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Thursday, 6 October 2011

MacBook

First-generation black polycarbonate MacBook, 2006
MacBook is a brand of Macintosh notebook computers built by Apple Inc. First introduced in May 2006, it replaced the iBook and 12-inch PowerBook series of notebooks as a part of the Apple–Intel transition. Positioned as the low end of the MacBook family, the MacBook is aimed at the consumer and education markets. It is the best-selling Macintosh in history, and according to the sales-research organization NPD Group in October 2008, the mid-range model of the MacBook was the single best-selling laptop of any brand in U.S. retail stores for the preceding five months.
There have been three separate designs of the MacBook: the original model uses a combination of polycarbonate and fibreglass casing that was modelled after the iBook G4. The second type, introduced in October 2008 alongside the 15-inch MacBook Pro, used a similar unibody aluminum casing to the 15-inch Pro, and was updated and rebranded as the 13-inch MacBook Pro at the 2009 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2009. A third design, introduced in October 2009, uses a unibody polycarbonate shell as aluminum is now reserved for the higher-end MacBook Pro.


The original MacBook, available in black and white cases, was released on May 16, 2006, and used the Intel Core Duo processor and 945GM chipset, with Intel's GMA 950 integrated graphics on a 667 MHz front side bus. Later revisions of the MacBook moved to the Core 2 Duo processor and the GM965 chipset, with Intel's GMA X3100 integrated graphics on an 800 MHz system bus. Sale of the black polycarbonate MacBook ceased in October 2008 after the introduction of the aluminum MacBook.
While thinner than the iBook G4 that it replaced, the MacBook was wider than the 12-inch model due to its widescreen display. In addition, the MacBook was one of the first (the first being the MacBook Pro) to adopt Apple's MagSafe power connector and it replaced the iBook's mini-VGA display port with a mini-DVI display port. The iBook's discrete graphics chip was initially replaced by an integrated Intel GMA solution, though the latest revisions of the MacBook were upgraded with the more powerful Nvidia GeForce 320M.
While the MacBook Pro largely followed the industrial design standard set by the PowerBook G4, the MacBook was Apple's first notebook to use features now standard in its notebooks: the glossy display, the sunken keyboard design, and the non-mechanical magnetic latch. With the late 2007 revision, the keyboard received several changes to closely mirror the one that shipped with the iMac, by adding the same keyboard shortcut to control multimedia, and removing the embedded virtual numeric keypad and the Apple logo from the command keys.
Also offered in a more expensive black model until the introduction of the later unibody aluminum MacBook, the polycarbonate MacBook was the only Macintosh notebook to be offered in more than one color since the iBook G3 (Clamshell).


Ports
The ports are all on the left edge; on early models, from front to back, they are: Kensington Security Slot, audio in/out, two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, mini-DVI, Gigabit Ethernet, MagSafe power connector.
The front edge features a pill-shaped power light and a round black infrared receiver, for Apple Remote; the right edge features only the disc slot.


User serviceability
The polycarbonate Intel MacBook is easier for users to fix or upgrade than its predecessor. Where the iBook required substantial disassembly to access most internal components, including removal of the keyboard and RAM, users need only to remove the polycarbonate MacBook's outer shell to access almost any interior component. Replacing the hard drive and memory requires merely the removal of the battery, and Apple provides do-it-yourself manuals for these tasks.




Quality problems

Some early polycarbonate MacBook models suffered from random shutdowns, occurring to owners who have owned their MacBooks for some amount of time. They were resolved through replacement of the CPU heatsink and firmware updates.
There were also cases reported of discolored or chipping palmrests. There were many instances of the edges of the palm rest and screen bezel splitting and thin strips peeling off. In such cases, Apple asked affected owners to contact AppleCare.
There were problems with batteries on some models from 2007 not being read by the MacBook. This is caused by a logicboard fault and not a fault with the battery.
In February 2010, Apple announced a warranty extension and recall for MacBooks bought between 2006–2007 for hard drive issues. This is caused by heat and other problems.


Model specifications
Table of models
Component Intel Core Duo Intel Core 2 Duo
Model Early 2006 Late 2006 Mid 2007 Late 2007 Early 2008 Late 2008
(White) Early 2009 (White) Mid 2009
Release date
May 16, 2006 November 8, 2006 May 15, 2007 November 1, 2007 February 26, 2008 October 14, 2008 January 21, 2009 May 27, 2009
Model numbers MA254*/A MA255*/A MA472*/A MA699*/A MA700*/A MA701*/A MB061*/A MB062*/A MB063*/A MB061*/B MB062*/B MB063*/B MB402*/A MB403*/A MB404*/A MB402*/B MB881*/A MC240*/A
Machine model MacBook1,1 MacBook2,1 MacBook3,1 MacBook4,1 MacBook4,2 MacBook5,2 MacBook5,2
Display 13.3-inch glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution (WXGA, 16:10 = 8:5 aspect ratio)
Front side bus 667 MHz 800 MHz 1066 MHz
Processor 1.83 GHz or 2.0 GHz
Intel Core Duo (T2400/T2500) 1.83 GHz or 2.0 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T5600/T7200) 2.0 GHz or 2.16 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T7200/T7400) 2.0 GHz or 2.2 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T7300/T7500) 2.1 GHz or 2.4 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T8100/T8300) 2.1 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (T8100) 2.0 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (P7350) 2.13 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo (P7450)
Memory
Two slots for
DDR2 SDRAM 512 MB (two 256 MB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 2 GB 512 MB (two 256 MB) or 1 GB (two 512 MB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 2 GB5 1 GB (two 512 MB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 2 GB5 1 GB (two 512 MB) or 2 GB (two 1 GB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 4 GB 1 GB (two 512 MB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 4 GB 2 GB (two 1 GB) 667 MHz PC2-5300
Expandable to 4 GB 800 Mhz PC2-6400 2 GB (two 1 GB) 800 MHz PC2-6400
Expandable to 4 GB
Graphics
Shared with system memory Intel GMA 950 using 64 MB RAM (up to 224 MB in Windows through Boot Camp). Intel GMA X3100 using 144 MB RAM Nvidia GeForce 9400M using 256 MB RAM
Hard drive2
5400-rpm unless specified 60 GB or 80 GB
Optional 100 GB or 120 GB 60 GB, 80 GB or 120 GB
Optional 160 GB or 200 GB, 4200-rpm 80 GB, 120 GB or 160 GB
Optional 200 GB, 4200-rpm 80 GB, 120 GB or 160 GB
Optional 250 GB
120 GB, 160 GB, or 250 GB 120 GB
Optional 160 GB or 250 GB 120 GB
Optional 160 GB, 250 GB, or 320 GB 160 GB
Optional 250 GB, 320 GB, or 500 GB
AirPort Extreme Integrated 802.11a/b/g Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n
(n disabled by default)1 Integrated 802.11a/b/g and draft-n (n enabled)
Combo drive3
Base model only
8× DVD read, 24× CD-R and 10× CD-RW recording 8× DVD read, 24× CD-R and 16× CD-RW recording N/A
Internal slot-loading SuperDrive3 8× double-layer discs reads. 4× DVD±R & RW recording. 24× CD-R and 10× CD-RW recording 2.4× DVD+R DL writes, 6× DVD±R read, 4× DVD±RW writes, 24× CD-R, and 10× CD-RW recording 4× DVD+R DL writes, 8× DVD±R read, 4× DVD±RW writes, 24× CD-R, and 10x CD-RW recording
Included operating system Mac OS X v10.4.6 Mac OS X v10.4.8 Mac OS X v10.4.9 or v10.4.10 Mac OS X v10.5 Mac OS X v10.5.2 or v10.5.4 Mac OS X v10.5.4 Mac OS X v10.5.6
Battery 55-watt-hour removable lithium-polymer
Weight 5.2 lb/2.4 kg 5.1 lb/2.3 kg 5.0 lb/2.3 kg
Dimensions 1.08 x 12.78 x 8.92 in/27.5 x 325 x 227 mm
Notes:
1 Requires the purchase of a wireless-N enabler software from Apple in order to enable the functionality.
2 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are custom configurations available, including use of 7200-rpm drives.
3 Given optical drive speed is its maximum.
4 Beginning with the early 2008 revision, the Apple Remote became an optional add-on.
5 Expandable to 4 GB, with 3 GB usable.


Aluminum unibody model


The unibody MacBook
On October 14, 2008, Apple announced a MacBook featuring a new Nvidia chipset at a Cupertino, California press conference entitled "The Spotlight Turns To Notebooks".
The chipset brought a 1066 MHz system bus, use of DDR3 system memory, and integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics up to five times faster than the original MacBooks' Intel chipset. Other changes include an LED backlit display, a new Mini DisplayPort (replacing the polycarbonate MacBook's mini-DVI port), a multi-touch glass trackpad which also acts as the mouse button, removal of toxins such as mercury, and the removal of the FireWire 400 port (thus it doesn't support Target Disk Mode, used for data transfers or operating system repairs without booting the system). An updated line of the unibody MacBooks were rebranded as the 13-inch MacBook Pro on June 8, 2009 at Apple's WWDC 2009 and FireWire was restored in the form of a FireWire 800 port.


Design
The design had stylistic traits of the MacBook Air which were also implemented into the design of the MacBook Pro. This model was thinner than the original polycarbonate MacBooks, and it made use of a unibody aluminum case with tapered edges. The keyboard of the higher-end model was offered with a backlight.


Reception
Although Gizmodo concluded it to be "our favorite MacBook to date," they did claim that, at the time, its display was inferior to that found on the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, alleging a smaller viewing angle, washed-out colors, and dimmer backlighting.Similarly, AppleInsider and Engadget concluded that it "may well be Apple's best MacBook to date" and "these are terrific choices—not only from an industrial design standpoint, but in specs as well" respectively, while also drawing attention to a lower quality display as compared with the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Charlie Sorrel of Wired News reached an identical conclusion about the MacBook display, citing its poor contrast and lack of vertical angle in comparison with the MacBook Pro and even the older white MacBook. Peter Cohen wrote an article discussing the loss of the FireWire port for Macworld, saying "The absence of FireWire ports is certainly an inconvenience for some users. But it shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker for most of us, anyway."


Model specifications
Table of models
Model Late 2008
Release date
October 14, 2008
Model numbers MB466*/A; MB467*/A
Machine model MacBook5,1
Display 13.3-inch LED backlit glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
Front side bus 1066 MHz
Processor 2.0 GHz or 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (P7350/P8600)
Memory
Two slots for PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM (1066 MHz) 2 GB (two 1 GB)
Expandable to 4 GB (6GB unsupported by Apple)
Graphics Integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M with 256 MB shared with main memory
(up to 512 MB available in Windows through Boot Camp)
Hard drive1
Serial ATA 5400-rpm 160 GB or 250 GB 5400-rpm
Optional 320 GB HDD; 128 GB or 256 GB Solid-state drive (SSD)
AirPort Extreme Integrated 802.11a/b/g/draft-n (BCM4322 chipset)
Internal slot-loading SuperDrive2 Maximum write: 8× DVD±R, 4× DVD±R DL, 4× DVD±RW, 24× CD-R, 10× CD-RW
Maximum read: 8× DVD±R, DVD-ROM, 6× DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD±R DL, DVD±RW, 24× CD
Included operating system Mac OS X v10.5.5
Battery 45-watt-hour removable lithium polymer
Weight 4.5 lb/2.0 kg
Dimensions 0.95 x 12.78 x 8.94 in/24.1 x 325 x 227 mm
Notes:
1 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are custom configurations available, including use of 7200-rpm drives and SSDs.
2 Given optical drive speed is its maximum.


Polycarbonate (plastic) unibody model

On October 20, 2009, Apple released a MacBook that introduced a new polycarbonate (plastic) unibody design, faster DDR3 memory, a multi-touch trackpad, an LED-backlit display, and a built-in seven hour battery. The polycarbonate unibody MacBook, like its aluminum predecessor, lacks FireWire and, like the 13-inch MacBook Pro, has a combined audio in/out port. On May 18, 2010, the MacBook was refreshed with an updated processor, a faster graphics card, and improved battery life.


Design
Like the MacBook Pro, the MacBook follows the same tapered design first seen in the MacBook Air; however, it is rounder on the edges than previous laptops in the MacBook line. This model has an all-white fingerprint-resistant glossy palm rest, unlike the grayish surface of its predecessor, and uses a multi-touch glass trackpad like the one found on the MacBook Pro. The bottom of the MacBook features a rubberized non-slip finish. The built-in battery of the late 2009 revision, a feature introduced earlier in the year with the MacBook Pro, is claimed by Apple to last seven hours compared with five hours in the older models. However, in tests conducted by Macworld, the battery was found to last only about four hours while playing video at full brightness with AirPort turned off. However, Apple's battery life was calculated with the brightness at the middle setting and while browsing websites and editing word documents, not with video and at full brightness. Gizmodo also reached about the same conclusion in their tests, but with AirPort turned on. The battery included in the mid 2010 model holds an additional five watt-hours over the previous model's and is claimed to last up to ten hours.


Reception
Despite being hailed by Slashgear as "one of the best entry-level notebooks Apple have produced," the unibody MacBook has received criticism for its lack of a FireWire port and SD card slot. Nilay Patel of Engadget added that the USB ports were easily dented and the bottom of the laptop became worn and discolored after a few days. He also drew particular attention to the fact that the price was not lowered, stating that the small price difference between the MacBook and the MacBook Pro makes it a "wasted pricing opportunity." However, most critics agree that the unibody MacBook's display is significantly better than its predecessor's. AppleInsider states that the new display "delivers significantly better color and viewing angle performance" than the previous MacBook, but still "not as vivid and wide-angle viewable as the MacBook Pro screens."


Model specifications
Table of models
Model Late 2009 Mid 2010
Release date
October 20, 2009 May 18, 2010
Model Numbers MC207*/A MC516*/A
Machine Model MacBook6,1 MacBook7,1
Display 13.3-inch LED backlit glossy widescreen LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
Front side bus 1066 MHz
Processor 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (P7550) 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (P8600)
Memory
Two slots for PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM (1066 MHz) 2 GB (two 1 GB)
Expandable to 4 GB 2 GB (two 1 GB)
Expandable to 4 GB
Graphics Integrated Nvidia GeForce 9400M with 256 MB shared with main memory
(up to 512 MB available in Windows through Boot Camp) Integrated Nvidia GeForce 320M with 256 MB shared with main memory
Hard drive1
Serial ATA 5400-rpm 250 GB 5400-rpm
Optional 320 GB or 500 GB HDD
AirPort Extreme Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n (BCM43224 chipset)
Internal Slot-Loading SuperDrive2 Maximum write: 8× DVD±R, 4× DVD±R DL, 4× DVD±RW, 24× CD-R, 10× CD-RW
Maximum read: 8× DVD±R, DVD-ROM, 6× DVD-ROM (double layer DVD-9), DVD±R DL, DVD±RW, 24× CD
Included operating system Mac OS X v10.6.1[22] Mac OS X v10.6.3
Battery 60-watt-hour non-removable lithium-polymer 63.5-watt-hour non-removable lithium-polymer
Weight 4.7 lb/2.1 kg
Dimensions 1.09 x 13.00 x 9.12 in/27.4 x 330.3 x 231.7 mm
Notes:
1 Hard drives noted are options available from Apple. As the hard drive is a user-replaceable part, there are custom configurations available, including use of 7200-rpm drives and SSDs.
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