First Impressions: MacBook
If you’ve graced the pages of my flickr account lately, you will have seen two shiny new MacBooks. Yes, two. Chris, my housemate this year, opted for a black MacBook and got me to upload his pics as his non-pro flickr account went over the bandwidth allotment for the month. Meanwhile in Houston, I picked up a white MacBook just an hour later. Our system specs are essentially the same - 2GHz Core Duo, SuperDrive and 512MB RAM (which we will upgrade to 2GB soon). We both took up Apple on the back to school deal where we get 2GB iPod Nanos free after rebate. You can hear what Chris has to say about his MacBook and putting Boot Camp on it in his article. As for me, I won’t be letting any Microsoft products touch this hard drive.
What I Like
There are two major improvements to the MacBook that some people don’t care for - the glossy screen and the irregular keyboard. I actually find these both to be advantages. The glossy screen is well made, providing a bright and vivid picture that can be used in just about any condition. Even when working with it in sunlight it wasn’t more than a slight annoyance. At my desk with the room lights on, there is no glare. That’s all that really matters, no glare where I use the computer the most.
The keyboard, as you’ve seen, features identically shaped keys. There is no curve to them; they’re flat. However, this provides for some satisfying tactile feedback and seems like I can actually type faster. You don’t have to push they keys much for them to respond, which might throw people off that are used to regular desktop keyboards.
The main aesthetic feature of the white MacBook is a glossy, non-matte (the black version is matte) exterior. This is one of the main reasons I chose a white MacBook. The other reasons being black was more expensive for the same system specifications, I didn’t want to cramp my roommate’s style (we can’t have the same thing), and white is correlated with a Mac whereas black isn’t (IE, it looks more like a Mac… I don’t want it to look anything like a PC).
The battery life on this thing is phenomenal. OS X allows for different settings while under battery power: an energy saving mode that clocks down the CPU, normal mode and performance mode. Apple claims it can do 6 hours without Wi-Fi enabled, on the energy saving mode, with low brightness. I believe it. On a full charge, I have done roughly 4 hours on the medium brightness with Wi-Fi. This beats the less than 2 my old notebook did on the regular battery. If that isn’t enough for you, Apple sells additional batteries going for about $116 USD each. Wi-Fi reception was also great, able to receive a strong 802.11g signal throughout the house.
All current Apple notebooks include an accelerometer so that they can detect whether the laptop is falling and park the head of the hard drive to prevent catastrophic damage. What’s even better is that people have written nifty programs that utilize that sensor for tasks such as an alarm system, a MacSaber and a “smackbook.”
I will be using this MacBook as a laptop and desktop, so I picked up a mini-DVI to DVI adapter on my way out of the Apple Store. It works well and there are no noticeable video slow downs when using both the laptop screen and my 20 inch Apple Cinema Display. I recommend testing to see if your new MacBook’s mini-DVI port works, as Colin’s mini-DVI port was DOA on his MacBook. MagSafe and iSight are also nifty features that do their job well.
The speakers are amazing. They are located at the top corners of the housing so that the sound bounces off the screen, providing the illusion that the sound is coming from everywhere. It’s rich in bass and treble so it can satisfy any type of music aficionado. It can also reach a fairly high volume level without distortion.
What I Don’t Like
There honestly isn’t much I don’t like about the MacBook. However, one small gripe is that the edge of the case has some sharp plastic which tends to dig into my wrists when typing. Also, the glossy exterior of the white MacBook isn’t too good for scratches. Scratches are easily made, even from sliding it in a protective sleeve. I must also mention that the bottom left of the MacBook does get quite toasty but should come in handy in the winter months in Atlanta.
As I mentioned earlier, my MacBook has only 512MB of system RAM for the time being. I said in this article that 256MB of RAM won’t cut it. I was wrong. Not even 512MB of system RAM will cut it. You know what they say… “512 is the new 256.” Don’t even consider using a MacBook with 512MB of RAM, unless you really, truly have a passion for spinning beachballs. However, given the system specs with the powerful CPU, when provided with more RAM I can say that this computer will be blazingly fast.
It might just be me, but the power adapter, while small in size, has a propensity to make a hissing sound when charging an empty or low battery. When the battery is more full, the adapter is silent. This is somewhat typical of chargers, though. But this is only a nuisance if it’s on your desk and the room is silent. Other than that, the MacBook doesn’t seem to emit any whining sounds as the first revision of the MacBook Pros did.
While the trackpad’s huge size can be a good thing, it can also be a bad one. When using it, I often accidentally have my other hand touching some part of it causing the cursor to move sporadically or not at all.
The MacBook is attractive with its widescreen 13.3 inch form factor. However this is a strong drawback when it comes time to find a case/bag for it. You will be hard pressed to find a case that fits well. It’s only a matter of time before the market starts to accommodate for the MacBook, but for that early adopter there isn’t much that can be done. Since I needed a case ASAP, I had to resort to the only 13.3 inch bag I found. (Update: SFbags.com makes a nice sleeve.) I only wanted a sleeve so I could put the MacBook in my messenger bag and go on with my business but now it looks like I’ll be waiting for the perfect sleeve.
Final Thoughts
Apple has finally begun to reach the masses with the great value of the MacBook. Starting at $1099 you can get a dual-core widescreen laptop with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, integrated camera, amazing software and even better build quality. I really hope we start seeing an increase in switchers. Apple truly has a great platform that more people need to take a minute from their Windows rigs and consider. I don’t think you can find a PC laptop with as many worthwhile features (ie, not those gimmicky additions like an 8 in one card reader) at a price like the MacBook’s. If you’re reading this on your PC, do me a favor and take a trip to your local Apple store and play around with a MacBook. If you already have a MacBook please leave a comment and let me know what you think about it.
ive really been wanting to get one of these, too bad i recently blew $1000 on a gaming pc, which not i regret becuase I can play my half life 2 on a mac book, i might be selling this machine on ebay….
Congrats Paul, like your roommate I opted for a BlacBook, and I get some marks on it cuz of the matte finish, so I’m happy with it, but if I ever have a problem with this and it needs to be replaced, I’m going to see if they’ll swap me with a White 2GHz and just give me my 80gb HD from this one.
Enjoy the MacBook, and with the 2gb of RAM I have in mine, this thing kicks the crap out of my 12″ PowerBook.
So Apple are selling an overpriced (as usual) laptop which infact requires an immediate upgrade (RAM) as soon as you buy it?
I love my Windows :)
Don’t get me started on how much better OS X is. =D Besides, 512MB RAM on a PC is still insufficient for even moderate PhotoShop work.
Sounds like you made a good choice there Paul. My PowerBook G4 is still great and I think I am going to keep it for a while since I have a Mini as my desktop machine.
You like constant restarts, BSOD’s, Viruses, etc? Hmmm - the US has places that have 4 padded walls for crazy people.
haha
Congrats! You make me wanna trade my MacBook Pro in for a regular MacBook. I need portability above all else, but the reason why I haven’t done so is because it isn’t that much lighter. Anyhow we’ll see… :)
I highly recommend SF Waterfield. I’m myself use a SF Sleevecase plus a SF Cargo bag. The Best thing about SF products are that they’re built to last. They don’t cut any corners especially with their knitting techniques.
When I got my Sleevecase, I only had to wait a couple of days at most. If you’re going to get the Sleevecase solo I’d also recommend getting the strap accessories. I would definitely buy from them again…except for the fact that my case will probably never break. So there.
Yeah, I can attest to the quality of SFBags. I have a case for my Mac Mini and a cable pouch from them as well. I’m really considering picking up that sleevecase and a keyboard case.
Hmmm yeah my T60 has a pretty good keyboard but other than that I’m considering a new mouse. Don’t you have a G5 laser mouse? I hear those things are pretty good.
Yeah I have a G5 mouse now, when I’m in “desktop” mode… as well as my Apple wireless kboard.
@Paul, I’m running 512 of value GeIL ram and I can easily run Photoshop + Dreamweaver with no absolutely no problems. I also have Konfabulator running at all times (including during games like Half-Life 2) yet I hear dashboard really struggles running at all with anything less than 1 gb of RAM.
We’ve decided to get an entry-level MacBook to take with us for our year in NZ (and while travelling to-and-from).
Originally we considered a higher-spec MacBook, with build-to-order 2GB RAM/ 100 GB hard disk. But this pushes up the price dramatically; we did the maths and realised we can take a Mac mini with a similar spec (2GB/ 100GB/ Superdrive) including shipping costs for peripherals + 17″ LCD plus a low-end MacBook for not too much more than a 2GB/ 100GB/ Superdrive MacBook alone.
For a two-computer family, this represents a good comprise—although by not having to share one computer we’ll be deprived out seeing just how fast “fast user switching” can be ;-)
and @Lawrence:
“You like constant restarts, BSOD’s, Viruses, etc? Hmmm - the US has places that have 4 padded walls for crazy people.”
No I don’t, but I do like being able to buy a piece of hardware from more than one manufacturer and without emptying my wallet in the process. I enjoy being able to play anygame (as soon as it’s released) and I do like having a much wider range of applications that I can run.
Oh, and I’m English. :)
I love Windows. I love value. I now love my Macbook. However, do not think for one second that I am an Apple fan. The majority of Apple products are over priced but people suck them up because it is Apple and “invulnerable” and “just works”. Now with that said, the Macbook and Mac Mini are both great products that require no upgrades to work well and they definetly get the job done. While Paul might be having trouble with 512MB of ram, I can say I am having no trouble with this laptop. While it does take some time to load lots of applications, it is in no way sluggish. When I am using XP I haven’t noticed any sluggish actions or experienced a BSOD yet.
In regards to Sam Kellet’s comment about the Macbook being overpriced, perhaps he should research a bit before saying such things. Compared to other laptops, the Macbook is very feature filled and for the price is a steal. Perhaps I could have purchased a Windows based laptop and there is a good chance that in benchmarks it could beat this laptop but I highly doubt you can beat the warranty or the manufacturing. This thing is solid, nothing looks roughly finished and everything just fits together very well. There are no fancy buttons on the sides and hundreds of USB ports which is good, the design is very simplistic and this makes using the Macbook a blast. Of all the products on Apples lineup you may want to pick a different target to hate on like maybe the G5 workstations. Now those are in need of a major upgrade and currently are a huge waste of money.
One last note, the speakers on this thing are amazing. Like Paul was saying, everything is crystal clear and you get the full spectrum of sounds. While it won’t beat my 5.1 setup and I won’t be winning any bass competitions with the speakers, for the platform Apple engineers did a great job in placing the speakers where they are. Ok my mini book is done, rock on.
@Sam - As for games and apps….I think users can satisfy those needs with Boot Camp/Parallels on a few Macs. Considering the peace of mind one gets with the Mac OS, I think it justifies any increased price one has to pay (which isn’t as much as some people think). I rarely even touch my PC desktops or laptop (or even Windows XP via Parallels on my Macbook)…..
The MacBook really isn’t that overpriced compared to other Core Duo-based laptops out there. Also, I had been running an iBook for about 6 months with 512 MB of RAM and the only time I really noticed slowdowns was while doing some Photoshop work. Obviously Photoshop is now running under Rosetta and takes up more system resources; it’ll be better once CS3 comes out.
Also, Laurence, I use Windows quite a bit and I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a BSOD. Restarts and viruses aren’t exactly “constant” either. I love my Mac, but I don’t go around telling people how shitty Windows is, simply because it isn’t nearly as bad as you would like to think.
I am the proud owner of a MacBook Pro, and being a switcher (fervent PC defendant for years) i have to honnestly say that i have not felt deception since i own an apple machine (MBP being the top notch one though!). PC no longer does it for me…. But coming back on the RAM issue, i have to say that having now 1.5G instaed of the regular 512M (I have the 1.86Ghz version) DOES MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. I is like nght and day (without PhotoShop, but simply with iPhoto6 for instance).
To wrap it up, and while it is hot (like the MBP and MB btw), Apple new product are a very great deal, as long as Price tag is affordable for you.
See you.
Paul, I have seen the Macbook in local store and I really liked it. But wats bugging me is, how long it’s gonna take to switch over to Mac from PC. I never used Mac till now.
Good God, can Windows users not read? It’s in bigger print than a comment is, and yet you still can’t spell it right.
Laurence
Once again a nice review, Paul!
Well, I have become too chicken to buy 1st generation Apple-hardware. Had some issues with an eMac 700, could have traded it in (with some extra money) for a MacBook, but instead I went for an iBook G4 1.2GHz with 768MB RAM (ex-demo) last week.
Thanks to all the recent (horror-)stories I’ve read about “the heat, the cow and the sea” that have plagued (some) MacBooks so far and of course the issues with the MacBook Pro…
@Laurence: I think the fact that you have to use a typo against which operating system I prefer is starting to turn what could have been a civilised debate into something closer to a flame war.
I’m sorry, I have several friends with the same name all of which use a “w”, it was about 2/3am when I posted that comment and it was an honest mistake.
Now, if you can reply to one of my comments without using an insult I’d love to hear your opinions on why OS X is a better choice of operating system for you.
Ok, this is all based on personal experience, I used Windows for 3 years, I used spyware blockers, antivirus, etc to protect myself and I was smart about it. Time after time, a virus, spyware, etc.
Since Jan ‘04 when I moved to OS X, I have NEVER had a single hang/problem/crash/forced reboot, etc.
You may not have the same problems, and for some people Windows works just fine, but I personally need uninterrupted workflow and be able to not have to worry about saving a document in case my OS decides to hang.
Yep- I’m still happy with my internally upgraded Pismo, and too cheap to upgrade.
Hey Paul,
I’m on the brink of buying a white macbook but the discoloration fiasko is freaking me out. Have you seen any discoloration with your new macBook?
Nick: I haven’t experienced any discoloration but then again I use my wireless keyboard a lot and whenever I do use the MacBook keyboard I clean it at the end of the day. It seems the discoloration stems from the absorbent nature of the porous plastic that constructs the palm rest.
i got a brand new Macbook with 2.0Ghz and 512Mb just like your for only 1,200 on eBay. The price is incredible and the Macbook is amazing. This Macbook it tryly great and very attractive. I really like everything about it, the only thig that i don’t like is that it gets a little hot on the left corner but its passable. I really don’t know why people are still using does ugly black PCs.
I am currently typing this on my new Macbook (the base model) and I love it.
The only problem I have had is the heat (forget what Apple says- I want this on my lap) but the other day I figured out if I start a new chess game where the computer plays the computer then the CPU goes to 100%, the fans turn on and after a few minutes of noise my Macbook is cool to the touch again. I hope future firmware just makes the fans come on at a lower temp by default so I don’t have to do this.
I have been using 512ram from day one and I have almost no problems. I know that an upgrade will make things faster, but I’m broke and this is more than tollerable. The trick is to keep dashboard clean (except when you add something and take it away to show off the ripple to your friends) and to avoid using anything but universal binaries (so yes- if you use Photoshop you need more RAM). Thank goodness for things like the GIMP and Abiword (which already have universal binaries out) when it comes to that.
Finally to those who try to compare XP to OS X Tiger- don’t. OS X is at least five year morea advanced than XP. It has a far better permissions system (nothing really bad can go down without my password unlike in most of Windowsland), a graphical interface powered by your graphics card (ala Vista- this is 2006 so its nice to have some cool effects), a search system that makes XP’s look pathetic and amazingly wonderful suspend and resume. On each of this points Vista will once again makes Windows competitive, but just like OS X it will need more ram to be happy then XP. If you don’t care about using a primative system then do what you will- as a technical person I like my computer to feel like its from 2006, not 2002.
Free applications you must have, Google will help you find universal binary version of each. - Abiword, Desktop Manager, Gimpshop, Quartz Desktop, Camino, Coreduotemp, flip_4-mac, Quicksilves, VLC, and Adium. Some of those will make Windows users that care about tech cry (especially Quartz Desktop)!
Check this out Paul.
http://www.tuaw.com/2006/06/13/white-macbooks-turning-yellow/
Should have went black like Chris
Dennis: I saw that on digg a few days ago. My MacBook’s not showing any signs of discoloring… but want to give me the money for a black macbook?
I agree with Sam Kellett, I don’t have a problem with my Windows machine although I’m becoming more and more Mac-curious…
Now, how do I break it to my parents?
How about a loan?, lol
Hey Paul, great review. Recently, I’ve read somewhere (I think it was Macworld) that the white Macbook scored better benchmark numbers when compared to the Blackbook with the same specs. Since you got the white one and your housemate has the black, maybe you guys can do some comparisons and tell us if that is the actually true.
I’m very impressed, to be honest. I’ve neither bashed Apple (learned to program in basic on a IIe) or promoted a Windows-based PC, but this new MacBook series of hardware looks like a switcher’s dream for someone who has had no exposure to Macs except for at University. It’s powerful enough to run all my PC applications, mainly games, while giving me the stability of Mac OS to let me do everything else in a virtually hassle-free environment, and all for about the same price for which I’d buy a Windows based notebook.
For people like me who would like to try Apple for the first time, I think this notebook series hits the spot just right, especially with many features you don’t normally get with a Windows-based rig (built in camera, anyone?). It would be the best of both worlds, especially when Vista finally decides to come out.
Hi Paul! I’ve just recently found your site and have been reading your reviews and they’re excellent! I bought an iMac G5 2.0ghz a year ago and love it - however, I’m going back to school and am going to sell my iMac to help pay for a MacBook.
As for comparing Windows to OSX - I agree with some of the other posters: there is no comparison. As poofyhairguy said - OS X is years ahead of Windows and will be even further ahead once they finally release Vista. It’s tiring to hear Windows users recycling the “Apple is overpriced and doesn’t run as much software” argument over and over. Apple-bashers (and not all Windows users are) are simply embarrassing themselves by trying to out- argue Apple users. I mean, how many times do we need to remind them that we don’t have a “blue screen of death,” or viruses or hackers invading our wireless connections stealing our identities right out from under our noses? Since I first powered up my new iMac a year ago - I haven’t had it crash once - no kernel panics either.
Of course now though - the NEW Apple-basher retort is “Oh I don’t use Windows, I use Linux.” Yeah right. Oh and can your PC boot up into Linux, Mac OS X or Windows? Nah - didn’t think so. But just by their admission to using Linux they’re bashing their own flesh and blood: Microsoft and admitting that an OS built on a strong, secure Unix core is a good thing - so you could say they’re all for OS X - if they weren’t so far in denial.
But enough about them - they’ve got gaming to do!!!!!
Anyway, thanks again for the great review! I can’t wait until I get my MacBook in a couple weeks!!
P.S. Regarding the overheating issue - have you read that there’s a very thin ribbon of plastic tape that covers the rear vents that’s supposed to be removed. Many have found this to be one of the main reasons for heat problems.
RASFOX has a new Anti-Impact sleeve case for about $25.00. I’m ordering one through Amazon. Blue only for now. Black on the way. Rock on, Eric.
I just switched to a Macbook after 5 years with Windows PCs (Sony and Dell) running Windows Me and XP. Me froze a lot and had problems, but XP was quite stable in my experience. Occasionally I had problems and had to restart but I never lost data. System Restore is a great feature in XP which Apple is only now getting around to implementing — next year — with Time Machine in the OS. On the other hand, Spotlight is incredibly useful and will change the way I use the computer and make me more efficient, I’m sure.
Overall, I find the Mac OS more elegant and easier to use in many ways. But I have had more application crashes with OS X (Apple Mail has suddenly quit a few times, for instance) in the first week with my Macbook than I would have typically with Windows in a month.
But I love the screen and the easy integration of a hardware company that also gives you most of the key software you need.
I’m very happy to be back in the Mac world after an extended absence.
im with my mac book 2.0
and there some things that ive found in forums that are right:
* mac book shut downs unspectly
* mac book magsafe doesnt want to charge the battery
and the worst thing is that MY Mac Book’s Matshita Superdrive wont read and write DVD-R.
instead of DVD+R that works fine, but wont read or write DVD-R!
When in the System Profiler says it do.
Anyone who had the same problems please contact me at fernandodimare@gmail.com
thanks for your time.
The only time my powerbook restarts is when a new quicktime update comes out and requires it. Good luck doing that in XP. There are things that both systems are good at, but the new Apple products are definetly worth the money. You get 3 solid machines in one. You can’t beat that.
In the mid-90’s I abandoned my Power Macintosh 8500 because there were too few games on Macintosh, and Mac OS 7.6 was disastrously unstable.
Now that I don’t really game anymore and that I realized Mac OS X was excellent, I switched back to Apple with a black MacBook. I added 2GB RAM and changed its HDD for a faster bigger one (100 GB 7200 Rpm). It’s a breeze. I simply love it.
I am a “switcher” and very proud owner of a MacBook (black 2.0Ghz + 2GB Memory). For me its the best “computer” that I have ever purchased. Very fast and excellant graphic performance considering a on-chip graphics solution. Really a shame that I didn’t change earlier!
Only issue I have is with the wireless connection to my WLAN-router. I have to reset the router (turn-off and on agaoin) so that the MacBook gets a connection properly. But my guess is that its the WLAN router. Or is it an simlpe settings issue?
shazam, macbooks rock!!!!!
I recently purchased a Duo Core Black MacBook to replace my 1.25 PowerBook and I have to say that as a owner of two previous Apple laptops (both being Powerbooks) this MacBook is my favorite (even without the illuminated keyboard and Alum. finish). Due to work and school, I have to carry it around constantly, so the smaller size has been a lifesaver. The special at school gave me an free 2GB memory upgrade so it performs circles around my old PBook. I thought that I would have buyers remorse against the MBP, but I am very happy with this purchase.
Hey Paul i just read your review obviously, as i am looking at buying the updated macbook. its one of the only unbiased accounts that i have read. i am an avid windows user and have finally had enought …. i have only ever used macs in the mac labs at school and they just seem sooo much more user friendly. my windows machine has had it 4 yrs is pretty good though. people say that mac is expensive but windows can be too after purchasing all thoes virus protectors i had 2 going and still got viruses through email and such. What really has made me look at the macbook is the fact that you can run two operating systems but bootcamp essentially partitioning the hard drive i was thinking imagine having the power of a mac with windows and the ability to have both you really cant go wrong. yess it is a bit more expensive and yes you are paying for a brand but from what i have read on this forum and many others this seems like a fine comp. also i was told if i got irritated with the hand wrests (which none in stores did) buy from ebay a silicone key guard. the only quarum i had was the 13.3″ screen but then it dawned an extral display if needed
thanks for reading
hope my views and statments help
Mikeal
I just ordered a white macbook - 1gb ram, 2ghz intel core 2 duo, superdrive etc…
I was a windows user for the past 20 years, and now i’ll never go back, i’m in love with my new beast!
guys, please, i need some help here, I have a macbook and it is fantastic but for one thing, the graphic card..i have intel graphic card, and my question is can i change it ?