Apple releases new Core 2 Duo MacBooks

Apple today unveiled its new MacBook featuring Intel Core 2 Duo processors and offering double the memory as well as greater storage capacity than the previous generation. The one-inch thin laptops are up to 25 percent faster than the previous generation, according to Apple, and maintain the built-in iSight video camera for on-the-go video conferencing alongside a double-layer SuperDrive for burning DVDs. The new notebooks also retain Apple's MagSafe Power Adapter that safely disconnects when under strain, and iLife '06, Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications. The updated MacBooks start at $1,099 and include three models: white 1.83GHz and 2GHz MacBooks, as well as the black 2GHz MacBook. [updated]

"MacBook has helped drive Apple's notebook market share to over 10 percent in US retail, and the new MacBooks will be among this holiday season's most exciting new products," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With Intel Core 2 Duo processors across the entire line, these new MacBooks are up to 25 percent faster than their predecessors."

The Core 2 Duo-based MacBooks include built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), offering 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet. The laptops feature two USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 400 port, combination analog and optical digital audio input and output ports, and a mini-DVI video output to connect up to a 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display.

The 1.83GHz 13-inch white MacBook ships for $1,099 and includes:

• 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness
  
• 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
  
• 667 MHz front-side bus
  
• 512MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB
  
• 60GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor
  
• a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive
  
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
  
• Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)
  
• built-in iSight video camera
  
• Gigabit Ethernet port
  
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
  
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port
  
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
  
• Scrolling TrackPad
  
• the infrared Apple Remote
  
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
  

The 2.0GHz 13-inch white MacBook ships for $1,299, and includes:

• 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness
  
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
  
• 667 MHz front-side bus
  
• 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB
  
• 80GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor
  
• a slot-load 6x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive
  
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
  
• Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)
  
• built-in iSight video camera
  
• Gigabit Ethernet port
  
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
  
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port
  
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
  
• Scrolling TrackPad
  
• the infrared Apple Remote
  
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
  

Apple's 2GHz 13-inch black MacBook ships for $1,499, and includes:

• 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness
  
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
  
• 667 MHz front-side bus
  
• 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB
  
• 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor
  
• a slot-load 6x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive
  
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
  
• Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately)
  
• built-in iSight video camera
  
• Gigabit Ethernet port
  
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
  
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port
  
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog
  
• Scrolling TrackPad
  
• the infrared Apple Remote
  
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter
  

Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 80GB, 120GB or 160GB (5400 rpm) or a 200GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple USB Modem, Apple Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional build-to-order options also include pre-installed copies of iWork '06, Logic Express 7, Final Cut Express HD 3.5, and Aperture 1.5.

Filed under: Apple