on the MacBook Air and Pro models, the LED-backlit display. It is still "rugged polycarbonate" (marketing speak for "plastic") but now a unibody construction, like the Air and Pro models, except they use aluminum enclosures.
The outer shell may be the most notable difference between the MacBook and MacBook Pro models now. For $999, it's no longer an underpowered little sibling to the MacBook Pro line; it is a very respectable portable Mac. Students can save $50 using the education pricing.
If you're looking for an even lower price, there are a few refurbished MacBook models currently available for as low as $849, but with the new features available in today's model, I'd be tempted to spend the extra $150.
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Source: http://www.apple.com/macbook/
Apple announced an update to the entry-level MacBook computer today. This is the only true "MacBook" now that the rest of the models have...
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Well, if anyone could manage to feature exposed screws as a design feature, it would be Apple.
October 20 2009 at 8:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyLet's hope the bottom of these new MacBooks doesn't get as discolored as the four rubber feet of my first-gen MacBook. They're practically "green" with envy.
October 20 2009 at 5:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyBummer - I just bought a MacBook for my son (a college student) from Apple only last week. Not that he'll care about the specs, but I'm not thrilled.
October 20 2009 at 1:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIf you bought it within a week, I would try contacting Apple for an exchange.
October 20 2009 at 2:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThey offered me a $100 credit. I accepted that, rather than returning and getting the new one, as the specs won't matter to the intended user (both 160GB and 250GB are effectively infinite).
October 20 2009 at 3:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe air doesn't have the glass trackpad, does it? That's been my biggest beef about not getting one.... Multitouch, yes - glass, no.
October 20 2009 at 1:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply1000 charges or 1000 cycles? they are very different.
October 20 2009 at 1:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyhow does that damn thing vent heat now?
October 20 2009 at 1:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI would guess through the vents in the back, where the display meets the body.
October 20 2009 at 1:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAh, I just remembered what it reminded me of: flip over a Time Capsule or square-model Airport Extreme. It appears to be the same as that.
October 20 2009 at 1:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe non-slip bottom looks to be the same as Apple TV.
October 20 2009 at 1:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyLooks like a rubberized base, instead of using 4 rubber feet. Good idea, really, gives it extra traction and no feet to fall off in a years time.
Also, PowerBooks and MacBooks have always had exposed screws in the base. Never looked on the bottom of one before?
If you read the text you can find out why: it's a giant non-slip surface. They took the previous macbook's feet (which were the same colour as this is) and made them spread over the entire surface.
October 20 2009 at 1:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot Apps on TUAW
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