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
Whether you think this is a good value or not, it is interesting to see the reaction from the street:
http://www.google.com/finance?q=AAPL
Yep, The street even thinks the pricing sucks!
Okay, I, for one, am hugely excited. When I can justify replacing my lovely little 800 mHz 12″ iBook I’ll be upgrading to this. If it wasn’t still chugging along happily and with no problems, I’d be ordering one. As it is, hopefully I’ll be able to buy one about a year from now, when problems will have been ironed out and the price will have dropped.
Big Boy,
AAPL generally always takes a dive when new products are released. This is typical and nothing new. It will rebound to a higher level by weeks end.
Oh my God, my partner just configured a Sony with the same specs and it was 2K with no extra software like iLife. The 14″ Dell mentioned above for a grand does not include a webcam the new magnetic technology, dual touchpad, the anti fall gizmo, etc… AND is forced to used XP and no ilife or other bundled apps. This bottom end Mac may be there BEST deal in the Apple lineup, there isnt as cheap a deal in the PC world today!!! Way to go Apple. They will sell zillions of them. (go look at the price points on the HP version, and even the Assus who makes them has a similar model for almost 2K!!!)
I am concerned about the glossy screeen however. My partners new Dell 17″ glossy screen is anoying. Hopefully these are nicer to live with. I use mine for DVD playback/Ichat/Safari/itunes mostly, so not too worried.
Seriously gang, those of you complaining about price should look at the bargain basement PC’s, this is an amazing value IMHO.
Big Boy,
Get your Turion. Who the hell cares what you do? Does the Turion have exactly everything the Macbook has? I doubt it. Match up the specs exactly and let us know what the price is. I get what Apples doing, you don’t. They are including all of the best options on their computers. You get them even if you don’t think you need them. You may end up using them and realize that they are great and you do like them. That’s Apple’s game plan. If you don’t like it don’t buy one. Get lost. Scram.
Forgive my ranting everyone, but i just configured my new machine and am ready to buy:
Bottom of the line unit upgraded with 1 gig RAM, upped to an 80 gig internal, and an extra mini-DVI addaptor and my total is $1268.
Thats a nice config for that pricepoint.
i think the price is totally fine and im buying one.
one thing though i would like to be able to upgrade to a superdrive on the lowest priced model and you cant do that, you have to go the next model up, which may or may not work out to the same price.
thats the only thing that bugs me.
for everyone that winging about price try and get a dell or anything pc with those specs for less.
cmon try instead of whinging.
It’s two inches wider than the 12 inch Powerbook, and half a pound heavier. It’s too big for me to carry in my briefcase.
Looks good to me — the black one will go nicely with my iPod video.
Only one thing… I’ll have to inspect one in a store to make sure which screen to go for…
But… I want it NOW!!
I really don’t understand the issues people have with pricing. It’s a hundred more. Big deal. The iSight alone is like, what?, 130 or 150. Plus a Core Duo chip (which I think was kind of unexpected) and all sorts of stuff that is now standard that used to be totally optional. Man, when did Mac fans turn into such whiners??
To the people asking about battery life, the “wireless” page states this:
“MacBook offers up to 6 hours of battery life. (2.5 hours of DVD playback, 3.5 hours with wireless turned on.)”
DAMN!!! Intel integrated gfx. iGuess I’m not getting 1 now. iReally need a new computer too. Oh well, guess I’ll wait until the end of the yr to c what else develops.
Big Momma says “I really don’t understand the issues people have with pricing. It’s a hundred more. Big deal. The iSight alone is like, what?, 130 or 150. Plus a Core Duo chip (which I think was kind of unexpected) and all sorts of stuff that is now standard that used to be totally optional. Man, when did Mac fans turn into such whiners??”
———
Agreed! And don’t forget the $999 iBook was a 12″, the $1099 is a 13.3″ widescreen! No complaints here.
Big Boy, there are trolls and there are trolls … one kind talks trash while the other waits under a bridge to mug you. The latter is not known for its ‘smarts’ or manners.
My opinion on this:
=> I think Apple messed up when they priced it over $1,000! They should have found a way to hit that magic number.
=> $150 for the glory of ‘black’? That suggests:
-=> a) they want to be seen offering it
-=> b) they don’t really want many of these out there
-=> c) they want it to be a status symbol – Hi, I’m Rich and Stupid
=> ‘glossy’ screen the only option? WHY?!?!?
Nice package, overall … I’ll be saving my pennies for a base model with extra RAM and a bigger HD … ~$1,300 to replace my 12″ iBook with a nice wide screen and four times the horses.
One question guys.
whats your intepretation of how the integrated graphics will effect the battery life?
would you expect it to increase the life or decrease it?
STILL NO PCMCIA SLOT!!! Good luck adding your Verizon or Sprint Broadband cards to these things. And yes, $1100 is to high a price point for this krap! Apple just doesn’t listen to its costumer’s.
iReally need a new computer too. Oh well, guess I’ll wait until the end of the yr to c what else develops.
So you NEED a new one, but can wait until the end of the year ?
That means you don’t NEED one, you just WANT one.
The specs won’t change much this year. The processors will get faster maybe, as new models are released. That’s about it.
so many stupid apple fan boi here.
fan boi who never admit themselves fanboi.
stupid fanboi.
i’ve been using mac for years and love my mac a lot, but i’m not blind and above all, i’m not fan boi.
compared to the macbook pro i mean
Am I the only one who misses the latch? How does this thing close? Magnetic?
Given that Apple will not be able to produce enough MacBooks in the foreseeable future (and because coolness is a big selling point) I perfectly understand why the black one costs more. When sales will slow they will lower the price. (“Now 200$ less” sounds good too
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These books sure are cool, the price point is extremely competitive, you won’t find a comparable Windows laptop (OK, a laptop capable of running *only” windows…).
For $1100 bux you can get a great computer. My last laptop cost over $2000 and it lasted 5 years. The specs are better than the iBook and it only costs $100 more.
from the way some people are going on they wanted apple to give them away. oh noes…Apple is charging a fair price and probably making a profit…why can’t they be commodity priced like HP and Dell???
the price is fine. now I have to decide on iMac or MacBook.
magic word = growth as in market share needs some growth
C
2 gigs max- yay! up to 224 megs for video, dvi out, up to 2046×1536 on an external display. 1080p capable. TELL me that doesn’t kick ass! Knee jerk to integrated is that it sucks, but it doesn’t. You fools.
You don’t know the history of things that are 13″ and black. I do.
Lets get one thing straight:
MacBook Pro = Pro user computer
MacBook = Consumer user computer
If you use your comp for just email, web browsing, writing letters, dowloading songs etc, GET A MACBOOK!
You do not need a high definition screen to do this or 2gb RAM or a faster harddrive.
I have my own design company and bought a MacBook Pro because I need as much power as possible and as high a definition screen as possible for me to do my day to day work with.
I would get a MacBook for my wife, who would be extremely happy with it’s power and looks.
Not good enough for professional use, but then THAT IS WHAT THE MACBOOK PRO IS NOT DESIGNED FOR.
Regarding the price, you pay for what you get!
I upgrade my macs once every 6 years, and buy the most highly specced ones available at the time because they are an investment in the future.
Price may be a deal breaker for some, but think about how long you are gonna keep your mac… pound for poun it works out a hell of alot cheaper!