MacBook Features and Photos

MacRumors · 12:49 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif

As people have had time to absorb the information about the new Apple MacBook released yesterday, there are some photo gallerys as well as some observations about the newest Apple laptop.

Todd Benjamin, Apple's director of portables worldwide product marketing provided some comments on the new laptop. He explains "The performance improvement in these systems over the preceeding [G4] systems is dramatic".

He describes the new "glossy" screens:

Quote:

"We say glossy because when you look at the screens you'll see a glossy appearance. It means colours are much richer, they look great"

However, not everyone seems happy with the glossy screens as there have been some complaints.

Macworld provides a "first look" at the new MacBook. Of interest, they provide a size comparison photo comparing the 12" PowerBook to the new 13.3" MacBook.

The MacBook internals have been designed to give users relatively easy access to the MacBook's memory slots as well as a user replaceable hard drive.

Quote:

Flipping a MacBook upside down and removing its rectangular lithium-polymer battery reveals two RAM slots, placed side-by-side on one wall of the battery cavity.
....
Below the two RAM slots (at the base of the battery cavity) is where you'll find the MacBook's hard disk drive. Without disassembling the notebook, users will be able to quickly removing some protective aluminum shielding and lift the drive out of the computer.

Multiple photo galleries have already appeared featuring the new laptop: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Meanwhile, Kodawarisan has already posted disassembly photos of the new MacBook.

prechrchet · May 17, 2006, 07:59 AM

I see that the MB uses integrated video instead of a dedicated video card. Any idea how much of a performance lag I should expect to see when I get mine this summer?

sunfast · May 17, 2006, 08:02 AM

I think it's a fine machine - excellent value for money. Can't wait to get one of my own.

Zeke · May 17, 2006, 08:02 AM

User replaceable hard drive? Awesome...this is really really nice! I agree with the integrated video decision. It lets Apple make a cheap laptop designed for casual computer users who don't need the extra power. I'm liking this thing and will be ordering one for the wife shortly.

ipacmm · May 17, 2006, 08:02 AM

Wow, the black MacBook doesn't even look like a Mac anymore...to me it does look like an IBM. The user replaceable hard drive sounds like a great idea to make your laptop last even longer now.

bwintx · May 17, 2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macrumors

Multiple photo galleries have already appeared featuring the new laptop: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Meanwhile, Kodawarisan has already posted disassembly photos of the new MacBook.

1 and 2 are essentially the same. Why list both?

Fearless Leader · May 17, 2006, 08:08 AM

"Meanwhile, Kodawarisan has already posted disassembly photos of the new MacBook."
I just dont get it whay would you take apart such a pretty thing...

Dangit i had my heart set on the 17 and then paiting it jet black, but these new mac are so pretty. I think they have the "Come Buy Me" shade of black...

BornAgainMac · May 17, 2006, 08:08 AM

Access to the memory slots by flipping the notebook rather than opening the keyboard is a better. Also I like that you can upgrade the hard drive very easily compared to the MBP. I would get the most stripped down MB and upgrade it myself. Plus you can have a almost dedicated drive for Windows and a separate for OSX. Or if you have to send your book for repairs, you can swap out the drive with another so they don't format your drive or have access to your data. Too bad games will suffer on this model.

I like the glossy screen too. I never had a problem with the mirror effect that people complain about. I guess my lighting was just right. I like that we have a choice with the pro laptops now.

jonharris200 · May 17, 2006, 08:21 AM

The MacBooks are so full of features... will they cannibalise MacBook Pro sales?

thequicksilver · May 17, 2006, 08:25 AM

I've read some places saying that replacing the HD even on this user-friendly Macbook invalidates your warranty. Can anyone here confirm either way?

Core Trio · May 17, 2006, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonharris200

The MacBooks are so full of features... will they cannibalise MacBook Pro sales?

I really dont see this becoming too much of an issue, while the MB is full-featured, there are just somethings on the MBP that alot of people want/need and are willing to pay more to get (ie dedicated graphics, expresscard34, FW800, etc.)

andiwm2003 · May 17, 2006, 08:29 AM

i don't game and i was contemplating a mac mini core duo as "media center". but the macbooks are a great value so i might go for a macbook instead. that can serve as media center and also helps me with the intel transition. i don't really want or need a rev.A powermac now. i plan on a powermac next year. meanwhile the macbook could give me a nice speed boost over my G4 powerbook.

all in all a great notebook that will make most users happy. only gamers are left behind (again).

Crager724 · May 17, 2006, 08:30 AM

In the dock, what application is to the right of Quicktime? Is that Front Row?

dnedved · May 17, 2006, 08:32 AM

The comparison with the 12" makes it even more obvious that they need to come out with a subnote. With USB ports who really needs a built-in optical drive? Especially if you consider the fact that a high-quality notebook has a lifespan of at least 3 years and we have competing high-density optical standards coming out right now.

Buschmaster · May 17, 2006, 08:34 AM

I like my screen a lot.

.Andy · May 17, 2006, 08:35 AM

I think they look absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to try out that new keyboard either. Apple always seem to excel in the laptop keyboard department.

And much love to the 12" powerbook. Looks like it'll reign as the smallest and lightest Apple laptop for a while yet......RIP

.

Roy Hobbs · May 17, 2006, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crager724

In the dock, what application is to the right of Quicktime? Is that Front Row?

Photobooth

Shamus · May 17, 2006, 08:38 AM

I always thought that the glossy screens were better...? Why are people now saying that they arent better?

Also, that keyboard looks awesome

. Infact, the whole thing is designed very well. The plastic looks semi-scratch resistent - a nice addition.

Core Trio · May 17, 2006, 08:41 AM

[quote=Shamus]I always thought that the glossy screens were better...? Why are people now saying that they arent better?[quote]

Its a matter of preference, some people like the fact that it gives you more vivid color, others hate it b/c it has a tendency to glare and act like a mirror. Atleast the MBP lets you choose

.Andy · May 17, 2006, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamus

I always thought that the glossy screens were better...? Why are people now saying that they arent better?.

I think it's more concerns with the reflective nature of the screens. Some consider them unacceptable when in a moderate-high light situation.

edit: beaten by speedy-pants ^^^^

ifjake · May 17, 2006, 08:43 AM

to me the keyboard doesn't look as nice, but someone will have to actually try it out and compare.

and as for the glossy screen, i can definitely attest to how the matte versions dufuse sunlight like crazy and make it unusable, while with glossy screens i can imagine that all you'd have to do is reposition yourself so that the glare doesn't go to you eyes and you'd be set. it's took me a little bit to get used to the idea, but after thinking through it a bit the glossyness of the screen isn't such a bad thing.

JFreak · May 17, 2006, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thequicksilver

I've read some places saying that replacing the HD even on this user-friendly Macbook invalidates your warranty. Can anyone here confirm either way?

No. If it's a user serviceable part, then the end user may do whatever one wishes about such part. Even before, one was allowed to let certified personnel have the drive replaced, so there's nothing magical about the factory installed hard drive. It's a common spare part, nothing more.

geese · May 17, 2006, 08:46 AM

http://www.cosam.org/images/spectrum_plus_closeup.jpg

http://www.thinksecret.com/archives/.../macbook-7.jpg

Shamus · May 17, 2006, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ifjake

to me the keyboard doesn't look as nice, but someone will have to actually try it out and compare.

I tend to agree with you somewhat, but it looks as if it would function better (ie. not as much stuff getting caught underneath). I think it looks kinda weird only because it is 'different'.

Depending on the feedback and popularity of this keyboard design...I wonder if the Macbook Pro's will adopt this new design in near-future revisions?

dmcgann · May 17, 2006, 08:49 AM

wheres the best place to get ram for this????

May 17, 2006, 07:59 AM	#2
prechrchet macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2002	MacBook Video capabilities I see that the MB uses integrated video instead of a dedicated video card. Any idea how much of a performance lag I should expect to see when I get mine this summer? __________________ 1.8 Mac Mini 2 Ghz MacBook silver iPod mini (I also have an Xbox. Does that make me bi-polar?) www.adoptionvoyages.com www.adoptionvoyages.net

May 17, 2006, 08:02 AM	#3
sunfast macrumors 68020 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London	I think it's a fine machine - excellent value for money. Can't wait to get one of my own. __________________ 762

May 17, 2006, 08:02 AM	#5
ipacmm macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cincinnati, OH	Wow, the black MacBook doesn't even look like a Mac anymore...to me it does look like an IBM. The user replaceable hard drive sounds like a great idea to make your laptop last even longer now. __________________ [size="1"]My Photography - ipacmm.com

May 17, 2006, 08:21 AM	#9
jonharris200 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: London, UK	The MacBooks are so full of features... will they cannibalise MacBook Pro sales? __________________ For more info, please visit the 500 thread. Alternatively, try Page 3. But whatever you do, live different.

May 17, 2006, 08:25 AM	#10
thequicksilver macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme, England	I've read some places saying that replacing the HD even on this user-friendly Macbook invalidates your warranty. Can anyone here confirm either way? __________________ MacBook Pro 2.5GHz C2D \| 4GB "Poetry is a way for bad authors to get their work published" © Me, 1999. Photos

May 17, 2006, 08:02 AM	#4
Zeke macrumors 6502 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Greenville, SC	User replaceable hard drive? Awesome...this is really really nice! I agree with the integrated video decision. It lets Apple make a cheap laptop designed for casual computer users who don't need the extra power. I'm liking this thing and will be ordering one for the wife shortly.

May 17, 2006, 08:08 AM	#7
Fearless Leader macrumors 68020 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wonderland	"Meanwhile, Kodawarisan has already posted disassembly photos of the new MacBook." I just dont get it whay would you take apart such a pretty thing... Dangit i had my heart set on the 17 and then paiting it jet black, but these new mac are so pretty. I think they have the "Come Buy Me" shade of black...

May 17, 2006, 08:08 AM	#8
BornAgainMac macrumors 68030 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Florida Resident	Access to the memory slots by flipping the notebook rather than opening the keyboard is a better. Also I like that you can upgrade the hard drive very easily compared to the MBP. I would get the most stripped down MB and upgrade it myself. Plus you can have a almost dedicated drive for Windows and a separate for OSX. Or if you have to send your book for repairs, you can swap out the drive with another so they don't format your drive or have access to your data. Too bad games will suffer on this model. I like the glossy screen too. I never had a problem with the mirror effect that people complain about. I guess my lighting was just right. I like that we have a choice with the pro laptops now.

May 17, 2006, 08:29 AM	#12
andiwm2003 macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Boston, MA	i don't game and i was contemplating a mac mini core duo as "media center". but the macbooks are a great value so i might go for a macbook instead. that can serve as media center and also helps me with the intel transition. i don't really want or need a rev.A powermac now. i plan on a powermac next year. meanwhile the macbook could give me a nice speed boost over my G4 powerbook. all in all a great notebook that will make most users happy. only gamers are left behind (again).

May 17, 2006, 08:30 AM	#13
Crager724 macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: God's Country	In the dock, what application is to the right of Quicktime? Is that Front Row? __________________ So broccoli, mother says your good me, well I'm afraid I'm not good for you.

May 17, 2006, 08:32 AM	#14
dnedved macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Amsterdam, NL	even more reason for a subnote... The comparison with the 12" makes it even more obvious that they need to come out with a subnote. With USB ports who really needs a built-in optical drive? Especially if you consider the fact that a high-quality notebook has a lifespan of at least 3 years and we have competing high-density optical standards coming out right now.

May 17, 2006, 08:34 AM	#15
Buschmaster macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Minnesota	I like my screen a lot.

May 17, 2006, 08:35 AM	#16
.Andy macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Mergui Archipelago	I think they look absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to try out that new keyboard either. Apple always seem to excel in the laptop keyboard department. And much love to the 12" powerbook. Looks like it'll reign as the smallest and lightest Apple laptop for a while yet......RIP . __________________ Each man's death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.

May 17, 2006, 08:38 AM	#18
Shamus macrumors 6502a Join Date: Feb 2006	I always thought that the glossy screens were better...? Why are people now saying that they arent better? Also, that keyboard looks awesome . Infact, the whole thing is designed very well. The plastic looks semi-scratch resistent - a nice addition.

May 17, 2006, 08:41 AM	#19
Core Trio macrumors regular Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Jersey	[quote=Shamus]I always thought that the glossy screens were better...? Why are people now saying that they arent better?[quote] Its a matter of preference, some people like the fact that it gives you more vivid color, others hate it b/c it has a tendency to glare and act like a mirror. Atleast the MBP lets you choose

May 17, 2006, 08:43 AM	#21
ifjake macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2004	to me the keyboard doesn't look as nice, but someone will have to actually try it out and compare. and as for the glossy screen, i can definitely attest to how the matte versions dufuse sunlight like crazy and make it unusable, while with glossy screens i can imagine that all you'd have to do is reposition yourself so that the glare doesn't go to you eyes and you'd be set. it's took me a little bit to get used to the idea, but after thinking through it a bit the glossyness of the screen isn't such a bad thing.

May 17, 2006, 08:46 AM	#23
geese macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London, UK	HHHhhmmmm, that jeyboard looks familiar? http://www.cosam.org/images/spectrum_plus_closeup.jpg http://www.thinksecret.com/archives/.../macbook-7.jpg __________________ Look at some random photos

May 17, 2006, 08:49 AM	#25
dmcgann macrumors newbie Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: ireland	Ram wheres the best place to get ram for this????

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