13" MacBook (Core Duo)

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• Tiger List is for those using Mac OS X 10.4.
• Leopard List is for those using Mac OS X 10.5.

Overview

We've been waiting quite a while to see what Apple would replace the iBook with, and the rumored 13.3" widescreen MacBook is now a reality.

The biggest surprise is that Apple is replacing both the iBook line and the 12" PowerBook with the 13" MacBook, greatly simplifying their line of notebook computers.

Details

• introduced 2006.05.16 at US$1,099 (1.83 GHz white 512/60), US$1,299 (2.0 GHz white 512/60) and US$1,499 (2.0 GHz black 512/80). 1 GB/80 white version at US$1,449 added 2006.07, replaced by Core 2 model 2006.10.08.
• requires Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later
• CPU: 1.83/2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo (Yonah), soldered in place, no upgrade options
• bus: 667 MHz
• performance:
• Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 2411 (2.0 GHz), 2262 (1.83 GHz)
• Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 2468 (2.0 GHz), 2391 (1.83 GHz)
• RAM: 512 MB (2 x 256 MB), expandable to 2 GB using PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM
• Level 2 cache: 2 MB shared cache on CPU
• Graphics: Intel GMA950 with resolution to 1920 x 1200 on external display (mini-DVI port), supports extended desktop.
• VRAM: 64 MB DDR2 SDRAM (shared with main memory, and according to Apple actually uses 80 MB of system RAM)
• video out: DVI standard, VGA and S-video with optional adapter
• display: 13.3" glossy 1280 x 800 18-bit color active matrix
• supports 1280 x 800, 1152 x 720, 1024 x 768, 1024 x 640, 800 x 600, 800 x 500, 720 x 480, and 640 x 480 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 x 768, 800 x 600, and 640 x 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 x 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio
• allows mirroring to external display and extended desktop mode

hard drive: 60 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA on 1.67 GHz model, 80 GB 5400 rpm drive on 1.83 GHz, 100 GB and 120 GB optional

Combo drive: reads DVDs at 8x, writes CD-R at 24x, writes CD-RW at 16x, reads CDs at 24x

SuperDrive: writes DVD±R and DVD±RW at up to 4x, reads DVDs at 8x, writes CD-R at 24x, writes CD-RW at 10x, reads CDs at 24x

floppy drive: external USB only

expansions bays: none

USB: 2 USB 2.0 ports

FireWire: 1 FW 400 port

IR port: none

IR receiver: supports Apple Remote

ethernet: 10/100/gigabit

modem: optional v.92 56k external USB modem

WiFi: 802.11g AirPort Extreme built in

Bluetooth: BT 2.0 built in

ExpressCard/34 slots: none

size: 8.92 x 12.78 x 1.08" (227 x 325 x 27.5 mm)

weight: 5.2 pounds (2.36 kg)

Part no.: MA245 (1.83 GHz), MA255 (2.0 GHz, white), MA472 (black)

Online Resources

• Best online MacBook deals, updated biweekly.
• Best Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.4.
• Best Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.5.
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• Picking the right laptop in 2006, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.05.23. You need to balance size, weight, price, power, and battery life to find just the right notebook computer for your own needs.
• Smart design and easy drive replacement will make the MacBook a winner, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2006.05.19. Although the graphics processor is far from state-of-the-art and the screen is very reflective, everything else about MacBook points to it becoming a huge success.
• Glossy MacBook screen, MacBook keyboard, fix for MacBook Pro heat problems, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.05.19. Also inside the MacBook, positive 17" MacBook Pro reviews, third-party power supplies, Hitachi's notebook 'drive of steel', bargain 'Books from $1,000 to $2,199, and more.
• 13" MacBook introduced, 15" MacBook Pro speed bump, The 'Book Review, 2006.05.17. The iBook replacement has a 13.3" widescreen display, 1.83 and 2.0 GHz Core Duo processors, extended desktop, sudden motion sensors, iSight, Front Row with remote, and much more.
• MacBook glossy screen problems, Classic option for Intel Macs, and more on replacing Home Page, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2006.05.17. Reader unconvinced a glossy laptop screen is a good idea, SheepShaver PowerPC emulator puts Classic on Macintel, more thoughts on WYSIWYG HTML editors, and eMac CPU upgrade possibilities.
• Opinion: And we all shine on, John Siracusa, ars technica, 2006.05.16. "o, what's the big deal? Consider some synonyms for the word "glossy." Gleaming. Shiny. Reflective. Now you're getting it."
• Opinion: MacBook Drops, Keyboard Irks, Dave Zatz, Zatz Not Funny, 2006.05.16. "I want to love the MacBook and it suits my purposes perfectly, but the keyboard just isnÕt working for me."
• Review: Hands-on with the MacBook: first impressions, Dan Moren, MacUser.com, 2006.05.16. Mixed thoughts about the glossy screen, and the keyboard is unlike any previously found on any 'Book.
• Opinion: The black tax, Derik DeLong, MacUser.com, 2006.05.16. "Surely, I'm missing something that makes the black version worth $200 [more]."
• The MacBook value equation: Incredible value, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.05.16. With a widescreen display, dual-core CPU, fast bus, and $1,099 base price, the MacBook isn't just a great value - it could gut sales of the 15" MacBook Pro.
• Computer benchmarks and other baloney: Don't expect 2-4x performance from Intel Macs, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2006.02.06. The Intel Macs are faster than the models they replace, but only with software written for them. With older software, they're actually slower than last year's Macs.
• Tech: Booting an Intel iMac from an external drive, Jonathan Rentzsch, TidBITS, 2006.01.30. Intel Macs use a different partitioning scheme (GPT) than older Macs (APM), so you can't simply update an existing drive - your must repartition it with GPT.
• Comparing Apples to Apples: When is Macintel faster? When does PowerPC make more sense?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.01.29. Benchmarks show the Intel Core Duo flies through native code but plods through PowerPC programs. Will PowerPC or Intel give you the more productive workflow?
• Macintel stumbling block: Sometimes you need Classic, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 2006.01.25. As nice as the new Intel Macs seem to be, the lack of any Classic environment makes it impossible for some people to upgrade.
• Apple Profile

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