Amazon.com Product Description
Stylishly 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
affordable "white" MacBook line (model MC240LL/A) gets a boost in
processing power thanks to the 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor as
well as storage space with a 160 GB hard drive--plenty of room for
music, photos, videos, and more.
This
go-anywhere notebook also features a 13.3-inch glossy widescreen
display, excellent video processing power from the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
integrated graphics chip, 2 GB of installed RAM (with a 4 GB maximum
capacity), and an integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi LAN that provides
compatibility with older 802.11b/g routers as well as the faster
throughput of Apple's Airport Extreme. It also includes an 8x combo
Superdrive for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs.
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). See a larger
version of this image |
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--which means you experience a firm, responsive touch when
typing. 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 '09
suite of applications--including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and
iTunes--and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser.
Other
hardware features include a built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed
networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), two USB ports, a
FireWire 400 port, and Mini-DVI video output.
Apple Innovations
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 email,
as well as record videos and then edit them in iMovie before uploading
them to web sites.
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. |
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 workhorse Intel Core 2 Duo processor,
which has a 2.13 GHz processor speed, ultra-fast 1066 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 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 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 512 MB) have an 800 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 integrated NVIDIA GeForce
9400M graphics processor, which shares 256 MB of DDR2 SDRAM with main
memory. Graphics-intensive features in iPhoto and iMovie are smoother
and 3D game play--from Spore to Call of Duty--is faster and more
responsive. You'll get extended desktop and video mirroring, with
simultaneous support of full native resolution on the built-in display
and up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on an external display--both at millions
of colors
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
Connect
to your network, a desktop monitor and all your peripherals with two
USB 2.0, one FireWire, one Mini-DVI video output, and one Gigabit
Ethernet. |
- Slot-loading
SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW): Writes
DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL discs at up to 4x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R
discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD±RW discs at up to 4x speed; writes
CD-R and CD-RW discs at up to 24x speed; reads DVDs at up to 8x speed;
reads CDs at up to 24x speed
- 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
Preloaded
with Leopard, you'll enjoy enhanced productivity and a clutter-free
desktop (thanks to the the redesigned 3D Dock with Stacks). |
Preloaded with Leopard and iLife '09
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 3D Dock with Stacks, a
new way to organize files for quick and easy access with just one
click. Leopard automatically places web, email 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 '09 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 email 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)
Designed with the Environment in Mind
Apple has worked hard to eliminate many of the toxins that are a common
part of computer manufacturing. Apple engineers removed the majority of
brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from
circuit boards, internal cables, connectors, insulators, adhesives, and
more in the MacBook.
Because Apple makes both the hardware and
the software for the MacBook, they're designed to work together to
produce a smarter product that uses less electricity. For instance, to
reduce energy consumption, the MacBook hard drive spins down
automatically when inactive. The MacBook also decides which
processor--CPU or GPU--is best suited to efficiently perform a task.
The processor even throttles down to save power between keystrokes as
you type. Together, these adjustments make the MacBook much more energy
efficient and result in fewer CO2 emissions.
The MacBook meets
the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, giving it ENERGY
STAR certification. MacBook also meets the latest efficiency
requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Specification for Computers
before its July 2009 effective date.
The MacBook has also earned
the highest rating of EPEAT Gold. The Electronic Product Environmental
Assessment Tool, or EPEAT, evaluates the environmental impact of a
product based on how recyclable it is, how much energy it uses, and how
it’s designed and manufactured.
What's in the Box
MacBook (model MC240LL/A), 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and
power cord, lithium-polymer battery, install/restore DVDs, printed and
electronic documentation
Customer Reviews
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A few months ago I purchased an iMac from Amazon, my first Mac by
the way. I could have not been more pleased. I am a student learning
computational science and I wanted to become familiar with all the
major systems: windows, Mac and Linux. I have been a frustrated Windows
user for many years and was pleased with the Mac. Recently I just
purchased this Macbook for mobile computing. I spend most my time away
from my apartment and wanted a Mac to work on when I am on the go. This
computer is perfect, the size and weight is just right for carrying
around everywhere. Compared to my Windows based laptops I get over
three hours of battery life, which is perfect for me.
The power of the Macbook is perfect for daily computing and basic
development. The addition of the Nividia graphics cards adds a lot to
photo, video and light gaming. I am also very pleased that Apple did
not increase the price when they added the faster 2.13GHz chip and
expanded the hard drive space. Originally I was going to purchase one
of the new aluminum Macbooks just for the better performance but the
recent addition of this computer changed all that. I am going to keep
this review short because I wrote a longer one for the iMac I
purchased. If you need a mobile computer that is not being used for
extreme gaming and extensive video editing then this computer would be
perfect for you. As I mentioned it compliments my studies in
programming and also allows me to work with the Adobe Web Premium
bundle without a problem. Furthermore you can increase the RAM to 4 GB
for about $60 from Crucial.com; they have videos to show you how, and
it is not that difficult. Even though I love Amazon and usually make
all my major purchases through them I will say that if you are a
student you can buy this Macbook for less through Apple and receive a
free ipod Touch until September, just something to keep in mind.
However, if you do not need an iPod avoid paying tax and purchase
through Amazon.
This is an update to my earlier review of this Macbook. I was
unaware at the time I purchased this that a new less expensive Macbook
Pro 13" was being released. I really wanted one of the unibody Macbooks
but because of the cost I went with this computer. However, with the
release of the new Macbook Pro 13" I was able to return this computer
and upgrade to the unibody. My review of this Macbook still stands and
I was very happy with it but with the lower price on the new Macbook
Pro coupled with the student discount that deal could not be beat! If
you can afford the additional cost roughly $100 for student and $200
for non-student, I would recommend the Macbook Pro 13", you will get
more bang for your buck. The white Macbook is still a good investment
if you need to keep your cost below $1000.
More for the money!
As a 2nd time owner of a MacBook (my previous MacBook Pro purchased
last September) I am amazed at the huge package you get for such a
little price. At the Apple Store, I was able to purchase a newly
released product (3 days old) for less than Amazon (949.00 with the
student or teacher discount, and they didn't even ask for proof)
charges and until September 2009 it includes a free iPod Touch. (Or any
iPod valued up to 229.00). I compared the specs side by side to my Pro
and found it to be almost completely caught up, except for the video
card and display screen size. Even the memory had a faster bus! My Pro
is still working great, but my husband needed something mostly for
school. The glossy display is gorgeous and the slightly smaller
resolution than the Pro goes unnoticed. I have the Pro for photography
and graphic design but this little MacBook can handle those as well if
it really needed to, what with all the extra processing speed. (2.4 vs
2.13).
Overall a tremendous value and a power packed little computer. For
an entry level, I think it is loaded with a ton of power to stay ahead
for the next few years. Even the Mac "pro" at the store recommended it
over some of the more expensive ones due to my husband primarily using
it for Office programs and internet based with some photos and music on
the side. I'm confident there isn't anything this little Macbook white
couldn't do that my Pro could.
P.S. Play with all the menus in the apple icon on the LH top for
the most personalized experience. This includes touch pad "gestures"
letting you use finger combinations to scroll, right click, turn pages,
etc; hotspots that let you make a program or app come up just by going
to a deep corner of the screen; Spaces, which lets you have multiple
applications running on several screens that you can hop between so
your windows are more organized; and many more options. Don't be afraid
to try stuff with menu options, you won't break it!
Very Happy
I picked up the white Macbook about 7 months ago and have been very
happy with the purchase. This is my first Apple laptop and my second
Mac all together. The 13 inch screen is perfect for my needs. A netbook
is too small, and the bigger ones are too big to haul around (for my
needs, anyway). I mainly use the machine for typical office use
(OpenOffice, web surfing, etc...) and it's been great. I've also looked
into a little bit of development with it, and it performed those tasks
admirably (although I'd like a bigger screen if I get serious with it).
The only draw back is the small hard drive. I have to keep pretty much
all of my media (photos, music) on my other machine, but it doesn't
really hinder me too much. Granted this laptop is more expensive than a
comparatively equipped XP laptop, but I've more than made up for it in
that I don't have to spend time maintaining the OS and the fact that
the Mac still boots up in less than 2 minutes, while my XP laptop takes
at least 5 minutes before it's usable after startup (and no, I don't
have a bunch of startup items and garbage starting on boot on either
machine).
