Apple today unveiled the newly designed MacBook, the world’s most advanced consumer notebook featuring the Intel Core Duo processor and a gorgeous new 13-inch glossy widescreen display, all in a sleek design that is up to five times faster than the iBook and up to four times faster than the 12-inch PowerBook. Together with the 15-and 17-inch MacBook Pros, the new MacBook completes Apple’s Intel-based portables lineup and replaces both the iBook and the 12-inch PowerBook, as MacDailyNews first reported back on January 11, 2006. Apple’s entire portables lineup now offers Intel Core Duo processors; a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go; breakthrough Front Row media experience with Apple Remote; and several advanced features including DVI with dual display support, optical digital audio input and output, Gigabit Ethernet, Sudden Motion Sensor, Scrolling TrackPad and MagSafe Power Adapter.
“Apple began the transition to Intel Core Duo-based notebooks in February with the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and now just 90 days later we have completed the transition with the release of the all new MacBook,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, in the press release. “The complete MacBook lineup leads the industry with Apple’s trademark innovative design and advanced mobile features — from top to bottom it is the best notebook line that we have ever offered.”
With prices starting at $1,099, the MacBook lineup includes three models: a 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz MacBook in a newly-designed white enclosure and a 2.0 GHz MacBook in a new black enclosure. The new MacBook offers performance up to five times faster than the iBook and up to four times faster than the 12-inch PowerBook with a completely new system architecture including a 667 MHz front-side bus and 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable to 2GB. At about one-inch thin, the new MacBook is 20 percent thinner than the iBook and features a gorgeous new 13-inch glossy widescreen display. With a display that is 79 percent brighter than the iBook and the 12-inch PowerBook, the MacBook provides incredibly crisp images with richer colors, deeper blacks and significantly greater contrast. At a resolution of 1280 x 800, the MacBook display provides 30 percent more viewing area than the iBook and the 12-inch PowerBook.
Every new MacBook comes with a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go using Apple’s award-winning iChat AV, or recording a video Podcast or iMovie using iLife ’06. MacBook also includes Photo Booth, Apple’s fun-to-use application that lets users take quick snapshots with the built-in iSight video camera, add entertaining visual effects and share their pictures with the touch of a button. The new MacBook gives customers a simple way to enjoy their digital lifestyle content wherever they go — including music, photos and videos from across the room using the Apple Remote. With Front Row, users can effortlessly access shared iTunes playlists, iPhoto libraries and video throughout their home via Bonjour, Apple’s zero configuration wireless networking built into Mac OS X.
Designed to withstand the rigors of life on the go, every MacBook comes with Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter, created especially for mobile users that makes charging the notebook’s battery easier than ever by magnetically coupling the power cord to the MacBook. The MagSafe Power Adapter safely disconnects from the notebook when there is strain on the power cord, helping to prevent the notebook from falling off its work surface. Every MacBook also includes Apple’s Sudden Motion Sensor that is designed to protect the hard drive in case of a fall, and all MacBooks include a Scrolling TrackPad to easily scroll through long web pages or pan across large photographs.
With the latest high-performance connectivity options, every new MacBook includes built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11g WiFi for up to 54 Mbps fast wireless networking, built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), two USB 2.0 ports, combination analog and optical digital audio input and output ports, and a mini-DVI video output to connect up to a 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display.
Every MacBook includes iLife ’06, the next generation of Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb, a new iLife application that makes it super-easy to create amazing websites with photos, blogs and Podcasts and publish them on .Mac for viewing by anyone on the Internet with just a single click. All the iLife ’06 applications run natively on the new Intel-based MacBooks for maximum performance.
Every MacBook also comes with the latest release of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.6 “Tiger” including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth, running natively on Apple’s Intel-based notebook line. Mac OS X Tiger includes an innovative software translation technology called Rosetta that lets customers run most Mac OS X PowerPC applications seamlessly. Intel-based Mac customers have more than 1,700 Universal applications to choose from and the list is growing each day with hundreds of developers including Adobe, Quark and IBM’s Lotus division announcing support for Mac OS X Intel-based applications. An updated list of Universal applications for Mac OS X is available at http://guide.apple.com/universal
The new MacBook is available immediately through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple today also increased processor speeds on both models of the 15-inch MacBook Pro, delivering even greater performance at no additional cost. The $2,499 model now includes a 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from 2.0 GHz, and the $1,999 model now includes a 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from 1.83 GHz. Beginning today, the MacBook Pro also offers the new glossy widescreen display as a CTO option on both the 15-and 17-inch models at no additional cost.
The 1.83 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of US$1,099, includes:
• 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness
• 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor
• 667 MHz front-side bus
• 512MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB
• 60GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor
• a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)
• built-in iSight video camera
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• Scrolling TrackPad
• Infrared Apple Remote
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,299, includes:
• 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo processor
• 667 MHz front-side bus
• 512MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB
• 60GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor
• a slot-load SuperDrive(TM) (DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)
• built-in iSight video camera
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• Scrolling TrackPad
• Infrared Apple Remote
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch black MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,499, includes:
• 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness
• 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo processor
• 667 MHz front-side bus
• 512MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB
• 80GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor
• a slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)
• built-in iSight video camera
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
• Scrolling TrackPad
• Infrared Apple Remote
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 80GB, 100GB or 120GB 5400 rpm hard drive, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple USB Modem, Apple Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, and the AppleCare Protection Plan.
See the new Apple MacBooks here.
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Related articles:
Apple’s new Mac mini: perfect for HDTV – March 01, 2006
Apple Mac mini’s Intel GMA950 Integrated Graphics Core reviewed – March 01, 2006
Old Apple Mac mini G4 vs. new Mac mini’s graphics and video specs – February 28, 2006
RUMOR: Apple iBook to become ‘MacBook’ while ‘MacBook Pro’ will offer more screen size choices soon – January 11, 2006
pbs –
it HAS firewire.
5.2 lbs and only integrated graphics for $1100+ ?????!!!!!!
what a joke
Apple is not going risk financial destruction to get you a $899 laptop. They have a predefined margin percentage on this stuff (read my previous post). If you want cheap crap, there’s plenty of it out there. You don’t like cult, fanboy stuff, well, I don’t like anti-corporate whiney BS.
There is a firewire port.
educational discount only saves you $100 on the 2.0 ghz. No discount on the 1.83 ghz.
“the mbp is miles better than this crap”
Thats why they are PRO!!!! MBP is supposed to be better you fool.
Also, they are not crap, I will be getting one, only problem is I can’t decide Black or White??
What everyone think, Black or White?
only one optical drive? Apple you’ve just took two steps back!
How is it that other manufactures can get 13.3′ notebooks under 4lbs WITH discreet video and APPLE, the utterly amazing design company gives us this desktop replacement of a notebook with crap intel 950 graphics. Do they want anybody to purchase this hunk of trash?
I can’t believe the attitude here.
The specs on the machine are fantastic – we got a Core Duo for christs sake!
Plus:
iSight
remote
thinner
MagSafe
How can you be disappointed? What the heck did you expect? That the specs would be better than the MacBook Pro? This is the low end, but a bloody wicked low end.
Apple’s $1099 price is excellent – especially considering all the standard features. PC laptops for $700-$900 never include all the features people want, and when they add the desired upgrades the price is always closer to or even higher than Apple’s. Sure, it’d be nice if Apple offered a stripped down version without some of the buzz and whistles just so they could advertise a lower starting price, but that’s not how they do business. I’m sure they will sell all they can make of these new Macbooks.
For those complaining about the size compared to the old 12″…
The MacBook 13″ is smaller than the iBook 12″.
12.78 x 8.92x 1.08 = 123.12 cubic inches
versus
11.2 x 9.06 x 1.35 = 136.99 cubic inches.
OK, so it’s largely down to it being much slimmer, but overall the volume is down and there aer more dots on the screen too. I think this qualifies as positive progress.
Glossy screen is no good for me. Sorry Apple. I was really waiting for the MacBook.
Big Boy, they packed more features into it and lowered the price over the old iBook G4. They didn’t mess up the price at all. Sure you can get a bottom of the barrel POS AMD Turdion for $800, but you get what you pay for. You didn’t really want to buy the new Macbook, and now you’re justifying it by finding everything wrong with it that you can. Whatever helps you sleep at night I guess.
Ignoring price etc, which looks better,
BLACK or WHITE?
Sixty-third post!!!!!!!!
Big Boy-
I think I understood most of your incoherent babble. Some of it even seemed like proper English. Here’s the bottom line: For run-of-the-mill consumers, this machine will be great. It’s got a decent screen, nice features, and is affordable. Since I’m a graphic designer and video editor, I will be upgrading my PowerBook to a MacBook Pro. Simply put, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it.
Black one is nice. Buut I can see the problem now: which one to choose!
I just went to the Apple website and maxed-out a Black MacBook…it came out to $2600!! Holy expensive Batman! I mean, 2 Gigs of RAM costs an additional $500!!
I’d go out and get a MacBookPro if you’re looking to spend some decent cash on a portable. $1099 isn’t bad for the entry level if you’re just looking for a great laptop to have fun with…but anything above that I would caution against.
Many are asking “why” on the gloss screen. I think it is merely to keep up with the other portable computers out there. I had a friend of mine ready to get a MacBook Pro but she opted for a PC because it had the glossy screen. All she does is surf the internet and some word processing but the freaking glossy screen made here get a PC. So, many out there think that the glossy screen looks better. I wish her luck with the mess that is Windows media center edition.
Looks great to me, but I can’t wait for the new Apple TV spot featuring AC/DC . . . think about it . . . think about it . . . okay, “Mac in Black”.
To all you business execuives that are whining about this new computer, why should these price points be any surpise? These are Apple’s price points. This is what the consumer models sell for and since the G3 iBook the price point has not change.
Apple does a great job of maintaining its price points and staying profitable; unlike Dell, Gateway, etc. that are competing for the lower tiered market and losing money. Profit margin and cash flow is everything. And for Apple to survive as a viable company both of those things must be maintained.
Further, Apple is not for everybody. Apple is not trying to sell to everybody. There are a handful of people in the world that want what Apple offers. If you don’t like the value you receive when you buy a Mac, move on.
They’ll sell millions of these. They pass my drool test, which is how I know which Apple products will succeed or not.
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I’m pretty sure if you go to Sony or HP and configure a CORE DUO machine it will be as much or more with less features. Dell can probably be discounted with coupons for less, but these are more competitive than people are thinking. Remember, many of the rumors were pointing to a Core Solo in the 1099 model. I’m very pleased to get a 1.8 duo loaded at this pricepoint.
Can anyone show me a Duo machine with these specs for less?
Apple priced them the way they have always priced them; higher than the competition, but also including more than the Windoze junk.
So they didn’t mess up, as they’ve sold plenty in the last three years. And they will sell plenty in the coming months.
$1099 for a 1.83GHz Core Duo is great given all the other stuff included. The 1.83 is a surprise – most would’ve been happy with a 1.67 Core Duo (not Core Solo). Anyway, they’ll drop to $999 before Christmas.
Apple priced the black more because they’re betting that some people will be willing to pay more just for black. They could’ve done it for the nano and still sell them like hotcakes but they didn’t. This is just smart business…
And finally, the speed bumps on the MBPs are nice.
Near-identical specs to the mac mini (save for the proc. speed). $300-$700 more. Ouch.
We’re all agreed:
– $150 for black is weak.
– Glossy display is a loser.
– Price increase over the mini is too much.
– Where’s the rumored iPod update?
So that’s gonna have to hold you ’til August. Take it or leave it.