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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.




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).





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.






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.









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.

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

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

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?

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

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

Why is the black version 200 dollars more?

congrats thats a good choice. Nice laptop.

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

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

--k1tty

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")

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.

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.

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.