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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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
“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. “
The G3 iBook 300 (clamshell) was around $1500 for the base model.
Price is right for me. I think Apple will strike an accord with many buyers.
“I would like to see a medium charcoal grey.”
——————–
Ohhh… that would be nice.
Actually, the black reminds me of the old PowerBooks. I think it’s very cool.
Looking forward to seeing it in person…but looks like I’ll be sticking with my iBook G4 for a little while longer.
Wonder if I should pick up a spare power adapter and a couple of spare batteries; when they changed the power adapter on the iBooks, I had a heck of a time getting a replacement for the adapter on my clamshell iBook…
Nick says “I looked into it, and the MacBook supports up to 1920*1200 resolution on an external display. In other words, it will support 1080p HD video on the 30 inch display just fine.”
——-
I may be wrong, but I’m still not convinced that it will power the 30″ display even at 1920*1200…
The below text is taken directly from the Apple MacBook site and says nothing about 30″ support:
“Dual Purpose
Get the big picture when you join your MacBook with either a stunning 20- or 23-inch Apple Cinema Display by way of a crystal-clear connection miniDVI port. (Requires miniDVI to DVI adapter, sold separately.)”
It’s such an awesome package and price.
The only reason I’m complaining about the integrated graphics is that I’d rather have one of these than my MacBook Pro, but silly Aperture requires dedicated graphics.
Curse Apple for making the MacBook more cool than the MacBook Pro! AAARRRGH!
Mike: “I may be wrong, but I’m still not convinced that it will power the 30″ display even at 1920*1200…”
Dude, the 30″ display is a freaking DVI monitor that supports 1920*1200 resolution. How could the MacBook not work with it? I mean, I might be wrong too, but come on! =)
if the mini can theoretically be upgraded via a cpu swap, is the same true of these?
Because only certain GPU’s will power the 30″ at any resolution.
>Tell you what, instead of taking your girlfriend out to dinner and a movie this weekend, tell her you’re gonna pick up Chinese food and a rent a movie from Blockbuster..
Honey, I’d really like to treat you nice, but I need the money to buy a computer instead
let us all know how that works out for you…
Nick, I just confirmed that the MacBook WILL NOT support a 30″ display at any resolution. The 30′ display requires a dual-link DVI connector which is not supported by the MacBook.
How did you confrm it Mike? Did someone actually try it at an Apple store? I’m still skeptical – I’ve read people claiming that the 30 display works with ordinary DVI, but just won’t run at native resolution.
I asked on the Appleinsider forums and received a response from a senior member who confirmed my suspicion.
The 30″ display is actually split in half. A single link DVI will only power half of the display regardless of resolution. That’s why dual link GPU’s are required to run a 30″. One link per side, that’s why they take up two card slots in a PowerMac. That’s also why the Apple MacBook page clearly states that only a 20″ and 23″ display can be used, both are single link displays.
Nick, you can call an Apple store or Apple directly (1-800-my-apple) if you’re still in doubt. But I assure you, it’s true.
I thinks its the best priced notebook on the market today. I just wish they had pink.
Unless something newer comes along by Christmas, I will get my wife the bottom end white one with at least 1G of ram. 512M of ram is insufficient for OS X and especially on a shared memory graphics computer. I am waiting mainly for the early design bugs to be caught and corrected.
In a few years, or maybe less, I will spring for a Mac Pro barn burner with a lot of cores.
Guys, WTF about the glossy display? You either use it, or get an anti glare film and have exactly what you want.
Ugh.
Oh, yeah: rubes.
Mike K:
That’s a shame if it’s true. That 30″ display supports 1920*1200 resolution, so it would probably just take another $10 of parts incorporated to make it work with ordinary DVI. I guess it’s in Apple’s best interest to upsale people though.
It’s nice that Apple is giving people the option of those super-high-glare displays on the MacBook Pro; some people like them a lot. Too bad it’s the only option for the MacBooks.
They are good for watching your back though – I guarantee nobody will sneak up behind you, since you’ll see their reflection in your glossy screen!
Nick, I don’t think you understand…
Yes, the 30″ display does support 1920*1200, however a dual link GPU is required to drive a 30″.. The 30″ display is literally split into two seperate halves internally. A GPU that supports dual link connectivity is a lot more expensive than $10. It’s not just the connector that won’t work, it’s the whole integrated GPU in the MacBook.
A dual link GPU can be likened to a dual-core processor. It’s essentially to gpu’s in one. And the price difference is several hundred dollars, not ten.
Mike:
Dude, I know about dual-link DVI and all of that. I was talking about the display itself – you could add a single-link DVI port along with switching circuitry for about $10 of parts. My Dell 20″ widescreen monitor at home supports VGA and DVI, for example. Get it?
For all those worried about the glare from the glossy screens… not a problem as far as I could tell. I just got back from the Apple Store and a test drive on the MacBook. The screen is fine, sooo much brighter than the old screen on the iBook. The glare problem, considering how bright and glitzy the Apple store is, was no worse than it was on an old iBook sitting right next to it. More so, because the screen is so much brighter, the glare actually seemed reduced and the image sharper.
That was my big worry… no it’s gone.
Rob
Maczeus:
You can get a dual-link DVI graphics card for under $100, so if by “several” you meant “less than one”, then I agree with you on the cost of a dual-link DVI graphics card.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814142060
http://www.connect3d.com/products/pcie_x1600pro.htm
But anyways, I was talking about the 30″ cinema display, not the MacBook.