Apple's MacBook/MacBook Pro Redesign: A Discussion of Specifications
by Anand Lal Shimpi & Manveer Wasson on October 14, 2008 6:40 PM EST- Posted in
- Mac
The New MacBook: I Think I Might Like It
The new MacBook does a bit better, you don't give up too much but what you do get in return is pretty much what I've been asking for. The dimensions are basically the same, but we get a much thinner unit.
The LED backlit display fixes my biggest complaint with the MacBook, the screen should be on par with that of the MacBook Pro - finally.
Apple continues to put FireWire 400 on the chopping block, there's absolutely no FireWire support on the new MacBook. The GeForce 9400M + DDR3 combo also reduce power consumption, but Apple outfits the new MacBook with a smaller 45WHr battery.
You do pay for all of this, the updated configuration will run you $1299 up from $1099 (although you can still buy the entry level MacBook at $1099). The display alone is worth the $200 price premium honestly.
| New MacBook | 2008 Penryn MacBook | 2007 Merom MacBook | |
| Dimensions | H: 0.95" W: 12.78" D: 8.94" | H: 1.08" W: 12.78" D: 8.92" | H: 1.08" W: 12.78" D: 8.92" |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs | 5.0 lbs | 5.0 lbs |
| Screen Size/Resolution | 13.3" / 1280 x 800 (LED backlit) | 13.3" / 1280 x 800 | 13.3" / 1280 x 800 |
| CPU | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz or 2.4GHz (45nm Penryn, 1066MHz FSB) | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.1 - 2.4GHz (45nm Penryn, 800MHz FSB) | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 - 2.2GHz (65nm Merom) |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce 9400M (256MB UMA) | Intel GMA X3100 (144MB UMA) | Intel GMA X3100 (144MB UMA) |
| Memory | 2GB - 4GB DDR3 1066 | 1GB - 4GB DDR2-667 | 1GB - 4GB DDR2-667 |
| HDD | 160GB - 320GB 2.5" 5400RPM SATA HDD 128GB SSD optional | 120 - 250GB 2.5" 5400RPM SATA HDD | 80 - 160GB 2.5" 5400RPM SATA HDD |
| Optical Drive | Integrated SuperDrive | Integrated Combo drive or SuperDrive | Integrated Combo drive or SuperDrive |
| Networking | 802.11a/b/g/n 10/100/1000 Ethernet | 802.11a/b/g/n 10/100/1000 Ethernet | 802.11a/b/g/n 10/100/1000 Ethernet |
| Built in iSight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inputs | 2 x USB 2.0 1 x Audio in 1 x Integrated mic | 2 x USB 2.0 1 x FireWire 400 1 x Audio in 1 x Integrated mic | 2 x USB 2.0 1 x FireWire 400 1 x Audio in 1 x Integrated mic |
| Outputs | 1 x Audio 1 x mini DisplayPort | 1 x Audio 1 x mini-DVI | 1 x Audio 1 x mini-DVI |
| Battery | 45WHr | 55WHr | 55WHr |
| Price | $1299 | $1099 | $1099 |
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Dennis Travis - Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - link
Anand, if you see this post, is the whole chipset made by Nvidia? Both Northbridge and Southbridge and just an Intel CPU? A few people have been discussing this and I figured I would ask.Thanks.
Anand Lal Shimpi - Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - link
The GeForce 9400M is a single chip solution, north and south bridges in one. The CPU is Intel. So it's two chips and you've got the vast majority of the system :)-A
LTG - Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - link
Don't know why they didn't opt for the new Intel SSD drives.Will these new MacBooks have the stuttering SSD problem?
Griswold - Friday, October 17, 2008 - link
Arent they using samsung SSDs? They come with their own proprietary controller and not with the jmicron junk.JAS - Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - link
How much money is Apple saving by removing the Firewire port from their MacBook models? Firewire is still the preferred way to connect external drives, and it is virtually essential for importing DV video from camcorders. With no ExpressCard slot on the MacBook, users don't even have the option to add Firewire themselves.On the 15-inch MacBook Pro, Apple took away the Firewire-400 port while retaining the Firewire-800 port. Yes, Firewire-800 is downward compatible with Firewire-400; but you need an adapter cable to accommodate the two different types of connectors.
It is odd to see Apple backing away from Firewire in their laptops, especially considering how the company pioneered the Firewire (1394A) protocol in the first place.
I'm glad that I bought my MacBook Pro earlier this year. I'm not sure that I'd want to buy one of the new models with the non-optional glossy screen and Firewire deficiency.
tim851 - Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - link
I love how people continue to bash Apple's pricing. It's not that Apple has ever been anything but high end. And you know what - they are one of the fastest growing IT companies. Their profits are through the roof, unlike most high volume vendors that engage in price wars.If you're thinking Apple is too expensive, it's really you (like me), that is just too poor...
demiurge3141 - Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - link
Is this a joke?piroroadkill - Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - link
To anyone except those affected by Steve Job's Reality Distortion Field, it is a complete joke.SoCalBoomer - Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - link
not only no LAN, but still only one USB and only the special display adaptor. . .Competitor laptops (same size, same weight) from Dell, Lenovo, etc. all have normal VGA (which, at this resolution, is JUST fine and makes giving presentations very easy - no stupid dongles to lose), multiple USB, LAN, etc. etc. etc.
And for less.
Yep - I'm laughing.
ksherman - Tuesday, October 14, 2008 - link
The MacBook received a pretty sweet makeover. I know its a slight bit pricier, but it sure is a stellar shift for the MacBook.The MacBook Pro is an epic fail in my book. I like the chicklet keyboard, I have one of the new Apple keyboards and adore it. NOT a fan of the black. Why not keep it gray like the rest of the laptop? Then, glossy only. I know some will say its fine etc, but I don't like Apple's trend of forcing the glossy screens. They are simply not my cup of tea and interfere with my work as a photographer that works on the go. True, I have a Samsung 24" on my desk for serious work, but not even giving us the option of a matte screen is a step back. Then, the huge black border... yuk! I am fine with the border, but so thick? I think this new trackpad sounds like slick work, look forward to see them. Nice bump in the Video Card (wish they wouldn't have put 256MB in the lower model, should just be 512MB all around) and DDR3 is a nice change.
Now here is the other big negative for me: the mini-DisplayPort. LAME. I understand that DisplayPort is the wave of the future, okay. But that connector is only capable of 1920x1200 on the $30 adapter (seriously, not included?!) and if you want/need D-DVI, the adapter is $99!!!! WTF?? Big mistake, the way I see it.
I am a fan of the construction styling of the lower section, looks impressive! If only Apple hadn't screwed over the Pros...