A shiny Apple under the Christmas tree
Apple Inc.’s latest MacBook packs a whole lot of computing power in a sleek new package.
The most obvious change for Apple’s popular laptops is in the looks department. The once white plastic-clad laptops are sleeker, thinner, lighter and tougher than their predecessors.
Crafted out of a single block of aluminum, the new MacBooks look and feel like their more expensive and larger cousins, the MacBook Pros, which also received a new design this fall.
While Apple has built a reputation for creating must-have gadgets, the Cupertino, California-based company has outdone itself with its latest consumer-level computer. Overall, the new MacBooks feel more pleasant to hold and comfortable to touch.
But the new design is about more than good looks – the new construction technique used to manufacture MacBooks has led to a case that’s exceptionally strong and light. As well, the bottom of the new MacBook rarely gets hot, even under the most demanding circumstances such as playing a 3D game or doing video editing.
Aside from the new case, the MacBook’s other most noticeable feature is its LED display screen, which is thinner and brighter than the LCD’s found in the earlier models. The new LED screens on the MacBook’s are also glossy, which can make the screen look crisper but can be annoying in bright, sunlit rooms or outdoors. For those who don’t like glossy screens, a simple off-the-shelf matte screen cover can fix that issue.
Another important new feature of the new MacBooks is the large, multi-touch trackpad. The trackpad on the MacBooks allows users to do finger swipes that can active useful features within Mac OS X Leopard such as its window-switching program, Exposé. The trackpad also doesn’t have a traditional button. Instead, the whole glass pad can be physically pushed.
A nice feature of the new trackpad is the ability to use the bottom right corner as a right click, cutting out the new for Mac users to do cumbersome key combinations along with clicks to access alternate menu functions.
The keyboard on the new MacBooks is similar to the black one introduced with the MacBook Air and a noticeable improvement over the previous generation. The keys are responsive and pleasant to use. The MacBook line also has a backlit keyboard on the more expensive 2.4 GHz model.
One of the most significant enhancements to the MacBook line is the introduction of Nvidia’s latest mobile graphics chip – the 9400. The new graphics chip in the MacBook is a significant improvement from Intel chipset used in previous models. Unlike the Intel video chipset, the Nvidia 9400 has its own dedicated graphic processing unit. Like the Intel chipset, the Nvidia 9400 still uses system RAM. Nonetheless, the 9400 offers up to five times the speed of the Intel integrated graphics chip.
The MacBook performed adequately in a series of gaming tests ranging from a trial run of World of Warcraft in Mac OS X to a test of Battlefield 2 in Windows XP, which was installed through Apple’s handy Bootcamp utility.
The new MacBooks also boast faster DDR3 ram and are available with either a 2.0 GHz or 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor.
Upgrading the MacBook laptops is easier than ever thanks to some helpful design improvements. Both the hard drive and RAM on the MacBook are relatively easy for users to remove and replace, which can help maximize its lifespan.
For those concerned about the environment and their health, the MacBook is one of the most progressive laptops on the market. Its aluminum shell is full recyclable and the move away from LCD technology to LED has helped Apple reduce the use of harmful chemicals in its laptops.
For those who’ve invested heavily in FireWire-based peripherals such as external hard drives or camcorders, the elimination of a FireWire port on the new aluminium MacBooks may be a deal breaker. Those who still want or need a FireWire port can buy the cheaper white MacBook, which still has the previous generation’s plastic case or they can shell out a few hundred dollars more for the MacBook Pro.
Overall the new MacBooks represent one of the best computing options on the market for students, educators and even business professionals. They’re light and durable and pack a great deal of value for their price. They also are the only computers that can run both Mac OS X and Windows either side by side via virtualization software or as boot options at start-up.
Mac OS X itself is arguably the most compelling reason to buy an Apple computer due it’s stability, security and ease of use. Apple’s iLife suite of apps, ranging from iPhoto to iMovie and Garageband, are perfect for creating and organizing digital media.
The new aluminum MacBooks are priced between $1,349 and $1,649 with Apple’s education discount ($1,399 and $1,749 regular retail). You can learn more at www.apple.com/macbook.
