MacBook

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the Apple computer called "MacBook". For the MacBook family as a whole, see MacBook
family.

Apple MacBook

The original discrete white

MacBook.

Developer Apple Inc.

Type Laptop

Release date May 18, 2010 (current model)

May 16, 2006 (original release)

CPU Intel Core 2 Duo (current model)

Intel Core Duo (original release)

Website Apple — MacBook

The MacBook is a brand of Macintosh notebook computers built by Apple Inc. First introduced in May 2006, it

replaced the iBook and 12-inch PowerBook series of notebooks as a part of the Apple–Intel transition.
Positioned as the low end of the MacBook family, the MacBook is aimed at the consumer and education
markets.[1] It is the best-selling Macintosh in history, and according to the sales-research organization NPD
Group in October 2008, the mid-range model of the MacBook was the single best-selling laptop of any brand in
U.S. retail stores for the preceding five months. [2]
There have been three separate designs of the MacBook: the original model uses a combination
of polycarbonate and fibreglass casing that was modelled after the iBook G4. The second type, introduced in
October 2008 alongside the 15-inch MacBook Pro, used a similar unibodyaluminum casing to the 15-inch Pro,
and was updated and rebranded as the 13-inch MacBook Pro at the 2009 Apple Worldwide Developers
Conference in June 2009.[3] A third design, introduced in October 2009, uses a unibody polycarbonate shell as
aluminum is now reserved for the higher-end MacBook Pro.

Contents
 [hide]

1 Original discrete polycarbonate

model

o 1.1 Ports

o 1.2 User serviceability

o 1.3 Quality problems

o 1.4 Model specifications

2 Aluminum unibody model

o 2.1 Design

o 2.2 Reception

o 2.3 Model specifications

3 Polycarbonate (plastic) unibody

model

o 3.1 Design

o 3.2 Reception

o 3.3 Model specifications

4 Timeline of the MacBook family

5 See also

6 References

7 External links

[edit]Original discrete polycarbonate model

First-generation black polycarbonate MacBook, 2006

The original MacBook, available in black and white cases, was released on May 16, 2006, and used
the Intel Core Duo processor and 945GMchipset, with Intel's GMA 950 integrated graphics on a 667 MHz front
side bus. Later revisions of the MacBook moved to the Core 2 Duoprocessor and the GM965 chipset, with
Intel's GMA X3100 integrated graphics on an 800 MHz system bus.[4] Sale of the black polycarbonate MacBook
ceased in October 2008 after the introduction of the aluminum MacBook.

While thinner than the iBook G4 that it replaced, the MacBook was wider than the 12-inch model due to its
widescreen display. In addition, the MacBook was one of the first (the first being the MacBook Pro) to adopt
Apple's MagSafe power connector and it replaced the iBook's mini-VGA display port with a mini-DVI display
port. The iBook's discrete graphics chip was initially replaced by an integrated Intel GMA solution, though the
latest revisions of the MacBook were upgraded with the more powerful Nvidia GeForce 320M.[5]

While the MacBook Pro largely followed the industrial design standard set by the PowerBook G4, the MacBook
was Apple's first notebook to use features now standard in its notebooks: the glossy display, the sunken
keyboard design, and the non-mechanical magnetic latch. With the late 2007 revision, the keyboard received
several changes to closely mirror the one that shipped with the iMac, by adding the same keyboard shortcut to
control multimedia, and removing the embedded virtual numeric keypad and the Apple logo from the command
keys.[6]

Also offered in a more expensive black model until the introduction of the later unibody aluminum MacBook, the
polycarbonate MacBook was the only Macintosh notebook to be offered in more than one color since the iBook
G3 (Clamshell).

[edit]Ports

The ports are all on the left edge; on early models, from front to back, they are: Kensington Security Slot, audio
in/out, two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, mini-DVI, Gigabit Ethernet,MagSafe power connector.
The front edge features a pill-shaped power light and a round black infrared receiver, for Apple Remote; the
right edge features only the disc slot.

[edit]User serviceability
The polycarbonate Intel MacBook is easier for users to fix or upgrade than its predecessor. Where the iBook
required substantial disassembly to access most internal components, including removal of
the keyboard and RAM,[7] users need only to remove the polycarbonate MacBook's outer shell to access almost
any interior component. Replacing the hard drive and memory requires merely the removal of the battery, and
Apple provides do-it-yourself manuals for these tasks. [8]

[edit]Quality problems
Some early polycarbonate MacBook models suffered from random shutdowns, occurring to owners who have
owned their MacBooks for some amount of time. [9] They were resolved through replacement of the CPU
heatsink and firmware updates.[10]

There were also cases reported of discolored or chipping palmrests. There were many instances of the edges
of the palm rest and screen bezel splitting and thin strips peeling off. In such cases, Apple asked affected
owners to contact AppleCare.[11]

There were problems with batteries on some models from 2007 not being read by the MacBook. This is caused
by a logicboard fault and not a fault with the battery.

In February 2010, Apple announced a warranty extension and recall for MacBooks bought between 2006–2007
for hard drive issues. This is caused by heat and other problems. [12]

[edit]Model specifications

[hide]Table of models

Component Intel Core Duo Intel Core 2 Duo

Model Early 2006[13] Late 2006[14] Mid 2007[15] Late 2007[16] Ear

November 1, Febru
Release date May 16, 2006 November 8, 2006 May 15, 2007
2007 2008

Model numbers MA254*/A MA255*/A MA699*/A MA700*/A MA701*/A MB061*/A MB061*/B MB40
MB062*/A MB062*/B MB40
 MA472*/A MB063*/A MB063*/B MB40

Machine model MacBook1,1 MacBook2,1 MacBook3,1 MacB

Display 13.3-inch glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution (WXGA, 16:10 = 8:5 aspect ratio)

Front side bus 667 MHz 800 MHz

2.0 GHz or 2.0 GHz or 2.1 G

1.83 GHz or 2.0 GHz
1.83 GHz or 2.0 GHz 2.16 GHz 2.2 GHz 2.4 G
Processor Intel Core Duo
Intel Core 2 Duo (T5600/T7200) Intel Core 2 Duo Intel Core 2 Duo Intel 
(T2400/T2500)
(T7200/T7400) (T7300/T7500) (T810

1 GB (two
512 MB)
Memory 512 MB (two 256 MB) 512 MB (two 256 MB) or 1 GB (two 1 GB (two 512 MB) or 2
667 MHz PC2-
Two slots for 667 MHz PC2-5300 512 MB) 667 MHz PC2-5300 1 GB) 667 MHz PC2-53
5300
DDR2 SDRAM Expandable to 2 GB Expandable to 2 GB5 Expandable to 4 GB
Expandable to
2 GB5

Graphics
Intel GMA 950 using 64 MB RAM (up to 224 MB in Windows through Boot
Shared with system Intel GMA X3100 using
Camp).[21]
memory

80 GB, 120 GB or
Hard drive2 60 GB or 80 GB 60 GB, 80 GB or 120 GB 80 GB, 120 GB
160 GB 120 G
5400-rpm unless Optional 100 GB or Optional 160 GB or 200 GB, 4200- or 160 GB
Optional 200 GB, or 25
specified 120 GB rpm Optional 250 GB
4200-rpm

Integrated802.11a/b/g anddraft-n
AirPort Extreme Integrated802.11a/b/g Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n enable
(n disabled by default)1

Combo drive3 8× DVD read, 24× CD-R

8× DVD read, 24× CD-R and 16× CD-RW recording
Base model only and 10× CD-RW recording
 8× double-layerdiscs 2.4× DVD+R DL writes, 6×
Internal slot- reads. 4× DVD±R & RW DVD±R read, 4× DVD±RW writes,
4× DVD+R DL writes, 8× DVD±R read, 4×
loadingSuperDrive3 recording. 24× CD-R and 24× CD-R, and 10× CD-RW
10× CD-RW recording recording

Mac OS X
Included operating Mac O
Mac OS X v10.4.6 Mac OS X v10.4.8 v10.4.9or Mac OS X v10.5
system[22] v10.5
v10.4.10

Battery 55-watt-hour removable lithium-polymer

Weight 5.2 lb/2.4 kg 5.1 lb/2.3 kg 5.0 lb/2.3 kg

Dimensions 1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92 in/27.5 x 325 x 227 mm

Notes:
1
 Requires the purchase of a wireless-N enabler software from Apple in order to enable the functionality. [23]
2
 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are
custom configurations available, including use of 7200-rpm drives.
3
 Given optical drive speed is its maximum.
4
 Beginning with the early 2008 revision, the Apple Remote became an optional add-on.
5
 Expandable to 4 GB, with 3 GB usable.[24]

[edit]Aluminum unibody model

See also:  Unibody MacBook Pro

The aluminium unibody MacBook

On October 14, 2008, Apple announced a MacBook featuring a new Nvidia chipset at a Cupertino,
California press conference entitled "The Spotlight Turns To Notebooks".

The chipset brought a 1066 MHz system bus, use of DDR3 system memory, and
integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics up to five times faster than the original MacBooks' Intel chipset.
[25]
 Other changes include a display which uses LED backlights (which replace the fluorescent tube backlights
used in the previous model which contain mercury) and arsenic-free glass, a new Mini DisplayPort (replacing
the polycarbonate MacBook's mini-DVI port), a multi-touch glass trackpad which also acts as the mouse button,
and the removal of the FireWire 400 port (thus it doesn't support Target Disk Mode, used for data transfers or
operating system repairs without booting the system).[26] An updated line of the unibody MacBooks were
rebranded as the 13-inch MacBook Pro on June 8, 2009 at Apple's WWDC 2009[3] and FireWire was restored
in the form of a FireWire 800 port.

[edit]Design

The design had stylistic traits of the MacBook Air which were also implemented into the design of the MacBook
Pro. This model was thinner than the original polycarbonate MacBooks, and it made use of a unibody
aluminum case with tapered edges. The keyboard of the higher-end model was offered with a backlight.

[edit]Reception

Although Gizmodo concluded it to be "our favorite MacBook to date," they did claim that, at the time, its display
was inferior to that found on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, alleging a smaller viewing angle, washed-out
colors, and dimmer backlighting.[27] Similarly, AppleInsider and Engadget concluded that it "may well be Apple's
best MacBook to date" and "these are terrific choices—not only from an industrial design standpoint, but in
specs as well" respectively, while also drawing attention to a lower quality display as compared with the
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.[28][29] Charlie Sorrel of Wired News reached an identical conclusion about the
MacBook display, citing its poor contrast and lack of vertical angle in comparison with the MacBook Pro and
even the older white MacBook.[30] Peter Cohen wrote an article discussing the loss of the FireWire port
for Macworld, saying "The absence of FireWire ports is certainly an inconvenience for some users. But it
shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker for most of us, anyway." [31]

[edit]Model specifications

[hide]Table of models

Model Late 200

Release date October 14, 2008

Model numbers MB466*/A; MB467*/A

Machine model MacBook5,1

Display 13.3-inch LED backlit glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resol

Front side bus 1066 MHz

Processor 2.0 GHz or 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (P7350/P8600)

Memory 2 GB (two 1 GB) 

Two slots for PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM (1066 MHz) Expandable to 8 GB (4 GB supported by Apple)[33][34]

Integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M with 256 MB shared with main mem

Graphics
(up to 512 MB available in Windows through Boot Camp)

Hard drive1 160 GB or 250 GB 5400-rpm

Serial ATA 5400-rpm Optional 320 GB HDD; 128 GB or 256 GB Solid-state drive (SSD)

AirPort Extreme Integrated 802.11a/b/g/draft-n (BCM4322 chipset)

Maximum write: 8× DVD±R, 4× DVD±R DL, 4× DVD±RW, 24× CD

Internal slot-loading SuperDrive2
Maximum read: 8× DVD±R, DVD-ROM, 6× DVD-ROM (double laye

Included operating system Mac OS X v10.5.5[22]

Battery 45-watt-hour removable lithium polymer

Weight 4.5 lb/2.0 kg

Dimensions 0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94 in/24.1 x 325 x 227 mm

Notes:
1
 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are
custom configurations available, including use of 7200-rpm drives and SSDs.
2
 Given optical drive speed is its maximum.

[edit]Polycarbonate (plastic) unibody model

On October 20, 2009, Apple released a MacBook that introduced a new polycarbonate (plastic) unibody
design,[35] faster DDR3 memory, a multi-touch trackpad, an LED-backlit display, and a built-in seven hour
battery. The polycarbonate unibody MacBook, like its aluminum predecessor, lacks FireWire and, like the 13-
inch MacBook Pro, has a combined audio in/out port. On May 18, 2010, the MacBook was refreshed with an
updated processor, a faster graphics card, and improved battery life.

[edit]Design

Like the MacBook Pro, the MacBook follows the same tapered design first seen in the MacBook Air; however, it
is rounder on the edges than previous laptops in the MacBook line. This model has an all-white fingerprint-
resistant glossy palm rest, unlike the grayish surface of its predecessor, and uses a multi-touch glass trackpad
like the one found on the MacBook Pro. The bottom of the MacBook features a rubberized non-slip finish. The
built-in battery of the late 2009 revision, a feature introduced earlier in the year with the MacBook Pro, is
claimed by Apple to last seven hours compared with five hours in the older models. However, in tests
conducted by Macworld, the battery was found to last only about four hours while playing video at full
brightness with AirPort turned off.[36] However, Apple's battery life was calculated with the brightness at the
middle setting and while browsing websites and editing word documents, not with video and at full brightness.
[37]
 Gizmodo also reached about the same conclusion in their tests, but with AirPort turned on. [38] The battery
included in the mid 2010 model holds an additional five watt-hours over the previous model's and is claimed to
last up to ten hours.[39]

[edit]Reception

Despite being hailed by Slashgear as "one of the best entry-level notebooks Apple have produced," the
unibody MacBook has received criticism for its lack of a FireWire port and SD card slot.[40] Nilay Patel
of Engadget added that the USB ports were easily dented and the bottom of the laptop became worn and
discolored after a few days. He also drew particular attention to the fact that the price was not lowered, stating
that the small price difference between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro makes it a "wasted pricing
opportunity."[41]However, most critics agree that the unibody MacBook's display is significantly better than its
predecessor's. AppleInsider states that the new display "delivers significantly better color and viewing angle
performance" than the previous MacBook, but still "not as vivid and wide-angle viewable as the MacBook Pro
screens."[42]
[edit]Model specifications

[hide]Table of models

Model Late 2009[43]

Release date October 20, 2009 May 18

Model Numbers MC207*/A MC516

Machine Model MacBook6,1 MacBo

Display 13.3-inch LED backlit glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution

Front side bus 1066 MHz

Processor 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (P7550) 2.4 GH

Memory1
2 GB (two 1 GB) 
Two slots for PC3-
Expandable to 4 GB
8500 DDR3 SDRAM(1066 MHz)

Integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M with 256 MB shared with main

Integra
Graphics memory
memor
(up to 512 MB available in Windows through Boot Camp)

Hard drive2 250 GB 5400-rpm

Serial ATA 5400-rpm Optional 320 GB or 500 GB HDD

AirPort Extreme Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n (BCM43224 chipset)

Maximum write: 8× DVD±R, 4× DVD±R DL, 4× DVD±RW, 24× CD-R, 10× CD

Internal Slot-Loading SuperDrive3
Maximum read: 8× DVD±R, DVD-ROM, 6× DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9),
Included Operating System Mac OS X v10.6.1[22] Mac O

Battery 60-watt-hour non-removable lithium-polymer 63.5-w

Weight 4.7 lb/2.1 kg

Dimensions 1.09 x 13.00 x 9.12 in/27.4 x 330.3 x 231.7 mm

Notes:
1
 Memory noted are the options available from Apple. As memory is a user-replaceable part, there are custom
configurations available, including use of two 4 GB RAM modules, for 8 GB of RAM.
2
 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are
custom configurations available, including use of 7200-rpm drives and SSDs.
3
 Given optical drive speed is its maximum.

Timeline of the MacBook family

See also:  Timeline of Macintosh models