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MacBook (2006–2012)

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MacBook
The standard White MacBook
The white MacBook
DeveloperApple Inc.
TypeLaptop or Notebook
Release dateMay 16, 2006
Introductory priceUSD$1099, EUR€1049, GBP£699, CAD$1249, YEN￥139800, AUD$1599, NZD$1839, YTL2299
CPU(May 2007) 2.0 / 2.16 GHz 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo
WebsiteApple — MacBook

The MacBook is a line of Macintosh notebook computers by Apple Inc., which replaced the iBook G4 series as well as the 12" PowerBook G4. The original MacBook was built around the Intel Core Duo chip and released on May 16, 2006. On November 8 2006 Apple refreshed the MacBook line, by including an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and an updated AirPort Extreme (with wireless-N capability). On May 15, 2007 Apple refreshed the second generation with faster Intel Core 2 Duo processors, more memory and higher capacity hard drives.[1]

Each generation has been available in three base configurations. The current base configuration features a 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, an 80 GB hard drive and a Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW optical drive), while the upgraded models feature a 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo, a 120 GB, 160 GB or optional 200 GB hard drive and a 8x Double Layer Superdrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW). All models have 1 GB of memory, upgradable to 3 GB.[2]

Overview

The MacBook's Built-in iSight and microphone.

The MacBook features a built-in iSight webcam and a magnetic latch mechanism. It comes pre-loaded with Mac OS X v10.4, iLife, Front Row, and Photo Booth. Further, it features a mini-DVI, built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme, two USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire 400 port, Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR, Sudden Motion Sensor and a Scrolling TrackPad. Packaged with the MacBook is an Apple Remote and the MagSafe power connector.[3]

Graphics are handled by Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64 MB of DDR2 SDRAM (shared memory) while in Mac OS X. However, when running Windows via Boot Camp, the Intel GMA 950 graphics processor can utilize up to 224 MB of RAM.[4] The MacBook features a widescreen 13.3" glossy LCD display, with a 1280x800 resolution. Sound capabilities include built-in stereo speakers, built-in omnidirectional microphone, combined optical digital audio input/audio line in, and combined optical digital audio output/headphone out. The MacBook weighs 5.2 lb (2.36 kg).[5][6] It also includes a Trusted platform module chip, which may be used for Digital Rights Management.[citation needed]

The hardware of the Core 2 Duo MacBook models can address up to 4 GB of RAM. Due to the fact that some of this address space is reserved, only about 3.3 GB is available to an operating system.[2] The system will operate in dual channel memory mode when memory is installed in each slot (called asymmetric dual channel). Using exact pairs (e.g. 2x1 GB) is called interleaved dual channel, and theoretically results in higher performance.[4]

Specifications

Component MacBook (Early 2006) [1] MacBook (Late 2006) [2] MacBook (Mid 2007) [3]
Display 13.3-inch (viewable) glossy widescreen with 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
Graphics Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory (up to 224 MB in Windows through Boot Camp).[4]
Hard drive1 60 GB, 80 GB, 100 GB or 120 GB Serial ATA, 5400 rpm. 60 GB, 80 GB, 120 GB or 160 GB Serial ATA, 5400 rpm. Optional 200 GB, 4200 rpm. 80 GB, 120 GB or 160 GB Serial ATA, 5400 rpm. Optional 200 GB, 4200 rpm.
Processor 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo (Yonah) 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (64-bit Merom) 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (64-bit Merom)
Memory Two memory slots, for up to 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM 667 MHz (PC2-5300) Two memory slots, for up to 3 GB[2] DDR2 SDRAM 667 MHz (PC2-5300) Same, but default upgraded to 1 GB
Airport Extreme Integrated 802.11a/b/g Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n disabled by default)² Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n enabled)
Internal Slot-Loading Combo drive³ 8x DVD read, 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW recording 8x DVD read, 24x CD-R and 16x CD-RW recording
Internal Slot-Loading SuperDrive³ Optional 8x double-layer discs reads. 4x DVD±R & RW recording. 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW recording 2.4x DVD+R DL writes, 6x DVD±R read, 4x DVD±RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording 4x DVD+R DL writes, 8x DVD±R read, 4x DVD±RW writes, 24x CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording
  • Notes:

1Hard drives listed are configurations available from Apple. Since the hard drive is a user replaceable part, there are other configurations available, including the use of faster 7200 rpmdrives.
²Wireless-N functionality requires the Airport Extreme Wireless-N Router, which contains wireless-N enabler software to be installed on your MacBook. Alternatively, the enabler software may be purchased from Apple separately.[7]
³Quoted optical drive speeds are the maximum possible for each drive.

Appearance

The high-end black MacBook. It has been dubbed the "BlackBook" by some in the Macintosh community.[8]
Black MacBook keyboard.

The MacBook's appearance is loosely based on that of its predecessor, the iBook G4. In addition to the classic white case, Apple is offering a premium black case option; both cases are made of polycarbonate, the thermoplastic Apple is known for using in many of its products. The two-color decision has received some criticism due to the fact that the base black model had originally cost US$150 more than a white model with the same hardware configuration.[9] With the latest price revision, this has been reduced to US$125.

Display

The MacBook was the first Apple portable to feature a glossy display. The different reflective properties of glossy displays are said to increase color saturation when compared with anti-glare displays. The display has a narrower viewing angle than the anti-glare displays and may glare in bright or fluorescent lighting. Apple's approach with the new glossy display is similar to that of other PC manufacturers such as Sony with its XBRITE displays, Dell's TrueLife, or Toshiba's TruBrite.

Keyboard

The MacBook also features a new sunken keyboard design. Unlike the iBook, PowerBook G3, and Titanium PowerBook's keyboards, it is not removable; instead, each key is individually integrated into the casing with about 1.5 mm between neighboring keys. This is ostensibly intended to give the keyboard a sturdier feel and to avoid keyboard contact with the screen when closed. The color scheme for keys and labels is white and grey for the white model and black and white for the black model.

Integrated graphics

The MacBook has an integrated GPU. It uses an Intel GMA 950 graphics processor instead of an ATI Radeon series GPU as featured in the iBook it replaced. Intel's integrated graphics chipsets have been criticized in the past for being unable to handle graphically-intensive tasks such as complex 3D gaming and other heavily GPU-dependent processes.[10] However, the GMA 950 is capable of playing many popular games[11] and rendering the Aero GUI when running Windows Vista.

Apple most likely used integrated Intel graphics as a cost-cutting measure, as the Intel GMA chipset is cheaper than most discrete GPU solutions from ATI and nVidia.[12] While the Intel GMA 950 lacks dedicated VRAM and other useful features such as transform, clipping, and lighting (T&L) functionality, it is highly optimized for video playback and requires less power to operate than most ATI and nVidia chipsets.[13]

Further, looking at the benchmarks between the MacBook and MacBook Pro,[14] it's likely that a dedicated video solution would have placed the performance of the "consumer" oriented line close to the performance of the more expensive "professional" line.

This is further evidenced by the MacBook being Apple's second use of integrated graphics. The Mac mini, a desktop model that, like the MacBook, is aimed specifically at "average" consumers also utilizes the Intel GMA 950 graphics solution. The use of integrated graphics may be a way for Apple to differentiate between its consumer and professional product lines.

User serviceability

The MacBook is different from its iBook predecessor in terms of user serviceability. Apple has made it easier to disassemble compared to the old iBook, which required removing many components such as the EM shields to get to anything, whereas the MacBook requires simply the removal of the outer shell to access almost any interior component. However, the redesigned keyboard is integrated into the main body of the laptop and is thus no longer easily removable or replaceable. In contrast, the MacBook's internal hard drive and RAM are now easily accessible[15] via the underside of the unit. Further, the RAM and hard drive are considered user replaceable parts by Apple, meaning that these parts can be replaced by the end user without violating any terms of the warranty.[16][17] In contrast, replacement of MacBook Pro's internal hard drive is more difficult, requiring disassembly by an authorized service provider to prevent risk of voiding the warranty.

MacBook vs. MacBook Pro

Further information: Comparison of Macintosh models

When it comes to CPU intensive applications, such as iMovie and iDVD, the 13" MacBook Core Duo is virtually the equal of a 15" MacBook Pro Core Duo running at the same 2 GHz core clock speed, even with a slower 5400 rpm hard drive.[14] This is due to the identical underlying Intel Core architecture.[citation needed]

However, there are many distinguishing features between the two lines. The MacBook Pro features an nVidia GeForce 8600M GT (formerly ATI Radeon Mobility X1600 Pro) graphics card using 128 or 256 MB GDDR3, while the MacBook uses an integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics solution with shared video memory. Both graphics solutions support DirectX 9 and OpenGL, however the overall gaming performance of the GMA 950 pales in comparison to that of the GeForce or Radeon.[18] This means that the GMA 950 is capable of playing many popular game titles,[11] though typically at lower settings and/or framerates than the Geforce or Radeon. Additionally, the 8600M GT used in the newest MacBook Pro's is DirectX 10 capable, while the Intel GMA 950 is not.

Due to its aluminium enclosure, the MacBook Pro is relatively lightweight considering its size. Since the Pro models have larger screens, they also have larger display resolutions (1440×900 for the 15.4" and 1680×1050 or 1920x1200 for the 17"); the MacBook is 1280x800. Other notable differences include the illuminated keyboard, a FireWire 800 port and an ExpressCard/34 slot included with the MacBook Pro. The 17-inch MacBook Pro also features an extra USB 2.0 port (three instead of two). The MacBook Pro can have up to 4 GB of memory, while the MacBook can have a maximum of 3 GB.[2] Finally, the lid of the MacBook is held closed by a magnet with no mechanical latch, whereas the Macbook Pro lid is latched by traditional actuated magnetic hooks.

The basic MacBook Pro is priced at US$1999, which is US$900 more than the basic MacBook, or US$500 more than the most expensive (black) MacBook.

Issues

  • Some early MacBook models had problems with "random shut downs" when the computer would shut down, and sometimes be difficult to restart. According to Apple,[19] software and firmware updates solved most of these shut-down problems.
  • Some MacBook owners complained of discoloration that appeared on the palm rests of their white MacBooks,[20] which Apple has acknowledged as a manufacturing problem after a few weeks, offering to replace that part of the casing.[21][22] Apple has issued a Knowledge Base article regarding this issue.[23]
  • Some MacBook owners complain of uneven illumination of the MacBook's glossy display. In reviews by computer magazines and websites, the display was sometimes criticized as having too narrow a viewing angle (particularly in the vertical direction), unsatisfying color saturation and below-average color contrast, compared to other glossy laptop displays.[24]
  • Some MacBook owners have reported their screen to be occasionally flickering, as if the screen switched between the different brightness levels very rapidly.[25]
  • Apple's MagSafe power adaptor has been a cause of many complaints, which many users reporting melted adaptor heads and frayed cables near the head.[26]
  • The magnetic closing mechanism, combined with the ledges at the top of the screen can lead to pieces of the case chipping off.[27]
Timeline of portable Macintoshes
Mac transition to Apple siliconiMac ProApple WatchiPadiPhoneMac ProPower Mac G5Power Mac G4Power Macintosh G3Power MacintoshCompact MacintoshMacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Apple silicon)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)MacBook Pro (Intel-based)iBook G4PowerBook G4PowerBook G4iBook (white)PowerBook G3PowerBook G3PowerBook 2400cPowerBook 3400cPowerBook 1400PowerBook 5300PowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 190PowerBook G4PowerBook 150PowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 500 seriesPowerBook 160PowerBook 140PowerBook 180PowerBook 180PowerBook 160PowerBook 160PowerBook 140PowerBook 170PowerBook 140MacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Air (Apple silicon)MacBook Air (Intel-based)12-inch MacBookMacBook Air (Intel-based)iBook G4iBook (white)iBook ClamshellMacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook (2006–2012)PowerBook Duo 210MacBook Air (Intel-based)MacBook (2006–2012)MacBook (2006–2012)PowerBook G4PowerBook 100Macintosh PortablePowerBook G3PowerBook G3PowerBook G3PowerBook G3PowerBook G3PowerBook DuoPowerBook DuoPowerBook DuoMacintosh PortablePowerBook DuoPowerBook DuoPowerBook Duo 230Macintosh Portable
See also: List of Mac models

See also

Mac transition to
Intel processors
Intel mobile processor
Wikimedia Commons has media related to MacBook.

References

  1. ^ "Apple Updates Popular MacBook" (Press release). Apple Inc. May 15, 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-15. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d "MacBook Core 2 Duo can address up to 3 GB of RAM". OtherWorldComputing. Retrieved 2007-04-15.
  3. ^ "Apple MacBook Series Updated". Taume News. 15 May 2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ a b c "Mobile Intel® 945 Express Chipset Family Datasheet". Intel. 12 April 2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) Cite error: The named reference "Data" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  5. ^ "MacBook technical specifications". Apple Computer. May 16, 2006. Retrieved 2006-05-16.
  6. ^ "MacBook". Apple Computer. May 16, 2006. Retrieved 2006-05-16.
  7. ^ "AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler for Mac". Apple, Inc. Retrieved 2007-04-15.
  8. ^ An example can be seen in "Shiny Apple Blackbook Rumor: Merely a Coated Black MacBook?". Gizmodo. August 6, 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-23.
  9. ^ Assuming same configuration. Based on Clint Ecker (May 18, 2006). "Review: Apple MacBook". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2006-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  10. ^ Bruce Gain (September 15, 2005). "Are Intel's Integrated Graphics Processors Good Enough for Gaming?". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved 2006-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  11. ^ a b "Mobile Intel® 945GM Express Chipset Family Game Compatibility List". Intel. 12 Feb 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ Fuad Abazovic (July 19, 2005). "Intel's Lakeport threatens nVidia and ATI". The Inquirer. Retrieved 2006-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  13. ^ Intel. "IntelGMA 950 Graphics" (PDF). Intel.com. Retrieved 2006-12-23.
  14. ^ a b "MacBook 13" Core Duo versus two other Macs doing iMovie and iDVD". Barefeats. May 29 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Kasper Jade (May 16, 2006). "Apple's MacBook sports user-replaceable hard disks". AppleInsider. Retrieved 2006-12-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  16. ^ "MacBook: How to install memory". Apple Inc. 2006-05-03. Retrieved 2007-06-03.
  17. ^ "MacBook Hard Drive Replacement Guide" (PDF). Apple Inc. Retrieved 2007-06-03.
  18. ^ "MacBook 13" versus MacBook Pro, PowerBook and iBook in 3D Gaming and Core Image". Barefeats. May 30 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ "docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304308".
  20. ^ Evan Blass (June 13, 2006). "White MacBooks showing premature discoloration?". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2006-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  21. ^ Victor Mihailescu (June 29, 2006). "Apple Acknowledges MacBook Stains As Manufacturing Defect". Softpedia. Retrieved 2006-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  22. ^ Rae Whitlock (July 13, 2006). "My Stained MacBook (and what Apple did about it)". not another blog. Retrieved 2006-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: year (link)
  23. ^ "About white MacBooks' palmrest area". Apple Computer. Retrieved 2006-12-23.
  24. ^ "MacBook". AppleDefects.com. Retrieved 2006-12-23.
  25. ^ "MacBook Screen Flicker". AppleDefects.com. Retrieved 2007-10-01.
  26. ^ "Apple 60W MagSafe Power Adapter for MacBook Customer reviews". Retrieved 2007-04-11.
  27. ^ "MacBook casing cracks". AppleDefects.com. Retrieved 2007-04-14.
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