New MacBook: It’s All About the Unibody! |
MacBook Pros
Apple’s smallest laptop, the MacBook, has been completely redesigned for 2009 and offers a lot of nifty features. Apple has taken the durable, sleek and dependable unibody construction from the larger MacBook Pro. While this has the effect of making the battery unremoveable and thus not easily exchangeable it gives the laptop a more compact look. The computer has rounded edges and fewer seams than the previous model. Many people think it makes it look like a mashed down marshmallow. I can see that I guess. Apple used aluminum sheeting to cover the outer casing of the computer and more internal supports so it’s durable while maintaining a low weight. The bottom of the MacBook is rubber, which keeps it from sliding around when you’re typing and it’s sitting on a slippery surface. This rubber bottom also keeps the heat of the computer’s innards off your thighs.
The MacBook is just as powerful as the 13-inch version of the Pro. It comes equipped with 2.26 GHz Core 2 Duo. With a 3 MB cache, 1066 MHz front side bus and a 2 GB default RAM you are looking at smooth sailing. You get a 250GB hard drive with it as well. As long as you’re not doing serious data storage this is great, especially for being on such a small computer. The built in battery will last you about 7 hours of normal use and a little less if you’re watching movies or doing a lot of Wi-Fi connected work. The LED backlit display not only increases resolution compared to previous models but also increases viewing angles. If you’re looking for a powerful laptop with a killer display then the MacBook is for you.
The new MacBook’s trackpad is now just like the Pro’s. It has been upgraded to the glass multitouch version. This allows for better control over the cursor and is a nice upgrade from the previous version. Other small but nice changes include a circular iSight, updated on-key shortcuts and a 60w power adaptor.
The MacBook comes in at $999. Of course you can buy a smaller PC net book or laptop for cheaper. However, once you factor in the cost of added software needed to safe guard against viruses, the cost of fixing or replacing damaged parts and the longevity the MacBook is the better deal. You can buy a Saturn for cheaper than a Toyota but in the long run you’re going to get more for your money from the latter. Computers are no different; you pay what you get for.
Just so it doesn’t look like I’m totally biased the MacBook does have some setbacks. The battery deal is a bit of a bummer but it’s not a deal breaker. It will last you as longer since you can’t replace it. The polycarbonate material the shell is made out shows scratches also. So if you expect that pristine look to stay and you’re the type that will go slowly insane over these scratches you might want to think about a different laptop.
All in all the new MacBook is very close in specs and abilities to the 13-inch MacBook Pro but for $200 less. This tells me the Pro series is going to be getting a serious make over soon but if you’re looking for a great small laptop then the new MacBook should be on your radar.
Photo Credits: benjamin-nagel
Originally posted 2009-12-21 03:28:20.
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