phoenixx's Full Review: Apple MacBook 13.1 in. (MA255LL/A) Mac Notebook
I've been a Mac user for decades, so I'm fairly loyal, and my old Macs have certainly served me well. (See my review of my trusty iMac http://www99.epinions.com/content_219712228996.) After many years of faithful use, I finally decided to upgrade from my iBook Clamshell G4 and iMac G3 desktop to something new. I chose the MacBook, and have been off and running ever since.
Apple loves to wow users with its products, and this Mac laptop is certainly no exception to that rule. From the moment you unpack it and power it on, it starts showing off for its new master. It runs through an elaborate display of its various features in a slick movie-style presentation, ending with a bang - taking your photo with the built in iSight and displaying your resulting look of surprise in full screen mode. (I have to admit, I promptly deleted the photo, though it does give you the option to install it as your desktop background. No thanks!)
The MacBook has a beautiful, sleek case that has a seamless appearance. I chose the white model with the 13.3" wide screen, but the black model was just as sleek and polished looking. Everything about this computer is smooth, from the glossy screen to the shell with the glowing Apple logo in the back, to the new style keyboard and fully flush power button. Everywhere I take my new pet, er, I mean laptop, other people swarm me with questions, wanting to try out this beautiful yet functional machine.
One of the best improvements made in the MacBook over the older iBook is the glossy wide screen. I am not technical enough to explain why the picture and text seem to pop more, and seem so much more clear than the old screen style, but it does. The gloss lends amazing clarity, and the wide screen is a much better use of space than the old square screen was. Technically, the screen on this MacBook is only a fraction larger than my iBook was, but the design gives it much more screen area and much less wasted space. the 13.3" I purchased is more than adequate for my needs, and the 17" and 20" models are downright cinematic in scope.
The other feature I am in love with on this machine is the keyboard. The redesigned keyboard is simply fantastic. It is square, flat and slightly recessed into the case with the keys popping up through the board itself. This gives it a much lower profile, and makes it possible for this machine to be less than an inch thick closed. Something about this design makes the keystrokes quiet as well. I am a writer who spends 16 hours a day pounding away at my trusty computer, and my honey can hardly hear a thing now. This computer has done much to improve the atmosphere in the house when I need to burn the midnight oil.
Once again the Apple people have given us a trackpad mouse with one button. I know this drives PC converts crazy, but you can set your trackpad preferences to allow double clicking and right clicking with any combination of strokes you'd like. I personally set it to right click by placing two fingers on the pad and clicking the button once, but you don't have to do that. Most Mac users know all you have to do to right click any Mac is hold the command key down while you click your mouse or trackpad. I'm not sure why Apple doesn't change this feature, since it seems like no big deal to do, but perhaps it is a "quirk" they enjoy having.
I make use of most of the MacBook's features, including the side ports. I love the magnetized safety power cord that quickly pops out if something catches in the cord. It is much safer and more reliable than the original design for the power cord that was so bulky, bulbous and prone to breakage. I especially like the AC adapter on this cord - it swivels the prongs to allow you to fit the plug in almost anywhere - a very handy feature when using your laptop for long periods in cafes and other public places.
The MacBook comes standard with a wireless card and an ethernet connection, so you can connect to the internet and your network wherever you go. Like everything else Mac, the wireless and ethernet are both completely plug and play devices - there was no set up required for me to use either feature. Even when I am on a strange WiFi network, the computer sets itself to use it automatically, only asking me to confirm.
This Mac is also equipped with two high speed USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 400 port, a Mag-safe power port, an ethernet port (10/100/1000 Base T), a mini DVI port (video out), an audio line-in/optical digital audio in port, headphone out/optical digital audio out port and a security slot. On the other side is the DVD-RW/CD-RW SuperDrive, one of the few items on the entire machine that can get a little noisy while it is running. The speakers are located within the hinge area, completely invisible to the user, and the iSight and Microphone are in the top of the video display unit, facing the user.
I use my MacBook primarily for writing and things associated with writing, as that is what I do for a living. This means I run word processing programs, internet programs, accounting programs and graphic design programs on it most of the time. With the Intel Core Duo 2.0 Ghz processor speed and the installed 1.25 GB of RAM, I have no trouble working in multiple programs at once to multitask my way to success. Many of my clients are corporate, and quite a few are in various aspects of Internet marketing. They like to send me videos to work from, and the MacBook handles the heavy video load with ease.
I have many programs installed on my MacBook, including Microsoft Office, Photoshop, the full Macromedia Suite, Toast Titanium, QuickBooks Pro, WriteItNow, Fetch, the apple built ins like iMovie, iDVD, iTunes, GarageBand, ComicLife, iWeb and the rest, Acrobat for creating PDFs, QuickTime Pro, Adium X, Thunderbird, Firefox and so much more. I don't have many games on this computer, as I use it for work and mainly use Pogo.com to get my game fix online. As a general rule you can find me running either WriteItNow or Word simultaneously with Firefox, Thunderbird, design software and iTunes. The MacBook handles the load just fine.
This MacBook is ideally suited to my internet based business and all of my blogs, sites and online clients. Most of my clients are PC users, and we never have a hitch communicating or sharing files, in spite of my refusal to ruin a perfectly good Mac by installing WinDoze. When I need to jump on a client network, the new MacBook sees the other computers on it, PC or Mac, with ease - no more need for special software to cover those bases. Plus, with it's 60 GB hard drive, I have plenty of room for both my music and my work.
The MacBook is bluetooth compatible, and so is my cell phone. So far they synch without problems. One feature I have not tried yet is using my Cingular Bluetooth Mobile with my Bluetooth MacBook to get a bluetooth internet connection, which I am told will allow me access to the net no matter where I may be. It sounds neat, but I haven't had the free time to play with it yet. It also came with a remote, which I also haven't had occasion to try out yet, other than to confirm that it worked. I'll update my review if I ever really get to try them out.
All in all I am impressed and pleased with my MacBook. It is an excellent and stylish tool for my daily use and abuse. It plays well with all of my other devices, including iPods, printers, scanners, cameras, cell phones and my stereo. It is incredibly light weight and thin, and a joy to travel with. It has a neat little travel sleeve you can order seperately that keeps the package small, handy on a plane or in tight quarters.
For me the battery lasts between 4 and 7 hours. I have discovered that being online on WiFi while unplugged gives it the shortest battery life. If I am simply writing and keeping my books, it lasts quite a while. I do like the warning feature it has for battery use. Without being obnoxious, it turns red to let you know when it's time to save and pack it up or plug it in again.
I was concerned about the reputation of the MacBook for running too hot (at nearly 200 degrees as reported on some sites). It turns out my fears were unfounded. Apple heard the cry for help of it's first few MacBook users, and introduced to firmware updates that solved the software issue that was causing the problem. By installing both firmware updates, I can keep my laptop where it belongs - on my lap - for hours at a stretch without discomfort.
After putting this laptop through its paces, I have nothing bad to report about it. It is working beautifully for me and for my business, and I am confident in recommending it to anyone looking for a reliable, low profile, sleek laptop. I like mine so much I named it George! ('Cuz I will love him and squeeze him and...)
-- This is the end of the actual review. Following is a list of tech specs for those eps readers who always clamor for long lists of unneccessary tech specs in eps reviews. Enjoy. --
Tons and Tons of Specs For The Detail Lovers Out There:
Hardware:
Hardware Overview:
Machine Name: MacBook
Machine Model: MacBook1,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per processor): 2 MB
Memory: 1.25 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MB11.0061.B03
SMC Version: 1.4f12
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled
Network:
Bluetooth:
Type: PPP (PPPSerial)
Hardware: Modem
BSD Device Name: Bluetooth-Modem
Built-in Ethernet:
Type: Ethernet
Hardware: Ethernet
Media Options: Full Duplex, flow-control
Media Subtype: 100baseTX
Built-in FireWire:
Type: FireWire
Hardware: FireWire
Media Options: Full Duplex
Media Subtype: autoselect
AirPort:
Type: AirPort
Hardware: AirPort
Media Subtype: autoselect
Software:
System Software Overview:
System Version: Mac OS X 10.4.8
Kernel Version: Darwin 8.8.1
Boot Volume: Macintosh HD
ATA:
ATA Bus:
MATS--TADVD-R UJ-857:
Model: MATS--TADVD-R UJ-857
Revision: HBE4
Serial Number:
Detachable Drive: No
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
Low Power Polling: Yes
Audio (Built In):
Intel High Definition Audio:
Available Devices:
Headphone:
Connection: Combo
Microphone:
Connection: Internal
Speaker:
Connection: Internal
Line In:
Connection: Combo
S/P-DIF Out:
Connection: Combo
S/P-DIF In:
Connection: Combo
Bluetooth:
Apple Bluetooth Software Version: 1.7.9f12
Services:
Bluetooth File Transfer:
Requires Authentication:
Diagnostics:
Power On Self-Test:
Last Run: 12/26/06 12:49 PM
Result: Passed
Disc Burning:
MATS--TA DVD-R UJ-857:
Firmware Revision: HBE4
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipped/Supported)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, R, RW
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media: No
FireWire:
FireWire Bus:
Maximum Speed: Up to 400 Mb/sec
Graphics/Displays:
Intel GMA 950:
Chipset Model: GMA 950
Type: Display
Bus: Built-In
VRAM (Total): 64 MB of shared system memory
Vendor: Intel (0x8086)
Device ID: 0x27a2
Revision ID: 0x0003
Displays:
Color LCD:
Display Type: LCD
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Depth: 32-bit Color
Built-In: Yes
Core Image: Supported
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Display:
Status: No display connected
Memory:
BANK 0/DIMM0:
Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Speed: 667 MHz
Status: OK
BANK 1/DIMM1:
Size: 256 MB
Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Speed: 667 MHz
Status: OK
Power:
System Power Settings:
AC Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Automatic Restart On Power Loss: No
Wake On AC Change: No
Wake On Clamshell Open: Yes
Wake On LAN: Yes
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Battery Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 2
Wake On AC Change: No
Wake On Clamshell Open: Yes
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Reduce Brightness: Yes
Battery Information:
Battery Installed: Yes
First low level warning: No
Full Charge Capacity (mAh): 5050
Remaining Capacity (mAh): 5046
Amperage (mA): 0
Voltage (mV): 12594
Cycle Count: 11
AC Charger Information:
Connected: Yes
Charging: No
Hardware Configuration:
UPS Installed: No
Serial-ATA:
Intel ICH7-M AHCI:
Vendor: Intel
Product: ICH7-M AHCI
Speed: 1.5 Gigabit
Description: AHCI Version 1.10 Supported
AS:
Capacity: 55.89 GB
Model:
Revision: 7.01
Native Command Queuing: Yes
Queue Depth: 32
Removable Media: No
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk0
OS9 Drivers: No
S.M.A.R.T. status: Verified
Volumes:
Macintosh HD:
Capacity: 55.57 GB
Available: 31.14 GB
Writable: Yes
File System: Journaled HFS
Mount Point: /
USB:
USB High-Speed Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Host Controller Driver: AppleUSBEHCI
PCI Device ID: 0x27cc
PCI Revision ID: 0x0002
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0xfd
Built-in iSight:
Version: 1.84
Bus Power (mA): 500
Speed: Up to 480 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Micron
Product ID: 0x8501
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Computer, Inc.)
USB Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
PCI Device ID: 0x27c8
PCI Revision ID: 0x0002
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0x1d
Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad:
Version: 0.64
Bus Power (mA): 500
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Computer
Product ID: 0x0217
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Computer, Inc.)
USB Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
PCI Device ID: 0x27ca
PCI Revision ID: 0x0002
PCI Vendor ID: 0x8086
Bus Number: 0x5d
IR Receiver:
Version: 1.10
Bus Power (mA): 500
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple Computer, Inc.
Product ID: 0x8240
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Computer, Inc.)
USB Bus:
Host Controller Location: Built In USB
Bluetooth HCI:
Version: 19.65
Bus Power (mA): 500
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Product ID: 0x8205
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Computer, Inc.)
AirPort Card:
AirPort Card Information:
Wireless Card Type: AirPort Extreme
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1013.00 Operating System: Macintosh Processor: Other Processor speed: over 1000 Screen Size: 13 inches RAM: More than 256 Internal Storage: SuperDisk Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
Powered by the Intel Core Duo, built from ultra tough polycarbonate, just 1.08 inches thin Mac Book combines performance and portability like never be...More at eBay
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