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
Apple must be the only computer manufacturer whose prices have been consistently going UP. (Yes, you get more each time, but the price-to-play has been rising on Macs.) And with the diminishing education discounts, the effective price for students and teachers has been rising even faster. It’s possible Apple is sacrificing long-term customer base for short-term profits.
My 12″ G4 powerbook is the best and most compact laptop computer I have ever owned. I almost sold it recently, thinking that a new 12″ MacBook Pro was just around the corner! But now…
Doesn’t it figure that the most nearly perfect model in the lineup would be the one to be discontinued?????????????????????
I agree with most everyone here that I’m also a bit disappointed. Integrated graphics suck, they always have sucked, and always will suck in the forseeable future. The GMA950 is no better than it’s predecessors, regardless of pixel engines, pipelines, etc. The simple fact that video’s number one bottleneck is RAM, and RAM alone, means that as long as you share memory you’re going to have a huge underperformer.
While the Radeo 9600 on the iBook wasn’t awesome – it was truckloads better than the GMA950. At least I could play WoW on my iBook.
Damn.
Just like the Mac Mini. Apple’s going to mainstream consumerism on their products. I also agree that $999 would have been a more effective price point – they could have ditched the built-in iSight and saved the $100.
If you don’t think people will pay an extra $200 for a Black Mac, then you just don’t understand Apple. This is not Dell.
Big Boy, you don’t know the history of Microjunk…. I do.
nonarKitten –
And why won’t you be able to play WoW on a MacBook? It easily satisfies the system requirements.
I love the new MacBook. Better than expected. The price is fine. I think they’re awesome. My order is in already!!
I’m Partyin’ !!!!!!!!
I’m amazed that Apple would not want to get the price of the entry-level MacBook under $1000.
Here’s my challenge:
Try writing a comment without using third grade level adjectives such as “stupid,” “idiot,” and “crap.” I know it will be challenging, but the exercise of your brain will do you good.
Just try it for a day and see if you don’t regain the use of dormant intelligence, and, feeling invigorated, even impress yourself.
Have at it.
By the way, anybody who gets a black one is friggin’ stupid, ’cause it’s a piece of crap only an idiot would like. I’m gonna get me a white one ’cause it’s kewel! (Kidding!)
alansky: My 12″ G4 powerbook is the best and most compact laptop computer I have ever owned.
I couldn’t agree more. I think today made me love my 12″ PB even more. From what it stands at now, I don’t even want a mac book. Maybe in a year or two I’ll look into whatever macbook pro is the hot ticket item. Until then I’ll be happy with my 12″ PB with apple care.
PS awesome name.
There is much, much more intelligent and useful discussion of the new MacBooks at Slashdot http://apple.slashdot.org/apple/06/05/16/1258213.shtml
Not just a bunch of ads like this site. This whole page is just an ad, and man, I hate those green ads. What a slap in the face.
Am I the only one here who thinks Tom Cruise is hillarious?
“You don’t know the history of _________. I do.”
Ok, so, it’s not funny on it’s own but when you find it in every story it gets to be pretty damn funny.
Duper says “I’m amazed that Apple would not want to get the price of the entry-level MacBook under $1000.”
——–
With the specs on the new MacBook there was no way they could have done it. The components used make the MacBook considerably more expensive to manufacture than the iBook.. Even at $1099 I’d be willing to bet that Apple has cut it’s profit margin compared to the iBook.
-The 13′ widescreen costs significantly more than the 12″ screen on the $999 iBook ($143 is Apple’s cost.)
-The core-duo chip is considerably more expensive than the 5 year old g4 chip.
-iSight Cam
-MagSafe connector and latch
-Remote control
-Gigabit ethernet
-Digital audio in/out connectors
All of these upgrades boil down to one thing, A more expensive machine to manufacture.
Of course, Apple probably could have offered a stripped down single core processor without all of the extra features and got down to below $1000, but Apple is not about selling the cheapest products available.. They are about selling the best products available.
You will always be able to buy a cheaper Dell, but you get what you pay for.
“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.”
Buy a new briefcase……
Bill asks “Am I the only one here who thinks Tom Cruise is hillarious?”
——–
Yes.
If everyone hates the new Macbook this much, it’s going to make it a much shorter wait for me to get one – was worried that there would be a shortage
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You know…I click on MDN everyday to read these blogs. Not only are they hilarious, but it really makes me appreciate the fact that I DO have a life! So my ex-wife was wrong! Woo hoo!
Up close pics of the black MacBook here:
http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1748
Notice the letters on the keyboard are centered within each key instead of being placed on the lower left-corner of each key.
Mike K, I am all for a core solo. That would fit me fine and thousands would agree with me I would bet.
Big Boy says “Mike K, I am all for a core solo. That would fit me fine and thousands would agree with me I would bet.”
———-
Maybe.. I agree that psychologically, $999 sounds better than $1099.. BUT, when it boils down to consumers actually making a purchase, I believe that few people would actually choose a single-core machine without the bells and whistles when they could get a dual-core machine with twice the performance and many extra features for a measly hundred bucks.
I just wish they would make 1GB RAM standard across the line, show people what OS X and iLife can really do.
Mike K, $899 ($200) not $999 ($100)
You pay a premium for a Mac. Why is this so surprising to everyone? Apple is not looking to compete with Dell and Gateway on pricing anymore than BMW wants to compete with Hyundai. You’re shocked that you can configure a Dell with “similar” hardware specs for less money than a MacBook? No surprise there. Inferior products generally cost less than superior ones. Macs simply have much more to offer than PCs out of the box.
Let’s look at what you get on a Mac that you don’t get with a Windows XP laptop:
1. OSX. As a life-long Windows user until 1 year ago, the OSX experience alone is worth an extra $200 to me.
2. iLife. PC users, you don’t know what you’re missing. iPhoto and iMovie alone are life-changing software applications for anyone with a digital camera and/or camcorder. And they come bundled on a Mac.
3. Style. If you don’t think style and design matter than you’re not a Mac person. Move on.
And what you don’t get on a Mac:
1. Viruses
2. Spyware
3. Worms
4. Etc.
That’s a lot to pay for black v.s. white.
6 words for all of you. Total cost of long-term ownership!
My 333 Lombard was a screamer way back then and is still running Tiger now. I paid 2,600 with an additional battery. No camera, no bluetooth, no firewire, no wireless, and no DVD burner.
If this Macbook holds up the same way, the total cost of long-term ownership will be pennies.
I just wish they had a red one.