13" MacBook (Core Duo)

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Overview

We've been waiting quite a while to see what Apple would replace the iBook with, and the rumored 13.3" widescreen MacBook is now a reality.

The biggest surprise is that Apple is replacing both the iBook line and the 12" PowerBook with the 13" MacBook, greatly simplifying their line of notebook computers.

New to the entry level are built-in iSight, a glossy screen, and support for extended desktop mode, something not officially supported with iBooks. The top-end MacBook comes in a gorgeous black finish. The MacBook uses the same MagSafe power connector as the MacBook Pro line. MagSafe is designed to detach itself when someone trips over the cord, preventing your MacBook from crashing to the floor.

One unexpected new feature is auto-unmute, for lack of a better name. If your MacBook's volume is set on mute and you plug in headphones, it immediately turns on the volume. And it mutes as soon as you unplug the headphones. Clever.

From the very beginning, there has been some controversy over the MacBook's glossy, reflective screen and unusual keyboard, which looks like a throwback to the era of "chicklet" keyboards.

The MacBook is available in three configurations:

1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo, Combo drive, 60 GB 5400 rpm hard drive, 512 MB RAM, Intel 950 graphics, built-in iSight, and a 1280 x 800 display for US$1,099 in white.
2.0 GHz, SuperDrive, 60 GB hard drive, otherwise identical specs to above, US$1,299 in white
2.0 GHz, 80 GB hard drive, otherwise identical to 2.0 GHz model, US$1,499 in black

Build-to-order options include 1 GB and 2 GB RAM configurations and larger hard drives.

Built around Intel's Core Duo CPU, the MacBook claims up to 5x the performance of the iBook.

Just like the other Macintel models, the MacBook comes with Front Row and a remote control.

Intel-based Macs use a partitioning scheme known as GPT. Only Macintel models can boot from GPT hard drives. Both PowerPC and Intel Macs can boot from APM (Apple's old partitioning scheme) hard drives, which is the format you must use to create a universal boot drive in Leopard. Power PC Macs running any version of the Mac OS prior to 10.4.2 cannot mount GPT volumes. PowerPC Macs won't let you install OS X to a USB drive or choose it as your startup volume, although there is a work around for that.

Battery life should be comparable to the iBook.

Details

introduced 2006.05.16 at US$1,099 (1.83 GHz white 512/60), US$1,299 (2.0 GHz white 512/60) and US$1,499 (2.0 GHz black 512/80). 1 GB/80 white version at US$1,449 added 2006.07, replaced by Core 2 model 2006.10.08.
requires Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later
Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" compatibility
- Grand Central Dispatch is supported.
- 64-bit operation is not supported with Core Solo or Core Duo CPUs. Upgrading with a Core 2 Duo CPU will not change that.
- OpenCL is not supported with the Intel GMA950 GPU.
CPU: 1.83/2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo (Yonah), soldered in place, no upgrade options
bus: 667 MHz
performance:
- Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 2411 (2.0 GHz), 2262 (1.83 GHz)
- Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 2468 (2.0 GHz), 2391 (1.83 GHz)
RAM: 512 MB (2 x 256 MB), expandable to 2 GB using PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM
Level 2 cache: 2 MB shared cache on CPU
Graphics: Intel GMA950 with resolution to 1920 x 1200 on external display (mini-DVI port), supports extended desktop.
- VRAM: 64 MB DDR2 SDRAM (shared with main memory, and according to Apple actually uses 80 MB of system RAM)
- video out: DVI 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, 800 x 600, 800 x 500, 720 x 480, and 640 x 480 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: 60 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA on 1.83 GHz model, 80 GB 5400 rpm drive on 2.0GHz, 100 GB and 120 GB optional
Combo drive: reads DVDs at 8x, writes CD-R at 24x, writes CD-RW at 16x, reads CDs at 24x
SuperDrive: writes DVD±R and DVD±RW at up to 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: 1 FW 400 port
IR port: none
IR receiver: supports Apple Remote
ethernet: 10/100/gigabit
modem: optional v.92 56k external USB modem
WiFi: 802.11g AirPort Extreme built in
Bluetooth: BT 2.0 built in
ExpressCard/34 slots: none
size: 8.92 x 12.78 x 1.08" (227 x 325 x 27.5 mm)
weight: 5.2 pounds (2.36 kg)
Part no.: MA245 (1.83 GHz), MA255 (2.0 GHz, white), MA472 (black)

Online Resources

Best online MacBook deals, updated biweekly.
Best Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6 deals. Best online prices for 'Leopard' and 'Snow Leopard'.
Best Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.4.
The road to obsolescence: Intel Core Duo users will be left behind, Steve Watkins, The Practical Mac, 2010.01.19. Mac OS X 10.7 may well be the version that leaves behind those with 32-bit Core Solo and Core Duo Macs from 2006.
The MacBook value equation: Incredible value, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.05.16. With a widescreen display, dual-core CPU, fast bus, and $1,099 base price, the MacBook isn't just a great value - it could gut sales of the 15" MacBook Pro.
Mac notebook value for the college student, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.08.20. "...Apple 'Books represent the best long-term value for money spent, not to mention user experience...."
Protect your notebook against loss, theft, data loss, and security breaches, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.08.25. 10 percent of laptops are lost or stolen every year. Tips on preventing theft, securing your data, and recovering from a lost, stolen, or broken notebook.
2 compact portable USB 2.0 hubs, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.01.12. Compact hubs from Targus and Proporta make a great complement to your notebook computer. Each accepts a third-party AC adapter to provide bus power.
OS X 10.6 requirements, why Apple owns the high end, when to upgrade your Mac, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.08.14. Also Microsoft Word patent infringement, BackPack shelf for iMac and Cinema Displays, two updated Bible study programs, and more.
No Final Cut 3 with Intel graphics, MacBook Pro hard drive lag, small USB 2.0 monitor, and more, The 'Book Review, 2009.08.07. Also 13" MacBook Pro 'a cut above the rest', Windows 7 to boost netbook prices, CPU Speed Menu, Logitech Unifying Receiver, bargain 'Books from $179 to $1,999, and more.
OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard for $29, run Windows on your Mac for Free, Update Breaks Office 2008, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.08.07. Also getting your Mac ready for Snow Leopard, Time Capsule doubles capacity, Picasa 3 for Mac, Bodega Mac app store, and more.
Optimized software builds bring out the best in your Mac, Dan Knight, Low End Mac's Online Tech Journal, 2009.06.30. Applications compiled for your Mac's CPU can load more quickly and run faster than ones compiled for universal use.
Intel's promise fulfilled: More processing power per processor cycle, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.06.30. Apple promised improved CPU efficiencies when it announced the move to Intel in 2005. Three years of MacBooks show the progress.
Low End Mac's Safe Sleep FAQ, Dan Knight, Online Tech Journal, 2009.06.15. What is Safe Sleep mode? Which Macs support it? How can you enable or disable it? And more.
The 'Safe Sleep' mailbag, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2009.06.15. Safe Sleep mode is enabled by default on modern MacBooks. How it works, and how to change how it works.
Tips for installing or reinstalling Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger', Adam Rosen, Adam's Apple, 2009.06.10. Mac OS X 10.4 uses less memory than Leopard, supports Classic Mode on PowerPC Macs, and, unlike Leopard, is supported on G3 Macs.
MacBook White updated, DIY Mac tablet, danger of 'Safe Sleep', $350 80 GB SSD kit, and more, The 'Book Review, 2009.05.29. Also Apple tablet 'confirmed', 3G and lower cost MacBook Air models rumored, 500 GB bus powered hard drive, Mini DisplayPort adapters, bargain 'Books from $179 to $2,299, and more.
Mac 'Book power management adventures, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.05.19. If your 'Book won't power up, shuts down while your working, or has other power issues, resetting its internal power manager may clear things up.
SSD RAID in MacBook Pro, MacBooks sweep Consumer Reports, new SSD drives from Imation, and more, The 'Book Review, 2009.05.11. Also OS X on the Dell Mini 9, MagSafe unsafe?, netbook vs. notebook performance, 8x SuperDrive for older MacBooks, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,200, and more.
Making the switch from a G4 PowerBook to a Unibody MacBook, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.03.17. The transition to an Intel-based Mac hasn't been without its problems - slow dialup performance, incompatibility with Eudora, and no real gain in speed with standby apps.
The 25 most important Macs, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.02.17. The 25 most significant Macs in the first 25 years of the platform, continued.
MacBook keyboard among best ever, glass trackpad less than intuitive, TiBook desktop mod, and more, The 'Book Review, 2009.01.09. Also $179 to change battery in 17in MacBook Pro, argument for an Apple netbook, MacBook Air SuperDrive hacked for any Mac, 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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
CodeWeavers brings Google's Chrome browser to Intel Macs, Alan Zisman, Zis Mac, 2008.10.02. Google's new Chrome browser uses separate processes for each tab and brings other changes to Windows users. Now Mac fans can try it as well.
SATA, SATA II, SATA 600, and Product Confusion Fatigue, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.09.08. In addition to the original SATA specification and the current 3 Gb/s specification, SATA revision 3.0 is just around the corner.
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.
MagSafe out of warranty replacement, nVidia Flaw Affecting Macs, MacBook Air revision soon, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.08.22. Also 160 GB microdrive from Intel, MacBooks on grocer's shelves, Intel future CPU plans, a checkpoint friendly notebook case, bargain 'Books from $220 to $2,699, and more.
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.
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.
SSD prices to dive, MacBook heat, solid state drives for MacBook and MacBook Pro, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.06.09. Also Scorpio 7200 rpm 300 GB notebook drive, USB 2.0/FireWire Blu-ray drive, Acer's tiny, low-cost Linux laptop, bargain 'Books from $180 to $2,699, and more.
Fast drives mean fast Macs, 256 MB SSD, 16:9 ratio notebook screens the new norm, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.05.30. Also Centrino 2 delayed, traveling with a MacBook Air, time for notebooks to drop internal optical drives, how to right click with a trackpad, bargain 'Books from $279 to $2,699, and more.
Mac value comes from productivity and MacBook integrated graphics debated, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.05.29. There are cheaper PC notebooks, but the Mac gains its value from increased productivity. Also whether onboard Intel graphics on the MacBook is inadequate.
WiMax likely, Apple not green enough, next MacBook in Q3, Cool Feet for notebooks, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.05.23. Also LED backlighting in all MacBooks in 2009, cooling down hot laptops, OLPC plans second generation laptop, universal Apple notebook battery charger, slim external third-party SuperDrive, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
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.
Firmware 1.5 screen blanking, air travel notebook stand, battery calibration, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.04.25. Also aluminum MacBook rumored, PowerBook converted to desktop, Apple IIgs converted to notebook, new battery tech may end explosions, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
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 dialup Internet, and a SCSI-to-USB 2.0 solution.
Mac benchmarks, firmware updates for all MacBooks, sleep-and-charge USB ports, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.04.11. Also troubleshooting the MacBook Air, keyboard protectors and sleeve cases for the MacBook Air, bargain 'Books from $150 to $3,099, and more.
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?
Intel preps 4-core notebook CPUs, 5400 rpm 1.8" hard drive from Toshiba, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.03.21. Also Intel and Samsung comment on Solid State Drive reliability, speeding up sleep mode on MacBooks, Microsoft losing ground with portable users, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
Maximum MacBook RAM, booting PowerPC Macs from USB, Eudora 8 'different', and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.03.12. Also possibly replacing a 1.33 GHz PowerBook with an Intel-based 'Book and recent iPod incompatibility with Panther.
$18 USB WiFi adapter, AirPort flaw in last gen iBook, SuperDrive failure in MacBook, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.02.26. Also DVD-RAM for MacBooks, the quietest MacBook, aluminum PowerBooks and Mac OS 9, and expansion slots in affordable Macs.
Solid state drive vs. hard drive in MacBook Air, Mac drivers for Atheros WiFi cards, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.02.08. Also MacBook Air reviewed, Intel offers new CPU to all, MacBook Pro update imminent, MBA teardown, 8x SuperDrive for MacBooks, bargain 'Books from $180 to $2,599, and more.
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.
MacBook nano rumored, laptop sales strong for holidays, MacBook Software Update 1.1, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.12.21. Ultralight MacBook expected at Macworld Expo, Software Update for MacBook and MacBook Pro, Sonnet's ExpressCard/34 memory card reader, and bargain 'Books from $140 to $2,599.
iPods, notebooks, and other modern electronics more readily replaced than repaired, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2007.12.07. Whether it's an intermittent failure or a broken display cable, more often than not it's cheaper to replace a broken electronics device than repair it.
MacBook replaces PowerBook: The name grows on you, Trevor Wale, One More Thing, 2007.12.04. A PowerBook by any other name would be as sweet, but it took a while to get comfortable with the new MacBook name.
Pros and cons of vampire video, another way to install Leopard, looking for EasyShare, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.11.29. More details on integrated graphics, going G4 on the cheap, more unsupported Leopard reports, the death of DropStuff, and more.
Merely adequate: Why you want to avoid integrated graphics, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.11.10. A couple years ago, Apple laughingly pointed at Windows PCs with 'integrated Intel graphics' as substandard. Today low-end Macs all suffer from those barely adequate graphics processors.
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.
Premature Momentus failure in MacBook, superfast ExpressCard Compact Flash adapter, the LED future, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.10.05. Also which MacBook to buy, Battery Update 1.3 for 15" MacBook Pro, new bags, and bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,688.
No looking back after MacBook switch, 8x SuperDrive upgrade for MacBook and MacBook Pro, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.09.21. Also $100 laptop now $188, iBook logic board repair service, metal jacket for MacBook, MoGo mouse lives inside notebook, bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,688, and more.
Region free DVD viewing on Macs and Windows PCs, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.09.07. There are three ways to get around region restrictions on your computer's DVD player: software, hardware, and extraction.
I love the Mac mini, no iPhone in court, no region-free DVDs on MacBooks, and more, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.07.31. Also 15 years of ThinkPads, reliability and all-in-one devices, and thoughts on upgrading operating systems.
250 GB 5400 rpm notebook drive benchmarked, Apple shrinks pro MagSafe adapter, $150 Linux laptop, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.07.27. Also touchup paint for TiBooks, Dell and Lenovo offer wireless USB, Logitech's nano mouse and receiver, and bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,199.
Laptops trump handhelds, 1.3 MP webcam in new MacBook Pro, a foldable mouse, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.07.13. Also Sony takes a lesson from the MacBook, SuperDrive Firmware Update warning, Plantronics' new USB headset, Belkin's Mouse Trap, bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,199, and more.
iPhone launch a religious event, Apple's 13% market share, noise in OS X 10.4.10, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.06.29. Also Apple's 500 MB drive shortage, Seagate's first 1 TB drive, a memory optimizer for OS X, MigliaTV software, and more.
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?
Apple sued over MacBook display, new MacBook benchmarked, more RAM vs. paired RAM, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.05.25. Also 'Santa Rosa' expected in June MacBook Pro, optical drive noise, external display issue in clamshell mode, Battery Drain utility, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,299, and more.
Apple sued: Can 262,144 colors be considered 'millions'?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.05.16. A new class action lawsuit claims Apple is deceiving buyers when it claims to display "millions of colors" on its notebook computers. What's really going on here?
MacBook improved, Apple's 9.9% notebook market share, 3 GB MacBook upgrade, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.05.18. Also Apple acknowledges MacBook cracks, flash MacBook confirmed, sleek portable hard drive designed by Pininfarina, CoolBook software, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,299, and more.
Ready to give the MacBook a second chance?, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.05.14. After three bad experiences with the original MacBook and a subsequent switch back to Windows, this lawyer is considering the Core 2 Duo MacBook as his next computer.
The MacBook is much more than just an iBook with 'Intel inside', Trevor Wale, One More Thing, 2007.05.10. With a bright widescreen display and the same dual-core CPU as the MacBook Pro, the MacBook is a nearly perfect notebook computer.
MacBooks drive Mac sales, LED backlighting this year, flash laptops, battery update, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.05.04. Also cracking MacBooks, RAID in your 'Book, battery issues, a rugged USB flash drive, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,299, and more.
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.
Cracked MacBook photos, first 64 GB solid state drive, overheating problems, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.03.30. Also 8 laptop coolers reviewed and rated, upgrading a 12" PowerBook, troubleshooting power adaptors, ThermographX goes universal, bargain 'Books from $180 to $2,299, and more.
11 ways to optimize your Mac's performance, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 2007.03.12. If your Mac is getting sluggish, here are 11 tips that can help restore its original performance.
DST fixes & info for OS X, Classic Mac OS; Maynor demos WiFi hack; Samsung's hybrid drive; and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.03.09. Also glossy vs. matte displays, troubleshooting slot-loading drives, 802.11n upgrade for MacBooks and Intel iMacs, bargain 'Books from $209 to $2,299, and more.
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.
Core 2 'Books more reliable, top 10 apps for 'Book users, notebook security, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.12.22. Also using iSight to photograph failed logins, rent a MacBook in France, safer laptop batteries, Core 2 MacBook "best budget laptop", MacBook handle, keyboard lockout, bargain 'Books from $209 to $1,999, and more.
Getting notebook design 'just right', Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.12.05. Some notebooks have just the right mix of design, quality, and features, while others fall short in one or more categories.
Extended warranties debated, giving 'Other Red' benefit of the doubt, MacBook closed-lid cooling, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.11.13. Also problems using Target Disk Mode to install Tiger, Afterthemac 802.11g USB adapter, iEmulator x86 emulation for PowerPC and Intel Macs, and unsupported operating systems.
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.
Core 2 boosts MacBook by 7%, undervolting ups battery life and drops heat, firmware update for MB and MBP, more, The 'Book Review, 2006.11.17. Also 17" MacBook Pro delays, extended warranties, making EVDO work with Parallels, MacBook Core 2 developer notes,$50 WiFi PC Card, bargain 'Books from $275 to $2,199, and more.
Disabling deep sleep on MacBooks, 'Other Red' a scam?, mixed RAM can reduce performance, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.11.13. Also other disk utilities Mac owners should know about, Lombard cooling, Netscape 7 on OS 9, Final Vinyl for ripping LPs, and more.
Improving value: Cost cutting done right, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.11.10. Sometimes a lower price means a cheap product, but sometimes it's the result of sensible cost cutting that increases product value.
MacBook random shutdown cure, 15" MacBook rumored, Core 2 runs cooler, CoolBook heat control, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.11.03. Also the MacBook Pro's 3 GB memory limit explained, Apple's 200 GB hard drive, Hitachi's forthcoming 250 GB drive, a notebook stand with an integrated keyboard, bargain 'Books from $199 to $1,599, and more.
MacBook Plus: Adding flexibility and easy upgrades to Apple's notebook line, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2006.10.20. Apple's current 'Books have limited expansion options. A MacBook with a device bay that accepted a second battery could be a big success.
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?
Don't ignore battery recall, fuel cells to replace lithion?, flash MacBooks, tablet Mac, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.10.06. Also how laptops are replacing pen and paper in the classroom, Core 2 no big deal for notebooks, black MacBook Apple's best 'Book yet, bargain 'Books from $119 to $2,399, and more.
AirPort update improves security, Britannica incompatible with Macintel, Cool Feet for your 'Book, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.09.29. Also a nasty chemical inside the MacBook, VGA and DVI on MacBook not supported by Boot Camp, fastest SuperDrive for 'Books, bargain 'Books from $249 to $2,399, and more.
MacBook shutdown solved, better batteries after recall, MacBook Pro better for Vista than Vaio, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.09.15. Also MacBook troubleshooting, the value of a used iBook, Apple to sell 1 million 'Books this quarter, replacing cells in an old PowerBook G3 battery, bargain 'Books from $299 to $1,299, and more.
Reliability can't wait: Reflections of a MacBook guinea pig, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.09.15. Lesson learned from using a PowerBook 145B, PowerBook 5300c, Toshiba Portegé 4000, and MacBook: "let someone else buy the bleeding edge."
Region free DVD viewing options for Intel and PowerPC Macs, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.09.12. Several hardware and software options that will let your view 'wrong region' DVDs on your PowerPC or Intel Mac.
MacBook random shutdown, inside a notebook battery, Portectorz for MacBook, EVDO support, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.09.08. Also MacBook Q&A, Logitech's revolutionary laptop mouse, Danger Mouse in black, bargain 'Books from $119 to $1,899, and more.
Apple updates battery recall, MacBook 'best computer for school', random MacBook shutdown, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.09.01. Also more on battery safety, high capacity battery for 14" iBooks, low-cost USB 2.0 PC Cards, turn your 'Book into a reading light, bargain 'Books from $380 to $2,399, and more.
Merom and the MacBook, Apple's original Duo laptop, Dell battery woes may impact Apple, iBook G3 SuperDrive, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.08.18. Also MacBook a back-to-school recommendation, MagSafe patent may block third-party power adapters, wrist rug and trackpad film for MacBook and Pro, bargain 'Books from $119 to $1,699, and more.
MacBook repair saga: Botched and botched again, but third time's the charm, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.08.07. After 2 weeks at Apple, the MacBook came back running hotter than before. The first replacement MacBook ran cooler but had its own issues. The third MacBook, however, fulfills all expectations.
MacBook Pro battery exchange, MacBook reliability, strangest MacBook hacks, DIY laptop case, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.08.04. Also Apple admits MacBook issues, more on palmrest issues, powering the $100 laptop, another Dell notebook bursts into flames, repairing your AC adapter, bargain 'Books from $300 to $2,149, and more.
Icons, status symbols, and the MacBook, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.08.03. The MacBook combined the best of PowerBook and iBook designs in a fresh new way that's nearly perfect.
Apple 'Books now 12% of market, MacBook Pro's 'daft power supply', pimp your MacBook, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.07.28. Also more Americans taking laptops to work on vacation, updates on MacBook noise and discoloration, dozens of burned Dell laptops, bargain 'Books from $335 to $1,799, and more.
Is 512 MB enough?, Macs gain share in business, wireless Mighty Mouse, Toast adds Blu-ray support, and more, Mac News Review, 2006.07.28. Also OWC's FireWire 400 & 800/USB 2.0/eSATA drives, miniXpress 160 GB drive, Jeep flash drives, SteerMouse supports up to 8 buttons plus vertical and horizontal scrolling, and miniStat2 system monitor.
MacBook pleases, but two weeks for repair is excessive, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.07.25. The 13" MacBook has replaced 12" and 15" PowerBooks and makes a very nice Windows gaming machine, but nobody should have to wait 14 days for Apple to fix their new computer.
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.
MacBook heat, random shut down, MagSafe mod for car/plane use, extend your 'Book's battery life, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.07.21. Also frying an egg on a MacBook, stupid MacBook tricks, flash drives to dominate notebook market by 2013, Daystar's 1.92 GHz PowerBook G4 upgrade, cooling stands, bargain 'Books from $259 to $2,829, and more.
More ways to add OS 9 features to OS X, modem problems with MacBook and USB modem, Opera problem, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.07.17. Also potential problems using Target Disk Mode to install the OS, using Classic on Intel Macs, value of Pismo G4 upgrades, "Tiger" on a G3 iMac, better laptop ergonomics, and more.
Exploding laptops, ExpressCard 34 roll-out, 1.75 GHz G4 upgrade, SeisMac, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.07.14. Also MacBook reviews, problems using disk images to install Windows on Intel Macs, nylon vs. leather cases, 160 GB hard drive upgrade, size matters, and bargain 'Books from $280 to $1,299.
Apple fixes MacBook discoloration, 'Book sales see 39% growth, keeping your 'Book cool, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.07.07. Also MacBook a sales success, another dead Mac, 10.4.7 updates adds two-finger right click, MacBook Pro biometrics, bargain 'Books from $139 to $1,650, and more.
Can Apple's consumer MacBook really replace two PowerBooks and a ThinkPad?, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.07.06. One user's experience replacing a 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, and IBM ThinkPad X32 with a black MacBook.
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.
MacBook replaces Dell laptop, can outperform Power Mac G5/2.7 GHz dual, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2006.06.30. After two years, the Dell was on its last legs, and Apple's bundled apps made the MacBook a compelling choice. But what's really impressive is the performance of universal apps.
Mac Pro musings, no Pismo startup chime, changing a user's Short Name, MacBook drive upgrades, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.06.26. Also OS X installation questions, a cool hard drive gadget, thoughts on Mark Pilgrim switching from the Mac, and more on an upgraded Pismo vs. a PowerBook G4.
MacBook Apple's Best Yet, Unexpected Performance Differences, Case Discoloration, and SATA drives, The 'Book Review, 2006.06.15. Still more reviews raving about the MacBook, and some head scratching at Macworld about performance differences between white and black models.
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.
Matte vs. glossy screens, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.06.05. Also how DiskWarrior can save the day even when it 'fails', thoughts on keyboards for those with neuropathy in their hands, Norton SystemWorks for Mac, and more on OS X browsers.
Blocked MacBook vent, MacBook benchmarked, how to upgrade RAM and replace your hard drive, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.06.01. Also the price of beauty, MacBook anticipates features of future MacBook Pro models, and several MacBook reviews.
MacBook a sign of things to come to MacBook Pro line, Jake Goodridge, Fresh Picked Apples, 2006.05.26. The MacBook isn't just an incredible value compared to the MacBook Pro, it also introduces some features sure to migrate to the pro line.
Apple nailed it: All you need to know about the MacBook, The 'Book Review, 2006.05.26. Reviewers find Apple's new MacBook nearly perfect, the clever upgrade bay, a matte screen petition, and more.
What's the best 'Book for my needs: MacBook, MacBook Pro, iBook, or PowerBook?, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.05.25. You need to balance size, weight, price, power, and processor to find just the right 'Book for your own needs.
Picking the right laptop in 2006, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.05.23. You need to balance size, weight, price, power, and battery life to find just the right notebook computer for your own needs.
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.
Glossy MacBook screen, MacBook keyboard, fix for MacBook Pro heat problems, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.05.19. Also inside the MacBook, positive 17" MacBook Pro reviews, third-party power supplies, Hitachi's notebook 'drive of steel', bargain 'Books from $1,000 to $2,199, and more.
13" MacBook introduced, 15" MacBook Pro speed bump, The 'Book Review, 2006.05.17. The iBook replacement has a 13.3" widescreen display, 1.83 and 2.0 GHz Core Duo processors, extended desktop, sudden motion sensors, iSight, Front Row with remote, and much more.
MacBook glossy screen problems, Classic option for Intel Macs, and more on replacing Home Page, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2006.05.17. Reader unconvinced a glossy laptop screen is a good idea, SheepShaver PowerPC emulator puts Classic on Macintel, more thoughts on WYSIWYG HTML editors, and eMac CPU upgrade possibilities.
Opinion: And we all shine on, John Siracusa, ars technica, 2006.05.16. "o, what's the big deal? Consider some synonyms for the word "glossy." Gleaming. Shiny. Reflective. Now you're getting it."
Opinion: MacBook Drops, Keyboard Irks, Dave Zatz, Zatz Not Funny, 2006.05.16. "I want to love the MacBook and it suits my purposes perfectly, but the keyboard just isnÕt working for me."
Review: Hands-on with the MacBook: first impressions, Dan Moren, MacUser.com, 2006.05.16. Mixed thoughts about the glossy screen, and the keyboard is unlike any previously found on any 'Book.
Opinion: The black tax, Derik DeLong, MacUser.com, 2006.05.16. "Surely, I'm missing something that makes the black version worth $200 [more]."
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.
Tech: 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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