The Bottom Line
The MacBook can easily connect to wired or wireless networks while traveling and lets you get your work done quickly and efficiently. If you have decided to change from Windows to Mac the MacBook may be the notebook for you.
Pros
- Thin profile and very lightweight.
- Comes pre-loaded with software to get you working right away.
- Crisp and bright display.
Cons
- A slight learning if you are going from Windows based notebooks to Mac.
- USB and FireWire ports only - no integrated flash card readers.
Description
- Processor: Review Model - 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 667MHz.
- Other Models Available: 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo (Black Case).
- Display: 13.3" glossy widescreen, 1280 x 800 resolution - All models.
- RAM: Review Model - 1GB (2 x 512MB) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) Other Models: 512MB. All support a maximum of 2GB.
- Hard Drive: Review Model - 80GB Serial ATA; 5400-rpm; Other Models - 60GB or 120GB.
- Optical Drive: Review Model - 6x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD+-RW/CD-RW); Other Models: Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW).
- Built-in iSight camera, mini-DVI output port, VGA, S-video and composite video with additional adapters.
- 1 FireWire 400 port, 2 USB 2.0 ports, Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T (Gigabit), 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
- Dimensions: 1.08" x 12.78" x 8.92" (HxWxD). Weight: 5.2 pounds.
- Also included: 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, Apple Remote, power cord, lithium-polymer battery.
Guide Review - Apple 13.3" MacBook Intel Core Duo Notebook
I have to admit that getting used to using the MacBook has taken some time to adjust to as I've previously only used Windows laptops in the past. The biggest adjustment has been getting used to the fact you don't click on the touchpad but the button below it.The MacBook that I've been came with the iLife software installed, Safari browser, trial of iWork '06 and Office 2004 for Mac trial. The MacBook is ready to go right out of the box.
The only set up I needed to do was connecting to my wireless network and that too was accomplished easily. I turned on the Airport Extreme wireless and entered my network connection information. The Mac software is setup to take your through the process and make sure that your network connection is working properly.
I also enabled Remote Desktop Connection between the MacBook and my desktop, this enables me to fully access my desktop from any location that I have an Internet connection with the MacBook. This way I don't have to worry about trying to transfer files back and forth between the two machines.
The keyboard on the MacBook is a comfortable size and the layout is quite similar to a Windows notebook. There are some additional keys such as the Eject key and the Command key is of course different. The controls for display brightness and speaker volume are on the function keys and make it simple to adjust brightness and volume.
The glossy, widescreen display makes working on documents and viewing web sites quite comfortable on the eyes. The optimum resolution is 1280 x 800 which may be on the small size for some users .
For the majority of peripherals that mobile professionals will use you should have no problems getting them to work with the MacBook. Most drivers are already included in the OS.
Working on the MacBook is a real pleasure and its design is well suited for the mobile life.