Apple MacBook
With its new MacBook, Apple has filled out its Intel-based portable line with an entry-level model. But this laptop packs so many clever, practical features into its case that it doesn't feel like a compromise.
The MacBook's unusual in-between size actually makes a lot of sense. The system is petite enough to be travel-friendly, yet it packs a 13.3in widescreen display with room for everything from letterboxed movies to spreadsheets. The screen is Apple's first with a glossy surface, and it's a definite plus for film watching. We weren't overly distracted by the occasional reflections.
A pleasing number of the pricier MacBook Pro's features have trickled down here. There's an Intel Core Duo processor, an integrated iSight webcam, Front Row media software and a tiny remote to control it, optical audio input and output, and 802.11g and gigabit ethernet networking. In addition, like all Apple computers, the MacBook runs the slick and functional OS X 10.4 operating system. It includes the powerful iLife ‘06 digital media suite.
What's missing? Not much, but the MacBook does have integrated graphics rather than the faster discrete adapter that gamers and graphics pros will want. And as standard it has no ExpressCard, PC Card or memory-card slots, nor a dialup modem.
Design-wise, the MacBook shines. The sunken keyboard looks weird but feels solid and the keys won't scratch the display when the case is shut. Magnetism keeps the machine closed without a physical latch and connects the power brick to the notebook in a way that makes it almost impossible to damage either laptop or plug if the cord gets accidentally yanked.
Like all Intel-based Macs, the MacBook can be a Windows PC once you've installed Apple's Boot Camp utility and a full copy of Windows XP SP2. We did, and then achieved a respectable score of 88 in our WorldBench 5 processing-speed tests. Boot Camp is betaware, and it shows. The webcam doesn't work in XP and Windows forgets the time when you power down.
Verdict
Niggles over Boot Camp aside, the MacBook is a terrific piece of hardware. It's not particularly expensive, and it gives you a healthy dose of everything that's great about Macs. Add the PC compatibility, and this is quite a product.
Source: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=432
Apple MacBook 1.83GHz Core Duo Laptop Review
The MacBook was arguably one of the most anticipated products of 2006 from Apple. The day the Intel transition was announced, fans of the company wondered what the future held for its most popular portable - the iBook. Despite being the most popular, the iBook was next to last to be revamped for the new Intel lineup. A little bit iBook, and a little Powerbook, the MacBook is not only an evolution of the previous line, but a step in a new direction entirely. The real question is does it live up to the anticipation? Or did Apple swing and miss? Read on...
Specs
* 1.83 Intel Core Duo processor
* 2MB on-chip shared L2 cache
* 667MHz frontside bus
* 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) on two SO-DIMMs
* 60GB 5400 RPM HD
* 13.3 inch Widescreen LCD 1280x800 native resolution
* CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
* Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
* 802.11g/b Airport Express Wireless Card
* Bluetooth 2.0 internal Card
* 2 USB 2.0 Ports
* 1 Audio Input
* 1 Audio Output
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Buying Guide to the Apple MacBook - You'll Never Buy a PC Again
I have been a pro-Apple/anti-PC guy for some time now; I have much experience with both PCs and Apples. I am only 22 but grew up around both styles of computer-point being, I know what I am talking about. My brother, 24, was into PCs only, from day one, until about a week ago. We had a discussion about the differences, applications, power, reliability etc. After said discussion, my brother did some mulling and decided it was time he experienced the wonderful world of Apple. He purchased a new Apple MacBook for $1,049 (student discount) or reg. price $1,099. He has had this laptop not even a week, and he has already told me he will never buy another PC. Ever. So it appears for once I have come out on top of the sibling rivalry. Hurray for me.
So, Apple's brand new line of laptop computers has arrived. The MacBook, little brother to the MacBook Pro, cruised onto shelves a little over a month ago to replace the incumbent Apple iBook. The MacBook promises to be the "the superfast, blogging, podcasting, do everything out-of-the-box" laptop computer. With help from the new Intel Core Duo chips, the MacBook, keeps good to its promises: open the box turn on the computer, watch a short introduction on what the computer does, name the computer and it is ready to use. Every MacBook comes with iLife '06, which includes a slew of applications, including a few new ones native only to the MacBook family, including a folder full of games and even a comic book maker called "Comic Life." I make a lot of music and a lot of video. All Apples as well as the new MacBook helps me do this seamlessly. If the user is a pro, they may look to Final Cut, or Pro Tools. If the user is just beginning, Apple offers a plethora of very simple, easy-to-use music and video editing applications.
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