Review(s): Aluminum Macbook

[abijnk]

I haven't seen a thread where all reviews and first impressions are congregated in the same place (like usually happens), so I will post my initial review and impressions and invite anyone else who want to to post theirs as well.

I got the 2.4GHz model w/ 2GB RAM and 250GB hard drive, as well as the backlit keyboard.

Looks: SEXY. I was VERY skeptical after looking at all the pictures, but had my mind changed instantly. The footprint looks the same, but it is significantly thinner. The rounded edges add to the perception of thinness as well, but it is indeed thinner.

Screen: Gorgeous. Bright and evenly lit. With the glass covering if you accidentally poke the screen the colors do not distort because you aren't actually touching the LCD. It is thin thin thin, and I would say this is what makes up for most of the difference between the plastic model and this one.

Keyboard: Nice. Its the classic chiclet style which, after owning both a MB and MBP, I prefer over the contiguous keys. Again, that part is personal preference. The keys are quiet and provide a nice "pushy" feel (I don't know howelse to describe it). The backlighting is even and bright. There is a "leak" around the edge of each keys, but that's just the nature of the beast, and doesn't, in my opinion, detract from the appearance. The ambient light sensor is next the the iSight camera (on the left facing the notebook open). Also, the keys feel as if they have some kind of coating on them that is different from the previous MB and even the Air's keys.

Trackpad: Cool. I love having all the real estate, and the new four finger gestures are very very useful (already like second nature and I'm 5 hours in :)) The clicking will take a bit getting used to for me. I am used to slamming my thumb down on the button and, while that click perfectly every time, it feels different. The button becomes more difficult to click the further up you get, so accidental clicking shouldn't be an issue. The texture is amazing. It does not feel like glass, but is silky smooth. The sensitivity is spot on (for me) and the trackpad now has its own section in the system preferences (which makes sense, there is a lot to set now). For right-clicking, you can specify one of the bottom corners (left or right) or you can set the "two finger click". With the two finger option, just press down with two fingers, or tap with two fingers, anywhere on the trackpad to right-click. Very easy to use.

"Unibody enclosure": Sturdy. I held the notebook in my hand and tried to gently flex it; no give whatsoever. Feels strong and durable. The edges around the wrist rest could get annoying if you hang over the sides, but then again, so were the previous macbooks. ;)

Accessibility of components: The battery and hard drive are located directly under the bottom beneath the door. You don't need a coin to open the door anymore, it is self contained. You only need to remove one screw to get the hard drive out, but you'll need to a torx to get the mounting screws moved to the new hard drive. To replace the RAM you now have to use 3 separate screw drivers to remove 8 different screws that will allow you to take the rest of the bottom of the notebook off. An illustration of this is on the inside of the battery cover door, and the RAM is still considered user replaceable (and is still easy as hell to do, just a little more tedious).

I can't really say any more about it right now. I haven't put it through any paces as far at the graphics go, and can't speak to the battery life yet. However, I have been working on setting it up (transferring files over, and surfing the internet) and while warm the bottom is resting comfortably on my bare legs with no problem.

Hopefully all stays well!!! What do all you other owners think?

Also, questions?

[Palliser]

Cool, thanks for the post!

[DjAmTraX]

nice review. Your thoughts compared to your MBP?

[tMac85]

i agree with everything you said. I got the 2.0 Version. I was really surprised how cool the macbook stays. I transfered file music and movies and it barely got warm.

very happy.

[gabe90]

thanks for posting this. Should make it easier to quickly find impressions and to post my own w/ out starting a new thread.

[abijnk]

nice review. Your thoughts compared to your MBP?

I haven't had the MBP for a while now (since like last march), and the reason I got rid of it was because it was too big and a lot more bang than I needed at the time. I chose to go with the MB over the MBP this time mostly due to the graphics upgrade in the MB. I can now comfortably do the light photo editing I do (strictly hobby) on an extremely portable machine, so I'm really happy about that. Also, I like the chiclet keyboard more (although the backlight was a must for how I type). REALLY miss the matte screen.

Also, something I left out, the speaks are great. Definitely sound better than my last macbook.

[BekkyNixon]

UGH I don't want a MacBook with those AWFUL sharp edges that leave lines on my wrists! :mad: :mad: :mad:

*sigh* The Apple site says they spent THAT MUCH time and energy on the little thumb scoop that they even looked at it under an electron-microscope.

And yet... the sharp edge was completely ignored!?! Say it ain't so!!!

[ll PiStoNs ll]

UGH I don't want a MacBook with those AWFUL sharp edges that leave lines on my wrists! :mad: :mad: :mad:

*sigh* The Apple site says they spent THAT MUCH time and energy on the little thumb scoop that they even looked at it under an electron-microscope.

And yet... the sharp edge was completely ignored!?! Say it ain't so!!!

The touchpad/clicking is what I hate most. When I have safar on over ichat and try and click an ichat window it is so messed up like I have to click in a few areas to get it right
w/e i dont think mine is defective tho

[TwinCities Dan]

UGH I don't want a MacBook with those AWFUL sharp edges that leave lines on my wrists! :mad: :mad: :mad:

*sigh* The Apple site says they spent THAT MUCH time and energy on the little thumb scoop that they even looked at it under an electron-microscope.

And yet... the sharp edge was completely ignored!?! Say it ain't so!!!

I love the sharp edges, but then again I use correct typing form. :rolleyes:

[gospel9]

Good review :)
Give us more updates !

I am so happy with the new MB it's got everything I wished for. Large multi touch trackpad, LED screen, MBA keyboard, aluminium iMac design, lighter weight, thinner, graphics, DDR3 ram. It's perfect!

[abijnk]

Good review :)
Give us more updates !

I am so happy with the new MB it's got everything I wished for. Large multi touch trackpad, LED screen, MBA keyboard, aluminium iMac design, lighter weight, thinner, graphics, DDR3 ram. It's perfect!

I completely agree. :)

[w00tini]

Going from Air to MacBook...

i just got my new MacBook fully updated and have it all updated.

Likes: size, feels like an Air on steroids, chicklet keyboard, superdrive, ports

Dislike: no backlit keyboard on the base model

Hopefully I'll have a full review up in my sig soon (like the one for the Air)

hope you're all enjoying your new MB's!

[MacinDoc]

i agree with everything you said. I got the 2.0 Version. I was really surprised how cool the macbook stays. I transfered file music and movies and it barely got warm.

very happy.
It should be cool; the new unibody alu case basically becomes a great big heat sink (much more so than even the old alu MBP cases because it is a solid piece).

[okrelayer]

I bought the MacBook Pro today, and i must say i love it!

Coming from a MacBook i appreciate the larger screen. I am only posting in this thread to touch on the trackpads. I really like these new trackpads. I can click just as normal as i did before this. The gestures are fantastic!

I checked out the MacBooks at the store, Those are awesome. Iv been trying to talk my "converting to air" friend to buy the new MacBook instead. Ah well.

The displays on these new Macs are stunning. Lets all keep eachother updated on our progress with our new macs, have fun!

[Lurchdubious]

Nice writeup, abiyng. I love hearing good reviews after so many people have trashed the lack of FW and Matte screen. I'm not-so-patiently waiting for mine to come in the next couple days...

[TxMacAddict]

Some things I noticed about my new 2.4 Macbook...

The good:

This thing feels like a brick and I love it! I don't think I could stand to have a notebook that creaks or flexes anymore.. like the old macbook or macbook Pro.

Aperture booted up smoking fast! Definitely a noticeable speed increase from the 2.2 Core 2 Duo w/ 667mhz Ram.

The #1 improvement I have noticed after using this thing for about 2 hours. There is virtually no heat coming off of this thing. I am used to the Macbook Pro cooking just while surfing the internet. Very happy about this!

The bad:

The lcd... Blacks aren't nearly as black compared to my macbook pro w/matte screen that I sold today to buy this thing. I think my Macbook Air even had better blacks. A little disappointing.

The screw that holds in the hard drive brace is extremely tight and will not come loose... not sure what to do. I need to put my 320GB Scorpio Black in there.


About all I can think of for now...

[cshale210]

I have the 2.4 mb. Just got it today. Honestly, reading about what everyone has been saying about how its a bad update... seriously just go to an apple store and pick it up. It is easily one of the most well thought out pieces of technology I have ever seen. It has everything the normal user would want. The backlit keyboard it very nice, I am using it right now actually. The speed seems great (I sold my 2.4 MBP on ebay) Brightness is exceptional.

It just feels great in my hands when its closed. Its like the goddess of computers. Not the god, the goddess.

Personally, no firewire, yeah thats no fun I do a bit of video editing myself. But nothing to wine and moan over. If you do that much editing just go with the pro I guess. I heard you can somehow do it through ethernet, Im not sure.

Anyway the point is, this computer got so much negative attention on this site when it first was relased (yesterday) but this was pretty much all the pro users complaining i feel. For an everyday tech lover, who wants the best looking, thinnest, lightest, put just as powerful computer. There is simply no other option.

You will be stunned when you hold it in your hands, its better than a child.

Edit: Also, its like cold, no heat whatsoever

[bidwalj]

coming from an air

thus far, everything feels at home.

the keyboard feels better than the air (more stiff)

screen is nice and bright, just like the airs

new trackpad feels normal as well, not much learning curve to it.

weight feels a bit on the hefty side, anything will be compared to the air.

All in all, liking it so far. Nice to have a quiet machine again and no heat worries.

[Jonnyfive]

Nice review! I'm jealous of you!

[jade]

Typing this from my shiny new macbook. Just trading up from an ibook G4. Love it. I was running Panther so I have a ton of new goodies to enjoy. First impressions?
1. Feels speedy (definitely over the pest 1.8 core duo Win XP Dell I use at work)
2. The trackpad is totally intuitive. Love that I can right click without control
3. Chiclet keyboard? It is not bad, easy enough to get used to. We'll see with more days of wear and tear
4. The screen? Really bright! I cranked it down to like 50% and it is plenty
5. The size and design? Awesome. I only have a 3G ipod that uses firewire so I am not too crushed. I do need to get the phantom tunes from that pod to this new book, but i'll figure that out later
6. Like the play/pause/skip shortcuts

The bad?
1. My ibook was not having the migration assistant, so I haven't got my keychain or bookmarks over.
2. My flaky airport express (well not it is confirmed, it is the airport express not my ibook) has dropped my connection a few times.
3. Don't love the sharp edges, since I tend to work from a table not a desk. 4. There are way too many updates for such a new machine. I have 7 to run!
5. The shortcuts for expose aren't working for me right now
6. Sad my "start menu" application shortcut no longer work a faux start menu, the way it used to :(
7. I liked the "traffic" light minimize, maximize buttons

Looking forward to getting this all set up and working the way i want. :)

[Yr Blues]

How's the wifi everyone? I heard it wasn't that great…but maybe it was just a defect in one of the MacBooks.

[jaredtomas]

Can't wait to get my hands on one of these.

[TxMacAddict]

I'm picking up wi-fi much better than my Macbook Pro did. My neighbors wi-fi is coming in strong... For some reason I had to go to a specific spot in my room to get a signal with the Pro. Not anymore!!

[Bluekkis]

Are these new MacBooks still using same broadcom wlan chip as older ones?

[jade]

So far the wifi seems to be picking up the same stuff my ibook did. :)

[jqc]

Some things I noticed about my new 2.4 Macbook...

The good:

This thing feels like a brick and I love it! I don't think I could stand to have a notebook that creaks or flexes anymore.. like the old macbook or macbook Pro.

Aperture booted up smoking fast! Definitely a noticeable speed increase from the 2.2 Core 2 Duo w/ 667mhz Ram.

The #1 improvement I have noticed after using this thing for about 2 hours. There is virtually no heat coming off of this thing. I am used to the Macbook Pro cooking just while surfing the internet. Very happy about this!

The bad:

The lcd... Blacks aren't nearly as black compared to my macbook pro w/matte screen that I sold today to buy this thing. I think my Macbook Air even had better blacks. A little disappointing.

The screw that holds in the hard drive brace is extremely tight and will not come loose... not sure what to do. I need to put my 320GB Scorpio Black in there.


About all I can think of for now...

How is the the performance of aperture compared to your old MBP? I know it relies heavily on the GPU and its my biggest concern (I currently have a MBP 2.33). the form factor looks perfect for mobile...

[pik.]

does anybody have temps?:cool:

while using safari...iTunes....

[Subhumanguy]

What size Torx do you need to get the screws off the hard drive?

[tabakkie]

How are the viewing angles of the new macbook?
I have the white macbook which has horrible viewing angles...

[neiltc13]

What size Torx do you need to get the screws off the hard drive?

No Torx, just a tiny PH.

[MacsBestFriend]

thats great! do you think the back lit keyboard is a must have, or that the 2.0 is plenty enough umph?

[tMac85]

How are the viewing angles of the new macbook?
I have the white macbook which has horrible viewing angles...

The viewing angles are ....well...not there. its great from all angles. I know exactly what you are talking about. the old one had to be angled just perfect. this macbook, not at all.

[tMac85]

oh does anyone else notice the fans? i notice them a little, but im also sitting in complete silence.

[Lurchdubious]

Keep the good reviews coming!! I'm so jealous. Mine finally shipped today. I paid for expedited shipping so we'll see if it gets here in the next 2 days...

[southerndoc]

3. Don't love the sharp edges, since I tend to work from a table not a desk.

I thought the edges of the new MacBook were beveled/rounded? The sharp edges of the black MacBook is one reason why I wanted an aluminum MacBook. My wrists literally have marks on them after typing for a few minutes on my black MacBook.

[abijnk]

What size Torx do you need to get the screws off the hard drive?

You need a T6.

No Torx, just a tiny PH.

The philips head is to get the hard drive out, you need a torx (T6, again) to get the mounting screws off and moved to the new hard drive.

Check out iFixIt's teardown (http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/First-Look/Mac/MacBook-Unibody.) for screw sizes.

[kabunaru]

REALLY miss the matte screen.

Maybe you can try this:
http://www.powersupportusa.com/products/ef.php?category=pb

Thanks for the review though. :)

[hogfaninga]

Maybe you can try this:
http://www.powersupportusa.com/products/ef.php?category=pb

Thanks for the review though. :)

I had one like that and they are a waste of money.

[kabunaru]

I had one like that and they are a waste of money.
Why?
Mine is still going good after like half a year now on my MacBook.

[abijnk]

Maybe you can try this:
http://www.powersupportusa.com/products/ef.php?category=pb

Thanks for the review though. :)

Thanks for the link. I love the anti-glare film for my iPhone, and will probably get one of these for my macbook at some point. Hopefully they will come out with a custom fit one for the new macbooks.

[hogfaninga]

Why?
Mine is still going good after like half a year now on my MacBook.

I just don't like it and it doesn't work as advertised for me. You can't replace a true matte screen with a piece of crap sticker and think it will be just as good.

[kabunaru]

I just don't like it and it doesn't work as advertised for me.

Tough luck for you.

[Jiten]

How does the Macbook's screen compare to the new MBP screen? A friend of mine just got the new MBP and the screen is really good. Is the Alu Macbook's screen similar in quality because I'm really considering getting one if it is so!

[pik.]

Tough luck for you.

my friend in the end what are you buying?

I m waiting my 2.0Alu macbook....:p

[abijnk]

How does the Macbook's screen compare to the new MBP screen? A friend of mine just got the new MBP and the screen is really good. Is the Alu Macbook's screen similar in quality because I'm really considering getting one if it is so!

I think they are the same screen, just different size (I could be wrong though). I, personally, think the screen is great.

[lekun]

Didn't see this thread before I started my own. I posted my review here (theappletouch.com/2008/10/duo-tone/). But I echo most of what everyone says.

[jmann]

7. I liked the "traffic" light minimize, maximize buttons


Liked? They are still there, you just have to open up system preferences and choose blue instead of graphite.

[abijnk]

I think they are the same screen, just different size (I could be wrong though). I, personally, think the screen is great.

Heh, this is totally wrong. Sorry. :D Check out Gizmodo's review for the differences. Link (http://gizmodo.com/5063492/macbook-and-macbook-pro-dual-review)

[jade]

Liked? They are still there, you just have to open up system preferences and choose blue instead of graphite.

Thanks! I found this right after I posted :)

re: sharp edges. I find them to be a bit sharp. might want some cool pads. My wrists are pretty straight based on the height of my table. Things might be different if I had a higher stand. I have a cool pad I gt used to using with my computer. But i feels much better without it. But the cool pad is great to move the notebook around on a nice swivel. Guess I look into something else!

So far so good, I'll likely post a little mini revie once I use more stuff and the new goodies. I will rave on the battery though. It seems to last forever! I Started this evening with 1 less light. Hoped on my computer around 8:15 or 8:30. At 10% left. Battery is right around the advertised time I suspec, since I was installinf software from the optical and even burned a CD.

Good notebook. I recommend those on the fence to go check them out live!

[tsuru]

Hey, I’m a newbie here but ever since I got my new unibody MacBook I felt like and thought that maybe I could help other people by writing a review, then I spotted this thread so here’s my impressions/review of the new baby.

First of all to give you some background, ever since I remember, my family has always used Macs. My earliest memories are playing Wacky Jacks or Spectre Challenger on an old boxy Performa. As the years went by the “nice computer” in the house went from a graphite G3 iMac to an eMac, to a 14-inch iBook G4, then finally to an early 2008 white MacBook. I remember distinctly, the excitement of finding my dad coming home in the evening with a brand new computer packaged in one of those enormous white boxes they used to come in. With the transition to aluminum and glass for the iMac in 2007 I felt convinced that it was merely a matter of time until the MacBook got the same treatment. I waited hoping each new announcement would introduce a new aluminum clad MacBook. With MacWorld 2008 the MacBook Air was introduced but it didn’t suit my needs and was out of my price range. Finally on October 14th the unibody MacBook was introduced. Within a week I ordered it. Each day of waiting was so agonizing but fortunately, I was prevented from going insane by an early arrival of my MacBook.

For first impressions, the size of the box, I noticed, was even smaller than that of the previous gen. MacBook, speaking nothing of the box that the iBooks came in. Upon lifting the baby out of the box, I was immediately impressed with how much lighter it felt than the plastic MacBook. Even that half a pound makes it seem just so much lighter and portable. When carrying the white MacBook around the house it isn’t heavy but it would be nice if it was lighter. With the unibody MacBook, however, if it was lighter, sure that would be great, but it’s weight hasn’t ever made me actually wish that it was lighter.

Screen: The white MacBook’s screen was the nicest screen that I had experienced yet so I was not disappointed at all with the unibody MacBook’s screen. Concerning the glossy display, I can see how it could bug some people to no end, but for me it is not a problem at all and the rich colors that it offers are very nice. As an added benefit, the glass screen is super easy to clean.

Speakers: I had heard that the speakers were given an upgrade and indeed, it is very noticeable. It’s much louder than the old speakers and seems to have more depth as well.

Trackpad: The new glass multi-touch trackpad is very very nice. Perhaps one of the best additions. Having gotten used to the smoothness and gestures I feel just plain crippled anytime I’m forced to use the old trackpad.

Graphics card: Although I haven’t done a direct comparison to the white MacBook the new graphics card hasn’t disappointed. I downloaded the demo for Colin McRae Rally and at full resolution it still runs very smoothly (although I am in no way a serious gamer). Only a couple of times has it stuttered but even then only for a split second.

Overall, the build quality is just phenomenal. After experiencing this level of quality even something like the plastic MacBook just seems so crude (well maybe not quite that much but still). Seems like every little detail is taken care of. One such detail is the new rubber lip around the screen that replaces the square plastic “cushions”. Not only does it offer a more cushioned closing mechanism but it also keeps the macbook from getting any dust or lint between the screen and keyboard while closed. Or even the battery indicator light; I hardly ever used it when it was on the bottom of the MacBook, but now with the new placement it's one of the most well used features on it.

Being a 1st gen. product (well only the computer casing), I had read all sorts of posts about slanted keyboards, loose battery covers etc.. Thankfully the only “serious” problem mine had was slightly slanted function keys but with use they seem to have gotten less slanted and can’t really be noticed unless you look at them at the keyboard level. Even then it’s barely noticeable. The battery cover on mine at one point started making an annoying metallic clicking noise each time I place my MacBook on a hard surface. After searching around I found a helpful post in which it was explained that the little clasps holding the battery cover in place just need a little bending. I tried that and what do you know, problem solved!

This is my first own computer and all in all I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and wholly can recommend it.

[steve31]

Hey, I’m a newbie here but ever since I got my new unibody MacBook I felt like and thought that maybe I could help other people by writing a review, then I spotted this thread so here’s my impressions/review of the new baby.

First of all to give you some background, ever since I remember, my family has always used Macs. My earliest memories are playing Wacky Jacks or Spectre Challenger on an old boxy Performa. As the years went by the “nice computer” in the house went from a graphite G3 iMac to an eMac, to a 14-inch iBook G4, then finally to an early 2008 white MacBook. I remember distinctly, the excitement of finding my dad coming home in the evening with a brand new computer packaged in one of those enormous white boxes they used to come in. With the transition to aluminum and glass for the iMac in 2007 I felt convinced that it was merely a matter of time until the MacBook got the same treatment. I waited hopping each new announcement would introduce a new aluminum clad MacBook. With MacWorld 2008 the MacBook Air was introduced but it didn’t suit my needs and was out of my price range. Finally on October 14th the unibody MacBook was introduced. Within a week I ordered it. Each day of waiting was so agonizing but fortunately, I was prevented from going insane by an early arrival of my MacBook.

For first impressions, the size of the box, I noticed, was even smaller than that of the previous gen. MacBook, speaking nothing of the box that the iBooks came in. Upon lifting the baby out of the box, I was immediately impressed with how much lighter it felt than the plastic MacBook. Even that half a pound makes it seem just so much lighter and portable. When carrying the white MacBook around the house it isn’t heavy but it would be nice if it was lighter. With the unibody MacBook, however, if it was lighter, sure that would be great, but it’s weight hasn’t ever made me actually wish that it was lighter.

Screen: The white MacBook’s screen was the nicest screen that I had experienced yet so I was not disappointed at all with the unibody MacBook’s screen. Concerning the glossy display, I can see how it could bug some people to no end, but for me it is not a problem at all and the rich colors that it offers are very nice. As an added benefit, the glass screen is super easy to clean.

Speakers: I had heard that the speakers were given an upgrade and indeed, it is very noticeable. It’s much louder than the old speakers and seems to have more depth as well.

Trackpad: The new glass multi-touch trackpad is very very nice. Perhaps one of the best additions. Having gotten used to the smoothness and gestures I feel just plain crippled anytime I’m forced to use the old trackpad.

Graphics card: Although I haven’t done a direct comparison to the white MacBook the new graphics card hasn’t disappointed. I downloaded the demo for Colin McRae Rally and at full resolution it still runs very smoothly (although I am in no way a serious gamer). Only a couple of times has it stuttered but even then only for a split second.

Overall, the build quality is just phenomenal. After experiencing this level of quality even something like the plastic MacBook just seems so crude (well maybe not quite that much but still). Seems like every little detail is taken care of. One such detail is the new rubber lip around the screen that replaces the square plastic “cushions”. Not only does it offer a more cushioned closing mechanism but it also keeps the macbook from getting any dust or lint between the screen and keyboard while closed. Or even the battery indicator light; I hardly ever used it when it was on the bottom of the MacBook, but now with the new placement it's one of the most well used features on it.

Being a 1st gen. product (well only the computer casing), I had read all sorts of posts about slanted keyboards, loose battery covers etc.. Thankfully the only “serious” problem mine had was slightly slanted function keys but with use they seem to have gotten less slanted and can’t really be noticed unless you look at them at the keyboard level. Even then it’s barely noticeable. The battery cover on mine at one point started making an annoying metallic clicking noise each time I place my MacBook on a hard surface. After searching around I found a helpful post in which it was explained that the little clasps holding the battery cover in place just need a little bending. I tried that and what do you know, problem solved!

This is my first own computer and all in all I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and wholly can recommend it.Nice review!:D Congrats!

[tsuru]

Thanks! I'm enjoying it.:D

[Primejimbo]

I love the sharp edges, but then again I use correct typing form. :rolleyes:

I would like to know how people typed. They don't bother me either and I don't even know they are sharp.

[NYU02]

wrong post