Apple MacBook (Core 2 Duo 2GHz, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M)

As I examine the MacBook, let's start with the easy stuff and save the value proposition and judgment for later. My MacBook is the base model. Vital statistics are as follows:

• Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 2.0GHz CPU with 25 Watt TDP
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400m IGP with shared memory
• 13" WXGA High-Definition Display With 1280 x 800 Resolution
• 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
• 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 System Memory (dual channel mode)
• Superdrive 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support

The notebook itself is constructed of aluminum and glass. The case is a unibody that seems to be machined from a solid piece of billet aluminum. The finish is quite good, and appears to have been anodized to prevent the pitting that afflicted the first generation aluminum PowerBook. Apple has made a notebook that is creak free when carrying it around - this is very rigid and feels like it will still be going strong long after it is obsolete. For reference, I am typing this review on a Dell Latitude E6400, itself made from Magnesium alloy, and the MacBook feels much more robust. The best way to describe is that when you hold it, the MacBook feels as though it is one single solid piece of metal with no seams.

The gray body and black keyboard recalls the Titanium PowerBook. But handling it, the MacBook possesses a solid construction that the TiBook never did - very confidence inspiring. Rather than a LCD latch mechanism the MacBook uses a magnetic latch. Hinge tension is perfect and the assembly appears to be very robust.

LED back lighting makes it possible to produce a very thin cover. MacBook's 13" display is one of the brightest I have seen on a small notebook. At the second lowest brightness setting the screen was quite usable in a dark setting, but most people will probably settle on 50%. It uses a very glossy glass screen which is compensated for by the bright LED back light. Glass may sound fragile, but Apple uses a tempered variety here and on the iPhone that seems quite durable in my experience. There is a subtle rubber gasket lining the screen's perimeter that prevents accidental screen slams and broken glass.

For a screen this size, the MacBook's 1280x800 is a good resolution. Text size and the amount of usable screen real estate are decent. If you plan on doing any video or photo work an external monitor will be a good idea. Viewing angles are good horizontally and poor vertically – this is what I have come to expect from consumer notebooks.

You also get support for more touch gestures when using the pad. You can rotate pictures, increase/decrease zoom and even change the screen magnification with the touch pad. Apple's control panel offers video demonstration of the actions making it very easy to learn how to fully exploit the new features. This is the sort of well thought out enhancement Apple is known for. The number one item I miss when using a Windows PC is the Apple touch pad.

In terms of size, the MacBook is tough to beat if a small notebook is what you need. Dimensions are: height 2.41 cm (0.95 inch), width 32.5 cm (12.78 inches), depth 22.7 cm (8.94 inches) and weight of 2.04 kg (4.5 pounds). Its 60 Watt power adapter is tiny and adds about half a pound to the travel weight. MacBook uses Apple's Mag Safe connector. This innovation eliminates a few risks from notebooks; for example a sudden yank of the cord releases the magnetic connector before the notebook is pulled off the table.

by Perry Longi