Apple Bumps MacBooks to Core 2 Duo
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11.08.2006—Apple has upgraded its entire line of consumer notebooks to Intel Core 2 Duo processors. This is the third round of upgrades to Apple's consumer and notebook lines, following iMac and MacBook Pro speed bumps, which had also been upgraded to Core 2 Duo processors.
The MacBook is Apple's entry-level line of notebook computers, distinguished from the high-end MacBook Pro by the lack of a dedicated graphics card, lack of an expansion slot and lack of a FireWire 800 port, among other, more minor, differences. The first generation of MacBooks had been plagued by manufacturing problems, including heat sink issues that could cause it to shut down randomly and a wrist wrest that was prone to discoloration. But in processor tests with high-end software, the first-generation MacBook was found to hold its own against the speedier Pro models, with performance that rivaled mid-range G5 desktop systems and even quad Opteron systems. The new models, according to Apple, run 25 percent faster than the old ones at the same clock frequencies.
In addition to the bump in CPU performance, the new MacBooks also gain enhancements in the following areas (2.0 GHz models only):
- Double the base memory configuration (up to 1 GB)
- Increased storage capacity (80 GB in the white model, up from 60 GB, and 120 GB in the black model, up from 100 GB)
Beyond these changes, all else remains consistent with the previous generation of MacBooks. There are still three models in the lineup: a 1.83 GHz white model, a 2.0 GHz white model and a 2.0 GHz black model. As was the case before, the only difference between the white and black 2.0 GHz models is 20 GB of additional storage capacity in the black model.
The 1.83 GHz MacBook includes a 13.3-inch glossy screen (1,280 x 800 with 250 cd/m2 brightness); a 667 MHz frontside bus; 512 MB RAM (667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM); 60 GB, 5,400 RPM Serial ATA drive with Sudden Motion Sensor; slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive; Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950; Mini-DVI out; built-in iSight video camera (mounted in the top of the bezel); Gigabit Ethernet port;
built-in AirPort Extreme (802.11g) wireless networking; Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; two USB 2.0 ports; one FireWire 400 port; audio line in combo jack (supports mini-Toslink optical and standard 1/8-inch analog); one audio line out combo jack (supports mini-Toslink optical and standard 1/8-inch analog); infrared port for use with the Apple Remote (included); and a MagSafe power adapter. It sells for $1,099.
The 2.0 GHz white model includes all of these features, plus an additional 512 MB RAM (for a total of 1 GB); a double-layer, slot-load 6x an additional 40 GB storage (100 GB total). It sells for $1,299.
The 2.0 GHz black model also includes all of these features, plus a total of 120 GB internal storage. It sells for $1,499.
All of the new models are available now.
More info:
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About the author: Dave Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's educational technology online publications and electronic newsletters. He can be reached at [email protected].
Have any additional questions? Want to share your story? Want to pass along a news tip? Contact Dave Nagel, executive editor, at [email protected].