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Amazon.com Product DescriptionStylishly and intelligently designed for your on-the-go digital lifestyle, Apple's MacBook is the perfect confluence of affordability, innovation, and powerful computing. This latest iteration of the MacBook line (model MB403LL/A) gets a boost of speed from Intel's latest 45-nanometer Penryn series processors, which also helps to reduce power requirements and save on battery life. You'll enjoy quick and nimble multitasking thanks to the 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, and this MacBook also features a 160 GB hard drive and 2 GB of installed RAM (which can be upgraded to 4 GB). The 13.3-inch glossy widescreen display provides the perfect combination of pixels and portability, and the integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi LAN enables computing freedom from wires and compatibility with older 802.11b/g routers as well as the faster throughput of Apple's Airport Extreme.
Measuring 1.08 inches thin and weighing only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase). |
Measuring a mere 1.08 inches thin and weighing in at only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase). A durable polycarbonate shell in white keeps it ready for the rough and tumble of everyday life. It also offers a unique keyboard design that sits flush against the bed for a sleeker, lower profile. Other standard Apple "extras" includes a built-in iSight video camera and Apple's magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter, which safely disconnects when under strain.
It's pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which enables easy backup of your most important data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications--including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes--and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser. Other hardware features include an 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs), built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a FireWire 400 port, DVI video output, and Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144 MB of shared memory.
Apple Innovations
The magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the MacBook, if you trip over the cord. |
With two-finger scrolling, the trackpad becomes a fast track to wherever you want to go. |
One of Apple's most celebrated innovations is the MagSafe power adapter connector with offers a magnetic connection instead of a physical one. So, if you happen to trip over a power cord, you won't send MacBook flying off a table or desk--the cord simply disconnects, without damage to either the cord or the system. As an added nicety, this means less wear on the connectors.
Cleverly integrated above your MacBook display is an iSight camera, providing easy video chat capability when using iChat. You can also snap photos in Photo Booth to send via e-mail, as well as record videos and then edit them in iMovie before uploading them to web sites.
The trackpad can tell if you've got one finger on the pedal, or two. With two, you can easily scroll around your documents or open contextual menus. When you need right-click functionality, simply open "Keyboard and Mouse" in System Preferences and enable the secondary click preference. Opening and closing your MacBook is also a pleasure, thanks to a magnetic latch that catches without a catch. And because it's a magnet, there are no moving parts to snag, jam, or break.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 processor, which has a 2.40 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With a substantial 3 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.
Hard Drive and Memory
The 160 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 2 GB of PC5300 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1024 MB) have an industry-leading 667 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 4 GB.
Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.
Display and Graphics
Whether you're working on a Keynote presentation or watching a movie before you catch a flight, every document, video, and photo on your MacBook will look sharp on the glossy 13.3-inch widescreen display. With pixel-perfect 1280-by-800 resolution, it's great for viewing and working with media. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which provides 144 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory. It features Intel Clear Video Technology, which delivers outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.
Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the display bezel is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.
Other Features
- 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD±R; 4x DVD±R DL (double layer); 4x DVD±RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
- Mini-DVI port for video output (VGA adapter and mini-DVI to DVI adapter sold separately)
- Built-in stereo speakers and omnidirectional microphone
- Combined optical digital audio input/audio line in
- Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out
- Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port
- Built-in full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement), and embedded numeric keypad
- Solid-state scrolling trackpad for precise cursor control; supports two-finger scrolling, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities
- Kensington cable lock slot
- Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
- Measures 12.78 x 8.92 x 1.08 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5 pounds
Connect to your network, a desktop monitor and all your peripherals with two USB 2.0, one FireWire, one DVI video output, and one Gigabit Ethernet. |
Preloaded with Leopard, you'll enjoy enhanced productivity and a clutter-free desktop (thanks to the redesigned 3-D Dock with Stacks). |
Preloaded with Leopard and iLife '08 The biggest Mac OS X upgrade ever, the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system features over 300 new features, including:
- Time Machine, an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac
- A redesigned Finder that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs
- Quick Look, a new way to instantly see files without opening an application
- Spaces, an intuitive new feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them
- A brand new desktop with Stacks, a new way to easily access files from the Dock
- Major enhancements to Mail and iChat
Leopard's new desktop includes the redesigned 3-D Dock with Stacks, a new way to organize files for quick and easy access with just one click. Leopard automatically places web, e-mail and other downloads in a Downloads stack to maintain a clutter-free desktop, and you can instantly fan the contents of this and other Stacks into an elegant arc right from the Dock. The updated Finder includes Cover Flow and a new sidebar with a dramatically simplified way to search for, browse and copy content from any PC or Mac on a local network.
Time Machine lets you easily back up all of the data on your Mac, find lost files and even restore all of the software on their Mac. With just a one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, you can search back through time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other digital media and then instantly restore the file.
The MacBook also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications that make it easy to live the digital life. Use iPhoto to share entire high-res photo albums with anyone who's got an e-mail address. Record your own songs and podcasts with GarageBand. Break into indie filmmaking with iMovie and iDVD. Then take all the stuff you made on your MacBook and share it on the web in one click with iWeb.
Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools); iLife '08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand); Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive; iWork '08 (30-day trial)
What's in the Box
MacBook, 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord, lithium-polymer battery, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation
Customer Reviews
Gonna be one of the best purchase for me, who really suck at shopping. (2008-10-28)
I always buy useless things, at unreasonable price. But now I think my macbook is a not bad purchase. It's something, if I can choose again, I still will buy it. I bought the cheapest model, and it is enough at least 99% of the time.
Only one nitpick - Video chipset (2008-10-23)
Everyone else has said it- The MacBook is a fine piece of equipment. I love mine. I use it on the go, and as my desktop unit at home once I connect to a 24" monitor and surround sound system. I've had mine for about a year now, and it's been great. Solid performance, easy to upgrade, and of course, awesome with OS X.
My only complaint is that they could have done better with the video chipset. I don't expect to run major 3D games, but I would like something that doesn't share system RAM. The Intel GMA is great for HD video (outputs quite nicely at 1080p) and everything you'd need in the GUI. What it lacks is in pushing major graphics, like advanced photoshop or video editing, and yes, in later-release games.
With games, I just use my PS3, but for other things-- particularly virtualizing Windows- the shared RAM is a problem, and does slow things down when I'm doing too much at once.
If gaming and major video work isn't your need, then the MacBook is the best laptop on the market. As a bonus, it comes with Apple's great customer service.
I don't know about paying extra for black, though. . .
i love my mac! (2008-10-23)
I have the earlier black macbook 2.16ghz/1gb/160gb and it has been solid and an exceptional computer since i upgraded from a powerbook g4 1gz titanium that was over 4yo. A lot of people complain about macs being too expensive, but if you know anything about apple, they target a specific market who can afford to pay for their premium computers. if you complain that they cost too much, its usually a windows person who are used to paying $500 for a crappy laptop that eventually craps out or is overrun with viruses to a point where nothing works anymore. Another thing that people don't realize is macs retain their value VERY well. I sold my powerbook g4 1ghz titanium for $550 in oct 2007 which originally cost $3k in 11/02(i bought it used for $500 in 12/05). It was still in great condition with no problems when i sold it... it was as fast as my old p4 2.53ghz desktop which has been gathering dust for a while now(i had been a windows user for nearly a decade).
This is my current setup:
Black Macbook 2.16ghz/3gb ram/160gb hd/superdrive w/ OSX 10.5.5
westinghouse 24" LCD monitor @ 1920x1200
fantom drive 250gb firewire external hd
western digital passport 320gb usb external hd
pinnacle hdtv stick for mac(hdtv tuner)
logitech wireless keyboard & mouse
As you can see i have my macbook plugged in with a lot of accessories and i run 7+ programs at once when im using my mac, including eyetv(hdtv), isight cam w/ sightspeed video conferencing, as well as other less intensive applications. If you want a great dependable and quick mac this is the one to get, especially now that you can find it at discounted prices since the new macbooks came out. The only con that I have is that my old mac has the old 950GMA integrated graphics which can be an issue if you like to play/edit/encode high res videos or play graphic intensive games, especially full hd 1920P. I can play 1920P videos fine but it will get bogged down if im using a lot of other cpu intensive programs. im sure this won't be an issue for the majority of users since those people would probably get the macbook pro instead. i have had no issues at all that people have complained about(fans, cracked plastic, screen flicker, etc) and im sure i'll use this mac for another 2-3years before upgrading again.
pros:
fast, lightweight, long battery life
cons:
slow graphics chip
Best value (2008-10-23)
This model is the best value macbook one could get.
I am using two year old macbook which can go only 2GB. But this can go 4GB RAM which is cheap now. DDR 2 667MHz.
I would recommend to any one.
Hey, At Least It Has FireWire... (2008-10-22)
It's amazing that this little gem still exists in Apple's lineup, what with the new aluminum MacBooks ('MetalBooks') having been unnecessarily stripped of FireWire and increased in price (the old $1500 pricepoint is now $1600).
Not so with this model, a white 'PlasticBook'. FireWire is still there (yay!), the price got cut to $999 AND they threw in a SuperDrive so you can burn DVDs (though to be honest, this last improvement was long overdue).
While it lacks some of the niceties of the new MetalBooks (such as the multitouch trackpad, slightly nicer screen, and improved-but-still-not-great graphics performance), the great (for Apple) price and inclusion of FireWire make this the BEST value in the new MacBook lineup.
And, ironically, the only MacBook that's really suitable for a prosumer any more (that doesn't include the MB Pros, but those start at $2000).
Get one before Apple discontinues it, 'cuz they will, and probably sooner than later.
