How to Visually Identify the New Macbooks

[jbg232]

So if anyone goes to a store and can't figure out if they're looking at a new macbook or an old one, here is how you can tell:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306843

I've searched the site and there doesn't appear to be anything like this for the macbook pro. Maybe they don't have the new keyboard updates?




How to visually identify a MacBook (13-inch Late 2007)

The MacBook (13-inch Late 2007) portable computer looks very similar to the previous MacBook computers. Here are a couple of key, visual differences:
Check the keyboard

Look at the computer's keyboard. It should have the new media control keys across the function key row as shown in the Figures 1 and 2 below.

Figure 1 Left side function keys

Figure 2 Right side function keys

Function Key Feature
F1, F2 Decrease or increase the display brightness
F3 Exposé allows quick access to all open windows
F4 Dashboard allows access to widgets
F5, F6 Programmable keys
F7—F9 Media controls for rewind, play, or fast forward
F10 Mute the sound coming from the speakers or headphone port
F11, F12 Decrease or increase volume from speakers or headphone port
Check the rear vent

1. Look at the back of the computer with the display closed. You should be able to see the spacing of the vent fins just below the display hinge.
2. Compare the computer's vent to Figures 3 and 4 below. The MacBook (13-inch Late 2007) has much wider spacing between the vent fins than the previous MacBook computers.

Figure 3 MacBook (13-inch Late 2007)

Figure 4 Previous MacBook computers

Where to find the serial number

To find the serial number use the information in this article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303720

 

[iBecks]

Do you realise that those images are covered by copyright, do you have Apple's permission to post them here?

 

[thies]

OMG call the police!

 

[iBecks]

OMG call the police!

Do you want the number?

 

[shov]

Where's the numlock key and number pad in those photos?

??

 

[njp142]

awesome they changed the vents - that helped a lot for the heat of the C2D MBPs

 

[TheStu]

Do you want the number?

Yea, what is the number for 911?

And to the numberpad guy... good call, where is that button? I mean, i never use it, and find the slanted number pad really difficult to use to boot... but they shouldn't have removed it just cuz.

 

[koobcamuk]

Yea, what is the number for 911?

And to the numberpad guy... good call, where is that button? I mean, i never use it, and find the slanted number pad really difficult to use to boot... but they shouldn't have removed it just cuz.

They removed it because it's now the same as the Apple keyboards (like the one I am typing on right now. I have the wireless one and would actually prefer it if my MacBook had the same keyboard if just for consistency.

 

[Eidorian]

Looks like the MacBook finally got the huge vents.

 

[nineteentwelve]

I for one won't miss the number pad, as I've never used it in the four years I've owned both the iBook and my current MacBook. Nice to see the vents saw an upgrade too.

 

[Slip]

Score, I hate the number pad overlayed on the keys, looks awful and is very hard to use
Im glad its more like the Apple Keyboards now

And oh, thanks for this guide, tr

 

[Sun Baked]

Do you want the number?

Just improper linking of a published article, though Apple doesn't go as nuts as the Washington Postal does.

 

[thewhitehart]

If I plugged a new apple keyboard into a revision A Core Duo iMac, would my expose and Dashboard keys automatically change to F3 and F4?

It's kind of annoying having to press alt or option to get the expose desktop view feature, or the show all active program windows feature. I liked the F9 F10 F11 mapping better. Apple should've stayed consistent with that, although I'm sure it's better now for brand new users. I suppose that's why they put Expose and Spaces into the Applications folder.

 

[Eraserhead]

Looks like the MacBook finally got the huge vents.

I wonder if the screws at the back stay in now? Also you can use F5 and F6 to replace on the old keyboards F10 and F11 if you wish.

 

[mkrishnan]

Looks like the MacBook finally got the huge vents.

That's interesting to me also... I wonder if a teardown will reveal anything else interesting about the innards / mechanics of the new MacBooks....

 

[amrk47]

if for some reason my computer goes to applecare, they might give me those new vents if for some reason they change the casing