Great entry-level Mac laptop
Written: Jun 13 '06
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Pros: Reasonable value, good performance, new Intel CPU, versatile connection options, stylish looks
Cons: Glossy screen and overly-stylish keyboard may be off-putting
The Bottom Line: The MacBook is a great choice if you want a laptop and you are either new to the Apple world or on a budget.
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| l2g's Full Review: Apple MacBook 13.1 in. (MA255LL/A) Mac Notebook |
I recently shopped for an Apple laptop, and while I did not ultimately choose a MacBook, a good friend of mine bought one for himself, so I've had a chance to play with it.
The MacBook comes with the latest version of OS X and is also one of the new Intel-based Macs, so it is ready to take full advantage of the new "Universal" applications. Hardcore geeks will appreciate all the usual Darwin (FreeBSD) code running under the hood.
As for everyday usage, performance feels good. I did not have a chance to push the envelope with any high-powered games. But using the Finder and all of the standard apps (iLife, Front Row iChat, Safari, etc.) does not feel pokey at all to me.
The MacBook's connectivity options are quite versatile--USB, Ethernet, Firewire, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth all come standard. The MagSafe power connector is an interesting innovation, but I'm more excited about the charge indicator built right into the connector than I am about the quick-release ability.
Some people have griped about the glossy screen, prevalent in the PC world but new to the Mac laptops. I confess I prefer a non-glossy screen, but the LCD display is so bright that it hardly makes much difference to me, at least indoors.
Why did I ultimately choose against the MacBook? The keyboard bugs me. It is a new, stylish design with flat-topped keys that is intended to blend in with the overall look. But it just doesn't feel right to my fingers. And since I was looking for a machine for extended work sessions, I just couldn't brook that funky keyboard. Your mileage may vary, however.
Try it out at your favorite computer store. If you can get over the glossy screen and the keyboard, I think you will find this a very appealing laptop for the price.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1200
Operating System: Macintosh
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 13 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Epinions.com ID:
l2g
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Member: Larry Gilbert
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 3 members
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