2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3 MB shared L2 Cache
2 GB (two SO-DIMM) 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 160 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA hard drive; 8x Double-Layer SuperDrive
One FireWire 400, two USB 2.0 ports, DVI, VGA, S-video, and composite video (requires adapters, sold separately)
Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet; Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11n); built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module
13.3-inch (diagonal) glossy TFT widescreen display, 1280 x 800 resolution; Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard
Rating: - Great notebook for student/home use!
This was my second Mac. It replaced a PowerBook G4 that had been in use for nearly six years. I am a school teacher and I carry my laptop to school and home every day. The one regret I had about my 15" PowerBook was that is was quite large and heavy. Travel on planes and buses was a pain and required a decent sized backpack or other bag.
There are limits with the MacBook in terms of graphic abilities. I'm told they will not do video editing and gaming as well as the MacBook Pro. I don't need these capabilities. I use my laptop for word processing, presentations, internet utilities and email, personal finance, and managing my photos and iTunes library. The MacBook does these handily.
I have found the upgrade to Leopard to be a significant one. I interact with Windows users regularly and as a result I've found it useful to also purchase Microsoft Office for Mac. I prefer iLife for publishing and presentations though. I prefer the Mac Mail, Address Book, and iCal to the applications in Office.
Other features that I find quite useful are the magnetic power adapter and the very multi-functional mini-DVI port. Most PC laptops have more buttons and ports but they are buttons and ports that I don't see much use for. For example, my dad owns a Compaq laptop that includes a button to turn off the wireless card. You can do that by clicking an icon on the OSX desktop so why do you need an additional physical piece that could break? It is elements like this that make the MacBook's design so desirable.
The only trade off is a lack of multi-media card reader but I picked one up for $12. Also, the 13.5" screen is a little small. I suppose that's a trade off for a notebook that's the size and nearly the weight of a notebook. I put mine in a neoprene sleeve and carry it in a standard sized backpack.
I've observed battery life of just over five hours using wifi.
Rating: - No Cables
This is my third Apple laptop in the last six years. I am very happy with how it looks though I was surprised to receive no cables with the new Macbook. Previously my other ibooks always came with ethernet cable, firewire cable etc. In order to transfer files from my old ibook to the new macbook I have had to purchase a firewire cable and think it would have been nice if this were included in the box. (I gave away my previous firewire cable that came with my last ibook)
Also I could not connect to the Internet although I have a wireless router. Apple tech support suggested removing the battery and putting in back in again and that did the trick and I was able to get online.
This is quite a change from my previous Apple laptops with the wide screen and will tak a bit of getting used to.
Overall I am pleased with the purchase but for anyone considering this purchase remember to add a firewire cable to your order if you need to transfer files from your existing Apple computer.
Rating: - Macbook 2.4ghz 2GB Ram 160GB HD
This has to be one of the best purchases that I've made in a very long time. I am very impressed by the Mac and its new operating system.
I was very hesitant to move over to Mac because I am a gamer, but I was surprised to find out that most of the games that I am into are also available on Mac. I was also very happy with the deal I got. Right now, Apple offers a deal for students where you are eligible for a $100 off your Mac (any model) and they give you a free Ipod Touch ($299 value). I don't know what I love more, the Macbook or Ipod Touch!
Here are the Pros:
No error messages or programs closing - Mac works perfectly, I've had it for a couple of months now and have had no problems with error messages or programs closing or freezing for no apparent reason. The OSX blows the pants off of Vista and XP.
Fast! - Whether you are starting up, shutting down, or doing whatever, this Mac and OSX is much faster than even my fastest gaming computers. (I came from a Dell M1730) Plus, Safari is about 3 times as fast as MSIE and Firefox.
Everything is compatible - I have yet to find a piece of hardware that doesn't automatically work when plugged in. Naturally ITunes and my Ipods work perfectly, my printers, mice, everything works seemlessly. Mac Mail is amazing...
Wifi - The wireless is simply amazing. Everywhere I go, it picks up internet automatically. My Dell took forever to try to connect.
Here are the CONS -
New software - Although there are free alternatives like Open Office, you have to buy new software like Microsoft Office. Although I will say that Mac OSX comes with most everything that you need.
Rating: - Great purchase
Everything great. Battery life is excellent, 4-5 hours with screen brightness almost all the way up. Software and features are great.
Phil
Apple MacBook MB403LL/A 13.3-inch Laptop (2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive) White Reviews
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