13" MacBook Core2 (Late 2006)

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• Tiger List is for those using Mac OS X 10.4.
• Leopard List is for those using Mac OS X 10.5.

Overview

Has it already been six months since the original MacBook was introduced? Then it must be time for an upgrade.

Now that Apple has solved most of the MacBook's teething problems, they've improved it by replacing the Intel Core Duo CPU with the newer, more energy efficient, cooler running Core2 Duo. Overall, that should provide about 10% more power.

Details

• introduced 2006.11.08 at US$1,099 (1.83 GHz white 512/60), US$1,299 (2.0 GHz white 512/80) and US$1,499 (2.0 GHz black 512/120). replaced by faster version 2007.05.15.
• requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later
• CPU: 1.83/2.0 GHz Intel Core2 Duo (Merom), soldered in place, no upgrade options
• bus: 667 MHz
• performance:
• Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 2534 (2.0 GHz), 2334 (1.83 GHz)
• RAM: 512 MB (2 x 256 MB) on 1.83 GHz model, 1 GB (2 x 512 MB) on 2.0 GHz models, expandable to 3 GB using PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM
• Level 2 cache: 2 MB shared cache on 1.83 GHz CPU, 4 MB on 2.0 GHz 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, 80/120 GB 5400 rpm drive on 2.0 GHz, 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 at up to 6x, DVD±RW and DVD+R DL at 2.4x, 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: one

ethernet: 10/100/gigabit

modem: optional v.92 56k external USB modem

AirPort Extreme: 802.11g as shipped, 802.11n with $2 enabler

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.: MA699 (1.83 GHz), MA700 (2.0 GHz, white), MA701 (black)

Online Resources

• Best online MacBook deals, updated biweekly.
• Best Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.4.
• Best Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.5.
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• 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.
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• 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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