13" MacBook (Unibody)

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Overview

Details

• introduced 2008.10.14 at US$1,299 (2.0 GHz, 160 GB hard drive), and US$1,599 (2.4 GHz, 250 GB hard drive, backlit keyboard)
• requires Mac OS X 10.5.5 or later
• CPU: 2.0/2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn), soldered in place, no upgrade options
• bus: 1066 MHz
• performance: Geekbench 2 (Leopard): unknown
• RAM: 2 GB (using matched modules), expandable to 6 GB using PC3-8500 DDR3 RAM
• Level 2 cache: 3 MB shared cache
• Graphics: nVidia GeForce 9400M with resolution to 2560 x 1600 on external display (Mini DisplayPort), supports extended desktop.
• VRAM: uses 256 MB of system memory, very likely uses 16 MB more with an external display (MacBook Pro and MacBook Air with same GPU work that way)
• video out: Mini DisplayPort 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, and 800 x 500 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: 160 or 250 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA, 320 GB hard drive and 128 GB SSD optional
• SuperDrive: writes DVD±R at up to 8x, DVD±RW and DVD+R DL at 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: none
• IR port: none
• IR receiver: supports Apple Remote
• ethernet: 10/100/gigabit
• modem: optional v.92 56k external USB modem
• WiFi: 802.11n AirPort Extreme built in
• Bluetooth: BT 2.1 built in
• ExpressCard/34 slots: none
• size: 8.94 x 12.78 x 0.95" (241 x 325 x 22.7 mm)
• weight: 4.5 pounds (2.04 kg)
• Part no.: MB466 (2.0 GHz), MB467 (2.4 GHz)

Online Resources

• Best online MacBook deals, updated biweekly.
• No high definition iTunes video for you, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.11.19. The October 2008 MacBooks are preventing users from viewing some high-def iTunes content from being viewed on their external displays. Poor form!
• How netbooks impact Microsoft and Apple, Tim Nash, Taking Back the Market, 2009.01.07. Netbooks are keeping Windows XP alive, which may slow adoption of Windows 7, and perceived value keeps the Mac market share growing at the expense of Windows.
• Apple's half-baked support for DisplayPort, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2009.01.06. The DisplayPort specification supports audio, so why does Apple use USB to route sound to the LED Cinema Display?
• OS X on netbook guide, fast Intel X25-M SSD benchmarked, Woz joins Axiotron board, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.12.24. Also multi-touch trackpad update for Boot Camp, nVidia's 'Intel-thrashing' netbook GPU, Toshiba launches first 512 GB SSD, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,299, and more.
• Unbuntu Linux and Boot camp make it easy to create a triple boot Mac, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.12.24. Boot Camp makes it easy to install Windows on Intel Macs, and Ubuntu now makes it easy to install Linux to a virtual Windows drive.
• Notebooks and blackouts, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.12.23. When the power goes out, a notebook computer with long-lasting batteries lets you keep working for hours and hours.
• Why DisplayPort is the video connector for the future, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.12.23. DisplayPort supports multiple displays, combines audio and video on one cable, and costs nothing to use.
• New MacBook trackpad takes some getting used to, Alan Zisman, Zis Mac, 2008.12.22. The large glass trackpad is a joy to use in many ways, but it can be frustrating for longtime notebook users and has issues with Boot Camp.
• 4 GB RAM problem persists after firmware update, TriBook concept MacBook, DIY Mac netbook, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.12.19. Also using third-party monitors with 'Late 2008' MacBooks, MacMagSaver protects MagSafe cord, $25 802.11g USB adapter, bargain 'Books from $500 to $2,299, and more.
• The 'better safe than sorry' guide to installing Mac OS X updates, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.12.16. Most users encounter no problems using Software Update, but some preflight work and using the Combo updater means far less chance of trouble.
• MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air teething problems and firmware updates, The 'Book Review, 2008.12.16. Also Apple notebooks strong in weak market, CoolBook controls CPU frequency and voltage for cooler running, Logitech's new Comfort lapdesk, bargain 'Books from $500 to $2,299, and more.
• Why you should partition your Mac's hard drive, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.12.11. "At the very least, it makes sense to have a second partition with a bootable version of the Mac OS, so if you have problems with your work partition, you can boot from the 'emergency' partition to run Disk Utility and other diagnostics."
• Unibody MacBook video problems, DisplayPort DRM loosened a bit, Mac netbook discussion, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.12.05. Also free licensing for Mini DisplayPort, the sexy clamshell iBook, Apple's liquid cooled notebook plans, Sonnet FW 400/800 adapter, bargain 'Books from $500 to $2,299, and more.
• MacBook slowdown without battery, DisplayPort and DRM, 256 GB SSD, MagSafe solutions, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.11.26. Also Mac netbook prospects, laptop cooling table with 2 fans, solar notebook bag, hard shell cases for unibody 'Books, bargain 'Books from $500 to $2,299, and more.
• Software to keep your MacBook cool, Phil Herlihy, The Usefulness Equation, 2008.11.25. Heat is the enemy of long hardware life. Two programs to keep your MacBook running cooler.
• Netbooks tempting, cry out for Mac OS X, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.11.24. Netbooks are light, cheap, compact, and underpowered. One with OS X and a real Core 2 Duo processor would fly.
• DisplayPort copy protection, trackpad update, netbooks not to be taken lightly, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.11.21. Also Apple set for record sales, 4-finger gestures on original MacBook Air, MacBook Apple's best consumer notebook to date, Cricket laptop stand, bargain 'Books from $490 to $2,299, and more.
• Virtualization shootout: VMWare Fusion 2 vs. Parallels Desktop 4, Kev Kitchens, Kitchens Sync, 2008.11.20. Both programs do the same thing, but one runs Windows XP smoothly alongside Mac apps, while the other bogs down everything but Windows.
• Just right: Papa bear, mama bear, and baby bear MacBooks, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.11.20. Some people like small and light notebooks, others prefer huge desktop replacements, but the best value tends to be in the middle.
• OS X netbook not from Apple, one-third of notebook buyers leaning to Apple, Spaces made for 'Books, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.11.14. Also Apple's 'special deals' site, good-bye to a faithful TiBook, bent Unibody MacBook Pro, 10 hour battery for MacBook Pro, 6 GB RAM solutions and benchmarks, bargain 'Books from $480 to $2,399, and more.
• Kensington Ci95m Wireless Mouse: Great battery life, smooth performance, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.11.13. Kensington's slim wireless mouse is well built, works smoothly, has great battery life, and avoids Bluetooth pairing and wake-up issues.
• Refurb MacBook Pro value, MacBook too big to replace 12" PowerBook, Pismo noise, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.11.12. Also installing OS X using FireWire Target Disk Mode, running Virtual PC under Leopard, and how to use filters in iCab.
• Targus USB 2.0 High-Speed File Transfer Cable helps offset loss of FireWire, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.11.10. Although it can't replace Target Disk Mode, Targus' $40 cable makes it easy to transfer files quickly between two Macs, two PCs, or one of each.
• Recent MacBooks support 6 GB of RAM, USB 2.0 faster in Unibody 'Books, graphics shootouts, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.11.07. Also FireWire-to-USB, workaround for glossy screens, 3G MacBooks planned, checkpoint-friendly bags for new MacBooks, bargain 'Books from $480 to $2,399, and more.
• Unibody MacBook the logical successor to the 12" PowerBook, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.11.05. All things considered, the thinner, lighter aluminum MacBook is a worthy successor to the 12" PowerBook beloved by so many.
• Best refurb MacBook Pro value, AirPort Card thermal issues, Opera vs. iCab, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.11.05. Also more thoughts on the lack of FireWire on the Unibody MacBook.
• MacBook Pro could use both GPUs at once, 9600M GT smokes 9400M for 3D gaming, new cases, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.10.31. Also MacBook Pro doesn't support 8 GB of RAM, matte screen petition, spill sensors in new 'Books, MacBook Pro reviews, hard drive vs. SSD benchmarks, bargain 'Books from $259 to $2,399, and more.
• Debunking the Apple Tax, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.10.31. "...no one else is offering the quality of computer construction that Apple offers in the same price range."
• The Unibody MacBook FireWire fiasco didn't have to happen, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.10.30. Some are claiming that Apple had no choice but to eliminate FireWire with the new MacBook design, but Apple could have eliminated ethernet instead.
• One OS to rule them all, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.10.29. With Fusion or Parallels letting you run Windows at full speed, Mac OS X gives you the best of both worlds.
• No FireWire on MacBook a deal breaker, getting Pismo working with AirPort, and Pismo screen replacement, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.10.29. For those with FireWire peripherals, the Unibody MacBook falls short. Also fixing a Pismo that won't recognize AirPort and replacing its display.
• New Unibody MacBook or discontinued 15" MacBook Pro?, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.10.28. The new aluminum MacBook is tempting, but the older MacBook Pro has so many more expansion options.
• Apple more green, new MacBook details, FireWire on MacBook petition, benchmarks, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.10.28. Also nVidia controller inside new 'Books, death of matte displays, MacBook Pro distorted video service program, bargain 'Books from $259 to $2,399, and more.
• New Unibody MacBooks provide some reasons to buy an earlier MacBook Pro, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2008.10.27. While the new MacBook line offers some improvements, Rev. A fears and the lack of a matte display can make the previous design a better choice.
• Apple's new production technology: Is it worth it?, Tim Nash, Taking Back the Market, 2008.10.27. Carving MacBook bodies from a block of aluminum simplifies production, increases assembly automation, and gives Apple a leg up on the competition.
• The October 2008 MacBook value equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.10.15. Apple changed the entire MacBook lineup on Tuesday. How do close-out prices compare to the new ones?
• How to clone Mac OS X to a new hard drive, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 2008.10.07. Whether you want to put a bigger, faster drive in your Mac or clone OS X for use in another Mac, here's the simple process.
• Apple trumps Microsoft in making the 64-bit transition transparent to users, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.09.18. To use more than 4 GB of RAM under Windows, you need a 64-bit PC and the 64-bit version of Windows. On the Mac, OS X 10.4 and later already support it.
• Does running OS X system maintenance routines really do any good?, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.08.26. Mac OS X is designed to run certain maintenance routines daily, weekly, and monthly - but can't if your Mac is off or asleep.
• Tricking out your notebook for superior desktop duty, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.07.29. For desktop use, you don't need to be limited by the built-in trackpad, keyboard, and display or a notebook's compromised ergonomics.
• Kensington Portable Power Outlet a great accessory for the road warrior, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.07.22. With three AC outlets and two USB charging ports, this compact device is a great way to have extra power outlets when you're on the go.
• Free VirtualBox for Mac now a virtual contender, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.07.21. A year ago, the Mac version of VirtualBox lacked some essential features. Over the past year, it's grown into a very useful tool.
• Win the depreciation game by buying on the low end, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.06.24. The worst depreciation afflicts high-end models. By buying a less powerful version, choosing certified refurbished, or picking up a used computer, you'll come out ahead.
• 16:9 computer displays: Let's not go there, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.06.17. "...there's no reason our computer displays should match the proportions of our television displays."
• SheepShaver brings Classic Mac OS to Intel Macs and Leopard, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.05.20. Mac OS X 10.5 doesn't support Classic Mode. Neither does Leopard. But SheepShaver lets you emulate a PowerPC Mac and run the Classic Mac OS.
• Windows on Macs: Three paths for integration, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.05.14. Mac users have three routes for running Windows apps: Run Windows using Boot Camp or virtualization, or use a compatibility layer such as WINE.
• 18 bits can't display millions of colors, today's magic is different from yesterday's, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.04.16. Also more feedback on Mac browsers, slow dial-up Internet, and a SCSI-to-USB 2.0 solution.
• 18-bit video inadequate, restoring AppleWorks speed, Macintosh display info, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.09. Also problems importing AppleWorks drawings and a damaged, unfixable mail database in Outlook Express 5.
• Millions vs. thousands of colors: What's the difference?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.04.07. Once again Apple is being sued over a Mac that can display 'only' 262,144 colors per pixel, not the millions it claims. Does it realy matter?
• Mac again: Picking the right MacBook, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2008.02.27. The 5-year-old PowerBook needed replacing, but is the MacBook Air or the regular MacBook the better choice?
• Too few USB ports in too many Macs, developer Leopard ran on Yikes, Mac IIfx RAM heaven, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.16. Also Macworld Expo disappoints, Pismo a great field computer, using flash memory in vintage Macs, and Word vs. Pages for academic writing.
• Restore stability to a troubled Mac with a clean system install, Keith Winston, Linux to Mac, 2008.01.15. If your Mac is misbehaving, the best fix just might be a fresh reinstallation of Mac OS X - don't forget to backup first.
• We need more than 2 USB ports in MacBooks, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.01.14. There's something wrong when you can't plug a thumb drive, mouse, and printer into a notebook computer at the same time.
• External $100 Sony DVD burner likes Macs, Brian Gray, Fruitful Editing, 2007.10.10. The box and manual say nothing about Mac compatibility, but this 18x USB 2.0 DVD burner is plug-and-play (at least with Tiger).
• FastMac 8x SuperDrive and BurnAgain DVD: Fast and easy multisession disc burning, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.10.08. FastMac's 8x SuperDrive upgrade is remarkably fast compared with older PowerBook burners, and BurnAgain DVD makes it easy to append files to a previously burned CD or DVD.
• Does a college freshman need to run Windows on a MacBook?, Al Poulin, My Turn, 2007.07.24. While you can run Windows on today's Intel-based Macs, is there any reason most college students would want to or need to?
• Is more RAM more important than matched RAM in the MacBook?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.05.25. Other World Computing has benchmarked 15 configurations with six programs and concluded that more memory is better than matched modules. Are they right?
• 1 core, 2 cores, 4 cores, 8: How much difference does it make?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.04.10. Geekbench scores make it possible to compare the newest 3 GHz 8-core Mac Pro with the 1.5 GHz Core Solo Mac mini - and all the models in between.
• CrossOver: Run Windows apps on Intel Macs without Windows, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2007.02.28. If you need to run Windows apps on your Intel Mac once in a while, CrossOver may be the least expensive way to do so since it eliminates the need to buy a copy of Windows.
• Simple ergonomics for the road warrior, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 2007.01.16. The benefits of external keyboards and mice, laptop stands, typing gloves, and anti-RSI software for notebook users.
• Parallels revisited: Release version far more polished than beta, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2006.11.21. Parallels lets you run Windows or Linux without rebooting your Intel-based Mac, and it's made great strides since the beta came out earlier this year.
• To AppleCare or not to AppleCare?, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.11.20. Consumer Reports, which generally recommends against extended warranties, says AppleCare makes sense. But does it?
• Pre-2006 software: The big reason you shouldn't buy an Intel Mac today, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2006.11.09. If you work with software that predates the Intel transition, you may be better off sticking with PowerPC Macs. And if you use classic apps, you definitely want to avoid Intel.
• Better laptop performance: What's the best upgrade?, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.10.09. Memory, CPU, bus speed, and hard drives all impact performance and battery life. Which upgrades will give you the most up time in the field?
• 7 tools for keeping your laptop (uh, notebook) cool, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.07.24. A quick look at the Podium CoolPad, ChillMat, ChillHubs, Laptop Desk, Xpad, iLap, and iBreeze - seven stands designed to keep you 'Books running cooler.
• The amazing auto-muting headphone jack, Dan Moren, MacUser, 2006.07.01. If you have your MacBook's volume muted and plug in headphones, it turns on the sound - and mutes it when you unplug the headphones.
• Drive matters, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.06.14. There's more to picking the right hard drive than size, spindle speed, buffer size, and price. But how can a 5400 rpm drive ever outperform a 7200 rpm drive?
• Upgraded PowerBook vs. new MacBook: Which makes more sense?, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.06.12. Especially for serious gamers, the older PowerBooks with their graphics processors and dedicated memory run circles around the low-end Intel GMA950 graphics of the MacBook.
• Power strategies for using your 'Book in the field: Batteries and AC adapters, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.06.05. One or two extra batteries and at least one spare AC adapter can be essential when you're traveling and need to get hours and hours of use from your 'Book.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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