MacBook Review

[shazza]

Noticed there were no MacBook reviews posted yet, so thought I'd do a write-up on mine. I'll post some better pictures when I get some time.


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Specs: Stock 1.83 GHz CoreDuo White MacBook, 1280x800 display, integrated Intel 950 graphics, 60GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive with 2 GB RAM (purchased Transcend RAM from Newegg and self-installed). I googled benchmarks comparing the 1.83GHz and 2.0GHz CPUs, and decided the speed differences between the two were negligible for my needs.


First Impressions: Great build quality. I like the magnetic closure of the lid with no latch to worry about. The magnetic power adapter connector is also good - have had no problems with it disconnecting too easily and it's a nice safety feature. Performance is quite good - very fast at opening apps and have had no problems with multiple applications running at the same time. Battery life is excellent - easily getting 3.5+ hours when watching videos / surfing NBF. People complain about heat...it does get hot on the bottom left side...gets hotter when it's charging. This doesn't bother me, as I think it's pretty typical of newer notebooks. I have no problem using it on my lap...but it wouldn't be comfortable if wearing shorts. This is easily solved by putting a book or other laptop holder underneath it.

(Note - I did have a problem with my first MacBook...the fan would not shut off and it was apparently not reading the internal temps correctly. The store where I bought it replaced it with no questions asked, and the new one has been fine for the three weeks I've had it).



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Display: The size is just right...plenty of screen real estate for web browsing, email, watching DVDs/iTunes videos, and for basic photo work. 1280x800 resolution is good for the screen size - text is very readable. I've been using it a lot to watch videos I've downloaded from iTunes. Even thought these are low res (designed to be watched on the video iPod), I find watching them in full screen mode is good...much better than on a notebook with a larger/higher res display. I was hesitant about going back to a glossy display, but the one on the MacBook is excellent. I get very little reflection, and the screen is quite bright. I've found other glossy displays hard on the eyes, but this one is not.

The MacBook comes with a built-in video camera, good for using on iChat for video calls...the quality is surprisingly good (I've only used it to take my photo for my system ID, but the pic quality is very good). I can see where this would be quite useful...but I prefer to do most of my communicating via phone or email - hate to have to put makeup on and comb my hair to take a call.




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Keyboard: The "stand-up" keys take a bit of getting used to, but I found I adapted quickly. It gives the notebook a different look. I prefer the keyboard design on the PowerBooks (and MacBook Pro), but this one is fine.



Combo Drive: I have DVD writers on other computers, so opted for the Combo Drive. It works fine, but it is noisy when inserting and ejecting disks...not an operating problem but it can be a disconcerting when you put your first disk in.



Sound: Without headphones or external speakers - not great. Sound is fine with headphones.



Airport Wireless: Very strong signal, and an easy connect to our Linksys router. I have full Airport strength while surfing downstairs - cable modem/Linksys router is in an upstairs office. Definitely get a stronger signal than with my 12" PowerBook.



Ports: USB ports work fine, as you'd expect. Same for ethernet connection. I don't miss having an internal modem, as all connections are wireless or through the ethernet port for direct link up. FW 400 works well with external LaCie hard drive. Would be nice if it had a card reader for direct download of digital photos - currently using USB cable for that. Will purchase an inexpensive USB card reader. The lack of a PCMCIA card is a concern, as there are times I use a PCMCIA Verizon wireless modem...but imagine I'll find a work around for that.



Boot Camp: Took me several tries to get Boot Camp installed properly (user error). Loaded up Guild Wars and it plays surprisingly well, getting 25+ FPS on medium settings at 1280x1050 resolution. It's very playable. Haven't bothered loading up other games, but I've no doubt I'll be able to play many of my last generation games just fine on the MacBook. I didn't buy it for a gaming machine, but it's good to know it's more capable than many people would lead you to believe. I run the MacBook almost exclusively in OS X - I imagine smoother solutions (like Parallels) for running under Windows will be developed in time, and I'll wait before doing much. I have a Windows notebook that I use for gaming, so no need to clutter up the MacBook too much.



RAM installation: The first thing I did was order 2 GB of RAM from Newegg. While I don't really need to max the RAM, it's just something I do when I get a new notebook. Purchased 2 x 1GB sticks for $US 170. Installation was NOT a breeze. Fortunately, I had read about how difficult it was to seat the RAM...even so, it took me three tries to get it fully seated. Anyone can do it...you just have to be patient, and make sure you get it all the way in. It's best to work it in - pushing one end, then the other, then the middle and so on. I've put my 2 x 256MB sticks in the drawer, and I'll re-install them if I ever send the machine in for repair.



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Comparison to 12" PowerBook: I have a 2 year old 1.33" PowerBook that I really love...it's been such a workhorse, it's performed flawlessly, is easy to carry, and looks so darn cute! Almost felt like a traitor switching to the MacBook...but it's been a good move. The MacBook display is so much brighter, this makes all the difference in the world. I've also become used to widescreen format on other computers, so that's good as well. The MacBook is "snappier" and definitely faster - but, to be honest, this was not a problem on the PowerBook. I had not upgraded to Tiger on the PowerBook, so that is another new thing for me. And, quite frankly, I don't see much difference (spotlight is nice), but I was very happy with Panther. The updated iLife apps are nice, but I've not really played much with them yet. For me, at least, the MacBook display is what makes the difference. The photos comparing the MB an PB show the difference.



Bottom Line: The MacBook is an outstanding machine. For the majority of users who are going to be using a notebook for email, internet, watching movies, iTunes, and downloading a few digital photos - it is a 10/10. Even power users will find it fits most of their needs. Obviously, I'm very happy with mine and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others.

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[b2s]

nice review. thanks for taking your time sharing with us.

[jk_baller23]

nice review. I really want to upgrade my PB, but I haven't even had it for a year :p

[chevyrulz099]

thanks for the review. ill make sure to make mine when i get a macbook soon.

always nice to read what others have to say.

one question though, is there any sort of "key vibration" when a cd is spinning?

[edwardzhu]

Can y ou format the Macbook and install Windows XP, or it can carry on dual OS system?

[Kakaze]

They can dualboot Windows and OS X, and people have even got dual and triple boot systems with Linux in the mix as well.

[thecommish16]

Why is the black version 200 dollars more?

[noesis]

congrats thats a good choice. Nice laptop.

[chevyrulz099]

I just bought the same notebook as Shazza, so ill add on to his/her review:

First, mine does run hot. the processor seems to idle at about 60c. While maxing it for a while gets it to about 75-78c. the fan kicks on and off in the upper 60s/lower 70s. This is kind of annoying. when the notebook hits about 72c, it stays on and continuously raises the RPM on the fan. the fan isnt that loud at max. the bottom of the notebook does get, on a scale of 1-10(10 being unbearably hot) about a 6. i had a dell i6000 before this, and with the fan CONSTANTLY on low, the temp got about the same on the bottom, pretty much across the whole base. this is not the case with the MB. it only gets that hot under the bottom back left (i assume the 1.83 is under here).

Second, Initial boot: not knowing OSX, i played with the initial bootup image before getting comfortable enough to wipe the drive (and save about 7-8gb in the process). I RECOMMEND THIS! I also recommending running with AT LEAST 1gb of ram, although i am getting 2gb.

I pretty much agree with all the other thoughts of the build quality and so forth of the macbook. its very solid. ive had the HD/RAM out already, and can say that was a "JOY" (NOT) to get those screws back in right.

battery life seems about 3.5-4hrs, which is fine for me.

overall i give the MB a 9 out of 10. it would be a 10 if APPLE wouldve included 1gb (and saved me the hassle of spending my money on 2gb). if they woulda done this, i wouldnt have upgraded.


GREAT laptop, am now looking at mini's, but havent decided.

OH YEA, free ipod?!?!?! ROX

[K1ttyPlaysFPS]

Great review shazza! I think I am convinced and will get a macbook with the ram just like you did.

--k1tty

[chevyrulz099]

just updated the OSX to whatever just came out. there is a loud processor whine coming from the computer now.

YIKE!

[shazza]

just updated the OSX to whatever just came out. there is a loud processor whine coming from the computer now.

YIKE!


Yeah, I read something about that on Apple Discussions...but it wasn't definitive. Think I'll wait...they are usually pretty good about releasing updates to updates if the last update had a problem. (That's a lotta "updates")

[chevyrulz099]

so if i get this right. there are no BIOS's in macs. and the OSX controls the fan? im also guessing maybe the next update to OSX after.7 will maybe fix the processor whine? its not terribly annoying, but its just another small problem on the pile.

[shazza]

I'm not a techhead, but I know that Apple does two types of updgates...software updates are the norm, but occasionally they do a firmware upgrade. If the whining in your book started after updating software...and it's a general problem, then I'd think a future software update will fix it. BUT - not sure at this point that it is a recognized issue.

I've been lucky...still no problems with my MacBook.

[chevyrulz099]

i wouldnt call it a problem. i cant really hear it at normal distance (2ft ear to E key) take a listen, while its idle, see if you got it?


im still very pleased with my apple MB. i love that i can boot OSX off my external drives. i may very well be in the market for a mini now. only because i dont wanna spend a whole lot on a Imac, but still an option non the less.

[asiafish]

I have the black MacBook and love it. I upgraded the RAM to 2GB and the hard drive to a 120GB 5400 RPM Seagate (I need the space for the Windows partition in Boot Camp). You are right on about the performance and the heat. I've played last year's games with great results. I'm currently playing Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 - The Sith Lords (what a mouthful) with terrific results. There is no utility to measure fps, but it is so smooth as to be more like an animated movie than a computer game. To say I'm pleasantly surprised by the quality of the integrated graphics is an understatement as I was convinced I would need a MacBook Pro to play games like this, and was ready to buy one if the MacBook didn't do the job. Its a bit jittery on Rome: Total War and the latest shooters like Quake 4 are out, but I can live with that for the price.

I like the keyboard. At first I thought it would be strange, but I've quickly adjusted to it and now can type as quickly and accurately on the MacBook as I did on my 12" PowerBook, which this machine replaced. In fact, I just sold my 15" PowerBook as well, which I didn't expect to do. I bought this as a 12" replacement, but found that even with the smaller screen I like this better for movies and photos, which were the reason I had the 15".

It does get a bit hot, but not unbearably. The screen is just fabulous and makes up for any minor foibles. Overall, this is the fastest and nicest laptop I've ever owned.

[chevyrulz099]

yea, the black one is in my near future also. just got the white 1.83, and its being sold to my GF.

[oddfather]

Thanks for the review. I saw you replaced the ram yourself for $170, apple i think would've charged $450 for 2gb. Do you think it would be easy to install a bigger harddrive as well?

[chevyrulz099]

ram and HD are both a piece of cake.

do it yourself, save hundreds on car insurance, haha

[triadone]

ram and HD are both a piece of cake.

do it yourself, save hundreds on car insurance, haha

LOL! no kidding, it's like "guesss what? I just got a macbook, 2GB RAM from Newegg, and just saved $250 for my car insurance."

:D

[SHNAKE]

ram and HD are both a piece of cake.

do it yourself, save hundreds on car insurance, haha
and I sure as hell need it too! $2100 a year for my pos honda i bought for $5000? WTF:cursing:

[chevyrulz099]

you must suck at driving :) my insurance is 130 on a new G6 coupe.!!!

[SHNAKE]

nah im just young, being an 18yr old driver sucks. I think my parents car insurance company must have pretty lame prices too maybe I should shop around a bit and get a better deal, but I guess im just too lazy :P

For the record I have never been the cause of an accident, I've had 2 people rear end me but thats it.

[chevyrulz099]

yea, being young sux. then when u get old, that sux.

basically life sux, hehe

[nikolasvm]

Really nice review...
and thax for the other user's add ups..

One question: arent there benchmarks for MAcs???
Havent seen futuremarks around and they are kinda helpfull when comparing nbs n dts...

Anyway...

If there are... I would like to see them for the Apple Products..

Thanx again for the review

[ryatha]

ok so I'm thinkin of getting a macbook because my dell gave up :( but anyway is it cheaper to buy 1GB of RAM myself....I'm in Ireland btw so will most likely be buying of komplett.ie or dabs.co.uk I'm not sure which RAM I should get for the macbook. I'd appreciate any advice

[Kakaze]

MacBooks use PC5300 RAM.

And yes, it's cheaper buying it yourself instead of through Apple.

[ryatha]

well it costs me €94 to upgrade to 1GB of RAM with Apple...can't find RAM any cheaper elsewhere

[Kakaze]

On the US Apple store they charge 100 dollars for two sticks of 512 and I know you can get a single gig stick (which would bring you to 1.5 gigs) here for less than that. Being you're in Ireland, however, it might be cheaper to buy the RAM through Apple.

[shazza]

Really nice review...
and thax for the other user's add ups..

One question: arent there benchmarks for MAcs???
Havent seen futuremarks around and they are kinda helpfull when comparing nbs n dts...

Anyway...

If there are... I would like to see them for the Apple Products..

Thanx again for the review

On the Intel Macs, you can now run benchmarks like 3DMark05 for a head to head comparison. I didn't bother doing it on the MacBook, but you can google "MacBook Pro Benchmarks" or something similar to get some info.

[paris54]

I recently purchased my first macbook (white) and it came with intel 2.4 ghz, 2gb memory and 160gb hdd, Leopard OS. It runs fast and since i will use it for word processing mostly and Itunes I am very happy with it. I also bought a wireless Mighty Mouse and that works well too.