New MacBooks are Faster, Fatter, and Smarter

by John Neely
Published on May 15, 2006 9:32 AM



May 15, 2007 – Apple announced new speedier MacBooks equipped with Intel Core 2 Duo processors, 1GB of RAM standard, and increased hard drive capacity across the line. The updated MacBooks clock in at 2.0 GHz in white only, and 2.16 GHz in white or black. All the new models retain the 13-inch widescreen display, and the built-in iSight video camera for chatting and casual snapshots.

The speed upgrade should be welcome news to users considering a jump to the Mac platform, as it will enable Apple’s iLife suite – which includes iMovie HD and iDVD – to process HD video more seamlessly. The standard 1GB RAM installed is another boon to users who plan on using a MacBook for video editing and DVD authoring. The iLife suite is included on every new MacBook, and is arguably the most powerful and complete AV software bundle on the consumer market.

Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter, which connects magnetically to the computer and releases without damaging the terminal under strain, carries over from prior iterations of the MacBook. The new Macs will support 802.11n wireless networking, which the company claims will enable performance gains of up to five times over the ubiquitous 802.11g standard. HDD storage has also expanded with a maximum of 200GB available as an add-on. This is an impressive amount of storage given the thin 1” body and compact design of the MacBook.

The computers will ship with the iLife '06 suite, which bundles iPhoto, GarageBand, and iWeb together with iMovie HD and iDVD. Mac OS X version 10.4.9 Tiger is preinstalled, and includes the Safari web browser, Apple Mail, iCal (a calendar application), iChat AV (video, voice, and text chatting), Front Row (remote access to entertainment oriented features) and Photo Booth.

The entire MacBook like is available immediately, with the entry-level 2.0 GHz white MacBook selling for $1,099 MSRP, and including:

- 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 667 MHz front-side bus
- 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB
- 80GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor
- a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive
- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
- Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)
- built-in iSight video camera
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- built-in AirPort Extreme(R) 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
- two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire(R) 400 port
- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
- Scrolling TrackPad
- the infrared Apple Remote; and
- 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.16 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook retails for $1,299 MSRP, and in addition to the features above adds a faster 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, an expanded 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor, and a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW).  The 2.16 GHz black MacBook sells for $1,499 MSRP, and expands onboard storage capacity to 160GB.

Build-to-order options include a maximum 200GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, an Apple USB Modem, Apple Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, and the AppleCare Protection Plan.  Apple software can be pre-installed, including  iWork '06, Logic Express 7, Final Cut Express HD 3.5 and Aperture 1.5. 

In case you were wondering (and you should) Microsoft Office is not bundled with these new MacBooks.  In addition, at the moment, there are no OS X solutions available for AVCHD video editing.  To do this, you'll need to run Microsoft Windows via either Paralells or Bootcamp, and one of the handful of AVCHD capable NLEs available.